The Washington times., 1916-07-02
CHAPTER L.
The Ghost of Hail.

TN DR.. Payson Alden's laboratory.
Myra and her mother were chat
i ting with a young woman whom
the physician introduced to them
as well-known spiritunlist medium.
She was a plump. amiable woman. and
1t seemed hard to believe that she pos
sessed such mysterious powers.
The physician had Just completed
lacking up the black portieres In tho
corner Of the room which constituted Il
cabinet" 1t was simple arrange
ment. stretched across the diagonal ond
ed one side or the triangle. With the
two SOLID brick walls making the other
two
Now. / have prepared this slate"
explained the doctor. II have placed u
gether securely. scaling It with wax
and using my own seal ring on II, Mrs.
Maynard. know tina. you have heard
OF slate writing. but never believed II.
i was one that you bought and brought
for me Yourself. Shall we go on with
the seancc?"
Mrs. MAYNARD. with an incredulous
smile. nodded.
YES. doctor. You know had for
hidden Myrtt TO ever try any moro Of
this work. but I have heard to much
OF this sriritualistic nonsense, that
decided that seeing would be believing
or proving fraudulent" she replied.
face Of the medium with quiet interest
Alden produced a pair Of handcuffs.
which he placed upon the mediums
Why these:" inquired Myra's
because believe In making sure
that there can be no tamcering with
our slate. nor with any possible in
world have been known to play tricks
occasionally. Sometimes they are tired.
and sometimes while under the iniiu-
ence Of a spirit. they do droll. foolish
things; In this case We will be sure In
He turned to the medium. who had
smiled at his words. and was seating
herself in a comfortable. sloping arm
chair.
Now. madame. are you prepared?"
window to draw down the shade.
Yes. although am very nervous and
am afraid that ! am not as calm as
should be for a good demonstration.
May ! Sc the Ohotosraph of your Hin:
may be Impressed with the memory"
Alden nodded and produced the photo
graph Of the unfortunate Hail.
The woman gazed long and earnestly
at the pleasant features Of the INTEL
II can see that he was indeed a
psychic; such deep. clear eyes. and
such a sensitive mouth. II any one can
come back from the other world 1t will
be he. for his spirit must be unusually
active. even now" she remarked, as
the chair.
There was an interruption, however,
which caused her to st bolt upright. In
nervous irritation. 1t was the tapping
Of ALDEN hs % %hS W SpSn s ss SGSs tn. tied
slate upon a small table within the
"Confound II. gave orders not to be
disturbed" he said; opening the portal.
rupt my work this wayY"
PLEASE, sir. there's a gentleman
downstairs who said that he was invited
here by Mrs. Maynard. to sse you do
some experimenting" was the timid
response.
Alden whirled about to Myra's moth
"who was that7" he demanded. al
most rudeiy, 81 told you this was to
be absolutely q secret task!" -
Mrs. Maynard answered with show
Why. DR.. Alden, it's Just Myra's
flance. Mr.. Varney. He has shown such
interest In your work. and he has been
such scoffer at 1t, that I was sure
demonstration. Surely. we Should have
no secrets from a future member of
the family!'
The physician scowled, and Myra
stammered in embarrassment.
Poor, dear mama! You do certainly
upset more plans by your attempts to
be hospitable. There is no reason In
the world why Arthur should be intrld-
ing here, and you have probably dis
turbed the medium completely"
Alden bit his lip. and then smiled
| curiously.
well. inasmuch as It Is your invita-
ton, Mrs. Maynard. cannot be unso-
ciable. 1t might not be bad thing
to have this gentleman with US when
We do get into communication with the
unseen. Send him up. Mary!"