"It is the creek swollen by the rain. I understand that it is very high, lashed into a foam," answered the doctor.
"Oh," said Miss Tabby, indifferently; and all became again silent in the cell but for the sound of many waters heard more and more distinctly even through the heavy walls.
At length the doctor arose to go. He made a final careful examination of his quiet patient, and then, turning to her distressed husband, said:
"I must ask you to go out with me, Mr. Berners, to bring back some medicine for your wife, which I wish to put up at my office."
Lyon Berners silently arose and took up his hat. And the two gentlemen left the cell together.
The warden had gone to bed, but had left orders with the night-watch to let the visitors out when they wished to go.
Once more the heavy bars fell, and the thick doors were opened.
"Heaven and earth! what a night!" exclaimed the doctor, as he buttoned his surtout tightly across his breast, and prepared to brave the fury of the storm.
Lyon Berners, scarcely conscious of the state of the weather, followed him.
It was now dawn, and the black sky had faded to a dark gray.