Behindhimashewashalfwayuptheinnstepsheheardasuddenyellofrage，risingsharplyoutoftheconfusionofcries，andasoundingsmackinsomeone’sface。HerecognisedthevoiceasthatoftheInvisibleMan，andthenotewasthatofamansuddenlyinfuriatedbyapainfulblow。
InanothermomentMr。Cusswasbackintheparlour。"He’scomingback，Bunting！"hesaid，rushingin。"Saveyourself！He’sgonemad！"
Mr。Buntingwasstandinginthewindowengagedinanattempttoclothehimselfinthehearth—rugandaWestSurreyGazette。"Who’scoming？"hesaid，sostartledthathiscostumenarrowlyescapeddisintegration。
"InvisibleMan，"saidCuss，andrushedtothewindow。"We’dbetterclearoutfromhere！He’sfightingmad！Mad！"
Inanothermomenthewasoutintheyard。
"Goodheavens！"saidMr。Bunting，hesitatingbetweentwohorriblealternatives。
Heheardafrightfulstruggleinthepassageoftheinn，andhisdecisionwasmade。Heclamberedoutofthewindow，adjustedhiscostumehastily，andfledupthevillageasfastashisfatlittlelegswouldcarryhim。
FromthemomentwhentheInvisibleManscreamedwithrageandMr。Buntingmadehismemorableflightupthevillage，itbecameimpossibletogiveaconsecutiveaccountofaffairsinIping。PossiblytheInvisibleMan’soriginalintentionwassimplytocoverMarvel’sretreatwiththeclothesandbooks。Buthistemper，atnotimeverygood，seemstohavegonecompletelyatsomechanceblow，andforthwithhesettosmitingandoverthrowing，forthemeresatisfactionofhurting。
Youmustfigurethestreetfullofrunningfigures，ofdoorsslammingandfightsforhiding—places。YoumustfigurethetumultsuddenlystrikingontheunstableequilibriumofoldFletcher’splanksandtwochairs，——withcataclysmalresults。Youmustfigureanappalledcouplecaughtdismallyinaswing。AndthenthewholetumultuousrushhaspassedandtheIpingstreetswithitsgaudsandflagsisdesertedsaveforthestillragingUnseen，andlitteredwithcocoanuts，overthrowncanvasscreens，andthescatteredstockintradeofasweetstuffstall。Everywherethereisasoundofclosingshuttersandshovingbolts，andtheonlyvisiblehumanityisanoccasionalflittingeyeunderaraisedeyebrowinthecornerofawindowpane。
TheInvisibleManamusedhimselfforalittlewhilebybreakingallthewindowsintheCoachandHorses，andthenhethrustastreetlampthroughtheparlourwindowofMrs。Gribble。HeitmusthavebeenwhocutthetelegraphwiretoAdderdeanjustbeyondHiggins’cottageontheAdderdeanroad。Andafterthat，ashispeculiarqualitiesallowed，hepassedoutofhumanperceptionsaltogether，andhewasneitherheard，seen，norfeltinIpinganymore。
Hevanishedabsolutely。
ButitwasthebestpartoftwohoursbeforeanyhumanbeingventuredoutagainintothedesolationofIpingStreet。
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter13Chapter13—Mr。MarvelDiscussesHisResignationWhentheduskwasgatheringandIpingwasjustbeginningtopeeptimorouslyforthagainupontheshatteredwreckageofitsBankHoliday，ashort，thick—setmaninashabbysilkhatwasmarchingpainfullythroughthetwilightbehindthebeechwoodsontheroadtoBramblehurst。Hecarriedthreebooksboundtogetherbysomesortofornamentalelasticligature，andabundlewrappedinabluetablecloth。Hisrubicundfaceexpressedconsternationandfatigue;
heappearedtobeinaspasmodicsortofhurry。HewasaccompaniedbyaVoiceotherthanhisown，andeverandagainhewincedunderthetouchofunseenhands。
"Ifyougivemetheslipagain，"saidtheVoice;"ifyouattempttogivemetheslipagain——"
"Lord！"saidMr。Marvel。"Thatshoulder’samassofbruisesasitis。"
"——onmyhonour，"saidtheVoice，"Iwillkillyou。"
"Ididn’ttrytogiveyoutheslip，"saidMarvel，inavoicethatwasnotfarremotefromtears。"IswearIdidn’t。Ididn’tknowtheblessedturning，thatwasall！HowthedevilwasItoknowtheblessedturning？
Asitis，I’vebeenknockedabout——"
"You’llgetknockedaboutagreatdealmoreifyoudon’tmind，"saidtheVoice，andMr。Marvelabruptlybecamesilent。Heblewouthischeeks，andhiseyeswereeloquentofdespair。
"It’sbadenoughtolettheseflounderingyokelsexplodemylittlesecret，withoutyourcuttingoffwithmybooks。It’sluckyforsomeofthemtheycutandranwhentheydid！HereamI——NooneknewIwasinvisible！AndnowwhatamItodo？"
"WhatamItodo？"askedMarvel，sottovoce。
"It’sallabout。Itwillbeinthepapers！Everybodywillbelookingforme;everyoneontheirguard——"TheVoicebrokeoffintovividcursesandceased。
ThedespairofMr。Marvel’sfacedeepened，andhispaceslacked。
"Goon！"saidtheVoice。
Mr。Marvel’sfaceassumedagreyishtintbetweentheruddierpatches。
"Don’tdropthosebooks，stupid，"saidtheVoice，sharply——overtakinghim。
"Thefactis，"saidtheVoice，"Ishallhavetomakeuseofyou。You’reapoortool，butImust。"
"I’mamiserabletool，"saidMarvel。
"Youare，"saidtheVoice。
"I’mtheworstpossibletoolyoucouldhave，"saidMarvel。
"I’mnotstrong，"hesaidafteradiscouragingsilence。
"I’mnotoverstrong，"herepeated。
"No？"
"Andmyheart’sweak。Thatlittlebusiness——Ipulleditthrough，ofcourse——butblessyou！Icouldhavedropped。"
"Well？"
"Ihaven’tthenerveandstrengthforthesortofthingyouwant。"
"I’llstimulateyou。"
"Iwishyouwouldn’t。Iwouldn’tliketomessupyourplans，youknow。
ButImight，——outofsheerfunkandmisery。"
"You’dbetternot，"saidtheVoice，withquietemphasis。
"IwishIwasdead，"saidMarvel。
