"Do you expect him back soon?"
"I do not believe he will be gone more than an hour or so."
"Then I will wait."
"Of course, Dr. Mackey. Will you come into the house?"
The surgeon was willing, and the lady led the way. But presently she turned back to beckon to Old Ben.
"Go after Jack at once," she said. "Tell him it is important, but do not say anything more to anybody." Ben nodded, and without further delay strode off.
"I have heard something of how the wreck struck here and how my poor wife was cast ashore with Jack in her arms," said the doctor, as he threw himself into an easy-chair. "I should be very much gratified to receive the particulars from your lips. Did my wife have anything to say?"
"Nothing much, sir. She was delirious up to the moment of her death."
"Poor, dear Julia!" murmured the surgeon, and bringing out his handkerchief, he wiped his eyes with much affectation.
"Was her name Julia?" asked Mrs. Ruthven curiously.