"Tonic pills," read Dr. Japix, wonderingly, "eh! Oh, yes, of course; I prescribed tonic pills for Melstane's nerves. But I don't see how you found out his name by this, nor how you connect the name of that scamp Melstane with the man who died at Jarlchester."
"Was Melstane a scamp?"
"Out and out," said Japix, emphatically.
"He must have been bad if you speak ill of him," observed Fanks, reflectively; "kind of man to have enemies, I suppose?"
"I should say plenty."
"Humph! I dare say."
"Dare say what? Talk about the Jarlchester Mystery, what are you?"
"A mystery also, eh, Doctor?" said Fanks, with a smile. "Well, I won't give you the trouble of guessing me. I'll explain myself."
The Doctor settled himself in his large chair, placed his large hands on each of his large knees, and observed in his large voice:
"Now then!"