material as came to his hand. Lanny said that doubtless there were plenty of futile and
bewildered persons like himself, but not many determined, hard-fighting rebels like Bess among
the parasitic classes.
Rick had talked with editors and journalists in London, with statesmen, writers, and all sorts
of people in his father's home. He knew about the upsurge of the Nazi movement in the
harassed Fatherland. Not long ago he had had a letter from Kurt, who was always hoping to
explain his country to the outside world; he sent newspaper clippings and pamphlets. The
Germans, frantic with a sense of persecution, were tireless propagandists, and would preach to
whoever might be persuaded to listen. But you rarely heard one of them set forth both sides of
the case or admit the slightest wrong on his country's side.
They were put ashore in a small Irish harbor, and the young people took a ride in a jaunting
car, while the ladies dickered with sharp-witted peasant women for quantities of hand-
embroidered linen. They were put ashore in Wales, where the mountains did not seem
imposing to one who had lived so close to the Alps. They visited the Isle of Man, and Lanny
recalled a long novel which he had thought was tremendous in his boyhood, but which he now
guessed to be no great shakes. They put into Liverpool, where they had arranged to receive
mail, and among other things was a telegram from Robbie, who was back in Paris. "Sale
concluded at eighty-three better than expected thanks to you sailing tomorrow good luck to the
ghosts."
At his father's request Lanny had put off making the promised date with Zaharoff. Now he
mailed a note, saying that the yacht was due on the French coast in a few days and he would wire
an appointment. The
to Cowes, from which place Lanny sent a wire to the Chateau de Balincourt, saying that he
would bring his friend to a hotel in Dieppe on the following afternoon. He had explained to
Mama Robin that he wished to meet a friend there, and she was pleased to oblige him. His
mother and his stepfather were told that he desired to make a test with Madame, and to name no
names until after it was over. As for the Polish woman, she was used to being bundled here and
there for demonstrations of her strange gift.
IV
Dieppe is a thousand-year-old town with a church, a castle, and other sights for tourists; also
it is a popular watering-place with a casino, so Lanny didn't have to think that he was
inconveniencing his friends. The yacht was laid alongside a pier, and at the proper time he
called a taxi and took his charge to the hotel. He had received an unsigned telegram informing
him that "Monsieur Jean" would be awaiting him; at the desk he asked for this gentleman, and
was escorted to the suite in which Zaharoff sat waiting, alone.
A comfortable chaise-longue had been provided for the medium and an armchair for each of
the men. Since the old one had been thoroughly instructed, no talk was necessary. Lanny
introduced him by the fictitious name, and he responded:
said:
was inconspicuously dressed, and one who was not familiar with his photograph might have
taken him for a retired business man, a college professor or doctor.
The woman began to shudder and moan; then she became still, and was in her trance. There
was a long wait; Lanny, who kept telling himself that these phenomena were "telepathy,"
concentrated his mind upon the personality of Maria del Pilar Antonia Angela Patro-cino
Simon de Muguiro у Berute, Duquesa de Marqueni у Villa-franca de los Caballeros. It was a
personality which failed to live up to the magnificent-sounding names; a rather small, dark
lady, very
quiet, reserved, but kind. She had fitted the needs of an extremely exacting man of affairs;
guarded him, cared for him, loved him, and, if gossip was correct, borne him two daughters.
Anyhow, he had adored her, and shown his pride in the restrained fashion which circumstances
imposed upon him. For more than thirty-five years they had been inseparable, and a million
memories of her must be buried in the old man's subconscious mind. Would the medium be
able to tap them? If so, it might be embarrassing, and perhaps it would have been more tactful
of Lanny to offer to withdraw. But Zaharoff had placed a chair, possibly with the idea that the
younger man's help might be needed for the guiding of the experiment.
Suddenly came the massive voice of the Iroquois chieftain, speaking English, as always. "Hello,
Lanny. So you are trying to bowl me out!" It certainly wasn't an Iroquois phrase, nor did it seem
exactly Polish.
Said Lanny, very solemnly: "Tecumseh, I have brought a gentleman who is deeply sincere in
his attitude to you."
"But he does not believe in me!"
"He is fully prepared to believe in you, if you will give him cause; and he will be glad to
believe."