It seemed that some astral sluice-gate was raised; a dreadful sense
of foreboding for the first time flooded my mind. Whilst the girl
had stood before me it had been different--the mysterious charm of
her personality had swamped all else. But now, the messenger gone,
it was the purport of her message which assumed supreme significance.

Written in odd, square handwriting upon the pale amethyst paper,
this was the message--

Prevail upon Professor Deeping to place what he has in the brown
case in the porch of his house to-night. If he fails to do so,
no power on earth can save him from the Scimitar of Hassan.

A FRIEND.




CHAPTER III

"HASSAN OF ALEPPO"

Professor Deeping's number was in the telephone directory,
therefore, on returning to my room, where there still lingered the
faint perfume of my late visitor's presence, I asked for his number.
He proved to be at home.

"Strange you should ring me up, Cavanagh," he said; "for I was
about to ring you up."