"Itain’tjustice，"hesaid;"youmustadmit——ItseemstomeI’veaperfectright——"
"Geton！"saidtheVoice。
Mr。Marvelmendedhispace，andforatimetheywentinsilenceagain。
"It’sdevilishhard，"saidMr。Marvel。
Thiswasquiteineffectual。Hetriedanothertack。
"WhatdoImakebyit？"hebeganagaininatoneofunendurablewrong。
"Oh！shutup！"saidtheVoice，withsuddenamazingvigour。"I’llseetoyouallright。Youdowhatyou’retold。You’lldoitallright。You’reafoolandallthat，butyou’lldo——"
"Itellyou，sir，I’mnotthemanforit。Respectfully——butitisso——"
"Ifyoudon’tshutupIshalltwistyourwristagain，"saidtheInvisibleMan。"Iwanttothink。"
Presentlytwooblongsofyellowlightappearedthroughthetrees，andthesquaretowerofachurchloomedthroughthegloaming。"Ishallkeepmyhandonyourshoulder，"saidtheVoice，"allthroughthevillage。Gostraightthroughandtrynofoolery。Itwillbetheworseforyouifyoudo。"
"Iknowthat，"sighedMr。Marvel，"Iknowallthat。"
Theunhappy—lookingfigureintheobsoletesilkhatpassedupthestreetofthelittlevillagewithhisburdens，andvanishedintothegatheringdarknessbeyondthelightsofthewindows。
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter14Chapter14—AtPortStoweTeno’clockthenextmorningfoundMr。Marvel，unshaven，dirty，andtravel—stained，sittingwiththebooksbesidehimandhishandsdeepinhispockets，lookingveryweary，nervous，anduncomfortable，andinflatinghischeeksatfrequentintervals，onthebenchoutsidealittleinnontheoutskirtsofPortStowe。
Besidehimwerethebooks，butnowtheyweretiedwithstring。ThebundlehadbeenabandonedinthepinewoodsbeyondBramblehurst，inaccordancewithachangeintheplansoftheInvisibleMan。Mr。Marvelsatonthebench，andalthoughnoonetooktheslightestnoticeofhim，hisagitationremainedatfeverheat。Hishandswouldgoeverandagaintohisvariouspocketswithacuriousnervousfumbling。
Whenhehadbeensittingforthebestpartofanhour，however，anelderlymariner，carryinganewspaper，cameoutoftheinnandsatdownbesidehim。"Pleasantday，"saidthemariner。
Mr。Marvelglancedabouthimwithsomethingveryliketerror。"Very，"
hesaid。
"Justseasonableweatherforthetimeofyear，"saidthemariner，takingnodenial。
"Quite，"saidMr。Marvel。
Themarinerproducedatoothpick，and（savinghisregard）wasengrossedtherebyforsomeminutes。HiseyesmeanwhilewereatlibertytoexamineMr。Marvel’sdustyfigureandthebooksbesidehim。AshehadapproachedMr。Marvelhehadheardasoundlikethedroppingofcoinsintoapocket。
HewasstruckbythecontrastofMr。Marvel’sappearancewiththissuggestionofopulence。Thencehismindwanderedbackagaintoatopicthathadtakenacuriouslyfirmholdofhisimagination。
"Books？"hesaidsuddenly，noisilyfinishingwiththetoothpick。
Mr。Marvelstartedandlookedatthem。"Oh，yes，"hesaid。"Yes，they’rebooks。"
"There’ssomeextra—ordinarythingsinbooks，"saidthemariner。
"Ibelieveyou，"saidMr。Marvel。
"Andsomeextra—ordinarythingsoutof’em，"saidthemariner。
"Truelikewise，"saidMr。Marvel。Heeyedhisinterlocutor，andthenglancedabouthim。
"There’ssomeextra—ordinarythingsinnewspapers，forexample，"saidthemariner。
"Thereare。"
"Inthisnewspaper，"saidthemariner。
"Ah！"saidMr。Marvel。
"There’sastory，"saidthemariner，fixingMr。Marvelwithaneyethatwasfirmanddeliberate;"there’sastoryaboutanInvisibleMan，forinstance。"
Mr。Marvelpulledhismouthaskewandscratchedhischeekandfelthisearsglowing。"Whatwilltheybewritingnext？"heaskedfaintly。"Ostria，orAmerica？"
"Neither，"saidthemariner。"Here！"
"Lord！"saidMr。Marvel，starting。
"WhenIsayhere，"saidthemariner，toMr。Marvel’sintenserelief，"Idon’tofcoursemeanhereinthisplace，Imeanhereabouts。"
"AnInvisibleMan！"saidMr。Marvel。"Andwhat’shebeenupto？"
"Everything，"saidthemariner，controllingMarvelwithhiseye，andthenamplifying："EveryBlessedThing。"
"Iain’tseenapaperthesefourdays，"saidMarvel。
"Iping’stheplacehestartedat，"saidthemariner。
"In—deed！"saidMr。Marvel。
"Hestartedthere。Andwherehecamefrom，nobodydon’tseemtoknow。
Hereitis：PeCuliarStoryfromIping。Anditsaysinthispaperthattheevidenceisextra—ordinarystrong——extra—ordinary。"
"Lord！"saidMr。Marvel。
"Butthen，it’saextra—ordinarystory。Thereisaclergymanandamedicalgentwitnesses，——saw’imallrightandproper——orleastways，didn’tsee’im。Hewasstaying，itsays，attheCoachan’Horses，andnoonedon’tseemtohavebeenawareofhismisfortune，itsays，awareofhismisfortune，untilinanAlterationintheinn，itsays，hisbandagesonhisheadwastornoff。Itwasthenob—servedthathisheadwasinvisible。AttemptswereAtOncemadetosecurehim，butcastingoffhisgarments，itsays，hesucceededinescaping，butnotuntilafteradesperatestruggle，InWhichhehadinflictedseriousinjuries，itsays，onourworthyandableconstable，Mr。J。A。Jaffers。Prettystraightstory，eigh？Namesandeverything。"
"Lord！"saidMr。Marvel，lookingnervouslyabouthim，tryingtocountthemoneyinhispocketsbyhisunaidedsenseoftouch，andfullofastrangeandnovelidea。"Itsoundsmostastonishing。"
"Don’tit？Extra—ordinary，Icallit。NeverheardtellofInvisibleMenbefore，Ihaven’t，butnowadaysonehearssuchalotofextra—ordinarythings——that——"
"Thatallhedid？"askedMarvel，tryingtoseemathisease。
"It’senough，ain’tit？"saidthemariner。
