d attacked him. Through the sagging door of the old, deserte

ll for me. I was just wondering how I could get this youth in my power, and he fairly walked into my hands! Now to keep him saf

make sure that he was not being followed, but not a sound broke the sti

th a cruel chuckle. "Now to bind him,

erved, the man walked over to a mantlepiece, fumbled about a bit of carving that adorned the centre, and pressed on a certain spot. A moment later

ude bed in the secret room. Then he carried Mark in, and placed him in a fairly comfo

g to eat, for I don't want you to starve. But I must keep in hiding, for, very likely, there'll be a search made for him. Guess I'd better stay here

lace," he said to himself. "It couldn't be bette

eared on the scene, and began his search. At the sound of his voice, calling

and wake up,

, calling from time to time. He gave one loud shout at the head of the s

instant the man was at his side, and had quickly gagged him. This had the further effect of awakening the unfortunate lad; and he struggled to l

t beside Mark in the darkness. "As soon as your chum goes, I'll

e time, to make sure that he would not return, the man removed the knot of rags from Mark's mouth, and slightly

e you, and what have I done to you, that you should treat me this way?

rest me," boas

made me a prison

my own. You'll

before, that I know of, unless you are the man who sent me the no

was the answer,

ne who tried to wreck o

a

for I have thought of a much better scheme fo

u want to be r

e done!" and the man's v

id we do?"

rk was sure he had to deal with a lunatic. He ceased his struggles to loosen

d not kick up a fuss if I get you

have a drink of water

go out and get it, but I must first blindfold you, s

and when the man had tied a handkerchief over

n his face, but it ceased instantly, and he knew that he was alone. He tried to work the bandage from over his eyes,

gain, and once more felt the wind on his face.

ands so you can eat, but mind, no fighting, for I'

his hands. The bandage was taken from his eyes, and he was able to peer

him, but as for recognizing in him the person who had been at the bridge, this was impossible. As far as

He was too weak, and his jailer seemed a powerful fellow

h advice Mark followed, though, his appetite was not of the best, and he was m

little better from the effects of the food and drink. The man h

you here until your friends have le

you want me t

u'll find out soon enough.

in me? Why didn't you capture my chu

I didn't have a chance to get him. You walked right into my trap, just when I was d

" He thought perhaps if he questioned the man closely enough he might di

soon enough,"

e your name?" as

ou would at once know why I have made you a captive here. No; you

a period of silence, "I shall hav

d Mark, in

e bandage from your eyes within five minutes from the time I leave you, I will not have to tie your hands and feet. After I am gone you may take the hand

el ropes, and he felt that in time he could penetrate the mystery of

e," he sa

your honor. You may remove the bandage in five minutes, but when you hear me knock

ief over his eyes. He listened intently, heard the man moving ab

the man had set it, but the fellow himself was gone. He had taken with him the broken dishes, and remains of t

get out of this place,"

n. Consequently he went about his task in a systematic manner. He examined the wall

. "That's how he gets in and out. A section of the wall moves, but w

tigations when there sounded on

lls me where the openi

now I have to put that

able to e

, and presently he heard a noise, felt a draught

ave brought you some more bags for bed clothing. It isn't m

imprison me over n

The secret room is well hidden. But first I have another mat

ing what strange request the ment

something in Mark's ear, as if he w

never aid you to deceive my friends, fo

e," was the determined respons

an had him in his power, yet the lad was terribly afraid of the result of the daring s

know Professor Henderson will pay you any sum in

he glared at Mark, while throughout the dismal, deserted hous