George Street turned to Dr. Peterssen when they were at some distance from the village. Dr. Peterssen nodded, and the four men--for Leonard was with them--paused.
"This foolish fellow," said Dr. Peterssen to Gerald, laying his hand kindly on his patient's shoulder, "has a great wish to lead you himself to where the edelweiss is to be found--you and he alone, and I am almost inclined to humor him."
"Why not?" asked Gerald, who had never yet detected any sign of insanity in his young companion.
Dr. Peterssen took Gerald aside. "He knows the road to take, but he is in my care. Between you and me he is as sensible as we are, but still I feel somewhat anxious. I am responsible for him to his father you know."
"We shall be able to take care of ourselves," said Gerald.
"Then go. We will await your return at the inn." Away went the young men, and Dr. Peterssen and Leonard were left together.
"Simply that you can compass your wishes if you desire it."
They turned in another direction, but not toward the valley. They continued to ascend the rocky ranges.
"We shall get there half an hour before them," said Dr. Peterssen. "I have carefully studied the route, and have traversed it twice--in your interests."
"I will, as we walk along. There is nobody in sight, is there?"
"We must be sure of that, as we proceed. Answer me, Mr. Leonard Paget. If I remove your step brother from your path--he is, after all, no relation to speak of--what will you give me?"
"You said something about a thousand pounds," said Leonard, his face growing white.
"There is his wife also in the way, remember."
"Rubbish! She may die; the shock will probably kill her."
"If--if--if--!" exclaimed Dr. Peterssen, impatiently. "There is no if in the case when two clever scoundrels like ourselves are in the game. Has he made a will?"
"Make a clean breast of everything if you want to succeed. I know only half the story. I must know the rest, and I will stake my future that I show you a dozen ways to conquer her, even if she lives. Don't lag. It is hard work mounting these ranges, but the reward is worth it. Did you observe that they took the tracks to the left. We are taking those to the right; and we are both making for the same point. Now, Leonard, out with every detail of this romantic story, which is as yet only half finished. It is your last chance, old fellow."