Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-07-08
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Copyr3Qht, 1914, Tho 8o66o- AeSfW Coupe&

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Copyright, 1914, Tho Boda
(CHAPTER xXIII-Continued.
do not know just how to describe
it; to say that saw is not literally
accurate, for 1t was really too dark
to see; the table and the group
around it were no more than
bulk in the midst of darkness. But
as I strained my eyes toward 1t, that
blur Of unconvincing cloudiness which
L, had seen or fancied before swelled
into mid-air. showing against the dark
like black with light upon 1t against
black in shadow And Illuminated as
it were by that visible darkness, the
table beneath It rose up from its place
under the circle Of hands. wavered as
though afioat upon the rising stream
OF a fountain, then settled with thud
and a creak down again upon the floor.
There was a momentary silence, full
Of crowded breathings. While l was
wondering confusedly how much of 1t
r. had. only imagined, Professor Shell
burgh said calmly: That's the best
levitation we've had so far. Who did
it? Who is there?" And the throaty
querulous contralto answered: Il did.
Miriam. Do you want any more?
Another man somewhere in tic cir
Gle stammered uncomfortable: Il
well-er-I beg your pardon. but
could you move something quite be-
You'd our reach7 One of those things
on the bookcase for instance
What for?" whined the voice, "yc"
wouldn't believe it anyway dom
want to- talk to you-Is mother there?'
Maclean's hand relaxed upon my
knee, and he shifted audibly. But the
answer brought my heart into my
throat, for I knew who made 1t, be-
yond the possibility of mistake.
, Eyes, dear" Mrs. Tabor said quiet
~. "Wnat is it,"
II wanted-to see you-Why didn't
you come last time?-I get-lonely
sometimes" 81
Il couldn't come before Aren't you
happy?" She might have been speak
ing to child crying In, its bed.
II want to-come back want
you, mother dear-Pm very happy, but
went away. too soon"
"But I've seen you every day at
home, dear child"
1T isn't the-the same can't talk
to you-there-youre afraid Of
something see fear-in your heart
frightens me-"
"You mustn't be afraid, Miriam
you mustn't. Nobody shall take you
awayH'
A flush and a wave of nausea went
over me, and felt my hair bristling,
not with nervousness. but with kind
of anger. The EMBELLISHMENTS OF
the whole, scene was too sickening-
the poor mothers hysterical fondness,
the utter sincerity of her emotion,
and the sentimentahsm that whined
In reply, so perfectly calculated to IT.
ritate and control the crippled mind.
And the element Of distorted love made
it all the worse, q beauty turned sour.
I thought of the dainty little lady that
had fenced with words so deity; and
only the need to understand once for
all made me endure to listen.
ASK something that no one but
yourself can know" the professor put
in. Perhaps even he felt some en-
Mrs. Tabor hesitated. II wonder If
I ought" she said, half to herself, Il
do so want to know"
The voice grew steadier:. ASK me
what you will-mother darling
know already-what you fear"
Miriam, did understand what
what saw the other day."
I grew suddenly cold, and felt as
if the floor were sinking under me.
"The other day? Fix your mind
upon it, mother dear-I see you now
II see you very much frightened
You thought a new trouble was COM
trouble like the first
not for yourself-but-"
ooh, 1t wasn't myself" The dry
terror of the tone was dreadfully like
something remembered. 1T was for
her-you know it was for her. They
looked as if-Does she love him,
Miriam? Does she love him."
That was more than could bear.
The whole unnatural dialogue had
been profane enough; but this new
switch of the electric
light was in the. wall behind me, and
before the spirit voice could speak
again. my fingers had found aru
pressed 1t.
The medium gave a tearing scream
that was horrible to hear, twisted her
self out of her chair, and jerked and
wriggled on the floor choking and
In the sharp yellow glare,
the whole room was one hysterical
CONT sion. men and women scram-
bling to their feet, or sitting dazed,
their hands before their eyes The
professor cried angrily: "Confound
it., man, you're crazy! You're crazy!
You may have killed her. Don't you
know how dangerous it is to turn on
light that way?" and stopped over the
struggling woman on the floor, with
scowling side-long glances at me.
A couple of other men came forward
and bejeweled wom-
an, who seemed to be the hostess.
cried acidly: Mercy on us, who is
this fellow? One of those reporters?'
Madam. 1 can promise you no pub
licity," said I and strobe over to
where Mrs. Tabor had sunk forward
on the table, her head motionless upon
her outstretched arms. Maclean came
to my rescue just in time.
zone moment, ladies and gentle
men Look there-the lady has faint
ed, you see? Tainted before the lights
went on, you see? My friend did ex-
actly right. Now let's keep this all as
quiet as possible-we don't want a SEN