"Didn’tgoBackbyanychance？"askedMarvel。"Justescapedandthat’sall，eh？"
"All！"saidthemariner。"Why！——ain’titenough？"
"Quiteenough，"saidMarvel。
"Ishouldthinkitwasenough，"saidthemariner。"Ishouldthinkitwasenough。"
"Hedidn’thaveanypals——itdon’tsayhehadanypals，doesit？"askedMr。Marvel，anxious。
"Ain’toneofasortenoughforyou？"askedthemariner。"No，thankHeaven，asonemightsay，hedidn’t。"
Henoddedhisheadslowly。"Itmakesmeregularuncomfortable，thebarethoughtofthatchaprunningaboutthecountry！HeisatpresentAtLarge，andfromcertainevidenceitissupposedthathehas——taken——took，Isupposetheymean——theroadtoPortStowe。Youseewe’rerightinit！NoneofyourAmericanwonders，thistime。Andjustthinkofthethingshemightdo！
Where’dyoube，ifhetookadropoverandabove，andhadafancytogoforyou？Supposehewantstorob——whocanpreventhim？Hecantrespass，hecanburgle，hecouldwalkthroughacordonofpolicemenaseasyasmeoryoucouldgivethesliptoablindman！Easier！Forthesehereblindchapshearuncommonsharp，I’mtold。Andwherevertherewasliquorhefancied——"
"He’sgotatremenjousadvantage，certainly，"saidMarvel。"And——well。"
"You’reright，"saidthemariner。"Hehas。"
AllthistimeMr。Marvelhadbeenglancingabouthimintently，listeningforfaintfootfalls，tryingtodetectimperceptiblemovements。Heseemedonthepointofsomegreatresolution。Hecoughedbehindhishand。
Helookedabouthimagain，listened，benttowardstothemariner，andloweredhisvoice："Thefactofitis——Ihappen——toknowjustathingortwoaboutthisInvisibleMan。Fromprivatesources。"
"Oh！"saidthemariner，interested。"You？"
"Yes，"saidMr。Marvel。"Me。"
"Indeed！"saidthemariner。"AndmayIask——"
"You’llbeastonished，"saidMr。Marvelbehindhishand。"It’stremenjous。"
"Indeed！"saidthemariner。
"Thefactis，"beganMr。Marveleagerlyinaconfidentialundertone。
Suddenlyhisexpressionchangedmarvellously。"Ow！"hesaid。Herosestifflyinhisseat。Hisfacewaseloquentofphysicalsuffering。"Wow！"hesaid。
"What’sup？"saidthemariner，concerned。
"Toothache，"saidMr。Marvel，andputhishandtohisear。Hecaughtholdofhisbooks。"Imustbegettingon，Ithink，"hesaid。Heedgedinacuriouswayalongtheseatawayfromhisinterlocutor。"ButyouwasjustagoingtotellmeaboutthishereInvisibleMan！"protestedthemariner。
Mr。Marvelseemedtoconsultwithhimself。"Hoax，"saidavoice。"It’sahoax，"saidMr。Marvel。
"Butit’sinthepaper，"saidthemariner。
"Hoaxallthesame，"saidMarvel。"Iknowthechapthatstartedthelie。Thereain’tnoInvisibleManwhatsoever——Blimey。"
"Buthow’boutthispaper？D’youmeantosay——？"
"Notawordofit，"saidMarvel，stoutly。
Themarinerstared，paperinhand。Mr。Marveljerkilyfacedabout。"Waitabit，"saidthemariner，risingandspeakingslowly。"D’youmeantosay——？"
"Ido，"saidMr。Marvel。
"Thenwhydidyouletmegoonandtellyouallthisblarstedstuff，then？Whatd’yermeanbylettingamanmakeafoolofhimselflikethatfor？Eigh？"
Mr。Marvelblewouthischeeks。Themarinerwassuddenlyveryredindeed;
heclenchedhishands。"Ibeentalkingherethistenminutes，"hesaid;
"andyou，youlittlepot—bellied，leathery—facedsonofanoldboot，couldn’thavetheelementarymanners——"
"Don’tyoucomebandyingwordswithme，"saidMr。Marvel。
"Bandyingwords！I’majollygoodmind——"
"Comeup，"saidavoice，andMr。Marvelwassuddenlywhirledaboutandstartedmarchingoffinacuriousspasmodicmanner。"You’dbettermoveon，"saidthemariner。"Who’smovingon？"saidMr。Marvel。Hewasrecedingobliquelywithacurioushurryinggait，withoccasionalviolentjerksforward。
Somewayalongtheroadhebeganamutteredmonologue，protestsandrecriminations。
"Sillydevil！"saidthemariner，legswideapart，elbowsakimbo，watchingtherecedingfigure。"I’llshowyou，yousillyass，——hoaxingme！It’shere——onthepaper！"
Mr。Marvelretortedincoherentlyand，receding，washiddenbyabendintheroad，butthemarinerstillstoodmagnificentinthemidstoftheway，untiltheapproachofabutcher’scartdislodgedhim。ThenheturnedhimselftowardsPortStowe。"Fullofextra—ordinaryasses，"hesaidsoftlytohimself。"Justtotakemedownabit——thatwashissillygame——It’sonthepaper！"
Andtherewasanotherextraordinarythinghewaspresentlytohear，thathadhappenedquiteclosetohim。Andthatwasavisionofa"fistfullofmoney"（noless）travellingwithoutvisibleagency，alongbythewallatthecornerofSt。Michael’sLane。Abrothermarinerhadseenthiswonderfulsightthatverymorning。Hehadsnatchedatthemoneyforthwithandhadbeenknockedheadlong，andwhenhehadgottohisfeetthebutterflymoneyhadvanished。Ourmarinerwasinthemoodtobelieveanything，hedeclared，butthatwasabittoostiff。Afterwards，however，hebegantothinkthingsover。
Thestoryoftheflyingmoneywastrue。Andallaboutthatneighbourhood，evenfromtheaugustLondonandCountryBankingCompany，fromthetillsofshopsandinns——doorsstandingthatsunnyweatherentirelyopen——moneyhadbeenquietlyanddexterouslymakingoffthatdayinhandfulsandrouleaux，floatingquietlyalongbywallsandshadyplaces，dodgingquicklyfromtheapproachingeyesofmen。Andithad，thoughnomanhadtracedit，invariablyendeditsmysteriousflightinthepocketofthatagitatedgentlemanintheobsoletesilkhat，sittingoutsidethelittleinnontheoutskirtsofPortStowe。
