Like many of his clerical brethren, the Vicar had some knowledge of medicine, and he now hastened to the sick man's side, taking with him some simple remedies.
Susan had preceded him thither, for among her many beneficent offices she had constituted herself the "parish nurse" of Chiddingly, and in every case of trouble or sickness she was the first to be sent for.
As the Vicar entered the room, Susan rose from her seat at the bedside and greeted him.
"He is very feverish," she said. "I am afraid he is going to be very ill: I have sent to Hailsham for the doctor."
"You did well," answered the Vicar. "I hope he will soon be here."
Just before midnight the doctor arrived, and ere he saw his patient the Vicar related to him the circumstances of the case.
The doctor listened with some amazement.
"You and Mistress Susan are very good to this man, considering the errand upon which he came to Chiddingly," said the doctor.
"We do not, perhaps, know all the circumstances of the case," replied the Vicar, "for his papers were destroyed by my people; perhaps he is no foe of mine at all, but if it were so, we remember that it is written, 'If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.' Much more, surely, should we succour him if he be sick."
"Yes, yes, you are right, doubtless, and I honour you for it," replied the doctor—"but come, let us visit the patient."