The Huttig news., 1910-12-03

lulSi must Ut ucfc, Sd1u Arifnd. He not been hall. My friend know. We see him come in here"
 s1 told you he wasn't here. If you don't believe me. why don't you call the eops?9
 We not want cops. I come in and watch"
 But I'm going to hold circle here In few minutes"
 'What?" Arimas voice had puzzled note.
 "A seance. The spirit come. You know. All sit around, with the light turned down, and spirits come"
 "Oh," The Japanese either under stood or pretended to. q come, then"
 After period of hesitation the wom- an said: Why, yes, guess you can if you keep still. Your friend can come. too You're a neighbor, and I won't charge you anything
 All right I call my friend" Foot steps crossed the room and the door to the hall was opened. Presently it closed again, and Orme heard frag- ments of conversation in Japanese.
 From other sounds Orme gathered that the woman was arranging chairs. Sit here, you two he heard her say. You'll have to keep quiet when the rest come. Do just what they do? Be sure, now"
 The bell now began to ring at ire quent intervals, each time announcing the arrival of newcomers. Madam Alias clients were quickly assembling; Orme could hear them whispering 3mong themselves.
 A ciDking noise he did not at first nderstand Then he realized that it
 IS the sound of si yer dropping into
 Soree one was taking up the collection. He Knew, too, when they hung the curtain acres h.s corner of the room, shutting of the space in which the medium was 10 sit, and when they lighted tie gas and drew down the shades at the window Then he heard them lead her into the cab inet and tie her to the chair.
 The silence that followed these prep arations grew oppressive The clients were waiting for the right current" and Madam Alia, Orme had no doubt, was using the interval to free herself from her bonds.
 In little while some one started the hymn. Over the River They Beck on to Me- and the others took it up womens voices. chiefly, strugg ing through the melody in their treb.es. with the mumbled undertones of one or two men.
 draught of cooler air struck Orme's cheek; hand found his shoul- der voice whispered Under cover of the singing Madam Ala had opened the panel Her lips were close to his ear. In the creepy tension of the waiting Orme had almost forgotten chat Madam Alias ghosts were cheat, and the touch of her hand made him start but her first words brought him to himself.
 .Hushi" she whispered You'll get your chance in a minute. Put on a pair of black felt slippers. Herev--she groped along the floor, and gave him the slippers. They were large. and went easily over his shoes.
 Now the black robe, just behind you.''
 He took it from it's peg, and slipped into 1t.
 Cover your head and face with the hood
 He did as directed, finding the eye holes with his fingers.
 Hide your hands in the sleeves. Now, listen. I'm going to keep them busy looking at the curtains. When you hear gong ring three times, come through the panel. and go between the curtain and the wall-hanging, on the side toward the window. The gas is down to pin-point. Those folks think they can see lot more than they do But they won't see you, unless you show some white Anyhow they'll be watching the cabinet. Keep outside the circle of chairs. and work your way to the door of the next room There are hangings there; go through them. You'll find light enough in the next room to get to the door in the hall. First stuff the robe under the sofa You'll find your hat under there. You left it here when you came, and tucked it away. You'd better wear the slippers down to the street Never mind about returning them-unless you care to come. Now. be careful"
 The Japanese-where are they?" At the other side of the circle. Don't worry about them. They're only kids when 1t comes to my game Now, wait till get the things I need' She heard faint rustlings as she gathered her paraphernalia. Soon she was back at the panel. The last stanza of the hymn was drawing to a close. Be sure you follow directions she whis. pered
 T will" He pressed her hand grate- fully.
 "And-and you won't forget me 9''
 With a sudden yearning that seemed to be beyond her control. she leaned her body against him. Her warm