"Yes, your niece," chanted the girl. Her voice rose and
thrilled. "And I see much gold," she cried. "Between the two
women, heaps of gold. Everywhere I look I see gold. And, now,
the other woman, your sister, is trying to speak to you. Listen!
She calls to you, Brother!"

So centered was the interest of those in the room, so compelling
the sound of the girl's voice, that, unnoticed, the sliding
doors to the library were slipped apart. Unobserved, Judge
Gaylor and Winthrop halted in the doorway. To the Judge the
meaning of the scene was instantly apparent. His face flushed
furiously. Winthrop, uncomprehending, gazed unconcerned over
Gaylor's shoulder. The voice of Vera rose hysterically to her
climax.

"She bids me tell you," Vera cried; " Tell my brother -- "

Gaylor swept toward her.

"What damned farce is this?" he shouted.

The effect of the interruption was instant and startling. Mr.
Hallowell, who, in the last few minutes, had believed he was
listening to a voice from the dead, collapsed upon the shoulder
of Rainey, who sprang to support him. Like a somnambulist
wrenched from sleep, Vera gave a scream of fright, half genuine,
half assumed, and swayed as though about to fall. Vance caught
her in his arms. He turned on Gaylor, his cunning red eyes
flashing evilly.