ystery of his situation seemed
to deepen.

He had heard of Doctor Wesselhoff, as he had said; he knew that he was
regarded as one of the finest brain specialists in the metropolis, if not
in the country, and that, as a man, he stood high in the estimation of
the public.

This being the case, he certainly would not lend himself to such an
outrageous trick as had been practiced upon him that day.

He did not believe what the old man told him--he did not believe that he
was in Doctor Wesselhoff's house at all. It was only a lie on the part of
the diamond thieves to further their own schemes, he thought, and yet the
man's manner was so respectful, and even kind, that he was deeply
perplexed.

"There is nothing the matter with me--I am as sane as you are," he said,
flushing angrily at the idea of being regarded as a lunatic.

"Yes--yes; we will hope so," was the gentle response, as the attendant
began to gather the dishes and remnants of Ray's lunch.

"You say that my friends brought me here," persisted the young man; "that
is false; I was brought here by a woman whom I never saw before, and who
robbed me of valuable diamonds. If she arranged for my coming, it is all
a trick. But what did she claim was my special malady?" he concluded,
with considerable curiosity.

"We will not talk any more about it now, sir, if you please," said his
companion, in a soothing tone. "Doctor Wesselhoff will explain it all to
you when he returns."

"When he returns? Where has he gone--how long will he be absent?" Ray
demanded, with a sinking heart, for time was precious, and he was almost
wild to get away to hunt for the thieves who had robbed him; while, too,
he knew that his father must already have become alarmed at his long
absence.

"The doctor was called away by a telegram only an hour ago," the
attendant replied, hoping by this explanation to divert the mind of his
charge from his mania of robbery. "His wife, who went South a week ago to
visit friends, has been taken suddenly ill, and he was obliged to hasten
to her; but he will return at the earliest possible moment."

"Gone _South_! and I must remain here until his return?" Ray cried, in a
voice of agony. "I _will_ not," he went on fiercely, his face growing
crimson with angry excitement. "I tell you I am perfectly well, and I
have been only tricked into this place by some cunning thief who has
robbed me. Whether Doctor Wesselhoff is concerned in it or not, I cannot
tell.