Drawing out the cork with trembling hands, he poured some of the contents into his open palm.

The result was startling enough.

The old man flung up his hands, letting the vial crash into a thousand pieces on the floor.

He staggered forward, shrieking, "Ah, mein Gott--mein Gott!" Then, to the consternation of Jennie, who had already risen in terror from her chair, the scientist plunged forward on his face.

The girl had difficulty in repressing a shriek.