"I do not know—how would it be to make believe I am killed?"
"The very thing. I will arrange it."
The doctor laid his plans for the very interesting experiment with great care.
After giving instructions he returned to Eben's cot and felt his pulse. It was very feeble, and life was fast ebbing away. That was the best moment to shock him, and on the effect of that shock his life would depend.
The doctor gave the signal he had arranged, and almost instantly a pistol shot was heard.
Then a second followed.
Eben opened his eyes and looked round.
A cry pierced the walls of the miserable temporary hospital.
"Ethan Allen killed! Who could be his murderer?"
The words were shouted out as though some one was in great distress over the great tragedy.