The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-12-25
The MAN WHO VANISHED,
BY FERGUS HUME.
IV-CoNrINUED.

ASaAA NOIAo L4Ol =.
over in my desk is a small box of gems
which are worth a great deal; what.
over income you may possess now, ]
don't think you'll suffer by the change
into my body"
But are you not sorry to give up
all this wealth."
DR.. Roversmire laughed in an
amused manner as if Adrian had
asked a childish question, which.
indeed, he had, from the doctors
point of view.
Sorry, The echoed, sorry to ok.
change this weary body for an astral
one-sorry to give up the gross
pleasures Of earth for the pure
delights of the spiritual world? No.
am not sorry; the change to me will
be like that of a beggar man passing
suddenly from abject poverty to
kingly afluence."
but reflect. said AG.ian earnestly,
IF accept your offer, think of what
| AMI have committed a crime.
According to my own showing I am
not a good man; my soul in Jour body
may commit many foolish actions, and
yet you will be held guilty by Them
MY body VIII, lot my soul, - said
Roversmire coolly. .'Whatever O
do in my body will have to be ex-
plated by your own soul since it is
your free will that acts and not
mlne-as to my personality, which
you seem afraid of harming, it does
not matter to me in the least-I have
40 relations on whom your actions in
my body would bring disgrace; you
can do what you like with my she'll
am only concerned about my SOUL"
"But how about your past life:%'
Il have told you all my past life,
but should you need to know more
there are plenty of papers in my desk
which will tell you every action of
mine since my arrival in England;
with my Indian life you have nothing
to do as no trouble will como from
there; my reputation is that of a sa-
want and a recluse; when you occupy
my body you can indulge in whatever
pranks you like. but [ warn you that
however youthful your soul may be,
the body is old and weak, and if you
play with it you will kill it and thus
lose your city Of refuge sooner than
you expect, SO your safety rests en-
tlrely with yourself.'
1T s impossible to undo the past"
said Adrian gloomi]y. and although
committed the crime in q moment OF
passion. l will never cease to feel re-
morse"
That is part of your punishment"
said Roversmire seriously. Il
give you a new body but not a new
soul, SO whatever acts of evil YOU
nave lone in your past life the re-
membrance will always cling to you
but If you expiate your crime on earth
by prayers and repentance in my body
and In your own. it will purify your
spirit for the world beyond. Now
think everything has been explained.
so II you will lie down on that couch
| will release my own soul and &C.
compllsh the transformation Of yours
into my body"
'One moment" cried Adrian, as he
a down on the couch. how can
sign your name to checks and initiate
your handwriting"
'Iou will do so mechanically"
SAID Roversmire. who was lighting s
nre IN a small brazier; 'writing is ar
operation of the body. not of the soul.
l cannot give you my learning, as thai
pertains to the soul and | take it with
me. but all material knowledge I pos,
s9SS or Dhucionl 1aytonir, T h-,o
qulred WILL be yours, TO use as you
wlll-now are you ready?
'les said Adrian, obedient1y ly.
ing down, ''but l am engaged to marry
q girl named Olive Maunder5-how
Will that affect me in your body"
VI course she won't know you
replied the doctor with a peculiar
smile tanning the fire. which was
now at red heat You will have to
Woif fill vn,, ~-- 1-l