CHAPTER IX.
Mr.Fentolin, surrounded by his satellites, was seated in his chair before the writing-table.

There were present in the room most of the people important to him in his somewhat singular life.

A few feet away, in characteristic attitude, stood Meekins.

Doctor Sarson, with his hands behind him, was looking out of the window.

At the further end of the table stood a confidential telegraph clerk, who was just departing with a little sheaf of messages.