He turned slowly into the dark room, while the rest of the students withdrew, taking Miller with them; then a long ten minutes passed.
Meantime, acting according to their former programme, the students in the main room discussed various plans for the punishment of Miller.
The victim of their fearful proceeding squatted on the floor, rocking his body back and forth, moaning and wringing his hands.
At last "Prof." Humperdink appeared in the doorway and started slowly across the room. Miller jumped to his feet, ran to him, and caught him by his robe.
"Tell me," he cried, frantically, "will he recover?"
"Bah! don't touch me!" returned the "professor," giving the cigar dealer a vigorous kick.
Miller fell over on his side, while the "professor" went slowly out of the room.
"Why don't you ask him," said Browning, anxiously turning to Baker, "has he succeeded or failed?"
"He must have failed," responded Baker, sadly, "or he would have said something about it. We'll take the prisoner in there again and decide what to do with him."
By this time Miller was a complete wreck. He could not possibly stand upon his feet, and students picked him up to carry him to the darkened room.