Lewis, with the width of
the table between us. What ulterior processes were to be exhibited I
do not know, but the first result to be obtained was to throw Dr.
Becker into a mesmeric state of somnolence, under the influence of
the operator. The latter presently began his experiment, and,
drawing entirely from his coat and shirt sleeve a long, lithe, black
hand, the finger-tips of which were of that pale livid tinge so
common in the hands of negroes, he directed it across the table
towards Dr. Becker, and began slowly making passes at him. We were
all profoundly still and silent, and, in spite of my disgust, I
watched the whole scene with considerable interest. By degrees the
passes became more rapid, and the hand was stretched nearer and
nearer towards its victim, waving and quivering like some black
snake, while the face of the operator assumed an expression of the
most concentrated powerful purpose, which, combined with his sable
color and the vehement imperative gestures which he aimed at Dr.
Becker, really produced a quasi-diabolical effect. The result,
however, was not immediate. Dr. Becker was apparently less
susceptible this evening than on previous occasions; but Dr. Lewis
renewed and repeated his efforts, each time with a nearer approach
and increased vehemence, and at length his patient's eyelids began
to quiver, he gasped painfully for breath, and was evidently
becoming overpowered by the influence to which he had subjected
himself; when, after a few seconds of the most intense efforts on
the part of Dr. Lewis, these symptoms passed off, and the
mesmerizer, with much appearance of exhaustion, declared himself,
for some reason or other, unable to produce the desired effect
(necessary for the subsequent exhibition of his powers) of
compelling Dr. Becker into a state of somnolency--a thing which he
had not failed to accomplish on every previous occasion. The trial
had to be given up, and much speculation and discussion followed as
to the probable cause of the failure, for which neither the
magnetizer nor his patient could account. Believing in this strange
action of nervous power in one person over another, I am persuaded
that I prevented Dr. Lewis's experiment from succeeding. The whole
exhibition had from the very beginning aroused in me such a feeling
of antagonism, s