r leave all that till the
morning. I'll see you again to-morrow," said he holding out his hand to
Mr. Linden. "I suppose they don't know what is become of you at Mrs.
Derrick's--I will stop there as I go home and make myself as famous as
I can. Though 'the first bearer of unwelcome news' does not recommend
himself to favour, yet if they have heard anything, on the whole they
will thank me. I'll take my risk."

"I am a little inclined to ride down with you," said Mr. Linden.

"Folly!" said the doctor. "Mr. Simlins is acting a good part by you, he
says,--which I presume is true, though I did not understand his terms;
but I have no doubt he'll prove himself good for a day or two's board
and lodging. I wish I had had the pleasure of finding you at my own
door, instead of his having it!"

"The question is whether I shall be good for a day or two--I have no
doubt of Mr. Simlins."

"Does that mean you are going to disobey me? You grudge me that little
bit of famousness?"

"I shall hear the orders _before_ I disobey--"

The doctor looked at him a minute. "Linden,"--said he,--"you're
alarmingly well! but you must remain in quarters for another night or
two. It would be dangerous to let you go. I can't allow it. Good
night!--"

Either the stimulus of the doctor's presence had been strong, or the
effort to appear well had been fatiguing; and Dr. Harrison would have
pronounced another verdict had he seen his patient ten minutes later.
When Mr. Simlins came back into the room, Mr. Linden looked pale and
exhausted. He roused himself however, at once.

"Mr. Simlins," he said, "will you drive me into Pattaquasset to-night."

"You aint a goin' to do that?" said the farmer.

"That was my intention. Why not?"

"You aint fit for it, no ways! Can't you stop here one night and be
peaceable?"

"Yes, both," said his guest smiling. "But if I do not go, I must send,"
he added after a minute's silence, during which perhaps some feeling of
weakness came in aid of the doctor's orders.--"And I do not think it
would hurt me to go."

"Send!" said Mr. Simlins--"there's lots to send. Here's Reuben, and Sam
Stoutenburgh--the boys aint gone yet--and here's me. Who do you want to
send to?"

"I want to send _for_ two or three things out of my room. Reuben can
go--and Sam may sit here with me, if you will sleep any better for it,
Mr. Simlins. That is what _you_ must do," he said with a look of warm
interest and kindness.

"Sleep!" growle