The doctor's double : an Anglo-Australian sensation

Front matter

THEBOHl

BY NAT GOUL

; i

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. A STRANGE SCENE ... - 7

III. SIMEON HARE - - - - -25

Chapter I. A Strange Scene

The clock in the great tower at Westminster boomed out one long sound that echoed over the dark waters of the Thames, and was lost in the distance.

All was bustle and excitement in the vicinity of the Houses of Parliament. An interesting debate had taken place on the never-ending Irish Question, and the Government had won a victory by a substantial majority.

Hansoms were driving rapidly away, and the police on duty were surveying the scene with their usual apathy.

These guardians of the peace had seen similar crowds on so many occasions that they would have been glad of a sensation for a change.

Dr. Dane hurried out of the House, anxious to make the best of his way home.

He had made a good speech on the Government side, and been complimented by his chief.

As he passed through the gateway, a man said to him in a tone of surprise :

' Good-night, Dr. Dane. I did not see you return to the House.'

' Probably not,' replied the doctor, smiling ; ' I have not been out of the House since seven o'clock.'

' Not been out of the House !' exclaimed the man in amazement. ' I spoke to you myself half an hour ago as you came through the gate.'

' You made a mistake, Hare,' replied Dr. Dane. ' I am rather surprised at it, considering I am so well known to you.'

' I must have made a mistake,' said Simeon Hare, ' if you have not been out of the House since seven. I'm not a believer in anything supernatural, as you know, doctor, and my nerves are well under control ; but if ever I saw a man's double, I saw yours to-night.'

Dr. Dane gave a slight start of surprise, which did not escape the notice of Simeon Hare. He merely shrugged his shoulders, and said :

' You must have seen someone uncommonly like me, Hare. Good-night, and do not dream about my double.'

Dr. Dane got into a hansom and was driven home.

A Strange Scene 9

His house was a large one, such as are often to be found in many of the London squares.

It was quite a doctor's residence. The exterior was a remarkably good advertisement of the occupation of the tenant.

Dr. Dane paid his cabman, went slowly up the steps, and let himself in with his latch-key.

He felt a strange, uneasy feeling creeping over him as he took off his coat in the hall.

Then he went into his study, sat down in an easy-chair, lighted a cigar, and contemplated the smoke curling upwards.

' Wonder what makes me feel so uncomfortable ?' he said to himself. ' There's a peculiar uncanny smell about the house to-night. If Hare is correct, I can only arrive at one conclusion — that Frank has escaped again. Poor beggar, what a life ! and yet he's not safe to be left alone. Clever fellow, too, much cleverer man than I am. I shall never forget the last time he escaped ;' and Dr. Dane shuddered at the mere thought. ' What a terrible hatred he has of me ! and yet, God knows, I have done all I can for him. The place is private, and he is well looked after. Still, when he has sane moments, as he most certainly has, his position must be awful. It is those sane moments I fear. He forgets then that he is ever otherwise, and this fosters his bitter feeling towards me. I'll have a whisky-and-soda, and then turn in. I hope I shall not be called up to-night, for I'm dead tired.'

Dr. Dane helped himself from the liqueur-stand, io The Doctor's Double

and, feeling better after his stimulant, went upstairs to his bedroom.

It was only a few minutes before he was fast asleep.

Then a strange and most extraordinary thing occurred.

A man entered the doctor's study, sat in the easy-chair just vacated, lighted a cigar, and proceeded to enjoy himself.

This man was the exact counterpart of Dr. Dane, who had just gone upstairs to bed.

He had the same clean-shaved face, the same dark curly hair, the same complexion. He was the exact height of Dr. Dane ; in every respect he resembled him save one, and that was in the eyes.

The man's eyes were the same blue as Dr. Dane's, but there was a weird look in them. Simeon Hare would have sworn they were the eyes of Dr. Dane when he gave the start of surprise on receiving the information that he (Hare) had seen the doctor's double.

In every respect except his dress this man was the living image of Dr. Dane. The remarkable likeness would have deceived the cutest detective, the most expert lawyer, or the cleverest physiognomist.

