“They look more like tramps than eminent physicians,” remarked Joshua Stackpole.
“We have wasted time enough with this fool,” said Roque. “Dr. Brown, take one arm, and you, Dr. Jones, take the other, and we will soon put an end to this foolery.”
“Do it at your peril!” exclaimed Joshua Stackpole sternly.
The doctors looked somewhat apprehensive, but at a nod from James Roque, and confident in the realization that they were three to one, they proceeded to obey orders. Then something unexpected happened.
Joshua Stackpole sprang upon James Roque and pitched him headlong from the piazza. Then he started for Dr. Brown, and that luckless physician followed his principal.
The miner was about to turn his attention to Dr. Jones when the latter threw up his hands and begged for mercy.
“This is an outrage!” exclaimed Mr. Snowdon, much disconcerted. “Isn’t there a constable at hand, landlord, to arrest this bold ruffian? Bernard Brooks, I want you.”
“Aha!” said Stackpole, “what do you want him for? Is he another lunatic?”
“No; but he is my pupil, who has rebelled against my lawful authority, and run away from his happy home at Snowdon Institute.”
“How is that, sonny?” asked Joshua Stackpole.