The papers by which my property was made over to the Mystics some five years ago--together with a doctor's certificate as to my mental soundness at the time--is in the hands of the Council.

Any attempt to unmake this disposition of my fortune would be fraught with failure.
"With sincere hopes for your future welfare, "Your uncle, "ANDREW HENDERSON." For a space John stood pale and rigid, making no attempt to reread the letter; then all at once one of those rare and curious upheavals of feeling that shake men to their souls seized upon him.

The blood rushed back into his face in a dark wave; the rose-colored mist that had floated before his vision flamed suddenly to red; the same implacable rage that, years ago, had impelled his grandfather to disinherit his favorite son swelled in his heart.

All ideas, all considerations, save one, became blurred and indistinct; but this one idea rode him, spurred him to a frenzy of desire.

It was the blind, instinctive, human wish to wreak his loss and disappointment upon some tangible, visible object.
With a dazed movement he turned to the bed; but only the huddled, impassive figure beneath the coverlet met his gaze.