ent at the time, and again repeated his
statement, declaring positively that he could not have been mistaken in
the words spoken by Murphy in his sleep, and that the boy seemed very
much excited.

"Blake, by my advice, sent for Murphy and we had a serious conversation
with him. The boy seemed thoroughly honest, and was very much hurt upon
being questioned in regard to the matter. He said that he had worked for
Blake several years and had always tried to do right, that he intended
to ride his best, and win the race if he could.

"Blake naturally feels somewhat disturbed under the circumstances, but
he believes the boy is honest, and he believes young Collins must in
some way have been mistaken in what he imagines he heard. Or, if he was
not mistaken, that Murphy was dreaming, and the words had no
significance.

"He told Murphy to go back to the stables, and that he would trust him
implicitly, stating at the same time that it would cause him serious
inconvenience if by any chance Murphy should not win, as he had bet a
large amount of money on the result.

"Murphy, with tears in his eyes, thanked him for trusting him, and went
back to the stables. Afterwards I had a serious conversation with
Collins, and learned that on two occasions he had seen Murphy talking
with a strange man who often visited the track.

"Upon inquiry we have learned that the man in question is a brother of a
man who married Murphy's sister, and that Murphy has met him several
times at his sister's house. The man's name is Simms. He is a low
character, who is known as a habitual frequenter of the race track, and
who at times does business as a poolseller and bookmaker. Simms is
described as being thin and dark, with a big scar on his right cheek,
usually wears a soft hat, and carries a cane with considerable silver
about the handle.

"Last night I decided to have an interview with Murphy and find out
whether the lad could be hypnotized or not. Why this idea suggested
itself to me I do not know, except that, as you know, hypnotism is one
of my hobbies. With Blake's consent I sent for Murphy, and asked him to
let me look him over, as I would like to assure Blake as to his physical
condition, as naturally he was feeling, as I told him, somewhat nervous
after our interview of the morning.

"The boy consented readily enough, and after listening to his heart,
and asking him a few questions which might suggest a cause for his
restlessness at night, I