manifestations in the broad glare of day; others find the total or partial absence of light advantageous. Indeed, the light question is a very peculiar and interesting one, and it is said that the interfering rays appear to be those at the extreme end of the spectrum."

In this manner those three young people, two of whom had been in personal contact with the world of spirits, exchanged ideas on the question under discussion. The subject was continued until they returned to Bainbridge Holme. Each suggested difficulties to be overcome by the others, or added some fresh information to the common stock, so that when they at last reached the Hall they had arrived at the conclusion that the evidence in favour of the Spiritualists' view with regard to the phenomena was irresistible.

CHAPTER XIV.

WITHERED MURDER.

Still it cried, "Sleep no more!" to all the house: Glamis hath murdered sleep; and therefore Cawdor Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more! SHAKESPEARE: Macbeth," Act II., Scene 2.

R

OBERT ROWLANDSON was un

able to pay down the rest of the five hundred pounds demanded by the two men who held his secret, and it was with great difficulty that he procured additional time by doling out to them further instalments of the amount required. He had already paid them about two hundred. pounds, and at his last interview with them they had threatened to expose him in default of payment of the balance forthwith.

The dilemma into which he was thrown

Why

by this threat drove him to desperation. What should he do? Robbery suggested itself to him. Willingly would he have availed himself of this method, could he have been satisfied of its feasibility. Then more dangerous thoughts would intrude themselves into his mind. These men were tracking him to exposure and destruction. should he not be justified in defending himself by any means in his power? Supposing he could remove them from the scene of action! His heart seemed to cease beating at the thought. What! a double murder! Horrible! And then there was the fear of detection, and -horror of horrors!-the scaffold. Yet money he must have by some means, or he was ruined for ever. He would meet them as appointed, make some definite promise, and find a way of keeping it.

With this resolve he directed his steps towards the place of meeting, but, to his surprise, found only one of the men at the

spot, waiting for him. This seemed the more strange inasmuch as they had always appeared to make a point of coming together, as though they had mistrusted him, and wished to protect one another. At the sight of the solitary man his heart beat rapidly, whilst his recent dark thoughts rushed in almost overwhelming force upon his mind. What should prevent him from freeing himself now? He had a revolver in his pocket; he never met them without it. But that would create an alarm. He was stronger than the man. One blow with his stout stick administered unawares would rid him for ever of this curse to his existence, would lay the man lifeless at his feet. No! the opportunity had come too suddenly upon him. He must reflect, or he might spoil all by his rashness. Besides what account could he make to the other? He would be

driven to a second murder to hide the first.

With such ideas as these agitating his

brain, he approached the man who was waiting for him. On getting nearer he observed a gloomy shadow upon the ruffian's face, and instead of the usual abrupt demand for money there was a subdued silent manner quite foreign to the man.

"You are alone, Hodge!"

"Yes, sir. I have bad news."

"Indeed! What is the matter?

"My mate is dead."

Dead! Was it the foul fiend whispering in his ear to end it now, and sending the blood exulting through his veins ?

"What did he die of?"

"He was found dead in bed last Friday morning. He had been drinking heavy the night before. The doctor said at the inquest it was something about the heart."

"Sometimes a convenient explanation. And I suppose you are very sorry for him." Why, yes I am. I haven't been myself

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since. We've been in lots of danger to