"Well, we can't all be giants!" retorted Peter, resentfully. "I'm tall enough for what I want to do."
"Collecting butterflies! You don't know the value of time, sir. Come along with me to the dining-room." And, in spite of Peter's struggles, he picked him up like a baby, and carried him as far as the study door. Indeed, he would have carried him into the dining-room had not the presence of the servant restrained him. Tim had no idea of the dignity of the medical profession.
The servant intimated that dinner was ready, so the three friends sat down to the meal rather regretting that Jack was not present to complete the quartette. Just as they finished their soup the servant announced—
"Mr. Duval!"
Simultaneously the three sprang up from the table, and on looking towards the door beheld a tall young fellow, arrayed in tweeds, standing on the threshold.
"Jack!" they cried, rushing towards him with unbounded delight. "Jack Duval!"
"My dear boys," said Jack, his voice shaking with emotion; "my dear old friends."
CHAPTER II.
THE DEVIL STONE.
Spirits dwelling in the zone
Of the changeful devil stone,