The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-12-11
The MAN WHO VANISHED,
BY FERGUS HUME.
CHAPTER II-CoNT1NUED.


Suddenly he broke off mis- speech
with a low cry, for the figure in the
chair, that of an old man wrapped in
a comfortable dressing gown, did not
stir, 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 a
full rich voice. with a reassuring
smile. Il am not dead. although you
thought was. Sit down for a few
moments n tell me who you are.
and what you want here"
Adrian was too astonished at this
reception to 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 fill on
the floor. The unknown was a tall,
massive looking man. with boldly cut
features and a head of gray hair
worn rather long. He also had "a.
heavy gray beard which swept his
chest and his hands were long and
slender with sinewy fingers; but what
attracted Adrian's attention most were
his eyes dark brilliant eyes which
had a look OF power in their depths,
and seemed TO dominate everything
with their piercing gaze. Tho ex-
preston Of his features was calm. a
terrible calm. such as is seer on the
faces 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,
INV Tho NV, q ~ - i, l~o ~ ~.-l
ter" Adrian said in a somewhat
defiant manner but for the rest
l was walking along the road
and finding the garden door open, I
entered. Coming into this room, I
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
that does not satisfy me-what right
had you to come into my garden al
this hour. and why you are in such a
%dislevelled state?: Gentlemen don't
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. I could
compel you to do so. but at present
prefer you to exercise your free will"
Il won't tell you a thing" a.,
Come" said the doctor quietly.
''why set your will against mine? You
are sure to be overpowered. do not
need to ummon aid to enable me to
retain you here; although apparently
you can escape with the utmost ease
through yonder window, yet unless 1
give you leave you will not be able to
do So"
Adrian cast a frightful look of
anguish at this man who seemed able
To 1nrail Tho rhala- az tha arA