The Washington times., 1918-08-25

from laughing in Coleman Spears face.
'Its not only possible, Captain Grssty,"
asserted Doctor Spear without offence.
'it's an absolute certainty. OF course the
result might be obtained even more quietly
by pouring the powder that the jar COW
tains out upon an open dish or by scatter
ing 1t freely around the room. have made
minor experiments with Sam Bat and one
or two others, enough to get conception
of what it will do"
There was no question that he be-
lieved every word he had uttered. He con-
tinued, explaining the singular effect Of the
anaesthetic in the way Of producing visions
like dreams. yet more connected and nat
ural, so that, when afterward recalled, it
was difficult to realize that the memory
was not Of actual occurrences. There
should be in those visions little, II any, OF
the unreal and fantastic features Of dreams
produced by opium or hasheesh, to which
the product in the jar was in no wav re-
lated This" he stated, 81 have learned
by experimenting upon myself, with some
assistance" His glance turned for an in
slant toward Bright Angel, who was very
still and pale
How long" asked Captain Grasty, does
a person who has. been overcome by this
anaesthetic remain under its spell?"
THAT depends upon the length of time
that the gas is inhaled" was the answer.
at seems possible to regulate the duration
Of the coma to any period, approximately.
Should open this jar now. I could tell
by your appearance when each one here
passed under its spell. AS near as can
Judge from the few trials l have made,
every second thereafter that you continued
to breathe the gas would be followed by
about one minute of time In which the con-
nection between mind and body would be
broken, as have stated. Thus by letting
you breathe it sixty seconds could cast
you into a trance that would last about
one hour, during which time / could carve
you up as pleased, even to complete dis
memberment, and you would experience
no conscious pain, no conscious sensation
in any manner related to what was hap
pening to your bodies"
But how would you prevent yourself
from being overcome. doctor?" ques-
toned
He lifted the other object which he had
brought at the same time with the jade
jar. This is a gas mask, such as is used
in the trenches. ] would wear it, that's
all"
Put it on, Doctor Spear" urged Captain
Grasty. "Open up your jar. On my word.
I'd rather like to try it. Here's a chance
for fine test for you. You can see how it
works with the lot Of us together. We
have your word for it that it won't do us
any actual harm"
no" said the doctor. though l fancied
he uttered the word reluctantly. "Fd bet
ter not wouldn't consider it for a
moment unless all are willing.
Don't look at me, DOCTOR protested
Kerrigan 'It's not afraid l am. To be
honest with We. don't believe ye can do
it or anything like it by Just pullin' the
cork out Of that dinkey old bottle It's
bit of bull you're handin' u.s.
Coleman Spear frowned. Then he gaze
the skeptical old patrolman ra'n"r
grim smile IF you were privileged to
speak for all I'd have the stopper out with
in 4 minute he declared. 4 have curl
ositv to see how It would work with q num-
Der OF subjects at the same time. but
Don't refrain on my account" Harold
Vincent spoke up with great courage. Il
might get dream that would give me an
inspiration. I'll take chance"
oil bn doctor suddenly a
harS ring in his voice. If anyone objects,
If anyone is afraid he or she may leave
the room Yen, see that the windows are
closed. Then you may go. When l want
you I'll call you"
The Jap bent himself at the middle in
a bow, and then toddled swiftly and silent
ly from window to window.
81 see my daughter has chosen to re-
main,. said Coleman Spear. IF there were
any chance of harm to anyb"dy present.
YOU must realize that would not open the
lar with her in the room He began care
fully to adjust the gas mask over his own
face.
7 can't adequately describe my own feel
ings at that moment. Though ! was skep-
tical, there was within me queer. jumpy
sensation | had a foreboding of something
tremendous about to take place. for all
that | was incredulous to the extent OF
hidden pity for the man ] believed misled
nv n delusion a wild fancy of brain over
strained and gone aw-y. | was not afraid,
but my nerves seemed twisted tight as
tourniquet.
The mask adjusted, Doctor Spear picked
I'D the jade jar again. At that moment he
looked like a forbidding. hideous creature
of evil: like a repulsive and awesOme
demon who held us all utterly at his mercy
and was meTciless.