ed out. Neither of us was unfamiliar with the
process, for when we were in college these instruments were just coming
into use in America. Kennedy had never let his particular branch of
science narrow him, but had made a practice of keeping abreast of all
the important discoveries and methods in other fields. Besides, I
had read articles about the chronoscope, the plethysmograph, the
sphygmograph, and others of the new psychological instruments. Craig
carried it off, however, as if he did that sort of thing as an every-day
employment.

"Now, Miss Bond," he said, and his voice was so reassuring and
persuasive that I could see she was not made even a shade more nervous
by our simple preparations, "the game--it is just like a children's
parlour game--is just this: I will say a word--take 'dog,' for instance.
You are to answer back immediately the first word that comes into your
mind suggested by it--say 'cat.' I will say 'chain,' for example, and
probably you will answer 'collar,' and so on. Do you catch my meaning?
It may seem ridiculous, no doubt, but before we are through I feel sure
you'll see how valuable such a test is, particularly in a simple case of
nervousness such as yours."

I don't think she found any sinister interpretation in his words, but I
did, and if ever I wanted to protest it was then, but my voice seemed to
stick in my throat.

He was beginning. It was clearly up to me to give in and not interfere.
As closely as I was able I kept my eyes riveted on the watch and other
apparatus, while my ears and heart followed with mingled emotions the
low, musical voice of the girl.

I will not give all the test, for there was much of it, particularly at
the start, that was in reality valueless, since it was merely leading up
to the "surprise tests." From the colourless questions Kennedy suddenly
changed. It was done in an instant, when Miss Bond had been completely
disarmed and put off her guard.

"Night," said Kennedy. "Day," came back the reply from Miss Bond.

"Automobile." "Horse."

"Bay." "Beach."

"Road." "Forest."

"Gate." "Fence."

"Path." "Shrubs."

"Porch." "House."

Did I detect or imagine a faint hesitation?

"Window." "Curtain."

Yes, it was plain that time. But the words followed one another in quick
succession. There was no rest. She had no chance to collect herself. I
noted the marked difference in the reaction time and, in my sympathy,
damned this cold; scientific third degree.