SOME HOURS LATER / 281

light which penetrated to the other side of the lagoon
This light was from the laboratory lamp, and came through
the narrow window in the front.

Save at that point, the southern bank was dark, while
on the opposite side the Beehive was partially lighted so
far as the north wall. Through the great vent in the roof
above the dark lagoon some twinkling stars were visible.
The sky was clear, the storm had abated, and the swirling
wind no longer eddied in the cave.

When I came near the laboratory I crept along the rock,
and having raised myself up to the window-pane I could
plainly discern M. Roch.

He was alone. His head, in strong light, was to be
seen in three-quarter view. His features were drawn and
the line in his forehead was deeper than before, but his
face expressed perfect tranquility, and full possession of
his senses. He was no longer the patient of Pavilion 17,
the Healthful House madman, and I wondered was he
really completely cured or whether there was reason to
dread that his mind would again give way under a great
shock.

My fellow-captive had placed two glass tubes on a work-
bench ; he held a third in his hand, and as he raised it up
to the light I noticed the clearness of the liquid it con-
tained.

For a moment I felt a mad desire to rush into the
laboratory, seize the tubes and break them. But-would
he not have time to make more of the liquid ?

It would be better to keep to my first plan.