The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1917-11-22
CHAPTER uI-(contInued.)

CHAPTER Ui-(Continued.)
-
He could trace the movements, as
Of some invisible body. He saw the
ripples glide forward along the sur
face, strike the glass wall opposite,
and continue at a right angle. turning
again and again as the creature con-
tfnued on its steady course. The SEN
sation was uncanny. Captain Mas
terman's words came back TO Donald /:
I've brought my specimen home" He
was aware of an impulse to bolt. In
stead of which, however. he concen-
tTated ali mis- attention on the tank.
The movements In the water sub
sided. Donald had the impression that
the invisible creature had stopped and
was regarding him. He saw a gentle
swirl as II d body stood upright with
In the tank. Then a sound from the
second tank drew him toward 1t.
It was a musical ringing, exactly
like that produced by drawing the
finger tip around the top Of q bowl OF
water-a long-drawn sound. sweet and
clear. Donald looked into this tank,
which was open at the top and not
connected with the apparatus. But he
could see nothing there. either.
lie turned back to the first tank,
and all at once he perceived two black
specks. close together, halfway be-
tween the top Of the water and the
glass roof. Each was about the Size
M a small currant. Donald went
nearer. He saw them move. Then he
started backward, overcome with hor-
ror.
The black specks were the pupils Of
q pair Of eyes nxed on his and fol-
lowing them
Like all sailors. Donald Paget was
not free from superstition. ANY known
danger he could have faced bravely.
but this unknown thing was terrify-
ing. He felt his knees give under him.
His impulse was to ny. .
He turned, and at that moment
something descended upon his head
and struck him, half conscious, to the
floor.
Dimly. through the gathering mists.
ne made out the form OF a middle
aged bearded man. He saw the red
face. the shrewd gray eyes mat looked
into his. and recognized MaeBeard.
Beside him iay the ssudbag with
which the man had felled him.
Unable to, move. Donald felt Mac
Beard rihing his pockets one by one.
until he came upon the envelope con-
tanning Masterman's communication.
MacBeard drew II forth with a grunt
and stood up under the gas to exam
Inc II.
A brief survey satisfied him that he
had found what he was seeking. He
grunted again and looked down at
Donald. Apparently satisfied with his
work, he turned toward the water
tanks. He must have heard the
splashing Of the monster as 1t e
sumed Its Journeyings. for he started
an instant, and then. - II curious,
he drew nearer to the first Of the
nnks win me sirsnine attachment
! He stood quite still. looking at the
thing In the water. Donald wondered
whether he had discovered 1t, and
whether he had perceived the eyes.
. He knew In a moment, for with q
yell MacBeard started backward. He
stumbled against CIT of the palms
and tent 1t crashing to the floor.
MacBeard, who had fallen with II.
picked himself up and ran in terror.
Donald heard his footsteps ~pettering
along the flags outside. He heard the
slam Of the creaking gate. He knew
that the professor. having obtained
the document. was not likely TO re-
turn. And he could not blame him for
his nervousness, for he had almost
done the same thing himself.
Donald staggered to his feet,
clutched mt the wall to steady himself.
and remained thus. while the swim
ming room gradually grew still. The
Hight from the .gas-Jet fell spon the
water tanks. And. looking at the far
,thcr tank, Donald had q queer illu-
don.
He thought he saw the very misty
Outlines Of the body OF . beautiful
woman, the merest shadowy shape.
(which swan before his eyes and was
lgvne. and reappeared. yelled In q sort
sof prismaflc blend Of coloring.
But before he had time to convince
himself that Il was or was NOT the
result Of HIS injury. to his horror he
perceived very clearly = cloudy form
beginning to take shape within the