Bassett employed Wheeler to sound Dr. Willis as to his patient's condition.
Dr. Willis, true to the honorable traditions of his profession, would tell him nothing. But Dr. Willis had a wife. She pumped him: and Wheeler pumped her.
By this channel Wheeler got a somewhat exaggerated account of Sir Charles's state. He carried it to Bassett, and the pair put their heads together.
The consultation lasted all night, and finally a comprehensive plan of action was settled. Wheeler stipulated that the law should not be broken in the smallest particular, but only stretched.
Four days after this conference Mr. Bassett, Mr. Wheeler, and two spruce gentlemen dressed in black, sat upon the “Heir's Tower,” watching Huntercombe Hall.
They watched, and watched, until they saw Mr. Angelo make his usual daily call.
Then they watched, and watched, until Lady Bassett and the young clergyman came out and strolled together into the shrubbery.
Then the two gentlemen went down the stairs, and were hastily conducted by Bassett to Huntercombe Hall.
They rang the bell, and the taller said, in a business-like voice, “Dr. Mosely, from Dr. Willis.”
Mary Wells was sent for, and Dr. Mosely said, “Dr. Willis is unable to come to-day, and has sent me.”