always happy, but here and now, in the next house? I don't ask for
prophecy, but for some evidence of their knowledge. Are the Germans
getting ready to fight England? Is Horace here the gay dog some of
us suspect?"

As I am the Horace in question, I must explain that Herbert was
merely being facetious. My life is a most orderly and decorous one.
But my wife, unfortunately, lacks a sense of humor, and I felt that
the remark might have been more fortunate.

"Physical phenomena!" scoffed the cynic. "I've seen it all--objects
moving without visible hands, unexplained currents of cold air, voice
through a trumpet--I know the whole rotten mess, and I've got a book
which tells how to do all the tricks. I'll bring it along some night."

Mrs. Dane smiled, and the discussion was dropped for a time. It was
during the coffee and cigars that Mrs. Dane made her announcement.
As Alice Robinson takes an after-dinner cigarette, a custom my wife
greatly deplores, the ladies had remained with us at the table.

"As a matter of fact, Herbert," she said, "we intend to put your
skepticism to the test tonight. Doctor Sperry has found a medium
for us, a non-professional and a patient of his, and she has kindly
consented to give us a sitting."

Herbert wheeled and looked at Sperry.

"Hold up your right hand and state by your honor as a member in
good standing that you have not primed her, Sperry."