A DOUBLE ABDUCTION 49

opened, it will be remembered, near the window where the
five men were waiting. If they had not hidden them-
selves behind the group of trees close to the pavilion, they
would have been seen, not only by the doctor, but also by
the keeper who accompanied him.

Before either of them appeared on the steps, Captain
Spade made a sign, and his companions dispersed, while he
crouched under the window.

Fortunately the lamp had been left on the table, so the
sailors from the £bda were in no danger of being betrayed
by a ray of light.

As he took leave of Gaydon the doctor paused on the
first step, and said,—

“ This is one of the severest attacks our patient has had!
Two or three more equally violent, and he will lose the
little reason he yet retains.”

“ Well, then,” said Gaydon, “why does not the Principal
forbid him to see visitors? It is a certain Count d’Artigas
who had heard of his fame, whom our boarder has to
thank for being as you found him.” =

“T will call the attention of the Principal to it,” replied
the doctor.

He then descended the steps, and Gaydon walked with
him to the end of the side walk, leaving the hall door
ajar.

Before the two men had advanced twenty steps the
Captain rose, and his men joined him.

Ought they not to take advantage of this opportunity
to enter the room and seize Thomas Roch, who was

E