"Why, here is a broken vial on the table beside the glass. I wonder how it came there!" "I do not know; but it really does not matter, dear. There, now, shut your eyes, and try to sleep," advised his wife, knowing the importance of sound, healthful sleep to the convalescent. But to her dismay he arose and turned the key in the lock, saying as he lay down again: "I'll try to sleep now; but I'll make sure first of not being disturbed again." CHAPTER XXIV. A STRAND OF RUDDY HAIR. At early daylight the next morning a servant tapped at Edmund Clarke's door with a message from Doctor Jay. He found himself quite ill this morning, and must go home at once. Would Mr. Clarke grant him a few parting words? Mr. Clarke was up and dressed. He had just said good-by to his wife and Roma, who had taken an early train to Boston. He went at once to Doctor Jay's room, finding him seated by the window, looking ill and aged from a bad night. "Good morning, my dear old friend. You look ill, and I fear you have not rested well." "No; my night was troubled by ghastly dreams. I could scarcely wait till morning to bid you good-by." "I am very sorry for this, for I had counted on a pleasant day with you. My wife and Roma are gone to Boston for the day, leaving their regrets for you, and kindly wishes to find you here on their return." The doctor started with surprise, exclaiming: "It must have been an unexpected trip." Edmund Clarke then explained about Roma's midnight sufferings from toothache, necessitating a visit to her dentist. "My wife would not have left me, but she felt sure I should not be lonely, having you for company," he added regretfully. "My dear friend, I should like to remain with you, and, rather than disappoint you, I will wait until the late afternoon train; but--all my friendship for you could not tempt me to spend another night at Cliffdene!" "You amaze me, doctor! This is very strange! Why do you look so pale and strange? Why did you spend so uncomfortable a night, when I tried to surround you with every comfort?" "You did, my dear friend, and every luxury besides--even a key to my door, which I forgot to use," returned Doctor Jay, so significantly that Edmund Clarke reddened, exclaiming: "It is not possible you have been robbed! I believe that all my servants are honest!" He thought that the old physician must be losing his senses when he answered, with terrible gravity: "Nevertheless, I was nearly robbed of my life last night!" "Great heavens!" Doctor Jay's brow was beaded with damp as he loosened his cravat and collar, and pointed to his bared neck. Edmund Clarke leaned forward, and saw on the old man's throat some dark purple discolorations, like finger prints. "Have you in your household any persons subject to vicious aberrations of mind?" demanded Doctor Jay. "No one!" answered his startled host, and he was astounded when his guest replied: