National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1873-11-28
the like, over some very refractory sub,


declamatory farrago, he came to tn
front OF the platform and proposed, TO
the more satisfactory demonstration o
his science, to experiment on any on,
or several among his auditors wh'
might solicit proof in their own persons
A middle-aged man of solid aspect ant
boy of sixteen presented themselves
Directing them to be seated in chairs
on the right OF the staging, and OBJ
serving that he would begin with The
elder individual, he took his station
nearly opposite and commenced hi'
craft.
/ commenced too, and in earnest
For about three minutes, during which
l felt my concentrative power-I know
no better name for it-glowing stronger
perceived no outward token of sue
cess but then there was perceptible
yoning down, q manifest smoldering OF
the audacity OF his look. Let me en-.
deavor to describe my own experience
at the time.
1t seemed as if l projected a circle OF
influence extending to an indefinite
distance from the man, and inclosing
him as centre. The circumference,
my effort to integrate, and then with n
steady, tidal pulsation to contract to-
ward and al ound the person | was en-.
deavoring to control. 1t was in my
favor that he, intent ON his own pur-
pose, was unaware of mine. / was sue
ceeding-nearer and nearer came the
inclosing wave-I saw it become family
luminous, while points of lambent,
blueish flame projected from it inward ;
needle of light glided toward his
hand-he rubbed it hastily-the next
moment the faint blue circle, invisible
to all but myself, was contracted to
haZy, luminous, irregular centre. Ny
aim was accomplished his eyelids
quivered, then dropped, and with n
slow, audible respiration, he sat back
in his chair, rigid and white.
l breathed freely then, and became
aware that two persons were intently
watching me one was Wynn, whom |
had taken into nv confidence at the
outset with a glance lie directed my
attention to my other observer, the
young girl on the platform. Her hands
were firmly clasped, her lips slightly
apart, and her dilated eyes, fixed full
upon me, expressed an indescribable
blending Of pleading and terror.
But my work with Leffingwell was
not done the audience had perceived
the change in his countenance, but sup
posed it the result of his own efforts.
Now, however, they began to suspect
some counter-plot. Wynn, well known
to the whole assembly, broke the silence
with few words.
cit happens that an individual pos
sessing higher degree of the power to
which Mr.. Leffingwell lays claim is
paesent this evening, so that the fowler
is apparently caught in his own snare"
Several ordinations of "Good Let
the gentleman come forward" were the
response.
I did not, however, leave my place,
but asked to be allowed to interrogate
Mr.. Leffingwell an immediate and
perfect stiffness succeeded. The replies
were made by Letfingwell with deliber-
ate distinctness.
My first query was, :" Were you, six
years ago, in Concord, New Hamp-
shire ?"
Answer I was"
"Will you allow me to look at your
left hand %
He replied by withdrawing it from
the sling which supported it, unwrap-
ping from it the enveloping handker-
chief, and held it out. The fourth
finger and part of the third were
wanting.
lis Leffingwell the name by which
you were known in Concord p
"It is not"
els the young woman who accom-
panies you relative either of yourself
or of Mrs. Leffingwell?"
"Of neither"
is she voluntarily associated with
you ?"
"No."
"What is her real name?"
"Janet Ware.
"Why is she thus connected with
YOU ?"
"She believes herself to be Mrs. Lef-
ingwell's niece"
She supposes this through the agency
If yourself and Mrs. Leffingwell?
"Throdgh our agency"
At this juncture Janet Ware, since
such was the girls name, who had
word of our colloquy, made an attempt
% rise. Mrs. Le4ngwell arrested her
notion, at the same time addressing to
Ter a whispered remark.
l spoke to the woman then with a de-
,ree of confidence for which / felt full
variant: "Mrs. Leffingwell, let me {
ssure you that it will be for your in $
crest, your own and Mr.. Leffingwell's, |
o remain passive" There was more, t
in my tones than in my '
vords, for the woman covered and de- e
listed. v
The girl spoke with passionate en-
rgy which set fear aside: II am not |
nth them of my own will, God knows a
hey said they had claim to me, that d
hey were my only relatives, and | q
cared it was true. Thank God, it is not r
rue Do not, oh, do not let them take j
ne away with them y t
l am unused to the melting mood, but t
confess the girls words and tones APP C
ealed to ne as no acting ever did. @
indeed, the effect on all present was i
lectric. f
Wynn spoke in low tone with his +
ister, who sat next him, and both arose q
wynn addressed Janet Ware, who gazed t
4 her face searchingly a moment and l
hen clung to her arm. n
resumed my dialogue with Mr.. Lef- {,
ngwell. Il
"Has Miss Ware relatives? and, if t
ny, who are they?" t.
"An uncle, her mothers brother, "
'aul Williams" u
"Where is he now 2" p
"In Boston" s.