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Barr, Robert, 1850-1912

"A Rock in the Baltic"

Petersburg. You'll pay attention to me
next time I warn you."
There was no reply, and Jack became alarmed at the continued
stillness, then he heard his friend mutter:
"I'll be seeing visions by and by. I thought my brain was stronger
than it is-- could have sworn that was Jack's voice."
Jack got speedily and quietly down, turned on the switch, and hopped
up on the table again, peering through. He knew that the stream had
now become a river of fire, and that it was sending to the ceiling an
unholy, unearthly glow.
"Oh, damn it all!" groaned Drummond, at which Jack roared with
laughter.
"Alan," he shouted, "fish out that electric bulb from the creek and
hold it aloft; then you'll see where you are. I'm in the next cell;
Jack Lamont, Electrician and Coppersmith: all orders promptly attended
to: best of references, and prices satisfactory."
"Jack, is that really you, or have I gone demented?"
"Oh, you always were demented, Alan, but it is I, right enough. Pick
up the light and tell me what kind of a cell you've got."
"Horrible!" cried Drummond, surveying his situation. "Walls apparently
of solid rock, and this uncanny stream running across the floor."
"How are you furnished? Shelf of rock, stone bench?"
"No, there's a table, cot bed, and a wooden chair."
"Why, my dear man, what are you growling about? They have given you
one of the best rooms in the hotel. You're in the Star Chamber.


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