GIFT OF 
 
 /v. FT. Sir iff in /jW>W/3 /i 
 
L. A. GRIFFIN BROWNLEE 
 
The Ghost 
 
 of 
 
 Sir Francis Whynn, 
 Baronet 
 
 By 
 L. A. GRIFFIN BROWNLEE 
 
 THE AUSTIN PUBLISHING CO., 
 
 Los Angeles, California 
 
 1922 
 
* *' 
 
 w 
 
 Copyrighted, 1922 
 
 By 
 L. A. GRIFFIN BROWNLEE 
 
 x. 
 
Foreword 
 
 I am Dot about to offer an apology for the Ghost, No! 
 Almost everyone now-a-days has a belief in the super-normal. 
 The clearest thinkers and most level-headed reasoners I have 
 known have had a profound conviction that there is really noth- 
 ing supernatural except, perhaps, the stories usually told about 
 the ghost, after a manifestation. 
 
 In this our day the best known and most revered scientists 
 have asserted that there is truth in psychic phenomena; 
 and assure us that materializations and visitations of a phan- 
 tom-like order, are in reality the outcome of efforts on the part 
 of discarnate beings; men and women who have passed the 
 change of death, and who, finding themselves very much alive 
 after the experience, are anxious to reveal themselves and 
 tell the news of their triumph and continued existence espe- 
 cially to their sorrowing loved ones. 
 
 Many scientists assure us that Death is Re-birth. Man 
 possesses a dual nature, soul and body, and that only the 
 fleshly parts disintegrate; the Ego, or selfhood, remains intact. 
 
 If one feels a strong inclination to investigate psychic mat- 
 ters, it is often just as well to commence the investigation by 
 entering a sick chamber and there carefully observe the mar- 
 velous struggle for physical existence often displayed by the 
 sick. Note carefully the potency of the Soul. The Ego, or un- 
 seen operator, is striving it would seem, to free Itself from an 
 impeding, cumbersome clog. 
 
 Note how tenderly the watchers bend o'er the sick one to 
 catch the sense of the faint sounds that emerge, more or less 
 laboriously, through the pallid lips. How eager are they to 
 attend to the requirements and catch a word, a smile or a glance 
 of recognition. Then note the sighing and weeping when at 
 last the vital spark dies out of the body and is replaced by the 
 cold, petrifying stillness of death. 
 
 The glorious animating force that subtle Something has 
 entirely disappeared. Then comes the realization to the invest- 
 igator that it was of a surety an invisible yet potent force that 
 heretofore quickened ' W IWess form. 
 
 '^9 W I 
 
It was through the agency of Spiritual activity the physical 
 body was enabled to use its organs, function, live, move and 
 have its being. 
 
 Then it is possible to realize that the body of flesh was 
 merely an instrument, a medium for the more or less intelli- 
 gent Ego to make use of. 
 
 Death in this is recognized as a means to an end a libera- 
 tion. The fact must not be overlooked that all Mother Nature's 
 special and important labours are quite invisible to the physical 
 eye. 
 
 There must of necessity be an unseen realm. 
 
 The marvellous force that is called "Life" is ever in opera- 
 tion throughout the whole Universe, working through and with 
 atoms, molecules, germs, forming them into various shapes 
 and putting them to various uses. Throughout the realms of 
 Nature potent forces are attracting these and other infinitesimal 
 atoms, or molecules, and forming cells of living germs from 
 apparently invisible matter, and by marvellous processes the 
 processes of evolution and involution, shape and quicken into 
 being multitudes of creatures. 
 
 In the past a certain school of materialistic scientists taught 
 that mankind was probably the outcome of a fortuitous com- 
 bination of atoms of matter, animated, of course, by force. And 
 that when these said atoms disintegrated and the body fell to 
 decay, then man's career as a thinking entity was over. Briefly 
 put: "Man cannot think without his brain. Individuality ends 
 at death," was their declaration. 
 
 Now, a number of Spiritual Scientists thought otherwise and 
 asserted that Individuality does not end with death: that "Mem- 
 ory is Immortal"; that it belongs to the Ego, the I Am or 
 Unseen Being, and does not depend upon the functioning of 
 a human brain. A physical brain is essential only to the Ego 
 whilst dwelling in the physical body. That Memory itself is 
 indestructible. An integral part of the spiritual nature, and a 
 very useful part, yet not visible to mortal gaze. 
 
 It is now a well-recognized fact that Dame Nature neither 
 wastes nor destroys one atom of matter; nor perverts, or sus- 
 pends force in any way. The savants, the great analytical 
 chemists, the Master Minds, assure us after untiring research 
 into the realms of Nature's finer workings that there are num- 
 berless delicate yet intensely active forces ever in operation 
 governed by immutable laws. A few of the better known are: 
 
Volatile Magnetism, or Life Force; Mind Force which gener- 
 ates thought; Will Power; Action; Magnetic Force, or the Lawa 
 of Attraction and Repulsion; Radium; Hertzen-waves, or Invis- 
 ible Light; Electricity; Ether; Electrons, etc., Unseen Activity. 
 
 As before stated, the wondrous Life Force is responsible 
 for the myriads of creatures upon this interesting globe of ours; 
 yet this marvellous force is so minute in its pristine state that 
 it requires the assistance of a powerful microscope to make 
 the molecules, which is its medium of conveyance, apparent 
 to the student's gaze. This potent force with which man, in 
 common with all other living entities, is endowed, assists him 
 to develop or unfold his hidden powers from his inception to 
 his demise. From babyhood to old age the activity of this force 
 used intelligently (or otherwise) helps man to keep his fleshly 
 body in some sort of condition. It assists him to rebuild or 
 strengthen his bony structure; or mould the grey matter of 
 the brain; slowly, yet surely, induces unfoldment of his organs 
 and functions, and latent talents. Also repairs, alters and re- 
 furnishes the muscles and sinews of his body the network of 
 cells, the delicate tissues, the veins, the blood, the hair, the 
 nails and all that goes to make the perfect whole; the unseen 
 development of which (according to scientific deductions), takes 
 place every seven years, more or less. 
 