Dr. Dane could not be distinguished from this man provided they were dressed alike.

Even to a slight mark on the neck they were the same.

A Strange Scene ii

This man who now occupied Dr. Dane's chair, and copied his manners and actions in every particular, was none other than his twin brother, Frank Dane.

The unfortunate man was insane; but his insanity was of such a nature that it deceived the cleverest physicians.

Frank Dane was insane, and knew it. As he sat in his brother's chair, he was thinking over his insanity, actually trying to argue with his saner half that he was perfectly sound of mind. It was one of his sane moments, one of those times when the unsound mind wanders for a brief period into the realms of sanity.

It was in such moments as these that Dr. Dane positively feared his brother. To look at Frank Dane as he sat calmly smoking in Dr. Dane's chair, no one would have doubted his sanity.

As a matter of fact, the balance at this particular moment was on the side of sanity.

' So, my dear brother, you have gone to rest,' said Frank Dane in a half-whispering voice — a voice almost unearthly in its similarity to Dr. Dane's. ' Sleep on, and take thy rest,' he chuckled. The mad side was evidently uppermost in this almost fiendish chuckle of exultation. ' I've not been educated for a doctor for nothing. Oh dear no ! not a bit of it. Of course I'm mad, and my dear brother allowed me to amuse myself by studying for the profession. What's that ?' he exclaimed with a start. ' Nothing. Phew ! I thought it was my attendant. That reminds me : he'll be missing me before early morning. I must to work. I believe it's a good thing to be a bit mad. There's such a lot of excuses made for a man when, as the good folks put it, he's off his nut. I nearly cracked my nut getting out of that infernal hole. Fell on my head. Clear proof there's nothing inside to damage. Wonder how the Prince of Wales is ! Oh, I forgot ; that's nothing to do with the matter in hand.'

Frank Dane carefully examined the study. Then he went into another room, where he evidently knew Dr. Dane kept drugs with which he experimented.

He selected a small phial, poured some of the contents on to his handkerchief, and then, taking off his boots, crept upstairs.

There was a glare in his eyes now that would have made a bold man tremble.

Frank Dane opened the door of his brother's room noiselessly and stole in.

Dr. Dane was asleep. Frank Dane crept to the bedside, and then, with lightning-like rapidity, pressed the handkerchief over Dr. Dane's face.

Dr. Dane gave a deep sigh and then remained motionless.

Frank Dane, as he stood beside his brother's bed, was his living image. The two men were unnaturally alike.

Mr. Dane's next move was to undress himself and put on his brother's clothes. He stripped

A Strange Scene 13

himself and put on every article his brother had worn that night.

Then he dressed the insensible man roughly in his discarded clothes.

It was a difficult task, but Frank Dane was a strong man, and he was also determined ; and, moreover, he was not sane, which accounted for many of his peculiar actions.

He left the clothes loose about Dr. Dane's neck, tossed the bedclothes about, and then proceeded to wrestle with a chair, imitating a struggle between two powerful men.

When he had concluded this extraordinary performance the room bore every appearance of a struggle having taken place.

Frank Dane looked at his watch, or, more correctly speaking, his brother's, which he now wore, and saw it was half-past five.

He left Dr. Dane in bed, and went downstairs.

Then he touched the electric bell communicating with the man-servant's room, and calmly awaited the result.

In a few minutes the man opened the door, and asked what the doctor wanted.

Frank Dane stood with his back to the fireplace and calmly surveyed the man.

He saw it was James Fairton, who had been in Dr. Dane's employ about five years.

' Did you hear anything peculiar in the night ?' asked Frank Dane.

' No, sir/ said James Fairton, who had not the remotest idea it was not Dr. Dane standing before him.

' That's strange. I've had an awful time of it. You know my poor brother Frank ?' James Fairton nodded.

