"Where then?"
Ishmael's reply was lost in the bustling entrance of Doctor Jarvis, whom Judge Merlin arose to receive.
The doctor examined the condition of his patient, found him with an accession of fever, prescribed a complete repose for the remainder of the day, left some medicine with directions for its administration, and departed. The judge accompanied the doctor to the door.
"That is a rather remarkable boy," observed Judge Merlin, as they went out together.
"A very remarkable one! Who is he?" asked Doctor Jarvis.
"The nephew of my overseer, Reuben Gray. That is absolutely all I know about it."
"The nephew of Gray? Can it be so? Why, Gray is but an ignorant boor, while this youth has the manners and education of a gentleman—a polished gentleman!" exclaimed the doctor, in astonishment.
"It is true, and I can make nothing of it," said Judge Merlin, shaking his head.
"How very strange," mused the doctor, as he mounted his horse, bowed and rode away.