The young man paused, with the air of one who had made a successful argument, and was waiting for an auspicious result.
The only notice Hiram took of him was to say, in a decided tone, as he resumed his calculations, 'I can't interfere.'
'Can't interfere!' said the other, with naive astonishment. 'Why, what do you mean? It will kill the woman, I tell you! You must interfere.'
'Young man, you forget yourself. I repeat, go to the agent. I shall not interfere.'
'Well, well,' said the young physician, rising, 'I have heard of hard hearts and cruel men who grind the faces of the poor, but you are the first I have seen. I don't envy you, though. I would not stand in your shoes for a good deal.'
While Dr. Ephraim Peters was delivering himself of the above, Hiram had struck a small bell which stood before him, and a young man entered in response to the summons just as the doctor concluded.
'Holmes, send for a policeman.'
'Yes, sir.' And Holmes withdrew to execute the commission.
'Do you mean that for me?' exclaimed the young doctor, choking with passion, while the gray eyes flashed dangerously.
Hiram made no reply, but occupied himself intently with the figures before him.