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 here was a paradise for reptiles which attained prodigious size and thronged in numbers incredible.

Old settlers claimed that some sort of connection existed between Shushan and "Old Ninety-Nine's" cave, as, when the mysterious "light" appeared on the mountains, an answering flash rose above Shushan, but no one attempted an explanation.

Locally, this spot was regarded with dread, wiseacres declaring it haunted, and Dr. Herschel's purchase of the same excited much adverse criticism, but he was left in undisputed possession.

Here, for years to come, was Hernando to dwell; and, disfigured beyond recognition by the "Curse of a God of purity," he would find his "Waterloo." The utter futility of human resistance to natural laws had received another scientific verification; but oh, how disproportioned was the punishment to the offense!

Completely wrapped in thought, Eletheer did not see Dr. Herschel who just then