The tranquility of my
response was soon disturbed by disquieting dreams, wherein a
creature that had played the part and bore the name of Arsene
Lupin held an important place. He appeared to me with his back
laden with articles of value; he leaped over walls, and plundered
castles. But the outlines of that creature, who was no longer
Arsene Lupin, assumed a more definite form. He came toward me,
growing larger and larger, leaped into the compartment with
incredible agility, and landed squarely on my chest. With a cry of
fright and pain, I awoke. The man, the traveller, our companion,
with his knee on my breast, held me by the throat.
My sight was very indistinct, for my eyes were suffused with
blood. I could see the lady, in a corner of the compartment,
convulsed with fright. I tried even not to resist. Besides, I did
not have the strength. My temples throbbed; I was almost
strangled. One minute more, and I would have breathed my last. The
man must have realized it, for he relaxed his grip, but did not
remove his hand. Then he took a cord, in which he had prepared a
slip-knot, and tied my wrists together. In an instant, I was
bound, gagged, and helpless.
Pages:
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100