First slightly altering the position of the couch on the stand, Duntzer lifted the dead hands—fitted the ten brass thimbles to the fingers and the thumbs—and gently laid the hands back on the breast of the corpse. When he had looked up, and had satisfied himself of the exact connection between the hands and the line communicating with the alarm-bell outside, his duty was done. He left the cell; and, seating himself in his chair, waited the arrival of the night-watchman who was to relieve him.
Mr. Keller came out into the chamber, and spoke to the overseer.
"Is all done now?"
"All is done."
"I should like, while I am here, to speak to you about the grave."
The overseer bowed. "You can see the plan of the cemetery," he said, "in my office on the other side of the building."
Mr. Keller looked back into the cell. Jack had taken his place in it, when the couch had been carried in; and Doctor Dormann was quietly observing him. Mr. Keller beckoned to Jack. "I am waiting for you," he said. "Come!"
"And leave Mistress?" Jack answered. "Never!"
Mr. Keller was on the point of stepping into the cell, when Doctor Dormann took his arm, and led him away out of hearing.
"I want to ask you a question," said the doctor. "Was that poor creature's madness violent madness, when Mrs. Wagner took him out of the London asylum?"