I am quite alone, and free to do what I like with my own--including my life!" Mr.
Trelawny bowed gravely, and turning to Mr.Corbeck said: "I have known your ideas for many years past, old friend; so I need ask you nothing.

As to Margaret and Malcolm Ross, they have already told me their wishes in no uncertain way." He paused a few seconds, as though to put his thoughts or his words in order; then he began to explain his views and intentions.

He spoke very carefully, seeming always to bear in mind that some of us who listened were ignorant of the very root and nature of some things touched upon, and explaining them to us as he went on: "The experiment which is before us is to try whether or no there is any force, any reality, in the old Magic.

There could not possibly be more favourable conditions for the test; and it is my own desire to do all that is possible to make the original design effective.

That there is some such existing power I firmly believe.