' He escaped again last night. I met him outside the house. I managed to induce him to come in. Then he wanted to go to my room. I humoured him. He had no sooner got inside than he flew at me. We had an awful struggle, but I overpowered him at last. He fainted on the bed, and I chloroformed him to prevent his coming round too soon. He is upstairs now, lying on the bed. Just go and look if he is all right. Then I want you to drive to Dr. Simpson's asylum at once, and tell them he is here. Bring someone back with you to take him away. I cannot bear to see him leave the house, so do not be surprised if I am out when you return. You had better have him watched while you are away ; I cannot face another scene like that of last night.'

' I will get Morley and the coachman from next door to keep guard,' said James Fairton. ' I'll go and look at him now.'

James Fairton entered Dr. Dane's room, and saw him lying on the bed in Frank Dane's clothes.

'Bless my soul!' said James, 'what an extraordinary likeness ! If it wasn't for the clothes, I could swear this was the Doctor. Poor devil !' he muttered, ' what an awful life ! He never looks mad, and yet they say he's as mad as a March

A Strange Scene 15

hare. He must be, or he'd never have come round here last night and kicked up this dust.'

Frank Dane was in Dr. Dane's study, smiling to himself over the success of his plot.

A ring at the door, and James Fairton announced that a man wished to see Dr. Dane at once.

'Send him in/ said Frank Dane.

' Are you Dr. Dane ?' asked the man, as he entered the room.

' I am,' said Frank Dane. ' What's your trouble ? You are up early.'

The man looked at him keenly.

' Yes, I'm up early. There's been an accident : my mate's been run over — at least, they say he's been run over accidentally. I think it's been done on purpose. He's got a heap of enemies in London, has Simeon Hare.'

' Simeon Hare ?' said Frank Dane.

He was cunning now. He knew he had to tread warily. The least mistake, and he would be lost again.

' Yes ; you know him well, doctor — at least, Simeon says you do, and that he's more faith in you than anyone else,' said the man.

' I have attended him before ?' said Frank inquiringly.

'Once, for a bullet-wound/ said the man.

' Ah, yes — I remember,' said Frank. ' Well, what's the matter this time ?'

' No bones broken, but Simeon fancies his back's; hurt.'

'James,' called Frank Dane, 'I'm going to see Simeon Hare ; he's met with an accident. You will attend to — you know who — and see Dr. Simpson at once.'

' Yes, sir,' said James. ' I'm sorry Simeon's met with an accident, doctor ; he's the best detective in London.'

Frank Dane glared at James Fairton in a manner that worthy had not been accustomed to from Dr. Dane.

' What do you know about detectives ?' asked Frank Dane.

' Not much, sir/ said James ; ' but I read the papers, and Simeon Hare generally has a hand in all the big cases.'

Frank Dane made no reply, but left the house with the man who had come for him, and drove away to see Simeon Hare.

Chapter II

DR. DANE.

When James Fairton returned to the house with Dr. Simpson, they found Dr. Dane still insensible. ' All the better,' said Dr. Simpson. ' He might cause trouble. I'm glad I came myself. Poor Frank ! I like the fellow. His latest idea is that he is Dr. Dane — in fact, his brother — and the notion will not go out of his head.'

' They are very much alike,' said James. ' I'm certain I could not tell one from the other.'

fIt would be a very difficult matter,' said Dr. Simpson. ' All the more reason Frank Dane should be kept under control. It would be a dangerous experiment if the mad brother ever had the chance of passing himself off as the sane doctor.'

' I don't think that could happen,' said James. ' Frank Dane would quickly be found out.'

'I'm not so sure of that,' said Dr. Simpson. 'A man in Frank Dane's condition is dangerously clever. You have no idea what sort of dodges such men get up to. Sometimes Frank Dane persuades me he is sane in spite of my knowing he is nothing of the kind.'

Dr. Dane was gently carried downstairs, and placed in Dr. Simpson's carriage with an attendant and the doctor.

It was not many minutes before the insensible man recovered. He was dazed from the effects of the chloroform, and looked about him in a wild, bewildered way. At first he could see nothing distinctly. Everything round him was unfamiliar, and a peculiar dazzling light appeared to be thrown over all the objects that met his gaze.

