“‘How have you learned of its existence, and how do you propose to become a noviciate, and avail yourself thereof for certain contemplated translations? Perhaps you believe in Elfins, Fairies, Genii and Magicians?’ said he, half laughingly. “‘I do not absolutely know,’ I replied, ‘that such a magic exists, yet firmly believe it does. The idea came to me I know not how. By striving, perhaps, it may be found. There are steps leading to it, doubtless, and, if we can discover the first (which I think we have already in Mesmerism), we can follow till we reach the great goal. I do not believe that Elfins, Fairies, Genii and Magicians are altogether mythical personages. There must, it seems to me, be a foundation of truth underlying the rich and varied accounts of such beings that have filled, and still do fill the reading world with wonder.’ “‘Very good. But, tell me, have you an idea that such things belong to this world or the world of spirits?’ “At that instant it seemed as if I lost my self-hood, and that a power foreign to my soul for a moment seized my organs and answered for me-- “‘_They belong to neither, but to a different world!_’ “Ravalette, at this answer, looked in astonishment; and, after gazing attentively at me for nearly a minute, muttered, in an almost indistinguishable tone, the words, ‘It shall be!’ You spoke of Mesmerism as the first step toward the true magic, which you believe, and I _know_ exists; and you thought it might be made successful use of in the obtainment of knowledge not to be arrived at by or through ordinary means, methods or agencies. Tell me in what manner? Surely not through ordinary clairvoyance, which ever reveals foregone facts, and none other; and, therefore, can be of little use to the true student? You believe, as I do myself, that all ancient history, as it comes to us, is at best a mere fable, or bundle of myths generally, albeit, certain portions are composed of romance, that is to say, are tales of fiction founded on a basis of fact, the superstructure being ten thousand times larger than the foundations would justify, provided things went at their proper value and importance. How, then, through the mesmeric force, do you expect to dive beneath this superincumbent ocean of fancy, and fetch up what few grains of truth yet sparkle at the bottom? Can you answer me that?’ “Ravalette smiled, gazed sorrowfully at me, and then went on--