will restore the centres to their normal condition. You will,
therefore, I think, admit that with proper diet and possibly the aid of
a galvanic battery a man may live,--barring possible death by
violence,--say, two hundred years."

"You mean," I said, "when we have learned to combat the various disease
germs by pitting against them their natural enemies."

"Exactly, of course," answered the shade; "but it seems to me that we
have talked long enough; I am becoming very dry, so let us repair to the
Waldorf and have a cocktail."

"How is it possible," I asked, "that you can take a cocktail, there
being nothing tangible about you?"

"Of course," answered the ghost, "it is impossible for me to actually
drink a cocktail. I can, however, float over the bar and inhale the
pleasing odors arising from the various concoctions served to the
guests, and in my ethereal condition I enjoy the odors and am affected
by them as much as if I were really drinking the liquid."

We floated from the house and down town, until we reached the
brilliantly lighted Waldorf Hotel. There were many people in the
bar-room, and the medical shade and myself, floating about over the
different tables, inhaled with decided enjoyment the delicate aroma of
the various mixed drinks so dear to the present generation.

To my annoyance my shade companion soon began to sing--he was evidently
affected by the odors which had passed through him. His manner became
familiar, and I had great difficulty in keeping him from kicking the
glasses off the tables. At last I succeeded in getting him out of the
room, and it was time, for as we floated into the street he began
shouting in a most uproarious manner, and I was afraid that we should
be arrested for disturbing the peace.

"Be quiet, I beg of you," I pleaded; "see that policeman on the opposite
side of the street? We shall surely get into trouble if you make such a
noise."

"Policeman?" hiccoughed the shade, "What the devil do I care for a
policeman? Watch me go over and punch him in the stomach."

In spite of all I could do to prevent him he started straight for the
officer, who was standing all unconscious on the corner, watching a
pretty girl who was looking into one of the brilliantly lighted store
windows. Now was my time to rid myself of this most undesirable
companion, and I wished myself in my own room.

Instantly I found myself floating about over my bed, and there was my
body sleeping as peaceful