It was like the stare of one demented, and it invaded--possessed the laird.

A physical terror seized him.

He felt his gaze returning that of the man before him, like to like, as from a mirror.

He felt the skin of his head contracting; his hair was about to stand on end! The spell must be broken! He forced himself forward a step to lay his hand on Lord Mergwain, and bring him to himself.

But his lordship uttered a terrible cry, betwixt a scream and a yell, and sank back on the sofa.