Even Miles marvelled at his own adroitness; he was elated, and showed it by fetching a deep sigh.
"Poor Edmonstone! he is quite touched on the point. Perhaps the affair brought on a fever at the time, for he is an excitable fellow, and that would account for it."
"But is he safe?" asked Robson, eagerly. "He can't be!"
"Oh, yes, he is; quite. I repeat, it is only on that one point, and nobody knows it here. And, mind, you are not to breathe a word of it to any single soul!"
Philip was entirely taken in for the time being; but his silence was another matter. That could only be pardoned, even on short lease, by an apology from the rude Colonial. The doctor's wrists smarted yet; his self-esteem was still more sore.
"I am so likely," said he, with fine irony, "to do your bidding after the manner in which you have treated me!"
"Call it taking my hint," said Miles, with a nasty expression in the eyes again. "You will find it a hint worth acting upon."
"You had no business to treat me as you did. It was a gross outrage!" said the doctor, haughtily.
"Come, now, I apologise. It arose from my irritation on Edmonstone's account, at the thing getting out. For his sake, you must indeed promise to hold your tongue."
"Very well," said Philip Robson, reluctantly; "I—I promise."