Dr. Dane rubbed his eyes, and then tried to speak.

He could not utter a sound. His mouth felt parched and dry, his brain was in a whirl.

He moved uneasily, and tried to stand up, but was gently pulled back on to the seat. He had not yet recognised Dr. Simpson, who watched him intently.

The carriage drove rapidly along, and in the course of an hour came to a halt in front of a large house standing in the midst of extensive grounds, which were fenced in and shaded by large trees.

Dr. Dane was assisted out of the carriage, and walked into Dr. Simpson's room. He sat down quietly, looked round, and suddenly his senses came back to him. In his first great surprise he acted in such a manner that Dr. Simpson could not possibly doubt it was Frank Dane.

Dr. Dane rose from his seat, and paced hurriedly up and down the room. He stared at his clothes, and he stared at Dr. Simpson. He commenced to think he had suddenly gone mad, or that he was dreaming a horrid dream. Then a recollection of the events of the previous day flashed across his mind. He remembered his meeting with Simeon Hare, and the detective sneaking about his double. He also remembered that he went to bed tired out, and that he had been thinking of his brother.

Dr. Dane felt a cold perspiration come over him as the horrible thought struck him that somehow during the night he and his mad brother had changed places.

The sane man was under control, the madman free.

Dr. Dane knew if he were in Dr. Simpson's place it would be difficult to convince him this change had taken place. He felt he must be careful how he acted, and feel his way to safety gradually.

All this time Dr. Simpson remained silent, but watched him closely.

Dr. Dane knew it was part of his brother's strange madness to fancy he was Dr. Dane.

If, therefore, he at once proclaimed to Dr. Simpson that a mistake had been made, and that he was Richard Dane and not Frank Dane, it would tend to confirm Dr. Simpson's belief that no such mistake had arisen.

It was a critical and awful position for Dr. Dane to be in.

His brain had not yet entirely recovered from the overdose of chloroform he had received. At the same time, he thought clearly, but slowly.

Dr. Simpson's first words at once showed him the terrible danger, not only himself, but others were in. The doctor said :

' Do you feel better, Frank ? You have had a bad night. I think you had better have a rest. You do not look well.'

Dr. Dane looked Dr. Simpson straight in the face as he replied :

' Yes, Dr. Simpson, I want rest. I want time to think. Some very strange things happened last night. I must have a chat with you in a few hours.'

' When you like, Frank,' said Dr. Simpson kindly. 'But take a rest first. You can remain here if you wish. I will send Mason in to keep you company.'

Dr. Dane nodded, and Dr. Simpson rang the bell.

Mason, the attendant, entered, and received his instructions.

Dr. Dane stretched himself on the couch, and commenced to think.

' How can all this have happened ?' he said to himself. Then he commenced to go over all he had done the previous day.

' It must have been Frank that Simeon Hare saw,' he said. ' He has certainly escaped, or I should not be here. What an awful situation I am in ! How did I get these clothes on ? Frank must have got into the house, concealed himself, then drugged me and changed clothes. He'll take my place, and act as Dr. Dane. Great heavens ! what mischief he may do in a short time ! I must persuade Dr. Simpson a mistake has been made. Oh, this fatal likeness! Well might Hare say he had seen my double ! Frank will have full control over me and all I possess if he can manage to keep up the deception. Then there are Amy's letters from Sydney. He'll open them. He'll know all. He loved her himself before this madness came upon him. What will he do ? I dare not think! Suppose I am detained here for weeks. He might go out to Amy instead of me. Good God ! what an awful possibility ! I must not think about such things. If I do I shall go mad. Am I mad ? I have heard of men driving themselves mad by their own thoughts on insanity.'

Dr. Dane sprang from his couch. He could bear the horrible suspense no longer.

Mason was on the alert.

' Is there anything you require, sir ?' he asked quietly.

' I want to see Dr. Simpson at once.'

' Yes, sir/ answered Mason, and touched the bell.

' Mr. Dane wishes to see Dr. Simpson,' he said to the man answering the bell.

Dr. Simpson came immediately.

