The doctor did not heed the lapse of time, for he was intent upon his writing, and an hour had passed when the door opened and Helen returned.

“Now I am at liberty, papa,” she said; “and—where is Dexter?”

“Eh? The boy? Bless me, I thought he was here!”

Smash! Tinkle!

The sound of breaking glass, and the doctor leaped to his feet, just as a loud gruff voice sounded—

“Here, you just come down.”

“Copestake!” cried the doctor. “Why, what is the matter out there!”


Chapter Eight.