"You'll know soon enough," was the answer, with a cunning laugh, and
then Mark was sure he had to deal with a lunatic. He ceased his
struggles to loosen the bonds, and resolved to meet cunning with
cunning. He would bide his time.

"Will you promise to be quiet, and not kick up a fuss if I get you
something to eat?" asked the man.

"Yes; but I'd rather have a drink of water first. I feel sick."

"Very well, you shall have some water. I'll have to go out and get it,
but I must first blindfold you, so that you will not discover the
secret of this room."

Mark could not help himself, for he was bound, and when the man had
tied a handkerchief over his eyes, Mark heard his captor moving about.

Next there came a sound as of some heavy body, or object, being pushed
across the room. Mark felt a draught of wind on his face, but it ceased
instantly, and he knew that he was alone. He tried to work the bandage
from over his eyes, and he endeavored to loosen his bonds, for he did
not consider that this violated his promise. But it was of no effect.

Presently he heard the moving, shoving sound again, and once more felt
the wind on his face. Then he heard the voice of his captor speaking.

"Here is food and drink. I'm going to untie your hands so you can eat,
but mind, no fighting, for I'm a desperate man, and I won't stand any
nonsense!"