e, that he
felt a distinct pain as his thoughts recurred to Lake Massabesic,
which now seemed so diminutive, and which only a few days before had
been an ocean to him. Yet there was still the real ocean which he had
not yet seen, and which would render the Sound as diminutive in
comparison, as the lake. And so, also, we arrogant inhabitants of this
planet may presently come to some other world so much greater, so much
larger, so much more grand, that we will not even deign to turn a
telescope towards the little world which we have left behind. In some
such manner, Leon was leaving his little world behind him, and even
already he was abandoning all thought of it, as his heart welled up
and his soul expanded towards the greater world looming up before him.
In that little town behind him he had lost his name, which indeed had
never been his. But in the great city which he approached, was he not
destined to make a new name for himself? He was young, and in answer
to this mental question his answer was--"Certainly!" All young men see
Fame just there--just ahead of them! They need but to stretch out a
hand, and it is within their grasp. Yet, alas! How few ever clutch it!

Dr. Medjora sat beside Leon for a long time in silence. He noticed the
lad's absorption, and readily comprehended the mental effects
produced. It suited his purpose to remain silent. He wished his
companion to become intoxicated by this new experience, for, in such a
mood of abstraction, he hoped for an opportunity to accomplish a
design which was of great importance to himself. He wished to
hypnotize Leon. Why, I will explain later, but the chief reason at the
present moment was this:

Dr. Medjora had, as you know, observed Leon feeding the chipmunks, and
had said to himself, "He has inherited the power." By this he meant
Leon possessed that temperament which is supposed to render the
individual most capable of controlling others. And let me say at once
that I do not allude to any occult power. There is nothing whatever in
connection with this history, which transcends known and recognized
scientific laws. But, to express myself clearly, I may say that all
persons are susceptible to impressions from suggestion. Those who fall
asleep, because sleep has been suggested, are said to be hypnotic
subjects; while he who can produce sleep by suggestion in the greatest
number of persons, may be said to have "the power" in its most
developed form. But it is a power