low had received the sack of precious metals which
had been let down through the open window. No doubt the pair of
scoundrels, while looking round for a job, had overheard Jack Brocket's
indiscreet inquiries, and had promptly availed themselves of the
tempting opening.

And now as to my less substantial visitors, and the curious, grotesque
vision which I had enjoyed--am I to lay it down to any real power over
occult matters possessed by my Nottingham friend? For a long time I
was doubtful upon the point, and eventually endeavored to solve it by
consulting a well-known analyst and medical man, sending him the few
drops of the so-called essence of Lucoptolycus which remained in my
vial. I append the letter which I received from him, only too happy to
have the opportunity of winding up my little narrative by the weighty
words of a man of learning:

"Arundel Street.

"Dear Sir--Your very singular case has interested me extremely. The
bottle which you sent contained a strong solution of chloral, and the
quantity which you describe yourself as having swallowed must have
amounted to at least eighty grains of the pure hydrate. This would, of
course, have reduced you to a partial state of insensibility, gradually
going on to complete coma. In this semi-unconscious state of
chloralism it is not unusual for circumstantial and bizarre visions to
present themselves--more especially to individuals unaccustomed to the
use of the drug. You tell me in your note that your mind was saturated
with ghostly literature, and that you had long taken a morbid interest
in classifying and recalling the various forms in which apparitions
have been said to appear. You must also remember that you were
expecting to see something of that very nature, and that your nervous
system was worked up to an unnatural state of tension.

"Under the circumstances, I think that, far from the sequel being an
astonishing one, it would have been very surprising indeed to any one
versed in narcotics had you not experienced some such effects. I
remain, dear sir, sincerely yours,

"T. E. Stube, M. D.

"Argentine D'Odd, Esq.,
"The Elms, Brixton."

A CHANGE OF TREATMENT

By W. W. JACOBS

From "Many Cargoes." Copyright 1903 by Frederick A. Stokes Company.

"Yes, I've sailed under some 'cute skippers in my time," said the
night-watchman; "them that go down in big ships see the wonders o' the
deep, you know," he added with a sudden chuckle,