"This ring is absolutely real; it's no hallucination. It performs
as well in broad daylight as in the night; no special conditions
needed. It's neither a fraud nor an illusion.

"In short, this ring is merely a phenomenon which science has not
YET explained! That it can and will be explained is strictly up to
us! Once we understand its peculiar properties, we can mighty soon
rescue Harry!"

And it was just then that a most extraordinary thing occurred. It
happened so very unexpectedly, so utterly without warning, that it
makes me shaky to this day whenever I recall it.

From the gem on Charlotte's finger--or rather, from the air
surrounding the ring--came an unmistakable sound. We saw nothing
whatever; we only heard. And it was clear, as loud and as
startling as though it had occurred right in the room where we
were discussing the situation.

It was the sharp, joyous bark of a dog.




XX

THE HOUSE OF MIRACLES


Looking back over what has just been written, I am sensible of a