Then he saw another man bending over the bed, on which lay Zolverein, the great magician. One glance satisfied Frank that the man of magic was face to face with the mighty mystery which no human being has ever solved and lived.
Zolverein's face was ghastly gray, while his eyes were wide open and staring at the ceiling. It almost seemed that already he had solved the mystery.
But Merriwell's voice reached the man's ears, and, with a great effort, he turned his head slightly, looking toward the door.
"Yes, you are in time," he said, and his voice was hollow and faint with a ghostly sound. "In time to see the end."
"He's dying!"
Merry did not utter the words aloud. Quickly, with light steps, he approached the bed.
"Young man," said that weary voice, "bend down—sit beside me."
Merry took the chair at the bedside, the doctor stepping back, but remaining near and watching the sinking man intently.
The pallor on Zolverein's face became even more marked, as if his few words had cost him too great an effort. His eyes left Merriwell and found the doctor.
"Brandy!" he whispered, pleadingly. "Something to give me a few minutes more of life!"