CHAPTER XVII. Deserted 170 CHAPTER XVIII. Pat’s Temptation 185 CHAPTER XIX. A Clear Conscience Better than Money 196 CHAPTER XX. The Murderer Arrives 215 CHAPTER XXI. Remorse 223 CHAPTER XXII. Pat’s Testimony 234 CHAPTER XXIII. Prayer-Meeting in Prison 244 INTRODUCTION. This book was written through the inspirational spirit of the well-known writer, Samuel L. Clemens—“Mark Twain.” As I have never before written a book, the reader will see that I have had help from an unseen force—from the Spirit World. I was told through a trumpet seance meeting, in the spirit voice of “Mark Twain,” to get the materials and he would write me a book—or, rather, that he would inspire me and I could write it, but he would give me the words to write, which he has done. I was not in an unconscious condition. I can turn from my writing and converse as if I had not been at work through the power of my guide. I can give abundance of proof of this statement, also for the statement made in the seance meeting by the spirit from Heaven. “Mark Twain” has given me encouragement from time to time in regard to my book, and he has promised to write many more for me. IDA BELLE WHITE. (_Mrs. J. L. White._) SPIRITS DO RETURN CHAPTER I. THE PLACE OF TROUBLE.—THE CONVICT’S STORY. I passed by the house and within I heard a noise. I stopped and listened, and I heard screams. The voice sounded like that of a lady whom I once knew. I was puzzled to know what to do, but finally decided to enter. To my surprise, I did know the lady. I apologized for intruding, saying that I was attracted by the terrible screams and thought I recognized the voice. The lady replied: “You are very kind, but I think I shall be able to settle my trouble without your help.” “I am very sorry, dear madam; I meant well,” I said. I took my departure, yet I felt that I should not have done so under the circumstances, for I knew that the talk the dear lady made was through fear, as the master over her was standing near. I was greatly depressed, because of the way in which I had left the place of trouble. I had gone only a short distance when I decided to return. I did so, and, to my surprise, I found the dear lady dead, as it is called.