The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-04-18


kept this promise once. but you did
not believe me- do not wonder. The
spiritual world il closed book 10 the
majority; a glimpse Is obtained now
and then by some. but chiefly by con-
lecture and speculation only. whereas
actual experimental knowledge Il rare
and not often communicated. | told
you what my privileged experience had
been. and can prove H. incredible as
II may appear 10 you.
While he was speaking q number OF
new arrivals had invaded the cafe,
calling I'm on their way from a neigh
boring theater for drink or cigar.
Their curiosity being aroused by the
words they had partially heard they
drew near 10 listen, and. being i'm
formed OF what had happened. joined
the others In discussing the pros and
cons of this debatable topic, some
laughingly, some seriously. according
20 the view they took OF the subject.
No one seemed 10 take II very serious
ly. however. except n few, who shook
their heads doubtfully. while Others
laughed at them and joked about
spirits Above the Babel-like noise
EXPLANATIONS and snatches OF CONVEX
sation could be heard, such as; i'm
possible!n Who knows? DO youp"
What will you bctgn II am no fool"
II bet hundred francs he can't prove
itr' Strange things happenl' etc.
The gambling element asserting IL
self bets ran high. and IL 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 10
make good his words.
He seemed strangely reluctant. and
sighed and hesitated. but ut last be
made up his mind and said
III comply with your request you
must all submit 10 my conditions. You
must give me your promise that no one
will attempt 10 intrude upon me or dis
turb me in any way. and that | shall
have one witness with me"
This was considered quite reasonable.
and all consented readily.
II need not add that OF course you
will hold yourselves bound In honor 20
keep the conditions faithfully. You.
sir. " he continued, fixing his basilisk
eye on his opponent who WINGED per-
ceptibly. shall be that witness. You
must accompany me into the next room;
the doors shall be left open, and you
will have TO describe aloud whatever
you may see. II the experience turns
out 10 be "A painful one, you have only
yourself 10 thank for il. ~
With these words he rose and walked
toward the corridor leading 10 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 lighted lamp from table.
and followed him into the first room 10
the right leaving the doors wide open.
As they disappeared strange hush
fell over the noisy and excited com
pany. Silence reigned for some time.
until the twelve strokes OF midnight
were heard sounding distantly from q
church clock. Then "A voice arose in
the next room, saying. slowly aud
solemnly:
Maurice Durandl thou who didst
promise that ON the anniversary of our
cruel parting thou wouldst give me the
consolation OF seeing thee again II
called upon thee 10 appear. remember
thy promise! Dear friend. | entreat
thee. come. Maurice! Appear!n
Then came "a pause, amid breathless
silence; but soon the voice was heard
again. saying:
Maurice. remember thy vowl 1
beseech thee, appear"
Another silence. Then another
voice was heard. saying In tremulous
accents:
There Is a faint light in the dark
est part OF the room 1t
takes a shapel Itapproachesl
Il Is Ali =
Away
An unearthly shrek rent the air.
followed by crash and a heavy fall.
and then all was silent once more.
The startled listeners looked at each
other with dismay Some had turned
pale. while others looked Ill at ease,
but all felt uncetain. irresolute what TO
do. Some time elapsed before II was
suggested that they ought 10 disregard
their promise and go In and see what
had happened. so as 10 render assist
ance II IL were needed A move was
made toward toward the room. but Il
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.