“‘You are doing what now?’

“‘I am carrying water for my fellow-prisoners to have a drink, as they need water so often.’

“‘Come in, doctor. I have a patient here for you. Mr. Pearson is very ill.’

“At that moment I lost consciousness.”


CHAPTER IX.
The Superintendent Tries to Solve the Mystery.

“Mr. Pearson has fainted. I have just returned from my vacation. Please get some water. I think it is nothing serious.”

“I don’t understand the case. His pulse is normal. His temperature is not high enough to indicate extreme illness. Yet he seems to be in a very deep faint. You had better call another doctor. I am at a loss to know what to do.”