Clemency was right.  After she had made her entry and told her little lie successfully, and explained that she had taken some brandy because she was chilled, and Mrs. Ewing had gently scolded her for staying so late, and kissed and embraced her, and gotten back her own composure, Doctor Gordon arrived, and James, who had waited for him in the study, told him the story in whispers.  “Now I think you had better let me get a posse of men and scour the country to-morrow,” he concluded.  “It seems to me that this thing has gone far enough.”

Doctor Gordon sat huddled up before him in an arm-chair.  He had not even taken off his overcoat, which was white with snow.  The storm had begun.  “It will be easy to track him on account of the snow,” added James.

“Tracking is not necessary,” replied Gordon, with his haggard face fixed upon James.  “I know exactly where the man is, and have known from the first.”

“Then—­” began James.

“You don’t know what you are talking about,” Gordon said gloomily.  “I would have that fiend arrested to-morrow.  I would have him hung from the nearest tree if I had my way, but I can do absolutely nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“No, I can do nothing, except what I have been doing, so far in vain, it seems, to try to tire him out.  I traded too much on his impatience, it seemed.  I did not think he would have held out so long.”

“You mean you will have to keep that poor little thing shut up the way you have been doing?”

“I see no other way.  God knows I have tried to think of another, day and night.”

“I don’t see why you or I could not take her out sometimes when we visit patients anyway,” said James in a bewildered fashion.

“You don’t understand,” replied Doctor Gordon irritably.  “The main point is:  the girl must not be even seen by that man.  That is the trouble.  Driving, she might be perfectly safe; in fact, in one way she is safe anyhow.  She is not in any danger of bodily harm, as you may think, but I don’t want her seen.”

“Why not let me take her out sometimes of an evening then?” said James, more and more mystified.  “If she wore a veil, and went out driving in the evening, I can’t see how anybody could get a glimpse of her.”

“You don’t understand that we have to deal with a very devil incarnate,” said Doctor Gordon wearily.  “He will be on the watch for just that very manoeuvre.  However, perhaps we may be able to manage that; I will see.”

“She will be ill if she remains in the house so closely,” said James, “especially a girl like her, who has been accustomed to lead such an outdoor life.  In fact, I don’t think she does look very well now.  It is telling on her.”

“Yes, I think it is,” agreed Doctor Gordon gloomily, “but again, I say, I see no other way out of it.  However, perhaps you or I can take her out sometimes of an evening.  I suppose it had better be you, on some accounts.  I will see.  Well, I will take off my coat and get something to eat.  I suppose Clara and Clemency have gone to bed.”