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter15Chapter15—TheManWhoWasRunningIntheearlyeveningtimeDoctorKempwassittinginhisstudyinthebelvedereonthehilloverlookingBurdock。Itwasapleasantlittleroom，withthreewindows，north，west，andsouth，andbookshelvescrowdedwithbooksandscientificpublications，andabroadwriting—table，and，underthenorthwindow，amicroscope，glassslips，minuteinstruments，somecultures，andscatteredbottlesofreagents。DoctorKemp’ssolarlampwaslit，albeittheskywasstillbrightwiththesunsetlight，andhisblindswereupbecausetherewasnooffenceofpeeringoutsiderstorequirethempulleddown。DoctorKempwasatallandslenderyoungman，withflaxenhairandamoustachealmostwhite，andtheworkhewasuponwouldearnhim，hehoped，thefellowshipoftheRoyalSociety，sohighlydidhethinkofit。
Andhiseyepresentlywanderingfromhisworkcaughtthesunsetblazingatthebackofthehillthatisoveragainsthisown。Foraminuteperhapshesat，peninmouth，admiringtherichgoldencolourabovethecrest，andthenhisattentionwasattractedbythelittlefigureofaman，inkyblack，runningoverthehill—browtowardshim。Hewasashortishlittleman，andheworeahighhat，andhewasrunningsofastthathislegsverilytwinkled。
"Anotherofthosefools，"saidDoctorKemp。"Likethatasswhoranintomethismorningroundacorner，withhis’’VisibleMana—coming，sir！’
Ican’timaginewhatpossessespeople。Onemightthinkwewereinthethirteenthcentury。"
Hegotup，wenttothewindow，andstaredattheduskyhillsideandthedarklittlefiguretearingdownit。"Heseemsinaconfoundedhurry，"
saidDoctorKemp，"buthedoesn’tseemtobegettingon。Ifhispocketswerefulloflead，hecouldn’trunheavier。
"Spurted，sir，"saidDoctorKemp。
InanothermomentthehigherofthevillasthathadclamberedupthehillfromBurdockhadoccultedtherunningfigure。Hewasvisibleagainforamoment，andagain，andthenagain，threetimesbetweenthethreedetachedhousesthatcamenext，andthentheterracehidhim。
"Asses！"saidDoctorKemp，swingingroundonhisheelandwalkingbacktohiswriting—table。
Butthosewhosawthefugitivenearer，andperceivedtheabjectterroronhisperspiringface，beingthemselvesintheopenroadway，didnotshareinthedoctor’scontempt。Bythemanpounded，andasheranhechinkedlikeawell—filledpursethatistossedtoandfro。Helookedneithertotherightnortheleft，buthisdilatedeyesstaredstraightdownhilltowherethelampswerebeinglit，andthepeoplewerecrowdedinthestreet。
Andhisill—shapedmouthfellapart，andaglairyfoamlayonhislips，andhisbreathcamehoarseandnoisy。Allhepassedstoppedandbeganstaringuptheroadanddown，andinterrogatingoneanotherwithaninklingofdiscomfortforthereasonofhishaste。
Andthenpresently，farupthehill，adogplayingintheroadyelpedandranunderagate，andastheystillwonderedsomething——awind——apad，pad，pad，——asoundlikeapantingbreathing，——rushedby。
Peoplescreamed。Peoplesprangoffthepavement。Itpassedinshouts，itpassedbyinstinctdownthehill。TheywereshoutinginthestreetbeforeMarvelwashalfwaythere。Theywereboltingintohousesandslammingthedoorsbehindthem，withthenews。Hehearditandmadeonelastdesperatespurt。Fearcamestridingby，rushedaheadofhim，andinamomenthadseizedthetown。
"TheInvisibleManiscoming！TheInvisibleMan。"
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter16Chapter16—IntheJollyCricketersTheJollyCricketersisjustatthebottomofthehill，wherethetram—linesbegin。Thebarmanleanthisfatredarmsonthecounterandtalkedofhorseswithananaemiccabman，whileablack—beardedmaningreysnappedupbiscuitandcheese，drankBurton，andconversedinAmericanwithapolicemanoffduty。
"What’stheshoutingabout？"saidtheanaemiccabmangoingoffatatangent，tryingtoseeupthehilloverthedirtyyellowblindinthelowwindowoftheinn。Somebodyranbyoutside。"Fire，perhaps，"saidthebarman。
Footstepsapproached，runningheavily，thedoorwaspushedopenviolently，andMarvel，weepinganddishevelled，hishatgone，theneckofhiscoattornopen，rushedin，madeaconvulsiveturn，andattemptedtoshutthedoor。Itwasheldhalfopenbyastrap。
"Coming！"hebawled，hisvoiceshriekingwithterror。"He’scoming。
The’VisibleMan！Afterme！ForGawd’ssake！Elp！Elp！Elp！"
"Shutthedoors，"saidthepoliceman。"Who’scoming？What’stherow？"
Hewenttothedoor，releasedthestrap，anditslammed。TheAmericanclosedtheotherdoor。
"Lemmegoinside，"saidMarvel，staggeringandweeping，butstillclutchingthebooks。"Lemmegoinside。Lockmein——somewhere。Itellyouhe’safterme。Igivehimtheslip。Hesaidhe’dkillmeandhewill。"
"You’resafe，"saidthemanwiththeblackbeard。"Thedoor’sshut。
What’sitallabout？"
"Lemmegoinside，"saidMarvel，andshriekedaloudasablowsuddenlymadethefasteneddoorshiverandwasfollowedbyahurriedrappingandashoutingoutside。"Hullo，"criedthepoliceman，"who’sthere？"Mr。Marvelbegantomakefranticdivesatpanelsthatlookedlikedoors。"He’llkillme——he’sgotaknifeorsomething。ForGawd’ssake！"
"Hereyouare，"saidthebarman。"Comeinhere。"Andhehelduptheflapofthebar。
Mr。Marvelrushedbehindthebarasthesummonsoutsidewasrepeated。
"Don’topenthedoor，"hescreamed。"Pleasedon’topenthedoor。WhereshallIhide？"
"This，thisInvisibleMan，then？"askedthemanwiththeblackbeard，withonehandbehindhim。"Iguessit’sabouttimewesawhim。"
