Without waiting for an answer, I hurried out of the house, breakfasted at a hotel, conned the newspaper, and proceeded to the railroad depot, partly for a walk, and partly to make sure of the time of arrival of the "up" train. I did not return to my lodgings until just in time to take away my luggage.
In the sitting-room, I found Mr. Stowell and Dr. Brambleton. Mr. Stowell was sitting on a chair, with his bare feet on what I took to be an electric battery, but which resembled a coal-scuttle. He held a wire in his hands, and on his head he wore a cap encircled, as I supposed, with magnets.
"Good-day," I said, in a conciliating tone, as I was on the wing, and my fancy was tickled at the ridiculous appearance of my friend.
"Don't think any more of it," replied Mr. Stowell. "My temper emanated from gout! My first attack, I assure you."
"A most decided case!" chimed in Dr. Brambleton. "But he bears it like a Job."
"A speedy recovery!" I answered. "You are in good hands, I hope?"
"Excellent," said Mr. Stowell. "I have the fullest confidence."
"He knows where he is, sir," put in the doctor slyly. "But I will stake my reputation on a cure."
And wishing the patient and doctor a final adieu, I departed, rejoicing in my deliverance from both quacks and quacked. I should distinguish myself in Alpine climbing while under the stimulus imparted by freedom regained; but experience will make me wary of a travelling companion until I have tested his congeniality of disposition.