Have you?"
'I? Why, bless your soul, what could I know
about it? You remember that I left for Europe almost
immediately afterward--a considerable time after-
ward. In the few weeks since my return you could
not expect me to construct a "theory." In fact, I have
not given the matter a thought. What about his
dog?"
'It was first to find the body. It died of starva-
tion on his grave.'
We do not know the inexorable law underlying
coincidences. Staley Fleming did not, or he would
perhaps not have sprung to his feet as the night
wind brought in through the open window the long
wailing howl of a distant dog. He strode several
times across the room in the steadfast gaze of the
physician; then, abruptly confronting him, almost
shouted: 'What has all this to do with my trouble,
Dr. Halderman? You forget why you were sent for.'
Rising, the physician laid his hand upon his pa-
tient's arm and said, gently: 'Pardon me. I cannot
diagnose your disorder offhand--to-morrow, per-
haps. Please go to bed, leaving your door unlocked;
I will pass the night here with your books. Can you
call me without rising?"
'Yes, there is an electric bell.'
'Good. If anything disturbs you push the button
without sitting up. Good night.'
Comfortably installed in an arm-chair the man of
medicine stared into the glowing coals and thought
deeply and long, but apparently to little purpose,
for he frequently rose and opening a door leading to
the staircase, listened intently; then resumed his
seat.
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