Thewindowoftheinnwassuddenlysmashedin，andtherewasascreamingandrunningtoandfrointhestreet。Thepolicemanhadbeenstandingonthesetteestaringout，craningtoseewhowasatthedoor。Hegotdownwithraisedeyebrows。"It’sthat，"hesaid。Thebarmanstoodinfrontofthebar—parlourdoorwhichwasnowlockedonMr。Marvel，staredatthesmashedwindowandcameroundtothetwoothermen。
Everythingwassuddenlyquiet。"IwishIhadmytruncheon，"saidthepoliceman，goingirresolutelytothedoor。"Onceweopen，inhecomes。
There’snostoppinghim。"
"Don’tyoubeintoomuchhurryaboutthatdoor，"saidtheanaemiccabman，anxiously。
"Drawthebolts，"saidthemanwiththeblackbeard，"andifhecomes——"
Heshowedarevolverinhishand。
"Thatwon’tdo，"saidthepoliceman;"that’smurder。"
"IknowwhatcountryI’min，"saidthemanwiththebeard。"I’mgoingtoletoffathislegs。Drawthebolts。"
"Notwiththatthinggoingoffbehindme，"saidthebarman，craningovertheblind。
"Verywell，"saidthemanwiththeblackbeard，andstoopingdown，revolverready，drewthemhimself。Barman，cabman，andpolice—manfacedabout。
"Comein，"saidthebeardedmaninanundertone，standingbackandfacingtheunbolteddoorswithhispistolbehindhim。Noonecamein，thedoorremainedclosed。Fiveminutesafterwardswhenasecondcabmanpushedhisheadincautiously，theywerestillwaiting，andananxiousfacepeeredoutofthebar—parlourandsuppliedinformation。"Areallthedoorsofthehouseshut？"askedMarvel。"He’sgoinground——prowlinground。He’sasartfulasthedevil。"
"GoodLord！"saidtheburlybarman。"There’stheback！Justwatchthemdoors！Isay！——"Helookedabouthimhelplessly。Thebar—parlourdoorslammedandtheyheardthekeyturn。"There’stheyarddoorandtheprivatedoor。
Theyarddoor——"
Herushedoutofthebar。
Inaminutehereappearedwithacarving—knifeinhishand。"Theyarddoorwasopen！"hesaid，andhisfatunderlipdropped。
"Hemaybeinthehousenow！"saidthefirstcabman。
"He’snotinthekitchen，"saidthebarman。"There’stwowomenthere，andI’vestabbedeveryinchofitwiththislittlebeefslicer。Andtheydon’tthinkhe’scomein。Theyhaven’tnoticed——"
"Haveyoufastenedit？"askedthefirstcabman。
"I’moutoffrocks，"saidthebarman。
Themanwiththebeardreplacedhisrevolver。Andevenashedidsotheflapofthebarwasshutdownandtheboltclicked，andthenwithatremendousthudthecatchofthedoorsnappedandthebar—parlourdoorburstopen。TheyheardMarvelsqueallikeacaughtleveret，andforthwiththeywereclamberingoverthebartohisrescue。Thebeardedman’srevolvercrackedandthelooking—glassatthebackoftheparlourwasstarredbrightlyandcamesmashingandtinklingdown。
AsthebarmanenteredtheroomhesawMarvel，curiouslycrumpledupandstrugglingagainstthedoorthatledtotheyardandkitchen。Thedoorflewopenwhilethebarmanhesitated，andMarvelwasdraggedintothekitchen。
Therewasascreamandaclatterofpans。Marvel，headdown，andluggingbackobstinately，wasforcedtothekitchendoor，andtheboltsweredrawn。
Thenthepoliceman，whohadbeentryingtopassthebarman，rushedin，followedbyoneofthecabmen，grippedthewristoftheinvisiblehandthatcollaredMarvel，washitinthefaceandwentreelingback。Thedooropened，andMarvelmadeafranticefforttoobtainalodgmentbehindit。
Thenthecabmanclutchedsomething。"Igothim，"saidthecabman。Thebarman’sredhandscameclawingattheunseen。"Hereheis！"saidthebarman。
Mr。Marvel，released，suddenlydroppedtothegroundandmadeanattempttocrawlbehindthelegsofthefightingmen。Thestruggleblunderedroundtheedgeofthedoor。ThevoiceoftheInvisibleManwasheardforthefirsttime，yellingoutsharply，asthepolicemantrodonhisfoot。Thenhecriedoutpassionatelyandhisfistsflewroundlikeflails。Thecabmansuddenlywhoopedanddoubledup，kickedunderthediaphragm。Thedoorintothebar—parlourfromthekitchenslammedandcoveredMr。Marvel’sretreat。
Themeninthekitchenfoundthemselvesclutchingatandstrugglingwithemptyair。
"Where’shegone？"criedthemanwiththebeard。"Out？"
"Thisway，"saidthepoliceman，steppingintotheyardandstopping。
Apieceoftilewhizzedbyhisheadandsmashedamongthecrockeryonthekitchentable。
"I’llshowhim，"shoutedthemanwiththeblackbeard，andsuddenlyasteelbarrelshoneoverthepoliceman’sshoulder，andfivebulletshadfollowedoneanotherintothetwilightwhencethemisslehadcome。Ashefired，themanwiththebeardmovedhishandinahorizontalcurve，sothathisshotsradiatedoutintothenarrowyardlikespokesfromawheel。
Asilencefollowed。"Fivecartridges，"saidthemanwiththeblackbeard。
"That’sthebestofall。Fouracesandthejoker。Getalantern，someone，andcomeandfeelaboutforhisbody。"
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter17Chapter17—DoctorKemp’sVisitorDoctorKemphadcontinuedwritinginhisstudyuntiltheshotsarousedhim。Crack，crack，crack，theycameoneaftertheother。
"Hello！"saidDoctorKemp，puttinghispenintohismouthagainandlistening。"Who’slettingoffrevolversinBurdock？Whataretheassesatnow？"
Hewenttothesouthwindow，threwitup，andleaningoutstareddownonthenetworkofwindows，beadedgas—lampsandshopswithblackintersticesofroofandyardthatmadeupthetownatnight。"Lookslikeacrowddownthehill，"hesaid，"bytheCricketers，"andremainedwatching。Thencehiseyeswanderedoverthetowntofarawaywheretheships’lightsshone，andthepierglowed，alittleilluminatedpavilionlikeagemofyellowlight。Themooninitsfirstquarterhungoverthewesternhill，andthestarswereclearandalmosttropicallybright。
