At that time, the newspapers had a good deal to say about sleep-walking, and several good stories were printed about Dr. Jarvis. The doctor was sensitive on the subject, and he had threatened the most dreadful vengeance if he ever found out who had betrayed his secret to the reporters.
These stories came into Nick's mind at once. He decided to witness this strange scene to the end.
There was, however, little more to be observed. The doctor extinguished the lights and ascended the stairs.
He paused a moment beside the mutilated body; put away his knife, drew the cloth over the corpse, and then turned toward his room.
Nick followed, and entered the room close behind the somnambulist. It is sometimes possible to question a person in that condition, and to learn what he would not disclose when awake.
Some such intention was in Nick's mind, but he had no opportunity of executing it. The doctor walked to the window, of which the shade was drawn. Accidentally he touched the cord, and the shade, which worked with a spring, shot up, making a loud noise.
With a peculiar, hoarse cry, the doctor awoke. He exhibited the nervous terror common at such times. He jumped back from the window, and turned toward the bed.
Nick, disguised as Cleary, stood directly before him. It was impossible to avoid discovery. The moonlight flooded the room.
"Cleary!" cried the doctor, "why are you here?"
"I heard you moving about, sir," replied Nick, imitating Cleary's voice which had very little of the ordinary peculiarities of the negro. Indeed, he was an educated man.