"Is that so, sir?"

"It is. The case is without a parallel. How long has he been so?"

"Nearly a week."

"Impossible!"

"It is so, sir."

Lady Cicely confirmed this.

"All the better," said Dr. Staines upon reflection. "Well, sir," said
he, "the visible injuries having been ably relieved, I shall look
another way for the cause." Then, after another pause, "I must have his
head shaved."

Lady Cicely demurred a little to this; but Dr. Staines stood firm, and
his lordship's valet undertook the job.

Staines directed him where to begin; and when he had made a circular
tonsure on the top of the head, had it sponged with tepid water.

"I thought so," said he. "Here is the mischief;" and he pointed to a
very slight indentation on the left side of the pia mater. "Observe,"
said he, "there is no corresponding indentation on the other side.
Underneath this trifling depression a minute piece of bone is doubtless
pressing on the most sensitive part of the brain. He must be trephined."

Mr. White's eyes sparkled.