Afterfiveminutes，duringwhichhismindhadtravelledintoaremotespeculationofsocialconditionsofthefuture，andlostitselfatlastoverthetimedimension，DoctorKemprousedhimselfwithasigh，pulleddownthewindowagain，andreturnedtohiswriting—desk。
Itmusthavebeenaboutanhourafterthisthatthefront—doorbellrang。Hehadbeenwritingslacklyandwithintervalsofabstraction，sincetheshots。Hesatlistening。Heheardtheservantanswerthedoor，andwaitedforherfeetonthestaircase，butshedidnotcome。"Wonderwhatthatwas，"saidDoctorKemp。
Hetriedtoresumehiswork，failed，gotup，wentdownstairsfromhisstudytothelanding，rang，andcalledoverthebalustradetothehousemaidassheappearedinthehallbelow。"Wasthataletter？"heasked。
"Onlyarunawayring，sir，"sheanswered。
"I’mrestlessto—night，"hesaidtohimself。Hewentbacktohisstudy，andthistimeattackedhisworkresolutely。Inalittlewhilehewashardatworkagain，andtheonlysoundsintheroomwerethetickingoftheclockandthesubduedshrillnessofhisquill，hurryingintheverycentreofthecircleoflighthislamp—shadethrewonhistable。
Itwastwoo’clockbeforeDoctorKemphadfinishedhisworkforthenight。Herose，yawned，andwentdownstairstobed。Hehadalreadyremovedhiscoatandvest，whenhenoticedthathewasthirsty。Hetookacandleandwentdowntothedining—roominsearchofasiphonandwhisky。
DoctorKemp’sscientificpursuitshadmadehimaveryobservantman，andasherecrossedthehall，henoticedadarkspotonthelinoleumnearthematatthefootofthestairs。Hewentonupstairs，andthenitsuddenlyoccurredtohimtoaskhimselfwhatthespotonthelinoleummightbe。
Apparentlysomesubconsciouselementwasatwork。Atanyrate，heturnedwithhisburden，wentbacktothehall，putdownthesiphonandwhisky，andbendingdown，touchedthespot。Withoutanygreatsurprisehefoundithadthestickinessandcolourofdryingblood。
Hetookuphisburdenagain，andreturnedupstairs，lookingabouthimandtryingtoaccountfortheblood—spot。Onthelandinghesawsomethingandstoppedastonished。Thedoor—handleofhisownroomwasblood—stained。
Helookedathisownhand。Itwasquiteclean，andthenherememberedthatthedoorofhisroomhadbeenopenwhenhecamedownfromhisstudy，andthatconsequentlyhehadnottouchedthehandleatall。Hewentstraightintohisroom，hisfacequitecalm——perhapsatriflemoreresolutethatusual。Hisglance，wanderinginquisitively，fellonthebed。Onthecounterpanewasamessofblood，andthesheethadbeentorn。Hehadnotnoticedthisbeforebecausehehadwalkedstraighttothedressing—table。Onthefurthersidethebed—clothesweredepressedasifsomeonehadbeenrecentlysittingthere。
Thenhehadanoddimpressionthathehadheardaloudvoicesay，"GoodHeavens！——Kemp！"ButDoctorKempwasnobelieverinVoices。
Hestoodstaringatthetumbledsheets。Wasthatreallyavoice？Helookedaboutagain，butnoticednothingfurtherthanthedisorderedandblood—stainedbed。Thenhedistinctlyheardamovementacrosstheroom，nearthewash—handstand。Allmen，howeverhighlyeducated，retainsomesuperstitiousinklings。Thefeelingthatiscalled"eerie"cameuponhim。
Heclosedthedooroftheroom，cameforwardtothedressing—table，andputdownhisburdens。Suddenly，withastart，heperceivedacoiledandblood—stainedbandageoflinenraghanginginmid—air，betweenhimandthewash—handstand。
Hestaredatthisinamazement。Itwasanemptybandage，abandageproperlytiedbutquiteempty。Hewouldhaveadvancedtograspit，butatoucharrestedhim，andavoicespeakingquiteclosetohim。
"Kemp！"saidtheVoice。
"Eigh？"saidKemp，withhismouthopen。
"Keepyournerve，"saidtheVoice。"I’manInvisibleMan。"
Kempmadenoanswerforaspace，simplystaredatthebandage。"InvisibleMan，"hesaid。
"I’manInvisibleMan，"repeatedtheVoice。
ThestoryhehadbeenactivetoridiculeonlythatmorningrushedthroughKemp’sbrain。Hedoesnotappeartohavebeeneitherverymuchfrightenedorverygreatlysurprisedatthemoment。Realisationcamelater。
"Ithoughtitwasallalie，"hesaid。Thethoughtuppermostinhismindwasthereiteratedargumentsofthemorning。"Haveyouabandageon？"
heasked。
"Yes，"saidtheInvisibleMan。
"Oh！"saidKemp，andthenrousedhimself。"Isay！"hesaid。"Butthisisnonsense。It’ssometrick。"Hesteppedforwardsuddenly，andhishand，extendedtowardsthebandage，metinvisiblefingers。
Herecoiledatthetouchandhiscolourchanged。
"Keepsteady，Kemp，forGod’ssake！Iwanthelpbadly。Stop！"
Thehandgrippedhisarm。Hestruckatit。
"Kemp！"criedtheVoice。"Kemp！Keepsteady！"andthegriptightened。
AfranticdesiretofreehimselftookpossessionofKemp。Thehandofthebandagedarmgrippedhisshoulder，andhewassuddenlytrippedandflungbackwardsuponthebed。Heopenedhismouthtoshout，andthecornerofthesheetwasthrustbetweenhisteeth。TheInvisibleManhadhimdowngrimly，buthisarmswerefreeandhestruckandtriedtokicksavagely。
"Listentoreason，willyou？"saidtheInvisibleMan，stickingtohiminspiteofapoundingintheribs。"ByHeaven！you’llmaddenmeinaminute！
"Liestill，youfool！"bawledtheInvisibleManinKemp’sear。
Kempstruggledforanothermomentandthenlaystill。
