THE SLEEPING SENTINELS A singular day came when it seemed to Robert that the wind alternately blew hot and cold, at least by contrast, and the deep, leaden skies were suffused with a peculiar mist that made him see all objects in a distorted fashion.

Everything was out of proportion.

Some were too large and some too small.

Either the world was awry or his own faculties had become discolored and disjointed.

While his interest in his daily toil decreased and his thoughts were vague and distant, his curiosity, nevertheless, was keen and concentrated.