The leeches are at a stand, and many of his household suspect foul practice-witchcraft, or worse." "What are the symptoms ?" said Wayland Smith, stepping forward hastily.
"Anan ?" said the messenger, not comprehending his meaning.
"What does he ail ?" said Wayland; "where lies his disease ?" The man looked at Tressilian, as if to know whether he should answer these inquiries from a stranger, and receiving a sign in the affirmative, he hastily enumerated gradual loss of strength, nocturnal perspiration, and loss of appetite, faintness, etc.
"Joined," said Wayland, "to a gnawing pain in the stomach, and a low fever ?" "Even so," said the messenger, somewhat surprised.
"I know how the disease is caused," said the artist, "and I know the cause.

Your master has eaten of the manna of Saint Nicholas.

I know the cure too--my master shall not say I studied in his laboratory for nothing." "How mean you ?" said Tressilian, frowning; "we speak of one of the first nobles of England.

Bethink you, this is no subject for buffoonery." "God forbid!" said Wayland Smith.

"I say that I know this disease, and can cure him.