of a drug into
my face. If I hadn't known--thanks to your teaching long ago--just what
to do in a case of that kind, I should have gone to sleep in a second.

"As it was, the drug made my head swim. But I kept it out of my lungs,
and pulled through.

"Of course, I pretended to be unconscious, for I wanted to see what he
would do. He tied me up rather clumsily; gagged me exceedingly well; and
laid me on this slab, after removing a headless body.

"He went down into the cellar, and I slipped my bonds and followed him.
I found him getting his furnace ready.

"Knowing what he would do, I got back to my downy couch here, pulled the
bed-clothes over me, and waited.

"He came back and got the body of my predecessor and took it down
cellar. Of course, he is burning it. Look out! He's coming!"

Chick quickly replaced the sheet.

Nick could see that beneath it Chick slid his hands again within the
rope that had been used to bind him.

Then Nick sprang toward the door of the doctor's room, pushed out a case
of instruments from the wall, and got behind it.

Dr. Jarvis went to Chick's side, lifted the sheet, and looked at the
quiet face.

Then he felt of the rope, but it seemed to be tight.

He replaced the sheet, and came toward the door beside which Nick was
concealed.

No sooner had Jarvis passed within the room than Nick came out of his
hiding-place and followed the doctor.

Jarvis was engaged in putting a few articles into a small bag. His back
was toward the door, but he heard Nick's entrance and turned quickly.

He sprang to his feet with a cry. Then his hands fell to his sides. He
was the picture of despair.

"I see," said Nick, "you were preparing to run away."

Jarvis made no answer.

"That would have been the most foolish thing you could do," said Nick.
"It would have been equivalent to confession."

"And why not?" groaned the doctor.

"Do you admit your guilt?"

"No, I do not," said Jarvis firmly; "but everything is against me."

"Well, we will consider that subject later. What did you intend to do
with my friend yonder?"

He pointed through the open door toward Chick.

"Nothing," said Jarvis. "I intended simply to leave him there. He would
not have been discovered till I had got a good start."

"I believe that you did not intend to injure him," said Nick. "I suppose
he might as well get up now."

He uttered a peculiar call. Chick instantly sat up under the sheet. Then
he threw it aside,