"I am not willing to accept such an explanation of two sudden deaths," Crawford said, in his dignified way, "at any rate, not without a most exhaustive investigation into the possibility of their having been brought about by natural agencies. Let me take up first the case of Mr. Bruce. Was this gentleman in robust health?"
"Entirely so," said Landon, "so far as we know. It is not inconceivable that he had some heart trouble or other malady that was not noticeable, but of that I cannot say positively. It seems to me, Doctor, you would better look at him, you might note some symptom that would enlighten you."
Crawford shuddered perceptibly, but tried to hide his disinclination. Though accustomed to gruesome sights, his dread of the supernatural was such that he feared the proposed examination. However, ashamed of his hesitation, he rose, and asked to be shown the body of Gifford Bruce.
Landon started to officiate, but Milly's detaining hand held him back; the Professor made no move, but Eve and Tracy started simultaneously to rise.
"I'll go," said Eve, a little officiously, and Tracy sat down again.
She led the way to the big drawing room, where the remains of Gifford Bruce lay, and stood by while Doctor Crawford looked down at the still, white face.
A long time they stood there, no word being spoken. Then Eve said softly, "Don't let your disbelief in supernatural powers blind you to their possible reality. There are many matters yet unknown and spiritism is one of them. Remember that we who are here gathered are sensitives and psychics. We are prepared for and expect experiences not vouchsafed to less clairvoyant natures,--though we did not look for _this_! But I beg of you, sir, to realize that there are things of which you have no cognizance, that yet are real and effective."
Doctor Crawford looked at the speaker. In the partially darkened room, Eve's strange eyes glittered with an uncanny light. Her face was pale, and her red hair like a flame aureole. She took a slow step nearer to the doctor, and he recoiled, as from a vampire.
"You are afraid!" she said, and her tone was exultant. "Do not be afraid,--the phantasms will not hurt you if you do your duty. Unless you do your duty----" she stretched her hand toward him, and again he drew away, "the phantasms will haunt you--_haunt_ you--_haunt you_!"