“There, it is all right. You know you have been deceiving these people and now you are going to make a speech and tell them the truth. Tell them how you tricked them,” continued Tibby. “My friends,” said Russell, “I will now undertake to explain to you all that has seemed to you mysterious and supernatural. I am a mind-reader and a hypnotist. I sometimes figure as a spirit-medium. I have the power of going into a trance, when my senses no longer control my mind, and then I can see through time and space; and what has seemed to you unaccountable except by spirit agency is simply the result of natural forces not yet well understood.” “That is true,” said a voice at the door, and the spectators turned to see Mark Cramer entering the room. Tibby gave him a meaning look and put her fingers to her lips. “I have deceived you and worked harm among you,” the Professor went on; “and not only here, but in many other parts of the country. I am planning more mischief still. Esther McCleary is in my power—” “Stop! You have said enough!” cried Tibby, alarmed at his words. “Yes, I’ve said enough,” he repeated. “Shall I awaken him?” Tibby asked, turning to Mark. “So you’ve really hypnotized the villain. Good girl!” cried Mark, and his hand was extended to her in friendly appreciation. “Yes, he’s been dancing, and giving himself away badly,” said Donald. “Are you all satisfied that he is a fraud and a villain?” asked Mark, looking about him. “We have his own word that he is,” replied Sol Garrett. “O, his dancing was too funny,” giggled the Pemberton twins. “I don’t know what to think of it, but I believe the Professor will explain it when he comes out of his trance,” said Mrs. Jenkinson. “I am sure he has been under control.” “Under Miss Waring’s control,” said Mark, with a frown. “Can it be that you will yet ascribe this to spirit agency?” “He was controlled by a dancing master,” said the twins. “Mark, I wish you would send him away,” whispered Alice; “I am so tired.” “You may as well awaken him,” Mark said. “These people are bound to be deceived.” “Awake!” cried Tibby. For a moment the Professor’s face became convulsed, he struggled desperately, then fell prone upon the floor. Donald and Solomon Garrett assisted him to his feet, and for a few moments he stood staring and glaring about him. “What are you doing here, sir, when I forbade you the house?” cried Mark. “Get out of here at once, and never let me see your face in this part of the country again, if you value your miserable life!” The man glared at Mark in impotent rage. “Come, go! I know all your iniquity and I swear I’ll have a mob after you before another night if you’re in this vicinity!” Mark spoke with angry vehemence. “I go, but your wife will follow me,” Russell said, turning and fixing his eyes upon Alice Cramer. Mark saw her totter forward, and catching her in one arm he drew a revolver from his belt and levelled it at the Professor’s head. “Will you go?” he hissed.