Only that evening he had heard that his rival, "Mr. John Gibson, the
English Mesmerist," had secured a contract to appear at some syndicate
halls that had hitherto engaged only him.

This man Gibson had been dogging Conti for months past. The barefaced
effrontery of the fellow added fuel to the fire of his rival's anger.
To use an English name for a hypnotic turn upon the English music-hall
stage! He should have known that hypnotism, like the equestrian and
dressmaking arts, is continental, without exception or qualification.
Yet this man, John Gibson, "the English Mesmerist," had dared to enter
into competition with him, Professor Sylvanus Conti. Gibson descended
to tricks, which placed him beyond the pale of science. He had
confederates who, as "gentlemen among the audience," did weird and
marvellous things, all to the glory of "the English Mesmerist."

Still brooding upon a rather ominous future, the Professor wound his
watch--a fine gold hunter that had been presented to him three years
previously by "A few friends and admirers"--and placed it upon the
small table by his bedside, together with his money and other
valuables; then, carefully extinguishing his half-smoked cigarette, he
got into bed. It was late, and he was tired. A sense of injustice was
insufficient to keep him awake for long, and, switching off the
electric light, he was soon asleep.

From a dream in which he had just discomfited his rival, "the English
Mesmerist," by placing under control an elephant, Professor Conti
awakened with a start. He intuitively knew that there was someone in
the room. Lying perfectly still, he listened. Suddenly his blood
froze with horror. A tiny disc of light played round the room and
finally rested upon the small table beside him. A moment later he
heard a faint sound as of two substances coming into contact.
Instinctively he knew it to be caused by his watch-chain tinkling
against his ash-tray.

He broke out into a cold sweat. Moist with fear, he reviewed the
situation. A burglar was in the room, taking his--the
Professor's--presentation watch and chain. The thought of losing
these, his greatest treasures, awakened in his mind the realisation
that he must act, and act speedily. With a slow, deliberate movement
he worked his right hand up to the pillow, beneath which he always kept
a revolver. It seemed an eternity before he felt the comforting touch
of cold metal. He withdrew the weapon with delib