I laughingly assured him that I would not only come again, but
would be ready to believe whatever he might choose to tell me of
his travels and adventures.

In the days that followed I became well acquainted with Olaf
Jansen, and, little by little, he told me his story, so
marvelous, that its very daring challenges reason and belief.
The old Norseman always expressed himself with so much
earnestness and sincerity that I became enthralled by his strange
narrations.

Then came the messenger's call that night, and within the hour I
was at Olaf Jansen's bungalow.

He was very impatient at the long wait, although after being
summoned I had come immediately to his bedside.

"I must hasten," he exclaimed, while yet he held my hand in
greeting. "I have much to tell you that you know not, and I will
trust no one but you. I fully realize," he went on hurriedly,
"that I shall not survive the night. The time has come to join
my fathers in the great sleep."

I adjusted the pillows to make him more comfortable, and assured
him I was glad to be able to serve him in any way possible, for I
was beginning to realize the seriousness of his condition.

The lateness of the hour, the stillness of the surroundings, the
uncanny feeling of being alone with the dying man, together with