"You see," said that gentleman with a slight laugh, "you can do nothing contrary to my will, so your best plan is to tell me who you are and why you came here—perhaps I can help you."
"Impossible."
"That depends," replied the doctor placidly. "I possess powers, as you can see for yourself, which can do more for you than ordinary assistance—now there is no time to lose—tell me your name."
"Adrian Lancaster."
Roversmire's face flushed, and with an effort he preserved his composure, but it was evident that the young man's name conveyed some meaning to him for he muttered to himself:
"Adrian Lancaster—the man she loves—this is better than I thought—he will be of service to me and while helping him I may teach her a lesson she sorely needs. I must learn all this youth has to tell me."
He gazed steadily at the young man, and Adrian felt that in another moment he would reveal all he wished to keep secret, when by a powerful effort of will he checked the impulse.
"No! no!" he said thickly. "I won't tell you—I dare not—I dare not."
"You must," replied the doctor, in a relentless voice. "Judging from your speech you are in great trouble. I alone can help you, and to do so I must learn all the events which have brought you here—speak!"
"No! no! no!" cried Lancaster, with a terrible contortion of his face, "I refuse."