the country and had heard ing of the new order going into the first house he came to he demanded of the tenant in what manner he had again obtained possession on being informed of the condition of affairs he became much enraged learning that was in one of the � the one occupied by � he ascended the stairs and stepped without ceremony into the room he stalked up to the occupants in a threatening manner i was right it seems he said between his teeth you have come out openly on the side of the i shall telegraph to every to night and you will be removed as soon as they can be got together was weakened by the sleepless nights and days of the past week but he forgot everything before the of that man s presence in s room and sprang up to him do not forget he thundered that i am still agent of the clothed with full powers you can neither insult me nor my friends on these premises if you do not leave at once i will throw you down the stairs a light out took the advice given but continued to use his tongue as long as he was within hearing you have but two more to betray us he shouted we will have j ou out by that time as for this woman � was about to throw himself upon the retreating form when he felt a touch of magic power and paused those who would be my followers must learn to bear and forbear said cheerfully let him go it is beneath you to lay a finger on him he accepted the hand she held out to him and pressed it reverently to his lips as they stood there he suddenly took her by the shoulders and drew her toward him he could not have anticipated the entire absence of resistance that brought her lips close to his frightened at his own he released her and hastily left the house chapter xviii a strong light goes out when reached the agency that evening he found awaiting him a him to new york with all possible haste he had just time to catch the late train and it was nearly midnight when he reached the city at that unusual hour he proceeded directly to his office where he found his head clerk with whom he had a hasty conference when he came out the heard the clerk say he may live till morning but the doctors say that will be the longest possible limit � speaking of stood on the steps of the building for minutes after that talking in a low tone with his assistant then he returned to the carriage said fifth avenue hotel to the driver and was driven off at the fifth avenue he dismissed the carriage and going directly to the asked to be taken to a certain room which he by its number a moment later he knocked at the door and was admitted dr perhaps the most famous surgeon in the metropolis at that time came forward to greet his visitor speaking in that hushed voice that severe illness in the immediate vicinity colonel is anxiously awaiting you but before you go into the room where he lies let me fully explain the situation this morning while hunting on long island he received an accidental wound from the weapon that he carried though the greater part of his left arm was torn away the injury might not have been fatal had assistance been near at hand but before aid could be obtained except such as his companions could render he had lost so much blood that recovery was hopeless when the first physician who arrived told him his condition � in answer to his direct question � he insisted on brought without delay to this hotel i reached here but a few minutes after his arrival and upon making an examination was forced to agree with my professional brother how long can you keep life in me he asked with the utmost coolness possibly twenty hours probably not over fifteen i answered then he asked to have a messenger to your office when the answer came that you were at he sent for your chief assistant and after consultation with him the was to you i t u you candidly that he cannot survive a light g e out till daylight his mind is clear however and he is at present perfectly competent to any business that he desires in the room to which was conducted a strikingly handsome man of about forty five years lay in a bed propped up by pillows the extraordinary caused by excessive loss of the vital only made more striking a face that would have attracted attention anywhere the eyes were very dark and fiery the hair and long moustache were with premature gray which carried no impression of age the wounded man grasped s hand in a manner which seemed quite at with the physician s it was incredible that within five hours this soul would be asleep colonel i am truly grieved to see you thus it was the ordinary form of expression but it brought a smile into the face of the dying man i have a little business which i wish you would help me he said and with your permission we will attend to that first then if there be time left � which the surgeon thinks is doubtful � i will cheerfully listen to your to an attendant i think we can spare you for a few minutes when the man had left the room colonel continued i rely my dear on the judgment of dr who me at least three hours of consciousness and i may be a trifle tiresome but if you have ever died or come as near to it as i am you may agree that can well 