positive disbelief was aroused.
There are places where he makes assertions, which he admits he cannot
explain. He tells of wonderful occurrences which he cannot account
for, while, in spite of that, he does not hesitate to attribute them
to mesmerism. Such teaching is unsatisfactory and unscientific."

"Very true, but because Deleuze did not understand a phenomenon, does
it logically follow that there is no explanation of it to be had?"

"Why, not at all, Doctor. But the explanation must eliminate it from
the realm of the mysterious, and make it acceptable to the reason. In
its present form it is utterly unacceptable. I cannot believe that one
individual may possess a power by which he may control his
fellow-creatures. The idea is repugnant in the extreme. It lessens
one's self-dependence. Do you believe in mesmerism?"

This was a direct question, and the Doctor thought that the subject
had been pursued far enough. He had no desire to approach a point
where he might be compelled to give this inquiring youth an insight
into the scientific side of hypnotism. He preferred to leave him
wallowing in the mire of mesmerism. Consequently, he did not hesitate
to reply:

"No, Leon. I do not believe in mesmerism. Mesmer himself was a very
erratic, unscientific man, who either did not or would not arrange his
observations into scientific order, from which logical deductions
might have been made. Therefore, his whole teaching may be counted
rather among the curiosities of literature, than as having any value
to the mind of one who seeks the truth. Life is too short to waste
much time upon such fruitless speculations."

"I am glad that you agree with me," said Leon. "I was afraid from what
you said that you might believe in that sort of thing."

To this the Doctor made no reply, the words "that sort of thing"
threatening to lead him upon dangerous ground again. He essayed, by a
gentle digression, to divert the conversation into another direction.

"Speaking of mesmerism, Leon, I suppose that you know that its
advocates likened it to the power which reptiles are said to have over
birds and small animals, whom they fascinate first, and then devour.
Now I was much interested to note the familiarity with which the
little chipmunks approached you this morning."

"Did you see them?" Leon was surprised, for he had not known how long
the Doctor had been present.

"Yes," replied the Doctor; "I watched you for some time. How is it