Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1915-08-04
CHAPTER Xxx.

A dozen Of the most important men
in the United States were gathered
in Barclays Office upon his urgent in
vitation. Celestia was already making
such a stir in the city among the poor
that Barclay and Stilliter had conclud-
ed that the time was ripe TO try her
effect on the rich and efficient Only
men whom they could trust were pres
ent The last 10 arrive was Kehr, the
coal baron. His word was as good as
his bond, and except that he spent
oceans Of money on Chinese antiques,
he was said TO be the stingiest man in
Pennsylvania.
Professor Stilliter had been telling
OF some recent experiments IN hyp-
notism Of which he had just received
the account from an Arabian CORE
spondent AS Kehr entered he caught
the word "hypnotism" and snorted
"All rubbish, 4" he exclaimed. Nights
well believe in ghosts. I'd Ike to see
anyone hypnotic mel"
After this he shook hands with Bar
clay and the others. last OF all.with
Sulliter.
You don't believe in hypnotism," :"
said stilliter, because you don't
know anything about it. I've got
something here. though, that you do
know about, none better"
So saying, he took from its case that
famous crystal Of which mention has
been made.
It's not the biggest in the world
he said, "but it's the best"
Kehr's eyes sparkled, but he only
grunted. as he took the crystal into
his hand
Take It to the light" said shlliter
and he followed Kehr to the nearest
window. Barclay nudged the man
nearest him. and winked one eye.
Il am not rich" said Sulliter, quiet.
". "but viii give you a thousand dol
lars II you can find q flaw or an i'm
perfection of any sort in that cryg-
tai"
Kebr brought the crystal so near his
eyes that they had to cross to see it..
and he began to turn it slowly this
way and that stlliter kept up a run
ming fire of comment in the same quiet
even tone. Last, he said, why, you
must have had a bad night. You can
hardly keep your eyes open; better
just let 'em shut and have a little
nap"
He reached around Kehr from be
hind and quickly took the crystal
away from them. Then he turned TO
his audience.
Did 1 hear someone say put up job?
! hope not. It wouldn't have been
worth while Why, he was easier to
hypnotic than a chicken Tell the
gentlemen how easily you were hyD.
notified Turn and face them first.
make a little bow That's fine fell
low. Now thenl"
Kehr spoke IN duly monotonous
voice:
Ladies and gentlemen" he said. y
was easier TO hypnotize than a chick
en-"
Spoken like mani" exclaimed
shlliter Tears OF laughter were run
ming down Barclays face. lie wiped
them away.
"Some Of us do think this is a put
up job. Sullitcr," ne said. Make him
do something more important"
well" said stlliter, we all know
Mr.. Kehr for a man who in money
matters is conspicuously backward
about coming forward. might make
him dance for you, sing for you, eat
soap or stand on his head. Still you
would think that IL might be a put up
Job. II wouldn't cost him a cent"
He turned to Kehr and in a voice OF
command said. "sit down at that desk
in the first position OF writing"
Kehr obeyed.
Take a sheet Of paper. Ink your
pen. Prepare to write. Write as
dictate: Dear Professor, l. o. U. ten
million dollars"
Kehr finished and there was a Gran,
ing OF neeks to see what he had writ
ten. The l. o. u. was passed from
hand to hand.
Suddenly sturtevant broke the 81
lence.
"This," he said. 'is only a scrap Of
paper. It hasn't cost him a cent
yet"
"True," said stilliter well them
he turned 10 Kehr.
'Tave you any money with your"
eyes"
Say. yes sir"
Kehr did this, and then produced
from an inner pocket a thick roll ol
yellow-bachs surrounded by a broad
rubber band.
Il think it would be pleasant II you
distributed them among the gentle
men present"
lie began TO do so, when, suddenly
Stilliter walked him
Kehr looked at what remained oi
his great roll and his jaw dropped
lie stammered Then his browi
knitted and the sweat came.
stilliter handed him the J. o. y.
There IS no hurry about this b.
said sweetly; "still II you could let ~
have a couple Of million on account.
It's my writing" said Kehr. "bu
1 don't remember writing IT,"