the Red Triangle. You know, of course--indeed
I told you, I think--that in most cases--not all--it is necessary to get
the subject's consent to the _first_ exercise of hypnotism on him. I
told you also it is possible for the practised hypnotist, while the
subject is under the influence of the _first_ experiment, to suggest to
him a certain word or formula, or even a silent sign, which shall bring
him under the influence at any other time, whenever the hypnotist
chooses to repeat it--just as must have been done with Mr. Telfer, in
the case of the Admiralty code. The first suggestion would not be the
difficult thing it might seem--it would only require a little time and
persuasion. Nothing would be said about hypnotism, of course; perhaps
something about a little physical experiment, or the like, and then in
a moment or two the subject would be in this creature's power for ever.
Remember the little 'ceremony of initiation' that the scoundrel
attempted to persuade you to submit to! That meant hypnotism--perhaps
death.

"But this is mere speculation. Mayes found that the keys on the premises
were not enough to release his money, even if the strict rules of the
bank had permitted the cashing of a cheque out of hours. But the manager
suggested that perhaps some neighbouring tradesman would exchange cash
for a cheque, and, with the view of obliging the new customer, went with
him as far as the shop of Mr. Isaac Trenaman, a grocer and cheesemonger
with a rather large shop at the corner of the road. Mr. Trenaman,
introduced and assured by the manager, was willing to give as much cash
as he could find in the till against Mr. Mayes's cheque, and did so to
the extent of twenty-seven pounds, a cheque for which sum was duly drawn
on one of the tradesman's own cheque forms, and left with him. This
done, the bank's new customer took himself off, with thanks and
apologies; carrying with him, however, two blank cheque forms from Mr.
Trenaman's book, the pennies for which he punctiliously paid over the
counter. Having no cheque forms with him, he explained, he might find
them useful if he could come across some friend who could provide the
cash he wished to use that night. And having completed this business so
far, this charming new customer of the bank made off into the night."

"And is that all you know of his movements?"

"Yes, as yet. He seems to have made no very definite excuse to the
manager for wanting the money in such a hurry