"IfyoushoutI’llsmashyourface，"saidtheInvisibleMan，relievinghismouth。
"I’manInvisibleMan。It’snofoolishness，andnomagic。IreallyamanInvisibleMan。AndIwantyourhelp。Idon’twanttohurtyou，butifyoubehavelikeafranticrustic，Imust。Don’tyourememberme，Kemp？——Griffin，ofUniversityCollege？"
"Letmegetup，"saidKemp。"I’llstopwhereIam。Andletmesitquietforaminute。"
Hesatupandfelthisneck。
"IamGriffin，ofUniversityCollege，andIhavemademyselfinvisible。
Iamjustanordinaryman——amanyouhaveknown——madeinvisible。"
"Griffin？"saidKemp。
"Griffin，"answeredtheVoice——"ayoungerstudent，almostanalbino，sixfeethigh，andbroad，withapinkandwhitefaceandredeyes——whowonthemedalforchemistry。"
"Iamconfused，"saidKemp。"Mybrainisrioting。WhathasthistodowithGriffin？"
"IamGriffin。"
Kemptthought。"It’shorrible，"hesaid。"Butwhatdevilrymusthappentomakeamaninvisible？"
"It’snodevilry。It’saprocess，saneandintelligibleenough——"
"It’shorrible！"saidKemp。"Howonearth——？"
"It’shorribleenough。ButI’mwoundedaninpain，andtired——GreatGod！Kemp，youareaman。Takeitsteady。Givemesomefoodanddrink，andletmesitdownhere。"
Kempstaredatthebandageasitmovedacrosstheroom，thensawabasketchairdraggedacrossthefloorandcometorestnearthebed。Itcreaked，andtheseatwasdepressedthequarterofaninchorso。Herubbedhiseyesandfelthisneckagain。"Thisbeatsghosts，"hesaid，andlaughedstupidly。
"That’sbetter。ThankHeaven，you’regettingsensible！"
"Orsilly，"saidKemp，andknuckledhiseyes。
"Givemesomewhisky。I’mneardead。"
"Itdidn’tfeelso。Whereareyou？IfIgetupshallIrunintoyou？
There！allright。Whisky？Here。WhereshallIgiveityou？"
ThechaircreakedandKempfelttheglassdrawnawayfromhim。Heletgobyaneffort;hisinstinctwasallagainstit。Itcametorestpoisedtwentyinchesabovethefrontedgeoftheseatofthechair。Hestaredatitininfiniteperplexity。"Thisis——thismustbe——hypnotism。Youmusthavesuggestedyouareinvisible。"
"Nonsense，"saidtheVoice。
"It’sfrantic。"
"Listentome。"
"Idemonstratedconclusivelythismorning，"beganKemp，"thatinvisibility——"
"Nevermindwhatyou’vedemonstrated！——I’mstarving，"saidtheVoice，"andthenightis——chillytoamanwithoutclothes。"
"Food！"saidKemp。
Thetumblerofwhiskytilteditself。"Yes，"saidtheInvisibleMan，rappingitdown。"Haveyougotadressinggown？"
Kempmadesomeexclamationinanundertone。Hewalkedtoawardrobeandproducedarobeofdingyscarlet。"Thisdo？"heasked。Itwastakenfromhim。Ithunglimpforamomentinmid—air，flutteredweirdly，stoodfullanddecorousbuttoningitself，andsatdowninhischair。"Drawers，socks，slipperswouldbeacomfort，"saidtheUnseen，curtly。"Andfood。"
"Anything。ButthisistheinsanestthingIeverwasin，inmylife！"
Heturnedouthisdrawersforthearticles，andthenwentdownstairstoransackhislarder。Hecamebackwithsomecoldcutletsandbread，pulledupalighttable，andplacedthembeforehisguest。"Nevermindknives，"
saidhisvisitor，andacutlethunginmid—air，withasoundofgnawing。
"Invisible！"saidKemp，andsatdownonabedroomchair。
"IalwaysliketogetsomethingaboutmebeforeIeat，"saidtheInvisibleMan，withafullmouth，eatinggreedily。"Queerfancy！"
"Isupposethatwristisallright，"saidKemp。
"Trustme，"saidtheInvisibleMan。
"Ofallthestrangeandwonderful——"
"Exactly。Butit’soddIshouldblunderintoyourhousetogetmybandaging。
Myfirststrokeofluck。AnyhowImeanttosleepinthishouseto—night。
Youmuststandthat！It’safilthynuisance，mybloodshowing，isn’tit？
Quiteaclotoverthere。Getsvisibleasitcoagulates，Isee。I’vebeeninthehousethreehours。"
"Buthow’sitdone？"beganKemp，inatoneofexasperation。"Confoundit！Thewholebusiness——it’sunreasonablefrombeginningtoend。"
"Quitereasonable，"saidtheInvisibleMan。"Perfectlyreasonable。"
Hereachedoverandsecuredthewhiskybottle。Kempstaredatthedevouringdressing—gown。Arayofcandle—lightpenetratingatornpatchintherightshoulder，madeatriangleoflightundertheleftribs。"Whatweretheshots？"heasked。"Howdidtheshootingbegin？"
"Therewasafoolofaman——asortofconfederateofmine——cursehim！——whotriedtostealmymoney。Hasdoneso。"
"Isheinvisibletoo？"
"No。"
"Well？"
"Can’tIhavesomemoretoeatbeforeItellyouallthat？I’mhungry——inpain。Andyouwantmetotellstories！"
Kempgotup。"Youdidn’tdoanyshooting？"heasked。
"Notme，"saidhisvisitor。"SomefoolI’dneverseenfiredatrandom。
Alotofthemgotscared。Theyallgotscaredatme。Cursethem！——Isay——I
wantmoretoeatthanthis，Kemp。"
"I’llseewhatthereismoretoeatdownstairs，"saidKemp。"Notmuch，I’mafraid。"
Afterhehaddoneeating，andhemadeaheavymeal，theInvisibleMandemandedacigar。HebittheendsavagelybeforeKempcouldfindaknife，andcursedwhentheouterleafloosened。Itwasstrangetoseehimsmoking;
hismouthandthroat，pharynxandnares，becamevisibleasasortofwhirlingsmokecast。
"Thisblessedgiftofsmoking！"hesaid，andpuffedvigorously。"I’mluckytohavefallenuponyou，Kemp。Youmusthelpme。Fancytumblingonyoujustnow！I’minadevilishscrape。I’vebeenmad，Ithink。ThethingsIhavebeenthrough！Butwewilldothingsyet。Letmetellyou——"
Hehelpedhimselftomorewhiskyandsoda。Kempgotup，lookedabouthim，andfetchedhimselfaglassfromhisspareroom。"It’swild——butI
supposeImaydrink。"
