he would deceive any one. Wait a minute my men.

SHAW. If you don't need me I'll bid you good day; I can't stay any longer.

DOCTOR. Oh no, we can't let you go, in common humanity, till we have
communicated with your friends.

Professor Shaw, in the utmost alarm, attempted to plunge out of the room.
He was laid violent hands on by all three; his indignation boiled over; he
struggled most desperately, knocked down the doctor, and attempted to jump
out of the window, but in the end was overcome, a straight-jacket put on
him, the stones were taken out of his pocket, he was conducted to a
separate apartment, and as the shades of night fell around him, he almost
doubted himself whether he was in his sound mind. His wits seemed to be
indeed scattered. In vain he tried to collect them, and to realize his
present position, which was the most false and unfortunate one in which he
had ever been placed. He charged the Devil with conspiracy. He had already
sneered at the suggestion of having friends; how should he be the victim
and laughter of his enemies! He imagined them holding their gaunt sides
and shaking with a spectre-like malignity. Then he thought of the fair
girl whom he had seen in the garden shedding tears on roses, and strove to
weave a chaplet of verse which should be more unfading than flowers. What
a strange destiny was his! The victim of untoward accidents, persecuted by
some evil spirit, and leading an aimless, desultory life, which he yet
feared would lead on to lunacy. What should he do in the present instance?
Be patient? Yes, he would be calm, forgiving, philosophical as ever.
Footsteps are approaching; the door of his cell opens; perhaps it is
already the token of his release. Yes, one of his own townsmen enters.
Alas! he owed the professor a grudge, and assured the doctor that he was
cracked, and begged him to hold on to him by all means; he would go and
inform his friends. 'Ha! ha! ha!' exclaimed Shaw, as the door closed;
'there it is again; in luck as usual; ha! ha! ha!--ha! ha! ha!'

As it grew dark, and he lay on his pallet, a crowd of thoughts and
imaginations pursued him through a long sleep, and when he opened his eyes
to the morning light, he gazed around the strange place with astonishment,
and tried in vain to persuade himself that his present position was not a
dream.

In three days he was released from limbo; retracing his steps, with all
the bugs and specimens which he had collected. And, fo