"Then this is a surprise to you?"

"It is."

The stranger entered the room, and in a stern voice he demanded.

"Young man, who are you?"

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Vance did not betray the least trepidation, but said, in a calm voice:

"My friend, I was just about to put that same question to you."

"My question came first, and I demand an answer."

"I don't care what you demand."

"I hold you at my mercy."