“Well, I can’t take the picture.”
“Then I will take it myself.”
The man rushed toward the camera, and caught hold of the tube.
“Stop!” cried Bob, in alarm. “You may break something.”
Bob grasped the crazy man by the arm and tried to make him let go his hold on the camera.
“You will only break it,” he went on. “Please come in to-morrow.”
“Now or never! I have promised all my friends a picture of my skeleton, and I do not intend to disappoint them. Where are the plates? The best in the house, mind, regardless of expense. The President has his picture taken at the public expense, ha, ha! That’s a joke.”
Seeing he could do nothing with the crazy fellow, Bob moved toward the door, intending to summon assistance and have him removed.
But now a knowing look came into the lunatic’s eyes. He left the camera, and leaped toward the youth.
“No, I’m not going back, and you can’t make me. They all say I’m crazy, but they are jealous, that’s all. But when the picture is taken it will be all right. Stay here till I press the button, and don’t dare to move, or I will have you banished to utter darkness forever.”