what is coming after death. You will not fail me, will you?" she
continued in a pleading voice. "If you do I must try alone since no
one else will serve, and then I /know/--how I cannot say--that I shall
be exposed to great danger. Yes, I think that I shall lose my mind
once more and never find it again this side the grave. You would not
have that happen to me, would you, just because you shrink from
digging up old memories?"

"Of course not," I stammered. "I should never forgive myself."

"Yes, of course not. There was really no need for me to ask you. Then
you promise you will do all I wish?" and once more she looked at me,
adding, "Don't be ashamed, for you remember that I have been in touch
with hidden things and am not quite as other women are. You will
recollect I told you that which I have never breathed to any other
living soul, years ago on that night when first we met."

"I promise," I answered and was about to add something, I forget what,
when she cut me short, saying,

"That's enough, for I know your word is rather better than your bond.
Now dress as quickly as you can or the dinner will be spoiled."



CHAPTER IV

THROUGH THE GATES

Short as was the time at my disposal before the dinner-gong sounded,