' Do you feel better, Frank ?' he asked. ' Mason, you can go.'

When the attendant had left the room, Dr. Dane went up to Dr. Simpson and said quietly:

' George, there has been a terrible and awful mistake made here. I am not Frank Dane ; I am Dr. Richard Dane. Surely you know me ?'

For one moment Dr. Simpson doubted. Then he thought :

' It is simply wonderful the power this man has over me to induce me to think him sane V

' Do you not believe me V asked Dr. Dane eagerly.

' Of course I do,' said Dr. Simpson, smiling. ' You are Dr. Dane.'

Dr. Dane saw Dr. Simpson was merely humouring the man he believed to be Frank Dane, his patient.

As the hopelessness of the situation dawned upon him, he sat down in a chair near the table and buried his head in his hands.

Dr. Simpson placed his hand on his shoulder, and said kindly :

' You are overtired. What you want is complete rest, doctor.'

He emphasized the word 'doctor,' and Dr. Dane looked up quickly. He saw no hope in Dr. Simpson's face. He had been called ' doctor ' to pacify him, the supposed Frank Dane.

Dr. Dane was in great danger. He had been overworked for months past. What with his medical and Parliamentary duties, he had been burning the candle at both ends, and working day and night. He was a man of somewhat nervous temperament. Last night's adventures had completely upset him. He felt he was in no fit state to argue his case successfully now.

He could not blame Dr. Simpson, and he knew he would have acted in a similar manner had he been placed in such a situation.

All this did not tend to lessen his anxiety, but to deepen it. He must appeal to Frank. That thought was at once banished. He could expect no assistance there.

A ray of hope : there was Simeon Hare.

Now, Simeon Hare had never seen his brother, therefore he would not be prejudiced by the extraordinary likeness between them. Simeon Hare would at once recognise him as Dr. Dane.

How could he communicate with Simeon Hare ? Perhaps Dr. Simpson would let him write a letter to the famous detective.

As these thoughts flashed through Dr. Dane's mind, he considered it would be better for him to retire to his brother's room, which would no doubt be given to him, and think over the matter. He hinted this to Dr. Simpson, and his request was complied with. He heard Dr. Simpson murmur:

' Poor chap ! I'm awfully sorry for him ; and such a clever fellow, too !'

When Dr. Dane entered the room, he heard the key softly turned in the lock behind him.

He looked at the window. It was a large bright window, with a cheerful outlook, but it was safely barred on the outside.

The room was comfortable. It was evident Dr. Simpson had a special regard for Frank Dane.

Dr. Dane curiously examined the contents of the room. He wondered how Frank had managed to escape. He picked up first one thing and then another. There were books, drawing materials, photographs, and a variety of knick-knacks.

Dr. Dane actually found himself interested in the experiences he was going through. He meant to write a thrilling article for the press when he regained his liberty, and this dreadful mistake had been rectified. When would the mistake be rectified ?

That was the serious question Dr. Dane now set himself to resolve.

He argued the whole matter out. He saw how difficult it would be for him to prove his own identity.

His chief hope lay in Frank Dane's actions being noticed, and the consequences that would follow his assumption of his (Dr. Dane's) duties.

This would take time, and there was no telling what harm might be done by the madman.

Simeon Hare would be the man to consult. He must be communicated with at once.

Fate was, however, working hard against Dr. Dane.

At the time he was considering how to enlist the services of Simeon Hare in his favour, his brother, Frank Dane, was personating him at the detective's bedside.

A more complicated and intricate web of unfortunate circumstances had never been woven round a man.

Dr. Dane was in desperate straits, did he but know it. He had only a vague idea of what was to follow this strange prank an unkind fortune was playing him.

Had he been able to look into the future, Dr. Dane would probably have lost his senses in the contemplation of an extraordinary drama of life, in which, being wholly innocent, he was deemed guilty of many outrages upon society.

Chapter III. Simeon Hare

Frank Dane acted his part well. He went straight to Simeon Hare's with the man who came for him. He did not talk much during the journey, making an excuse for his silence by stating he was tired and had gone through a heavy night.

