Ilfra is there; she mingles with those who are most obeyed.' "'See you anything by which the mystery can be learned ?' "'I can see nothing.' "I heard a sigh.

I had returned to my normal condition again, and had told nothing.
"'I expected this,' he said, 'but I will try Helfa.' "The experiment with Helfa, however, was just as fruitless.
"Then he turned to me.

'Son Herod,' he said, 'prepare to see the greatest deed ever done by man.

All the knowledge and power of my life are to be concentrated in one act.' "With that he looked at Helfa, who staggered to a low cushion.
"'Spirit of Helfa, leave the body,' he said.
"Instantly the eyes of Helfa began to close; his limbs grew stiff, and in a few seconds he lay lifeless by us.
"'I have a mission for you, spirit of Helfa.

Flee to the home of spirits, and bring back the soul of thy sister, that she may tell me what we wish to know.' "When the command was given, I felt that a something--an entity--was gone from us.