n his own experience? The mind does not only play
tricks and laugh at reason in dreams while we sleep. It laughs at reason
while we wake, and the sanest spirit experiences inspired moments, mad
moments, unaccountable impulses the reason for which he knows not.
The ancients explained these as temptations of malicious and malignant
spirits or promptings from unseen beings who wish man well. And where
the urge is to evil, that may well be the truth; and where it is to
good, who can doubt whence the inspiration comes?"

"And shall not my inspiration--to employ the cleverest detective in
England--be also of good?" asked Sir Walter.

"Emphatically not. Because this thing is in another category than that
of human crime. It is lifted upon a plane where the knowledge of man
avails nothing. You are a Christian, and you should understand this as
well as I do. If there is danger, then I am secure, because I have the
only arms that can avail in a battle of the spirit. My trust is shield
enough against any evil being that may roam this earth or be held by
invisible bonds within the walls of the Grey Room. I will justify the
ways of God to man and, through the channel of potent prayer, exorcise
this presence and bring peace to your afflicted house. For any living
fellow-creature would I gladly pit my faith against evil; how much more,
then, in a matter where my very own life's blood has been shed? You
cannot deny me this. It is my right."

"I will ask you to listen to the arguments against you, nevertheless,"
replied Mannering. "You have propounded an extraordinary theory, and
must not mind if we disagree with you."

"Speak for yourself alone, then," answered May. "I do not ask or expect
a man of your profession to agree with me. But the question ceases to be
your province."

"Do not say that, sir," urged Henry Lennox. "I don't think my uncle
agrees with you either. You are assuming too much."

"Honestly, I can't quite admit your assumption, my dear May," declared
Sir Walter. "You go too far--farther than is justified at this stage of
events, at any rate. Were we in no doubt that a spirit is granted
power within my house to destroy human life, then I confess, with due
precautions, I could not deny you access to it in the omnipotent Name
you invoke. I am a Christian and believe my Bible as soundly as you do.
But why assume such an extraordinary situation? Why seek a supernatural
cause for dear Tom's death before we are satisfied