Strona 760 z 896

"The manner of both was imperious, and they both moved, as these

words were spoken, so as to place me between themselves and the

carriage door. They were armed. I was not.

"'Gentlemen,' said I, 'pardon me; but I usually inquire who does

me the honour to seek my assistance, and what is the nature of

the case to which I am summoned.'

"The reply to this was made by him who had spoken second.

'Doctor, your clients are people of condition. As to the nature

of the case, our confidence in your skill assures us that you

will ascertain it for yourself better than we can describe it.

Enough. Will you please to enter the carriage?'

"I could do nothing but comply, and I entered it in silence. They

both entered after me--the last springing in, after putting up

the steps. The carriage turned about, and drove on at its former

speed.