"No," answered Prelice calmly; "I am not!" And he sat down cross-legged on a cushion directly in front of the sibyl. "Then why do you come to me?" she asked, looking at him steadily; "only weak persons wish to know the future. The man who is strong and self-willed and sceptical, as you are, need learn nothing of the future, which lies in his own hands." "In the hands of God rather," corrected Prelice. "Do you know who I am?" "You are Lord Prelice." "How do you know?" "I might say by magic, but you would not believe that. I always suit myself to the nature of those I meet, therefore I shall give a commonplace explanation. I saw you in Court, when you gave evidence during the trial of Miss Chent for murder." Prelice nodded. "I might have guessed that. Do you know why I have come?" Madame Marie folded her hands calmly before her, and replied equally calmly. "You have come to solve the secret of the murders." "That is a very clever guess, and I rather think that you can solve the secret, Madame." "Why should you think so?" she asked with absolute calmness. "You gave the Sacred Herb to Sir Oliver." "I did. The Sacred Herb of Easter Island--but I need not explain to you, since you heard what Dr. Horace said in Court. The herb induces trances, and Sir Oliver wished to go into a trance by its aid. I therefore gave him a few twigs." "Why did Sir Oliver wish to go into a trance?" "He desired to explore the Astral Plane, if you understand that----" "I quite understand; I have studied Theosophy. Well?" "There is nothing more to be said," rejoined Madame Marie, with a little shrug, which hinted at French blood. "He went into a trance, and while his spirit was absent from his body he was murdered." "Who by?" "I can't tell you. Even with my powers, and they are great, I am not permitted to know who killed Sir Oliver Lanwin. It was his Karma, and he had to bear it, since he reaped only as he sowed. The Karma of his murderer has nothing to do with me, therefore my sight is veiled, and I cannot read the truth; and if I could," added the woman with emphasis, "you must be aware, if you have studied the occult, that I would not be permitted to tell without permission from those who rule." "The Lords of Karma?" asked Prelice, wondering if she was talking in earnest, or merely wriggling out of an awkward position. Madame Marie bowed solemnly. "I see you understand somewhat; but may I ask you to be more open with me regarding the purpose of your visit. You can hardly have come to accuse me of these crimes?" "No," said Prelice, studying her face carefully; "I think that you are innocent. Let us leave the murders alone for the moment; I want you to help me"--he paused to add effect to his next words--"with Captain Felix Jadby."