“I am as sane as you are. Your unprincipled attempt to deprive me of my liberty shows that you ought to be locked up.”
“Of course I may be wrong, but I am willing to abide by the verdict of experts. I have brought with me two distinguished physicians, who will examine you, and decide whether you are or are not in your right mind. Dr. Brown and Dr. Jones, will you kindly approach and give your opinion as to the condition of my unfortunate cousin?”
The two doctors descended from the carriage and approached the piazza. They were dressed in shabby black, and eyed Penrose furtively. Brown was the first to speak.
“Your cousin,” he said, “affords every indication of insanity. What say you, Dr. Jones?”
“I fully agree with you,” replied Dr. Jones, in a nasal tone.
“I see, gentlemen, you have got the whole thing cut and dried,” said William Penrose, in a tone of agitation. “These tools of yours have learned their part well. All they need is to look at me to pronounce me insane. Even a renowned doctor would hardly venture to come to so quick a decision merely from a momentary inspection.”
“They have both been connected with establishments for the insane. I have called them as experts who cannot be deceived.”
“What do you pay them for aiding and abetting you in this villainy?”
By this time Mr. Wilson, the landlord, appeared upon the scene. He looked from one to the other in surprise.
“What does all this mean?” he asked.