“ I doubt we will get nothing to-day. Maybe it

would be wise to postpone the sitting,” said he.

Mailey came round and patted him on the shoulder, while Mrs. Linden took his hand.

“ It’s all right, Tom,” said Mailey. “ Remember that you have a bodyguard of friends round you who won’t see you ill used.” Then Mailey spoke to Chal¬ lenger in a sterner way than was his wont. “ I beg you to remember, sir, that a medium is as delicate an instrument as any to be found in your laboratories. Do not abuse it. I presume that you found nothing compromising upon his person ? ”

“ No, sir, I did not. And as a result he assures us that we will get nothing to-day.”

“ He says so because your manner has disturbed him. You must treat him more gently.”

Challenger’s expression did not promise any amend¬ ment. His eyes fell upon Mrs. Linden.

“ I understand that this person is the medium’s wife. She should also be searched.”

“ That is a matter of course,” said the Scotsman Ogilvy. “ My wife and your daughter will take her out. But I beg you, Professor Challenger, to be as harmonious as you can, and to remember that we are all as interested in the results as you are, so that the whole company will suffer if you should disturb the conditions.”

Mr. Bolsover, the grocer, rose with as much dignity as if he were presiding at his favourite temple.

“ I move,” said he, “ that Professor Challenger be searched.”

Challenger’s beard bristled with anger.

“ Search me ! What do you mean, sir ? ”

Bolsover was not to be intimidated.

“ You are here not as our friend but as our enemy.