.

Strange Phenomenon of the Dissociation of Matter.
(EXTRACT FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF JOSEPH ROULETABILLE, continued) "I am again at the window-sill," continues Rouletabille, "and once more I raise my head above it.

Through an opening in the curtains, the arrangement of which has not been changed, I am ready to look, anxious to note the position in which I am going to find the murderer,--whether his back will still be turned towards me!--whether he is still seated at the desk writing! But perhaps--perhaps--he is no longer there!--Yet how could he have fled ?--Was I not in possession of his ladder?
I force myself to be cool.

I raise my head yet higher.

I look--he is still there.