"Youhaven’tchangedmuch，Kemp，thesedozenyears。Youfairmendon’t。
Coolandmethodical——afterthefirstcollapse。Imusttellyou。Wewillworktogether！"
"Buthowwasitalldone？"saidKemp，"andhowdidyougetlikethis？"
"ForGod’ssake，letmesmokeinpeaceforalittlewhile！AndthenIwillbegintotellyou。"
Butthestorywasnottoldthatnight。TheInvisibleMan’swristwasgrowingpainful，hewasfeverish，exhausted，andhismindcameroundtobrooduponhischasedownthehillandthestruggleabouttheinn。HespokeinfragmentsofMarvel，hesmokedfaster，hisvoicegrewangry。Kemptriedtogatherwhathecould。
"Hewasafraidofme，Icouldseehewasafraidofme，"saidtheInvisibleManmanytimesover。"Hemeanttogivemetheslip——hewasalwayscastingabout！WhatafoolIwas！
"Thecur！
"Ishouldhavekilledhim——"
"Wheredidyougetthemoney？"askedKemp，abruptly。
TheInvisibleManwassilentforaspace。"Ican’ttellyouto—night，"
hesaid。
Hegroanedsuddenlyandleantforward，supportinghisinvisibleheadoninvisiblehands。"Kemp，"hesaid，"I’vehadnosleepfornearthreedays——exceptacoupleofdozesofanhourorso。Imustsleepsoon。"
"Well，havemyroom——havethisroom。"
"ButhowcanIsleep？IfIsleep——hewillgetaway。Ugh！Whatdoesitmatter？"
"What’stheshot—wound？"askedKemp，abruptly。
"Nothing——scratchandblood。Oh，God！HowIwantsleep！"
"Whynot？"
TheInvisibleManappearedtoberegardingKemp。"BecauseI’veaparticularobjectiontobeingcaughtbymyfellow—men，"hesaidslowly。
Kempstarted。
"FoolthatIam！"saidtheInvisibleMan，strikingthetablesmartly。
"I’veputtheideaintoyourhead。"
TheInvisibleMan—Chapter18Chapter18—TheInvisibleManSleepsExhaustedandwoundedastheInvisibleManwas，herefusedtoacceptKemp’swordthathisfreedomshouldberespected。Heexaminedthetwowindowsofthebedroom，drewuptheblinds，andopenedthesashestoconfirmKemp’sstatementthataretreatbythemwouldbepossible。Outsidethenightwasveryquietandstill，andthenewmoonwassettingoverthedown。Thenheexaminedthekeysofthebedroomandthetwodressing—roomdoors，tosatisfyhimselfthatthesealsocouldbemadeanassuranceoffreedom。
Finallyheexpressedhimselfsatisfied。Hestoodonthehearth—rugandKempheardthesoundofayawn。
"I’msorry，"saidtheInvisibleMan，"ifIcannottellyouallthatIhavedoneto—night。ButIamwornout。It’sgrotesque，nodoubt。It’shorrible！Butbelieveme，Kemp，itisquiteapossiblething。Ihavemadeadiscovery。Imeanttokeepittomyself。Ican’t。Imusthaveapartner。
Andyou——Wecandosuchthings——Butto—morrow。Now，Kemp，IfeelasthoughImustsleeporperish。"
Kempstoodinthemiddleoftheroomstaringattheheadlessgarment。
"IsupposeImustleaveyou，"hesaid。"It’s——incredible。Threethingshappeninglikethis，overturningallmypreconceptions，wouldmakemeinsane。
Butit’sreal！IsthereanythingmorethatIcangetyou？"
"Onlybidmegood—night，"saidGriffin。
"Good—night，"saidKemp，andshookaninvisiblehand。Hewalkedsidewaystothedoor。Suddenlythedressing—gownwalkedquicklytowardshim。"Understandme！"saidthedressing—gown。"Noattemptstohamperme，orcaptureme！
Or——"
Kemp’sfacechangedalittle。"IthoughtIgaveyoumyword，"hesaid。
Kempclosedthedoorsoftlybehindhim，andthekeywasturneduponhimforthwith。Then，ashestoodwithanexpressionofpassiveamazementonhisface，therapidfeetcametothedoorofthedressing—roomandthattoowaslocked。Kempslappedhisbrowwithhishand。"AmIdreaming？Hastheworldgonemad——orhaveI？"
Helaughed，andputhishandtothelockeddoor。"Barredoutofmyownbedroom，byaflagrantabsurdity！"hesaid。
Hewalkedtotheheadofthestaircase，turned，andstaredatthelockeddoors。"It’sfact，"hesaid。Heputhisfingerstohisslightlybruisedneck。"Undeniablefact！
"But——"
Heshookhisheadhopelessly，turned，andwentdownstairs。
Helitthedining—roomlamp，gotoutacigar，andbeganpacingtheroom，ejaculating。Nowandthenhewouldarguewithhimself。
"Invisible！"hesaid。
"Istheresuchathingasaninvisibleanimal？Inthesea，yes。Thousands！
millions！Allthelarvae，allthelittlenaupliiandtornarias，allthemicroscopicthings，thejelly—fish。Intheseatherearemorethingsinvisiblethanvisible！Ineverthoughtofthatbefore。Andinthepondstoo！Allthoselittlepond—lifethings——specksofcolourlesstranslucentjelly！
Butinair？No！
"Itcan’tbe。
"Butafterall——whynot？
"Ifamanwasmadeofglasshewouldstillbevisible。"
Hismeditationbecameprofound。Thebulkofthreecigarshadpassedintotheinvisibleordiffusedasawhiteashoverthecarpetbeforehespokeagain。Thenitwasmerelyanexclamation。Heturnedaside，walkedoutoftheroom，andwentintohislittleconsulting—roomandlitthegasthere。Itwasalittleroom，becauseDr。Kempdidnotlivebypractice，andinitweretheday’snewspapers。Themorning’spaperlaycarelesslyopenedandthrownaside。Hecaughtitup，turneditover，andreadtheaccountofa"StrangeStoryfromIping"thattheMarineratPortStowehadspeltoversopainfullytoMr。Marvel。Kempreaditswiftly。
"Wrappedup！"saidKemp。"Disguised！Hidingit！’Nooneseemstohavebeenawareofhismisfortune。’Whatthedevilishisgame？"
Hedroppedthepaper，andhiseyewentseeking。"Ah！"hesaid，andcaughtuptheSt。James’Gazette，lyingfoldedupasitarrived。"Nowweshallgetatthetruth，"saidDr。Kemp。Herentthepaperopen;acoupleofcolumnsconfrontedhim。"AnEntireVillageinSussexgoesMad"wastheheading。