Simeon Hare had been run over during his homeward journey the previous night, but, luckily, he suffered very little harm.

He lay on the couch in his private room, and felt stiff and sore.

He thought it better a doctor should examine him, in case there might be any internal injury.

When Frank Dane entered the room, Simeon Hare greeted him in his usual cheery manner.

' Good-morning, doctor,' he said ; * I hope you saw nothing of your double last night'

Frank Dane gave a start of surprise, and Simeon Hare thought to himself:

' Strange how that look comes into his eyes ! It was there last night when I mentioned what I had seen. They say insanity runs in the family, and that he has a mad brother in an asylum. I'm not surprised. Don't care to see such a look in a man's eyes. It bodes no good.'

' Whose double ?' said Frank Dane.

' Have you forgotten ?' asked Simeon ; ' I told you last night I had seen a man who would most certainly be taken for yourself by ninety-nine men out of every hundred.'

' I recollect/ said Frank Dane. ' First, let me examine you and see if there are any bones broken.'

Frank Dane had studied for the medical profession before his brain became affected, and therefore Simeon Hare did not perceive anything unusual in his method of examination.

' No bones broken,' said Frank Dane ; 'there are no internal injuries. You are a bit stiff and sore. Take a rest.'

'Can't,' said Simeon Hare — 'I'm busy; I'm engaged in a jewellery robbery case.'

Frank Dane was staring out of the window.

' What are you looking at ?' said Simeon.

Dane started. His mind had been wandering. As he stared at the window, he wondered who had removed the bars on the outside.

' I thought there were bars on the window,' he said absently.

' Bars ! nonsense !' said Simeon ; ' I don't get behind bars ; it's the people I nab find iron curtains on their windows when they wake up.'

' Ah, ah !' laughed Frank Dane. Then, seeing the bull terrier looking at him somewhat ferociously, he said : ' That's a savage cWg to have loose about a room, Hare.'

' Why, Dandy was always fond of you,' said Simeon,

' He's in a bad humour this morning, then,' said Frank Dane.

' Never saw him sulk before/ said Simeon. ' Here, lad, it's Dr. Dane ; you know him, Dandy.'

The dog smelt at Frank Dane's clothes, but looked up at him in a half-frightened sort of way.

Frank stooped and stroked the dog's head, and Dandy gave a low growl.

' Down, sir !' said Simeon. 'That's curious. I never knew him make a mistake before.'

' I had an extraordinary adventure last night,' said Frank Dane.

He then related to Simeon Hare all that had taken place at his brother's house.

As he gave an account of the struggle, Simeon Hare noticed the exultation with which he illustrated how he mastered his brother.

' Is he a dangerous madman ?' asked Simeon.

' Certainly ; but to look at him and hear him speak you would not think he would harm a fly.'

'Then, are you very much alike ?' asked Simeon.

' Yes ; you would not tell my brother from myself. You evidently saw him last night.'

' I must have done so. The resemblance struck me as most extraordinary. Now I come to think of it, your brother had different clothes on to those you are wearing/ said Simeon.

' He had. When he was taken away this morning he had a dark tweed suit on.'

' Same man/ said Simeon ; ' I saw him last night sure enough. What could he be prowling round there for ?'

'Watching me home,' said Frank Dane, and he gave a cunning chuckle as he thought how easily he was fooling this clever detective. Frank Dane at this moment was sane, with this reservation — he honestly believed in his diseased mind he was Dr. Dane.

' What the deuce is he laughing at !' thought Simeon.

' My brother is in Dr. Simpson's asylum,' said Frank Dane.

' He could not be in safer hands,' said Simeon.

' No ; it's not an easy job to get out of there,' said Frank.

' Your brother managed it,' said Simeon.

' He's very cunning,' said Frank Dane.

' I've known lunatics act with a dashed sight more sense than sane men,' said Simeon.

This tickled Frank Dane immensely, and he laughed.

' Confound the man ! what's up with him ?' thought Simeon. ' What a beastly laugh that is ! I never noticed it before.'