"That man who mesmerized you is very clever," said the professor quietly, when I had finished. "It was very unfortunate for you that you should have matched yourself with such a one. His plot was well worked out in every respect. He only made a mistake in one thing." "And that?" "He thought it impossible that you should ever be freed from his power without his consent. Still it was a well-planned affair. The story, the ghost, the quarrel--it was all well done." "I fail to see what part the ghost had in the matter," I said. The professor smiled. "No?" he said. "Well, I should not think it was a vital part of his plan, but it was helpful. He calculated upon the young lady's superstitious fancies. He knew what the particular form in which the ghost appeared portended, and it fitted in with his scheme of murder. Evidently he wanted the young lady to believe in your guilt, and thus give him greater chance of success. Ah, he is a clever man." "But," I asked anxiously, "can you tell me Kaffar's whereabouts now?" "No, I cannot--that is, not to-day." "When, then?" "I may not be able to do so at all. It all depends on one man." "Who is he?" "Simon Slowden, I think you called him." "Simon Slowden! How can he help us?" "Evidently he is susceptible to mesmeric influences, and he knows the man you wish to find. But the difficulty lies here. Is he sufficiently susceptible?" "Is that the only hope?" "All I can see at present. I was going to suggest that you be thrown into a mesmeric sleep; but you could not be depended on. The experiences which you have had would make you very uncertain." "Then your advice is--" "Send for this man at once. If he fails--well, I have another alternative." "May I know what?" "No, not now." "Answer me this. Do you think I killed Kaffar, the Egyptian?" "No, I do not; but your enemy intended you should." "Why did I not, then?" "Because the Egyptian also possessed a mesmerist's power, and hindered you. At any rate, such is my opinion. I am not sure;" and the little man looked very wise. "Expect us early to-morrow morning," I said, and then went away to the nearest telegraph office, with a lighter heart than I had known for many long months. The little professor had given me some hope. The matter was still enshrouded in mystery, but still I thought I had found a possible solution. "_Send Simon Slowden to me at once_" I telegraphed. "_Extremely important. Wire back immediately the time I may expect him_." Anxiously I waited for an answer. Although the message was flashed with lightning speed, it seemed a long time in coming. At length it came, and I read as follows: "_Slowden will come by train leaving Leeds 11.38. Meet him at St. Pancras_."