“But—” exclaimed the astonished James.
“Quick!” she said, sharply. “Go into the back room and undress, then nip into his room and get into bed. And mind, be fast asleep all the time.”
Still holding the bewildered Mr. Flynn by the coat, she led him into the house and waved him upstairs, and stood below listening until a slight creaking of the bed announced that he had obeyed orders. Then she entered the parlour.
“He's fast asleep,” she said, softly; “and mind, I won't 'ave him disturbed. It's the first real sleep he's 'ad for nearly a week. If you promise not to wake 'im you may just have a peep.”
“We won't disturb him,” said the doctor, and, followed by his companion, noiselessly ascended the stairs and peeped into the room. Mr. Flynn was fast asleep, and not a muscle moved as the two men approached the bed on tip-toe and stood looking at him. The doctor turned after a minute and led the way out of the room.
“We'll call again,” he said, softly.
“Yes, sir,” said Mrs. Scutts. “When?”
The doctor and his companion exchanged glances. “I'm very busy just at present,” he said, slowly. “We'll look in some time and take our chance of catching him awake.”
Mrs. Scutts bowed them out, and in some perplexity returned to Mr. Flynn. “I don't like the look of 'em,” she said, shaking her head. “You'd better stay in bed till Bill comes 'ome in case they come back.”
“Right-o,” said the obliging Mr. Flynn. “Just step in and tell my landlady I'm 'aving a chat with Bill.”