f sailing on the tenth; that letter came by a Victoria
steamer and will soon reach you. At that time I was weighed down by a
premonition of some impending disaster. So seriously was I impressed,
that I at once made arrangements with Dewitt C. Dunbar, in case of my
death, to continue to operate the mine in partnership with you on the
terms now in force, and this he was perfectly willing to do. By the
terms of my will, now in the hands of my attorneys at Washington, you
are at this moment, sole heir to my large fortune. As you know, I long
ago placed my brothers and sisters beyond the reach of want. Well do I
know, my dear girl, that I can trust you perfectly, to carry forward my
work.'

"As his voice ceased to vibrate in the trumpet, I sprang to my feet
with outstretched and imploring hands: 'Father!' I cried, 'How can I do
this work alone? I am yet but a child, with a very limited business
experience to fit me for this great responsibility.' He at once replied:
'Fear not, my child. Faithful, capable, and trustworthy help shall be
brought to you. At all times I shall be near, to advise, and to guard
you and your interests. Go forward bravely in the conscious power of
your own potential spirit, dominant and dauntless. Armed with the
majesty and mystery of your mediumship, all obstacles shall yield, and
naught shall prevail over you!' This prophetic command, so thrilling, so
imperative, touched and stirred my inner self; my soul responded to the
appeal. In one brief moment I regained my self control; was calm, could
think clearly and reason logically.

"At intervals throughout the night I continued to consult with my
parents. My father advised me to write at once, announcing his death,
and requesting Mr. Dunbar to fix a time at which he could meet me in San
Francisco, for a conference. This I did at the earliest practicable
moment."

CHAPTER XIII.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

At this point in her story, Fern Fenwick said: "Mr. Flagg, I now realize
the wonderful prescience of my father's promise of abundant and timely
help, especially when I consider your life work, and the masterly way
you have equipped yourself for it, and finally, by the mysterious manner
in which we were brought together. Is it not almost like a miracle?"

"Really, Miss Fenwick, I am lost in amazement! It seems to me that I
must be dreaming! The situation is so entirely outside of my experience,
so unthinkably strange to me, that I doubt my a