"Not very long," replied the doctor, whose head was a little confused by the blows which he had received. "I can't now tell how long, but only a short time, I think."
"Where did he come from?" inquired Jack.
"Come from, Jack?"
"Yes, doctor, where did he came from?—the window, I suppose—the same way he went out, I dare say—it's most likely."
"Oh, no, no; he come down from behind the picture. There's some mystery in that picture, I'll swear to it; it's very strange he should make such a desperate attempt to carry it away."
"Yes; one would think," said Jack, "there was more in it than we can see—that it is worth more than we can believe; perhaps somebody sets particular store by it."
"I don't know," said Mr. Chillingworth, shaking his head, "I don't know how that may be; but certain it is, the picture was the object of his visit here—that is very certain."
"It was; he was endeavouring to carry it off," said Jack; "it would be a very good ornament to the black hole at Calcutta."
"The utility of putting it where it cannot be seen," remarked Mr. Chillingworth, "I cannot very well see; though I dare say it might be all very well."
"Yes—its ugly features would be no longer seen; so far, it would be a good job. But are you going to remain here all night, and so make a long watch of it, doctor?"