"What do you say, Mr. Sarby?" asked Etwald, turning to the lawyer.
"I am a skeptic, also," said David, with a laugh. "And you?"
"I am a believer."
Here Etwald rose and crossed over to where Maurice was sitting. The young man, guessing his errand, held out his left hand with a smile. Etwald scrutinized it closely, and returned to his seat.
"Life in death!" he said calmly. "Read that riddle, Mr. Alymer. Life in death."
[CHAPTER II.]
THE ASHANTEE DEVIL-STICK.
"Life in death!" repeated Maurice, in puzzled tones. "And what do you mean by that mystical jargon, doctor?"
"Ah, my friend, there comes in the riddle."
"Paralysis?" suggested David, in a jesting manner, but with some seriousness.