Pagina 420 de 490

Callous, concentrated on evil, with stained mind, and soul hungry

for rebellion, Dorian Gray hastened on, quickening his step as he

went, but as he darted aside into a dim archway, that had served

him often as a short cut to the ill-famed place where he was

going, he felt himself suddenly seized from behind, and before he

had time to defend himself, he was thrust back against the wall,

with a brutal hand round his throat.

He struggled madly for life, and by a terrible effort wrenched

the tightening fingers away. In a second he heard the click of a

revolver, and saw the gleam of a polished barrel, pointing

straight at his head, and the dusky form of a short, thick-set

man facing him.

"What do you want?" he gasped.

"Keep quiet," said the man. "If you stir, I shoot you."

"You are mad. What have I done to you?"