fening thunder, and the wind blew damp in my
face. I hurried toward Third Avenue, intending to mount one of the horse
cars going down-town, but suddenly a fierce gust of wind swept over me,
sowing great drops of rain along the pavement. I looked about for a cab.
The street was deserted and so dark that I could see nothing except
the gloomy rows of brown stone that stood on either side. While I was
looking backward another flash of lightning illumined the street. What
man was that coming in the distance? Was it Rayel? No, that was scarcely
possible. I had only caught a momentary glimpse of him in the quick
flash. He was tall and erect like Rayel, and I thought the hat was his.
But my imagination must have tricked me after all, for nothing showed
clearly. I walked back a few steps and listened. I could hear no
footsteps, but then he might have followed me, and I ought to be sure.
So I called, "Rayel! Rayel!" twice, and waited for an answer, but
could hear none. I had not time to go back to our rooms, as Hester was
undoubtedly waiting for me now, and Rayel was certainly not the man
I had seen, or he would have answered me. So I hurried along without
giving any further thought to my fears. But where was Third Avenue? Its
character was not then so sharply defined as in these days of elevated
rail-roads--perhaps I had passed it. I had already walked a long
distance, and I had not yet recognized that thoroughfare. I could hear
footsteps behind me and I determined to wait a moment and inquire my
way.

"I am going there--walk along with me," said the man whom I questioned.
Just then we passed under a street lamp. I observed that he wore a large
coat and muffler and that he was walking under an umbrella. Another man,
also under an umbrella, fell in with us at the next corner. As we walked
along in silence I heard some person coming at a run down the street
quite a distance behind us. I was listening to this sound when I
received a terrific blow on the back of the head. I fell forward, one
side of my face striking heavily upon the pavement. Strangely enough, I
seemed unable to make any outcry, but I had not lost consciousness, for,
as I lay with my face resting on the wet stones, I could feel the rain
drops falling on it. I could hear those quick footsteps coming nearer.
Yes, I could hear Rayel's voice shouting in a loud and angry tone, but,
try as I would, I could not utter a sound. As I listened, the two men
clutched me with str