"This in the bottle is a deadly poison, you have escaped by a miracle."
The pistol-shot had aroused the whole house, and every one came rushing into the room.
In a hurried manner the doctor explained what had happened, and having cleared the room, gave Jack a composing draught.
Alfred Van Hoosen was much chagrined that such a dastardly crime should have been attempted in his house, and notified the police.
No arrest was made, however, for every effort to find the Italian was unsuccessful.
Time passed on, and in ten days, Jack was quite well, though still a little weak.
His friends came to see him every day, and he determined to return to his hotel.
Having announced his intention to Alfred, he thanked him very warmly for his kindness. All traces of animosity had faded away, and he was in reality a friend of the family.
Lena smiled upon him, and was sincerely rejoiced at his recovery, which at first, with a woman's nervous anxiety, she had despaired of.
As he was going away, Alfred drew him on one side.