The doctor
sought the secret of life--and found it. He was trapped by his own
wisdom!"
VIII
THE NERVINA
For a moment we were silent. The jewel reposed upon the table.
What was the secret of its phenomena? I could think of nothing in
science that would explain it. How had Watson come into its
possession? What was the tale he had to tell? The lean, long
finger that clutched for brandy! What force was this that had
driven him to such a verge? He was resigned; though he was defiant
he had already conceded his surrender. Dr. Hansen spoke.
"Watson," he asked, "what do you know about the Blind Spot?"
"Nothing."
We all turned to Chick. Hobart ordered more brandy. The doctor's
eyes went to slits. I could not but wonder.
"Chick," I asked, "who is Rhamda Avec?"
Watson turned.
"You saw him a few minutes ago? You saw him with me? Let me ask
you."
"Yes," I answered, "I saw him. Most people did. Is he invisible?
Is he really the phantom they say?"
Somehow the mention of the name made him nervous; he looked
cautiously about the room.
"That I don't know, Harry. It--If I can only get my wits together.
Is he a phantom? Yes, I think so. I can't understand him. At
least, he has the powers we attribute to an apparition. He is
strange and unaccountable. Sometimes you see him, sometimes you
don't. The first known of him was on the day Professor Holcomb was
to deliver his lecture on the Blind Spot.
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