She told me she was going to take me to see Ida." The old man shrugged his shoulders.
"My young friend," he said, "she told me all about it--that you had a delusion about some supposed sister, whom you accused her of carrying off." "This is outrageous," said Jack, hotly.
"That's what all my patients say." "And you are a mad-doctor ?" "Yes." "Then you know by my looks that I am not crazy." "Pardon me, my young friend; that doesn't follow.

There is a peculiar appearance about your eyes which I cannot mistake.

There's no mistake about it, my good sir.

Your mind has gone astray, but if you'll be quiet, and won't excite yourself, you'll soon be well." "How soon ?" "Well, two or three months." "Two or three months! You don't mean to say you want to confine me here two or three months ?" "I hope I can release you sooner." "You can't understand your business very well, or you would see at once that I am not insane." "That's what all my patients say.

They won't any of them own that their minds are affected." "Will you supply me with some writing materials ?" "Yes; Samuel shall bring them here." "I suppose you will excuse my suggesting also that it is dinner time ?" "He shall bring you some dinner at the same time." The old man retired, but in fifteen minutes a plate of meat and vegetables was brought to the room.
"I'll bring the pen and ink afterward," said the negro.
In spite of his extraordinary situation and uncertain prospects, Jack ate with his usual appetite.
Then he penned a letter to his uncle, briefly detailing the circumstances of his present situation.
"I am afraid," the letter concluded, "that while I am shut up here, Mrs.
Hardwick will carry Ida out of the city, where it will be more difficult for us to get on her track.