Nevertheless, I repeat my refusal to obey." "By Allah! There must be some deep cause here!" ejaculated the Master, his eyes smoldering.

"I intend to work my will, but I am a man of reason.

You are entitled to a hearing state your objection, sir.

Speak up!" The captain's answer was to raise his right hand and to loosen the cords securing the celluloid mask.

As the Master watched, steadying his nerves against the shock of what he felt must be a nameless horror underneath, Alden tore away the mask and threw it upon the table.
"Here is my reason, sir," said he very quietly, "for not permitting Lombardo, or any other man here, to dress my wound." "Good God!" exclaimed the Master, shaken clean out of his aplomb.