The men made a concerted movement in the direction of the ward's place of refuge. Tod, white with rage, threw himself before the door:
"In the name of the law!" said Cooley.
"Damn the law!" retorted Tod.
"In justice to my claim!" exclaimed Jimmy.
"These men of science," said Mr. Cooley, in a tone of injured innocence, "are actuated only by motives of pure——"
"So am I, so are you, so are we all," cried Tod impatiently. "But I warn you, you've gone far enough. You've frightened this poor girl into such a state that she's not responsible for anything she says, and you've got me so worked up I'm not responsible for what I do."
Dr. Zacharie advanced threateningly. Assuming his sternest manner, he said:
"Sir—I shall not allow you to—to interfere——"
Tod, thoroughly exasperated, looked as though he would rather enjoy a personal encounter with the physician.
"You won't allow—you—you——"