Hanlon would now undertake to go, blindfolded, to the spot and
find the knife, although the distance, as the speaker was willing
to disclose, was more than a mile. The blindfolding was to be
done by a committee of prominent citizens and was to be looked
after so carefully that there could be no possibility of Hanlon's
seeing anything.

After that, Hanlon engaged to go to the hiding place and find the
knife, on condition that Mr. Mortimer would follow him, and
concentrate all his willpower on mentally guiding or rather
directing Hanlon's footsteps.

The blindfolding, which was done in full view of the front ranks
of spectators, was an elaborate proceeding. A heavy silk
handkerchief had been prepared by folding it in eight
thicknesses, which were then stitched to prevent Clipping. This
bandage was four inches wide and completely covered the man's
eyes, but as an additional precaution pads of cotton wool were
first placed over his closed eyelids and the bandage then tied
over them.

Thus, completely blindfolded, Hanlon spoke earnestly to Mr.
Mortimer.

"I must ask of you, sir, that you do your very best to guide me
aright. The success of this enterprise depends quite as much on
you as on myself. I am merely receptive, you are the acting
agent. I strive to keep my mind a blank, that your will may sway
it in the right direction. I trust you, and I beg that you will
keep your whole mind on the quest. Think of the hidden article,