“And found out that some one was a bigger fool than the doctors, eh?” said the old man drily.
“Yes, sir, I suppose so,” replied the clerk, smiling. “This way, please.”
He led the Doctor down to the little house apportioned to the foreman; and as they approached it, Jessop and Wrigley came out, the former, who looked haggard and careworn, seeming disposed to hurry away, but he mastered his shrinking and stood firm.
“How do?” said the Doctor, with a short nod. “Janet quite well?”
“Yes, Doctor,” cried Jessop eagerly, “and—”
“Stand aside, please,” said the old man testily. “I want to talk to this gentleman. Are you Mr Wrigley?”
“I am, and I am very grateful to you for coming, sir. I am very anxious about our man.”
“Where is he?”
“This way, please.”
The Doctor followed into a bedroom where the man lay, hollow of cheek and half delirious, while one of the miners’ wives was playing the part of nurse.