The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-03

Hylng open ana Win the gust Oh WING
which sent every light object in The
room flying topsy turvy, a mar
entered the apartment with quick cal
like steps.
Pardon me for the unreasonable
hour at which l call, he said, in a
clear, crisp tone; but l suppose doc
tors get used to all sorts of calls,
| Certainly replied, l fear some,
what impatiently, as he had inter,
rupted me at time when l did not
like to be disturbed. What can |
do for you?
Oh, | do not come for professional
assistance he hastened to say,
evidently reading my thoughts. Mine
is strictly business call. Are you
at liberty for few minutes?
Yes i; but as the hour is late and l
am not through with my investi-
cations yet, | trust you will be as
brief as possible,
| had looked the man over care
fully while speaking, and must
confess his appearance made me ieel
uneasy though he seemed in every
way gentleman.
1t will do your mind good to rest
from your work few minutes, said
my visitor; and trust you will be
more interested in what l offer as it
concerns you more directly. Are we
likely to be interrupted here7
Upon assuring him we were
reasonably sure of being undisturbed
he resumed:
1t is necessary we should be. and
with your permission will lock your
door for few minutes.
He must have seen my look OF
surprise, perhaps l might say alarm
for as he turned back to sink into
the nearest chair. he said:
Do not be concerned, for am
neither tool nor a mailman But
that what l wished to say may not
reach no other ears
DR. Bartlow pardon me for not
introducing myself before. My name
is Morris Wayland and l am a pro-
fessor of science.
l bowed, too confused to be sur.
prised that that he should know my
identity so well His next words,
however aroused me from the
lethargy into which his presence
had seemed to plunge me.
DR.. Barlow, how much are you
worth2
Enough to make life comfortable
for myself, l replied. If you have
no more important question than
that, our interview might as well
come to an end at once.
Pardon me, l will come to business
As l told you, am a professor of
science and have made discovery
which is worth millions Of dollars
yes, sir, millions
| need not tell you of the anxious
days and sleepless nights it has cost
me. No matter;I have succeeded
at last! And you are the first man
whom | have approached with my
secret. l did not do that until l was
satisfied you were the safest one l
could find.
As he spoke he opened a small
travelling bag which he carried, and
took out three or four phlals to place
upon the table,
Education based upon scientific
research, he resumed has made a
startling advance within the past
few years. But no man has gone
farther into the unfathomable depths
than myself. see you have basin
of water here: you will pardon me il
l appropriate it to my own use.
l bowed in acquiescence, too much
surprised to speak, as | tried in vain
to understand what sort OF 4 perS ,n
1 had in nv late visitor.
He quickly unsealed one of the
phials and poured its contents into
the basin OF water. Then from an
other he sifted a blush colored
powder upon the surface of the
liquid, which no sooner had ii
touched the other than it began to
hiss foam, and sparkle, until there
came report like a pistol shot
and column of lurid flames lcaped
up to the ceiling
l started back with a cry o.
terror.
Don't be alarmed, he assumed me
with a smile; tie 70ater 70iX soon
bum out.
The fire soon began to grow pale
and to diminish in height, when il
finally died out altogether and | saw
that the basin was empty
How much do you think tina
secret is worth9 asked my visitor
still showing his white teeth between
his parted lips.
Man or devil! l cried what do you
mean?
Sit down and be composed and
will quickly explain ! Then as l sank
into the nearest seat at less what tt
do or say, he continued:
Seeing is believing, SO l have
shown to you what can do tc
impress upon you more deeply th'
power that l possess. You have
| seen that basin Of water burn like 81
much oil, and now you will believ
me when l tell you that hav
unlocked one of natures grea
secrets and that the key hes in thu
small phial.