The old gentleman's face lighted up with strange triumph, and he locked the door.
Oliver thought it singular, but suspected no harm.
"Now, my young friend," said the old man, "I will tell you why I brought you here."
"If you please, sir."
"I am a physician, and am in search of a hidden principle of nature, which I am satisfied can only be arrived at by vivisection."
"By what, sir?" exclaimed Oliver, whom the feverish, excited air of the old man began to startle.
"I propose to cut you up," said the old man composedly, selecting an ugly looking instrument, "and watch carefully the——"
"Are you mad, sir?" exclaimed Oliver, aghast. "Do you wish to murder me?"
"You will die in behalf of science," said the old doctor calmly. "Your death, through my observations, will be a blessing to the race. Be good enough to take off your coat."
Oliver was horror-struck. The door was locked, and the old man stood between him and escape. It was evident that he was in the power of a maniac.