Think how strange: in a few days--almost a few hours, I shall know all, or--nothing! Yes, the mystery of all the ages will be mine!" There was a thrill of triumph in his feeble voice.

"Think of that, doctor.

I shall know more than the wisest man that lives,--I! I was never a very clever person, never very wise; and yet, here is a knowledge which shall not be too wonderful for me, and to which I can attain." He held up his little thin hand, peering at the light between the transparent fingers.

"To think," he said slowly, with a puzzled smile, "to think that this is going to be still! It has never been any power in the world; I don't know that it has ever done any harm, yet it has certainly never done any good; but soon it will be still.

How strange, how strange! And where shall I be?
Knowing--or perhaps fallen on an eternal sleep.