darkness."

Graham hesitated, stopped. Suddenly the folly of telling his secret flashed into his mind.

"I didn't mean to offend you -- disbelieving you," said the old man coming near. "It's no manner of harm. Call yourself the Sleeper if it pleases you.

"'Tis a foolish trick"

Graham hesitated, turned abruptly and went on his way.

For a time he heard the old man's hobbling pursuit and his wheezy cries receding. But at last the darkness swallowed him, and Graham saw him no more.