k back with pity to see this
generation, like flies, entangled in the webs of thought their rude
forefathers spun. But the eternal verities are few; a child could count
them. We are, however, a great deal too fond of believing what our
ancestors believed. Alas, nobody sins more in this respect than I. Let
us, then, throw overboard the supernatural, once and for all, so far as
the Grey Room is concerned. No ghost haunts it; no succubus or succuba
is hidden there, to harry the life out of good men and women."

"It is strange that you should take almost the identical line of thought
that poor Peter Hardcastle took. I hope to God you are right!"

"So far I am most certainly in the right. We can leave the other world
out of our calculations."

He asked various questions, many of which did not appear to bear on the
subject, but he made no suggestions as yet, and advanced no theories. He
suspected that Peter Hardcastle might have arrived at a conclusion had
not death cut short his inquiry. From time to time he lifted his hand
gently for silence, and permitted a reply to penetrate his mind.

"I think very slowly about new things now," he said. "An idea must sink
in gradually and find its place. That is the worst of new ideas. There
is so little room for them when you are eighty. The old and settled
opinions fill the space, and are jealous and resent newcomers."

Sir Walter explained to him presently that the room was being opened,
and would be ready after luncheon. Whereupon he expressed concern for
the workers.

"Let them have a care," he said, "for, if I am right, the danger is
still present. Let them work with despatch, and not loiter about."

"No harm has ever undertaken more than one, when in the room alone. The
detectives saw and felt nothing."

"Nevertheless, the assassin was quite equal to smudging out the
detectives, believe me, Sir Walter."

The day was fine, and Signor Mannetti expressed a wish to take the air.
They walked on the terrace presently, and Mary joined them. He asked for
her arm, and she gave it.

Prince padded beside her, and the visitor declared interest in him.

"Like myself, your dog is on the verge of better things," he said. "He
will do good deeds in the happy hunting grounds, be sure."

They told him the feats of Prince, and he appeared to be interested.

"Nevertheless, the faithful creature ought to die now. He is blind and
paralysis is crippling his hinder parts."

Sir Walter patt