his clasp, stood looking on, lost in speechless wonder.
Maximilian was also amazed at this prompt exhibition of the Hebrew's
power, but the Italian physician, who had been intently watching,
whispered in his ear:

"The Jew is a mesmerist; that is all; at least, all that has been
developed so far!"

Meanwhile Dr. Absalom continued to hold his hands above the patient's
head that drooped more and more until it finally sank upon his breast.
For a moment longer the Hebrew maintained his position; then he withdrew
his hands, taking a small vial from the pocket of his coat and uncorking
it; immediately a powerful and subtle odor pervaded the apartment,
causing Valentine, Maximilian and the Italian physician to breathe
painfully, as if stifling.

"What is it?" gasped M. Morrel, catching the Italian by the arm.

"I do not know," answered the latter. "But look at Massetti--his face is
violet, the preliminary hue of death! If the Jew kills the patient
nothing can save him from the fury of the Roman populace!"

The subtle odor increased in intensity and the Viscount's face changed
from violet to an ashen paleness.

"He is dead!" cried the Italian. "Dr. Absalom, you are a murderer!"

The Hebrew waved his hand commandingly and, with a look of the utmost
dignity and sternness, said:

"Be silent and wait!"

He corked the vial, replaced it in his pocket and opened a window. The
fresh air flooded the place and gradually the oppressive odor vanished.

The patient was yet of a ghastly pallor. Dr. Absalom felt his pulse,
counting the beats by his watch. A smile of satisfaction overspread his
intellectual countenance.

"The remedy has done its work!" he said. "Now for the second and vital
application! Whatever may happen," he added, impressively, turning to
the Italian physician, "I charge you on your life not to interfere or
interrupt me!"

Producing another vial, larger than the first, he held it aloft and
shook it, examining its contents with the closest scrutiny. The deeply
interested and somewhat awed observers saw a bright green fluid flash
in the sunlight. Satisfied with his examination, the Hebrew uncorked the
vial; then, opening the patient's mouth, he poured the emerald liquid
gradually down his throat, drop by drop. For some seconds after this no
change in Massetti was perceptible. He still sat sleeping in his chair
with his head bowed, and the ghastly hue of his visage remained
unaltered. Dr. Absalom had again draw