The Delta independent., 1910-11-04

"Oh," The Japanese either under
stood or pretended to- Il come.
then"
After a period OF hesitation the wom-
an said: why. yes. l guess you can
If you keep still. Your friend can come.
too. You're a neighbor. and | won't
charge you anything"
"Ar right. 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 a conversation in Japanese.
From other sounds Orme gathered
that the woman was arranging chairs.
"Sft 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 fire.
ouent intervals, each time announcing
the arrival OF newcomers. Madam
Alias clients we're quickly assembling:
Orme could hear them whispering
among themselves.
A clinking noise he did not at first
understand. Then he realized that 1t
was the sound Of silver dropping into
hat Some one was taking up the
collection He knew. too, when they
hung the curtain across his corner OF
the room. shutting OF the space in
which the medium was to sit. and
when they lighted the gas and drew
down the shades at the window. Then
he heard them lead her into the cab
met 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 Ala. Orme had no doubt.
was using the interval to free herself
from her bonds.
In a little while some one started
the hymn. over the River They Beck
on to Me-" and the others took 1t up
women's voices. chiefly. struggling
through the melody In their trebles.
with the mumbled undertones OF one
or two men.
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
that Madam Alias ghosts were
cheat. and the touch OF her hand made
him start. but her first words brought
him to himself
"Hush," she whispered You'll get
your chance in a minute. Put on a
pair OF black felt slippers. Here'-she
CROPPED along the floor. and gave him
the slippers. They were large. and
went easily over his shoes.
Now the black robe. just behind
you
into II.
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 walLhanging. on tho
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 stun the robe under the
sofa. You'll find your hat under there.
You left II here when you came. and I
tucked 1t away. You'd better wear the
slippers down 10 the street Never
mind about returning them-uniess you
care to come. Now. be careful
The Japanese-where are they7"
AT the other side of the circle.
Don't worry about them. They're only
Kids when II comes TO my game. Now,
walt TIL get the things need She
heard faint rustlings as she gathered
her paraphernala. Soon she was back
at the panel. The last stanza of tho
hymn was drawing to n close. BE
sure you follow directions" she whis-
pered. lr., -..
Il will" He pressed her hand grate-
fully.
. 'And-and you won't forget me?"
With sudden yearning that seemed
to be beyond her control. she leaned
her body against him. Her warm
breath was on his face; her arm found
Its way around him and held him con-
vulsively.
oh" she whispered. 81 can't bear to
have you go. Don't forget me-please
don't forget me-" ...I .
Il shall never forget you. and what
you have done for me-" he answered
gravely. t.. ...
You viii come back and see me
sometime?"
Il will come back. And I should like