And now all this was lost.
But no! A happy thought struck the worthy doctor. Ben had escaped, it is true, but why could not he go on charging for him just as before? His escape was not known to Major Grafton, and probably would not be discovered for a long time at least. The major was not very likely to visit the asylum, as an interview between him and his young victim would be rather embarrassing to him.
Yes, that was the course he would pursue. He would from time to time send in a report of his patient, and regularly collect his board, while he would be at no expense whatever for him. It was necessary, however, to take Francois into his confidence, and he drove back to the cottage of the humble attendant.
Francois was watching outside. He was afraid the doctor would succeed in capturing the boy, in whom he had begun to feel a strong interest. When he saw M. Bourdon drive up alone he smiled to himself, though his features remained outwardly grave.
"Did you find him, sir?" he asked, respectfully.
"No," answered M. Bourdon, roughly. "The train had just started."
"And was he a passenger?"
"Doubtless."
"What will you do, Monsieur le Docteur?" Francois asked, curiously.
"Francois," said M. Bourdon, suddenly, "I am sorry for you."