Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1892-08-05
THE MAN WHO VANISHED.
by , FERGUS HUME.
CHAPTER II-CoNTINUED.

.hair that of an old man wrapped in
comfortable dressing gown. did not
str. but remained in the same posi-
ton. with still limbs and closed eyes.
Adrian at first thought he must be
asleep but his case was too urgent TO
permit him remaining till the man
awoke. so stepping forward he touched
him on the shoulder 10 his dismay.
the figure did not STIR and on looking
closely at the still face. the closed
eyes and the rigid limbs. Lancaster
saw that he was dead. This fearful
sight in connection with the fearful
horrors he had already undergone
was too much for his nerves and with
an ejaculation of terror he put on his
hat and strobe rapidly toward the
window with the intention OF seeking
safety once more in flight
Stay"
Adrian faced around rapidly with a
thrill OF horror for it was the man
whom he thought dead was speaking.
and who was now standing with out
stretched hand.
do not be alarmed" he said in
full rich voice with a reassuring
smile Il am not dead although you
thought was. Sit down for n few
moments. and tell me who you are,
and what you want here.
Adrian was too astonished at this
reception 10 make any remark and
still felt inclined to retreat but his
host seemed to exert some mesmeric
power over him. and he mechanically
sank down into a chair near The ia
BILE. letting his walking stick fall on
The floor. The unknown was tall
massive looking man. with boldly cut
features. and head of gray hair
worn rather long. He also had IL
heavy gray beard which swept his
thest, ana his hands were long and
slender with sinewy fingers; but what
attracted Adrians attention most were
lis eyes dark brilliant eyes which
lad a look o. power in their depths
and seemed 10 dominate everything
with their piercing gaze. The eX-
preston OF his features was calm. n
terrible calm. such as is seen on the
iaces of Egyptian spinxes giving the
onlooker the idea of some dread power
concealed under the placid exterior.
',My name observed this man in
his musical voice. resuming his seat.
lis Doctor Michael Roversmire ana
l shall be very glad if you will kindly
explain your presence in my house.
What my name is does not mat
ter Adrian said in somewhat
defiant manner but for the rest
was walking along the road
and finding the garden door open,
entered. Coming into this room, /
saw you sitting apparently dead. and
was going away to seek assistance
when you called on me to stop"
"A very fair explanation, said
Roversmire calmly fixing his gaze
steadily on the young man. 'but one
than does not satisfy me-what right
had you TO come into nv garden al
this hour and why you are in such @
, dislevelled state? Gentlemen don,
usually walk about country roads in
evening dress"
Il came from town, replied Adrian
sullenly
That's more like it-but you re
not telling me everything. | could
compel you to do So but at present
prefer you to exercise your frse will.
Il won't tell you a thing"
D Come" said the doctor quietly.
!, 'why set your will against mineP Yol
are sure to be overpowered. / do no
need to summon aid TO enable me e
i retain you here; although apparently
you can escape with the utmost eas,
' through yonder window ye unless
give you leave you will not DO aole Il
do So
: Adrian cast frightful look o
1 anguish at this man who seemed abl'
3 10 unveil The whole OF the events Of
the night. which he was DESTROYS o
concealing and made au effort to ris'
but in vain for his limbs felt para
o lyzed and refused to obey his will. 81
q he remained in his chair waiting TO
Roversmire to speak.
z ''You see said that gentleman will
Q n slight laugh you can do nothing
> contrary TO my will so your best plal
. is to tell me who you are and why yol
Il came here - perhaps / can assis
= you"
impossible"
y That depends replied the docto
e placidly. ii possess powers as yol
can see for yourself which can d,
!. more for you than ordinary assistanc
now there is no time to lose-tel
Q the your name.
3 adrian Lancaster.
x Roversmire's face nu,hed and will
o IN effort he preserved his conposure
=: but it was evident that the young
y mans name conveyed some meaning
e TO him for he muttered to himself:
! Adrian Lancaster-the man sh,
J, loves-this is better than thought
he will he of service TO me. and while
o helping him l may teach her n lessor
g she sorely needs. | must learn all thii
youth has TO tell me-"
He gazed steadily at the young
=, man, and Adrian felt that in another
= moment he would reveal ali he wished
:, TO keep secret when by powerful
}. effort of will he checked The impulse
), No! no." he said thickly. =" won
>, tell you'll dare not-I dare not"
>, You must" replied the DOCTOR II