"Don't be harsh, Samuel," he said, in an apologetic tone. "You know that I am working in the interests of science."
"Don't try to impose on me with such nonsense. What were you going to do with that boy?"
"I wished to experiment upon him."
"You were going to murder him, and thelaw would have exacted the penalty had I not interfered."
"I would have submitted, if I could have only demonstrated the great principle which——"
"The great humbug! Promise me that you will never again attempt any such folly, or I shall be compelled to send you back to the hospital."
"Don't send me there, Samuel!" said the old man, shuddering.
"Then take care you do not make it necessary. Young man, come with me."
It may be imagined that Oliver gladly accepted the invitation.
He followed his guide downstairs, and into the parlor, which was very handsomely furnished.