"I do, now," returned Pendleton. "It's our friend Dr. Mercer."
When the buggy arrived at the spot where the motor-car stood, the doctor regarded its occupants with some surprise.
"Good-morning," greeted Ashton-Kirk.
Painfully, gaspingly the other answered this in kind. The round white face wore an expression of martyrdom.
"I am pleased to see you once more," said he.
"You like driving in the morning, then?" said the investigator.
The principal's flesh quivered with repulsion.
"It is an exercise ordered by my physician," he answered. "I protested against it strongly, but he was obdurate. And I am compelled to do it before I have had my breakfast," hollowly. "It is scarcely short of barbarous."
Here the small horse stretched its neck and shook itself until the harness rattled. Pendleton looking from master to beast thought they might exchange places much to the master's ultimate well-being.
There was a short pause; then Dr. Mercer bent his head toward them.