THE DOCTOR AND THE GOVERNOR--HOW THE PLOT WORKS IN FAVOUR OF JACK'S
ENEMIES--UNLUCKY PRISONERS!
"_Sapristi!_"
Thus spake the governor of the prison.
The occasion was within a few minutes of the doctor's entrance into his
private cabinet, to which the medico had gone immediately after
quitting the English-prisoners.
"_Sapristi!_"
"Well, what they say is very easily verified," said the doctor, rather
tartly.
The fact is that he was somewhat nettled at the doubting expression
with which the governor met his account of his interview with Jack
Harkaway and his fellow prisoners.
"My dear Doctor Berteaux," returned the governor, with the most
irritating smile, "this youth is a notorious young scoundrel. Just see
how clever he must be, too; he has actually imposed upon the astute
Doctor Berteaux, who has such a vast experience amongst criminals."
"But, sir----"
"I tell you, doctor, I know all about this young scoundrel from A to Z.
His real name is Herbert Murray."
"Why, that he said was the real name of the agent Markby," exclaimed
the doctor.
"The deuce he did. Egad! doctor, that's beautiful."
And the governor chuckled rarely at the idea.
The doctor began to look a little uncomfortable.
"Do you mean to say----"
"That you have been egregiously humbugged? Yes, that's exactly what I
do mean. Why, doctor, doctor, at your time of life consider."
"But----"
"Come, come, get rid of this silly fancy, old friend."
"At least," insisted the doctor, "do me the favour to communicate with
the consul."
"Indeed, I shall do nothing of the kind. You can see the British consul
if you like, and a rare laugh he'll enjoy at your expense when he sees
how you have been duped by this young scoundrel."
"Ahem!"
* * * *
Well, the doctor did not communicate with the consul after this, and
Jack Harkaway waited with his companions, Mole and the "wet blanket,"
Harry Girdwood, and the two faithful darkeys, and waited in vain.
Waited until they grew heart-sick with hope deferred.