“Yes, yes; so I suppose,” said the Doctor thoughtfully; “and you have placed a problem before me, my boy, that I feel is as difficult to resolve. I am very, very glad that you have kept it in your own breast, Severn; and the more I think of it the more I feel that it is only an intangible vapour of the brain. But, all the same, the matter is so mysterious and so important that I should not be doing my duty if I did not have the well examined.”
“You will, sir?” cried the boy eagerly.
“Yes, Severn, I will,” said the Doctor firmly, “and at once. But this must be a private matter between us two. Let those who like consider the act eccentric; I shall have it done, and I look to you to take no one else into your confidence over the matter.”
“No, sir; I’ll not say a word,” cried Glyn. “But,”—he hesitated—“but—”
“Well, Severn; speak out.”
“If it all turns out fancy, all imagination, sir, you will not be angry?”
“No, Severn, not in the least,” said the Doctor, smiling. “Now go and send Wrench to me.”
As he spoke the Doctor turned and rang, with the consequence that Glyn met the footman in the passage coming to answer the bell, and half an hour later, when the boy made it his business to casually stroll towards the well-house, he heard voices, and on looking in found Wrench, who had changed his livery for an old pair of trousers and vest, talking to the gardener and making plans for the emptying of the well.