was still running on what
Mrs. Bindle would say when she heard the news. Fate had treated him
scurvily in directing him to a flat where a revolver and handcuffs
seemed to be part of the necessary fittings. He fell to wondering what
punishment novices at burglary generally received.

He was awakened from his reverie and the contemplation of a
particularly hideous wallpaper, by a sharp command to turn round. He
did so, and found himself facing a ludicrous and curiously unheroic
figure. Over his nightshirt Professor Conti had drawn an overcoat with
an astrachan collar and cuffs. Beneath the coat came a broad hem of
white nightshirt, then two rather thin legs, terminating in a pair of
red woollen bedroom slippers.

Bindle grinned appreciatively at the spectacle. He was more at his
ease now that the revolver had been laid aside.

"You're a burglar, and you're caught."

The Professor showed his yellow teeth as he made this pronouncement.
Bindle grinned. "You'll get five years for this," proceeded the
Professor encouragingly.

"I was just wonderin' to meself," responded Bindle imperturbably. "The
luck's wi' you, guv'nor," he added philosophically. "Fancy you 'avin'
'andcuffs as well as a revolver! Sort o' Scotland Yard, this 'ere
little 'ole. 'Spose you get a touch of nerves sometimes, and likes to
be ready. Five years, you said. Three was my figure. P'raps you're
right; it all depends on the ole boy on the bench. Ever done time,
sir?" he queried cheerfully.

Professor Conti was too intent upon an inspiration that had flashed
upon him to listen to his visitor's remarks. Suddenly he saw in this
the hand of Providence, and at that moment Bindle saw upon the chest of
drawers one of the Professor's cards bearing the inscription:

PROFESSOR SYLVANUS CONTI,
_Hypnotist and Mesmerist._

13 AUDREY MANSIONS,
QUEEN'S CLUB,
WEST KENSINGTON,
LONDON, W.

He turned from the contemplation of the card, and found himself being
regarded by his captor with great intentness. The ferret-like eyes of
the Professor gazed into his as if desirous of piercing a hole through
his brain. Bindle experienced a curious dreamy sensation. Remembering
the card he had just seen, he blinked self-consciously, licked his
lips, grinned feebly, and then half closed his eyes.

Professor Conti advanced deliberately, raised his hands slowly, passed
them before the face of his victim, keeping his eyes fixed the w