Adrian drew a long breath and looked earnestly at his host, who on his part eyed him in a masterful manner, which seemed to compel him to answer even against his will. He sank back in his chair with a groan, feeling that in this room he was utterly powerless and at the absolute disposal of Dr. Roversmire. "Come," said the latter quietly, "why set your will against mine? you are sure to be overpowered. I do not need to summon aid to enable me to retain you here; although apparently you can escape with the utmost ease through yonder window, yet unless I give you leave you will not be able to do so." Adrian cast a frightful look of anguish at this man who seemed able to unveil the whole of the events of the night, which he was desirous of concealing, and made an effort to rise but in vain, for his limbs felt paralyzed and refused to obey his will, so he remained seated in his chair waiting for Roversmire to speak. "You see," said that gentleman with a slight laugh, "you can do nothing contrary to my will, so your best plan is to tell me who you are and why you came here--perhaps I can help you." "Impossible." "That depends," replied the doctor placidly. "I possess powers, as you can see for yourself, which can do more for you than ordinary assistance--now there is no time to lose--tell me your name." "Adrian Lancaster." Roversmire's face flushed, and with an effort he preserved his composure, but it was evident that the young man's name conveyed some meaning to him for he muttered to himself: "Adrian Lancaster--the man she loves--this is better than I thought--he will be of service to me and while helping him I may teach her a lesson she sorely needs. I must learn all this youth has to tell me." He gazed steadily at the young man, and Adrian felt that in another moment he would reveal all he wished to keep secret, when by a powerful effort of will he checked the impulse. "No! no!" he said thickly. "I won't tell you--I dare not--I dare not." "You must," replied the doctor, in a relentless voice. "Judging from your speech you are in great trouble. I alone can help you, and to do so I must learn all the events which have brought you here--speak!" "No! no! no!" cried Lancaster, with a terrible contortion of his face, "I refuse." It was all in vain, however, setting his feeble will against that of the other, for little by little he felt the influence of the master mind dominate his own until at last all his resolution gave way with a rush, and in a quick, hurried voice, he told his tormentor all the events which had happened since he was playing cards with Philip Trevanna. "Is that all?" said Roversmire, when Lancaster stopped in his recital from utter exhaustion. The young man made a motion with his head to signify it was, and the doctor, seeing that the effort had exhausted him both mentally and physically, made him drink another glass of wine, and then sitting down again in his own chair began to talk in a slow, deliberate manner.