d happened.

Then the thought of time came into his mind. He supposed that it would
be about ten minutes past six. The sitting had begun a little before
six. He glanced up at the clock on the mantelpiece; but it was one of
those bulgy-faced Empire gilt affairs that display everything except
the hour. He still waited a moment, feeling all this to be very
unusual and unconventional. Why should he sit here like an invalid,
and why should these three sit here and watch him so closely?

He shifted a little in his chair, feeling that an effort was due from
him. The question of the time of day struck him as a suitably
conventional remark with which to break the embarrassing silence.

"What is the time?" he said. "I am afraid I ought to be--"

"There is plenty of time," said the grave voice across the table.

With a sudden movement Laurie was on his feet, peering at the clock,
knowing that something was wrong somewhere. Then he turned to the
company bewildered and suspicious.

"Why, it is nearly eight," he cried.

Mr. Vincent smiled reassuringly.

"It is about that," he said. "Please sit down again, Mr. Baxter."

"But--but--" began Laurie.

"Please sit down again, Mr. Baxter," repeated the voice, with a touch
of imperiousness that there was no resisting.

Laurie sat down again; but he was alert, suspicious, and intensely
puzzled.

"Will you kindly tell me what has happened?" he asked sharply.

"You feel tired?"

"No; I am all right. Kindly tell me what has happened."

He saw Lady Laura whisper something in an undertone he could not
hear. Mr. Vincent stood up with a nod and leaned himself against the
mantelpiece, looking down at the rather indignant young man.

"Certainly," he said. "You are sure you are not exhausted, Mr.
Baxter?"

"Not in the least," said Laurie.

"Well, then, you passed into trance about five minutes--"

"_What?_"

"You passed into trance about five minutes past six; you came out of
it five minutes ago."

"Trance?" gasped Laurie.

"Certainly. A very deep and satisfactory trance. There is nothing to
be frightened of, Mr. Baxter. It is an unusual gift, that is all. I
have seldom seen a more satisfactory instance. May I ask you a
question or two, sir?"

Laurie nodded vaguely. He was still trying hopelessly to take in what
had been said.

"You nearly passed into trance a little earlier. May I ask whether you
heard or saw anything that recalled you?"

Laurie shut his eyes tight in