rs ago
he began to show signs of mental aberration, which we were inclined to
put down to overwork and the effects of a sunstroke. Feeling my own
incompetence to pronounce upon a case of such importance, I at once
sought the highest advice in Birmingham and London. Among others we
consulted the eminent alienist, Mr. Fraser Brown, who pronounced my
father's case to be intermittent in its nature, but dangerous during
the paroxysms. 'It may take a homicidal, or it may take a religious
turn,' he said; 'or it may prove to be a mixture of both. For months
he may be as well as you or me, and then in a moment he may break out.
You will incur a great responsibility if you leave him without
supervision.'

"I need say no more, sir. You will understand the terrible task which
has fallen upon my poor sister and me in endeavouring to save my
father from the asylum which in his sane moments filled him with
horror. I can only regret that your peace has been disturbed by our
misfortunes, and I offer you in my sister's name and my own our
apologies."

"Yours truly,
"J. CAMERON."

VIII. HOW IT HAPPENED

She was a writing medium. This is what she wrote:--

I can remember some things upon that evening most distinctly, and others
are like some vague, broken dreams. That is what makes it so difficult
to tell a connected story. I have no idea now what it was that had taken
me to London and brought me back so late. It just merges into all my
other visits to London. But from the time that I got out at the little
country station everything is extraordinarily clear. I can live it
again--every instant of it.

I remember so well walking down the platform and looking at the
illuminated clock at the end which told me that it was half-past eleven.
I remember also my wondering whether I could get home before midnight.
Then I remember the big motor, with its glaring head-lights and glitter
of polished brass, waiting for me outside. It was my new thirty-horse-
power Robur, which had only been delivered that day. I remember also
asking Perkins, my chauffeur, how she had gone, and his saying that he
thought she was excellent.

"I'll try her myself," said I, and I climbed into the driver's seat.

"The gears are not the same," said he. "Perhaps, sir, I had better
drive."

"No; I should like to try her," said I.

And so we started on the five-mile drive for home.