Clark sat in the midst of the circle, looking at him with a sneering smile. “It’s rather an odd story,” said the stranger, “and I only heard it the other day; perhaps you won’t believe it, but it’s true.”
“Oh, never mind the truth of it!” exclaimed Clark—“push along.”
The stranger stepped up to the wall over the fire-place.
“Before I begin I wish to make a few marks, which I will explain in process of time. My story is connected with these.”
He took his charcoal and made upon the wall the following marks:
{Illustration: ^ /|\ {three lines, forming short arrow}
R {sans-serif R}
+ {plus sign} }
He then turned, and stood for a moment in silence.
The effect upon Clark was appalling. His face turned livid, his arms clutched violently at the seat of his chair, his jaw fell, and his eyes were fixed on the marks as though fascinated by them.