'And Captain Springfield?'
'He left about midnight. He asked to be allowed to see the patient, but Merril wouldn't let him go into the room. I thought he behaved to the captain like a clown.'
'In what way?'
'Well, Springfield's a clever fellow, and has seen many curious cases of illness while he has been in the East. He said that Edgecumbe's condition reminded him of the illness of an orderly he once had, and wanted to tell Merril about him. But doctors are all the same, they all claim to be autocrats in a sick-room. My word, Luscombe, you must have had a weary night. My advice to you is to go to bed immediately.'
'Not until I have heard McClure's report.'
When we came into the library, we found Buller and Lorna Bolivick there.
I thought the young squire seemed anxious and ill at ease, while Lorna
was much excited. On seeing me, however, she asked eagerly for news of
Edgecumbe.
'There is nothing to tell as yet,' I replied. 'By the way, how did
Springfield get home?'
'Oh, he took the car.'
'And how did he imagine that Buller was to get back?'
'I expect he forgot all about Charlie,' was the reply, 'but—he seemed rather excited, and insisted that he must return at once. Charlie will have to stay here until daylight, and then some one can drive him over.'