The Press., 1891-05-21

spirits. Above the Babel like noise ex- clamations and snatches of conversation could be heard, such as: "Impossiblep' "Who knows? Do you?' s'What will you bet?' Il am no foolv' 'I bet a hundred francs he can't prove itv' Strange things happenr' etc. .......
 The gambling element asserting itself, bets ran high, and it was finally agreed to deposit the stakes in the hands of the incredulous man; and then they called upon the Spiritualist with the weird look in his eyes to make good his words.
 He seemed strangely reluctant, and sighed and hesitated, but at last he made up his mind and said: .. ....s.9 .....s4
 eff I comply with your request you must all submit to my conditions. You must give me your promise that no one will attempt to intrude upon me or dis turb me in any way, and that l shall have one witness with me.
 This was considered quite reasonable. and all consented readily.
 sI need not add that of course you will hold yourselves bound in honor to keep the conditions faithfully. You, sir" :" he continued, fixing his basilisk eye on his opponent, who winced perceptibly, 'sshal be that witness. You must ac- company me into the next room; the doors shall be left open, and you will have to describe aloud whatever you may see. If the experience turns out to be painful one you have only yourself to thank for it.
 With these words he rose and walked toward the corridor leading to the inner part of the house, and beckoned to the other man, who, by this time consider ably subdued, hesitated for minute; but, putting on the best face he could, he took up a lighted lamp from table and followed him into the first room to the right, leaving the doors wide open.
 As they disappeared a strange hush pany. Silence reigned for some time, until the twelve strokes of midnight were heard sounding distantly from 8 church clock. Then voice arose in the next room, saying slowly and solemnly:
 Maurice Durand! thou who didst promise that on the anniversary of our cruel parting thou wou1dst give me the consolation of seeing thee again if l called upon thee to appear, remember thy promise! Dear friend, l entreat thee come, Maurice! Appearr'
 Then came a pause, amid breathless silence; but soon the voice was heard again, saying:
 Maurice, remember thy vowl I be- seech thee, appearv'
 Another silence. Then another voice was heard, saying in tremulous accents:
 "There is faint light in the darkest part of the room. It takes a shape! Itapproaches! It is An! Away!"
 An unearthly shriek rent the air, fol- lowed by crash and heavy fall, and and then all was silent once more.
 The startled listeners looked at each other with dismay. Some had turned pale, while others looked i'll at ease, but all felt uncertain, irresolute what to do Some time elapsed before it was sug- gested that they ought to disregard their promise and go in and see what had happened, so as to render assistance if it were needed. A move was made toward the room, but it was in total darkness. A light was procured, and this was what they found:
 The room was empty, the lamp was upset, the table overturned and the window wide open. The two men had gone-and the stakes with them. From the French.