“Because we decline to let you go till your patient is quite out of danger.”
“What!” cried Chester, sharply, over-excited by what he had gone through. “Am I to be kept a prisoner?”
“If you like to call it so. Everything you desire you can have, but you cannot leave here yet.”
“Absurd!” said Chester, angrily, and as he spoke he saw that two of the gentlemen present moved to the door by which he had entered. “I insist upon going at once.”
“You cannot, sir.”
“Stand aside, sir, and let me pass!” cried Chester, sternly, as his opponent moved between him and the door.
“Jem, for pity’s sake”—whispered the lady. “Doctor, I beg, I pray you to stay.”
“It is impossible, madam, now. Let me pass, sir.” There was a fierce motion made towards the patient, but Chester did not heed it. He saw that the other occupants of the room were closing him in, in answer to a gesture made by the gentleman in front.
The spirit within him was roused now, and in his resentment he stepped fiercely forward with extended hand, when his opponent thrust his hand into his breast with a menacing gesture.
Quick as thought, Chester stepped back and caught up the revolver he had seen lying upon the table.