ion, I really did fall asleep, and
only woke a short time before my breakfast and daily budget of letters
arrived. Amongst these letters was one in an unknown handwriting, which
proved to be from _Mrs_ Forbes, saying she had seen my letter to her
husband, and begging that I would tell her the grounds I had for my
assurance that those we love are close to us after the great change we
call death.

Evidently the boy knew that this letter was coming to me, and was trying
to prepare me to answer it in such a way as should help him to convince
his mother of his continued existence in her immediate presence.

As this case is one well known to the Society for Psychical Research
(the lady I have called Mrs Forbes appearing on their records both as
Mrs Scott and under the pseudonym I have borrowed from them), it is
unnecessary to go into further details. Suffice it to say that my
nocturnal visitor was successful in his aim.

I answered his mother's letter as he wished. This led to a long
correspondence between us, and to my making her acquaintance shortly
afterwards and renewing my old friendship with her husband.

Mrs Forbes had several sittings with Mrs Thompson and other mediums,
became convinced of her son's presence with her, and very soon was
independent of outside assistance in communicating with him. The judge
also declared himself "unable to resist the evidence," but I don't think
he ever quite honestly _rejoiced_ in his convictions. It is hard to
eradicate prejudices and traditions after fifty years of age, and the
_human_ element in his son's bright and happy messages always seemed to
worry and perplex him a little.

He knows all about it now! Much as I deplore the earthly disappearance
of such an old and faithful friend of my youth, I can sincerely rejoice
in thinking of him as once more united with his son, in ways that will
no longer appear to him unnatural or undesirable.

During the judge's lifetime, and after the son's death, I often stayed
with him and his wife in their northern home. Mrs Forbes used frequently
to say: "It was _Talbot_ who brought us all three together, we must
remember!"

PEKIN STORY

It was during my first visit to Judge and Mrs Forbes, in the north of
England, that another curious experience came to me.

This happened on the 4th of July 1900, for I remember saying to Mrs
Forbes next morning: "I shall remember the date from its being American
Independence Day."

It was the year