conviction of immortality. 'To act on impulse'--who but daily
realizes that commonplace in his own experience? The mind does not
only play tricks and laugh at reason in dreams while we sleep. It
laughs at reason while we wake, and the sanest spirit experiences
inspired moments, mad moments, unaccountable impulses the reason
for which he knows not. The ancients explained these as temptations
of malicious and malignant spirits or promptings from unseen beings
who wish man well. And where the urge is to evil, that may well
be the truth; and where it is to good, who can doubt whence the
inspiration comes?"

"And shall not my inspiration--to employ the cleverest detective
in England--be also of good?" asked Sir Walter.

"Emphatically not. Because this thing is in another category than
that of human crime. It is lifted upon a plane where the knowledge
of man avails nothing. You are a Christian, and you should
understand this as well as I do. If there is danger, then I am
secure, because I have the only arms that can avail in a battle of
the spirit. My trust is shield enough against any evil being that
may roam this earth or be held by invisible bonds within the walls
of the Grey Room. I will justify the ways of God to man and,
through the channel of potent prayer, exorcise this presence and
bring peace to your afflicted house. For any living fellow-creature
would I gladly pit my faith against evil; how much more, then, in
a matter where my very own life's blood has been shed? You cannot
deny me this. It is my right."

"I will ask you to listen to the arguments against you,
nevertheless," replied Mannering. "You have propounded an