 If this marvellous reconstruction can from physical evolu- 
 tion be developed what is to hinder a like form of involution from 
 acting conjointly, enabling man to form physically within him- 
 self a finer, more perfect body for his use after dissolution in 
 an ethereal sphere of life? 
 
 Again, Man during his physical tenure must, of necessity, 
 have learned many valuable lessons preparatory to a higher, 
 nobler state of existence. If he be a wise individual he will 
 have learned self-control; patience; in other words how to 
 subjugate his fleshly passions, appetites and desires. Who 
 knows better than man himself in spite of a broken, or even 
 evil career how often glimpses have been caught of his soul's 
 mnate purity? Flashes of inspiration, mirrors of intuition, 
 reflections of spirituality, the inward promptings of goodness, 
 or the premonitions of punishment for disobedience to his bet: 
 ter self? These powers are all spiritual powers and graces of 
 man's immortal soul. 
 
 When at last man stands divested by Death of his physical 
 garment, from which he merges like a butterfly from the shat- 
 
tered shackles of its crystalis, he quickly discovers that he pos- 
 sesses a new body ; a covering for his Soul, most useful, beautiful, 
 and ethereal; quite in harmony with his spiritual surroundings. 
 
 He also realizes that he has no added appendages, such 
 as wings, etc.; he is merely re-born, rejuvenated, fully conscious, 
 alert, and willing nay, anxious to resume his manifold duties 
 as an intelligent individual. Moreover, he discovers that the 
 new sphere into which with Death's assistance he has entered, 
 is quite near to the old one, just outside of it, in fact, and 
 that it is a very tangible realm, the watchword of which is 
 "Liberty"; and that law and order reign supreme. 
 
 There is, of course, a new form of government. And as 
 soon as he realizes its import, as a true citizen he is ready to 
 conform to its rules. Therefore, man after death finding so 
 much to his advantage, so much to admire in this new state, 
 is it not natural that he should desire and endeavor in a prac- 
 tical, if ghostly, fashion to communicate with those he left 
 behind? 
 
 Alas for modern enlightenment! 
 
 The Spirit-man when he puts his desires into operation 
 discovers to his dismay and disgust, doubtless that there is 
 a very strong prejudice, excepting in very special scientific 
 circles, against spiritual manifestations. 
 
 If he persists in his visitations, he is told in effect: "My 
 dear fellow. Now you are dead and tucked away safely in your 
 sepulchre, be wise, and stay there. What's the use of rising 
 from the tomb and gliding about and scaring folk? Please 
 don't forget you ought to be in Paradise; you were supposed 
 to ge good, you know. If things are different keep quiet about 
 it" 
 
 Naturally this kind of reception for a time non-plusses the 
 ghost. Still, he makes further efforts; and discovers that the 
 mind which to him once was opaque, is now as clear as crystal. 
 He can easily read the thoughts of those he visits; so he re- 
 alizes fully that to put it mildly he is neither wanted, or 
 understood. Stifling his chagrin as best he may, no doubt he 
 does some hard thinking; and eventually, according to unim- 
 peachable testimony, he comes out of an apparently hopeless 
 position, triumphant. With dogged determination, patience and 
 perseverance, he gradually surmounts all difficulties. Removes 
 all obstacles by discovering for himself a human instrument, 
 a medium; suitable for his purpose and willing to co-operate 
 
with him; readily responsive to his spiritual promptings and 
 commands. A Psychic Message-bearer. Who willingly makes* 
 known the fact that he has survived the shock of death. That 
 he, as son, brother, lover, or husband, is still constant, living 
 and loving, as in days of yore. And waiting at the portals for 
 the coming-over of his own dear ones. He to be the first to 
 welcome them to that glorious summer land, there to dwell 
 with him in peace and happiness for aye. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, 
 Baronet 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 I, Henry Austin, Storekeeper, had just arrived from 
 Bath, on a visit to Manchester, the great Cottonopolis 
 of the North. I was here on a short pleasure trip, and 
 like the thrifty Scot was endeavoring to turn my holi- 
 day-keeping to commercial account. So during my stay 
 in the great Northern city I had taken up my quarters 
 at a well-known hotel whose frontage is situated in the 
 main thoroughfare near an important railway depot. 
 Which fact alone assists in deepening the mystery and 
 adds to the peculiarity of the whole affair. 
 
 On the special occasion to which I refer, I was 
 spending the latter portion of a busy day in the peace- 
 ful seclusion of a private sitting-room, reading an in- 
 teresting book on the dangers I beg pardon, joys of 
 matrimony; time, as near as I can remember, about five 
 o'clock in the afternoon of a mild September day; when 
 I was disturbed by hearing, as I thought, the door of 
 the apartment gently opened ,and someone glide softly 
 into the room. Judging by the deliberate movements 
 which followed I decided that it was doubtless a waiter 
 attending to duty ,and did not therefore glance up from 
 my book until a quiet, but peculiar, rustling caused me to do 
 so. On looking up I encountered the quizzical scrutiny 
 of a pair of violet-blue eyes, owned by a richly-garbed 
 and particularly handsome young man, who upon realiz- 
 ing that he had attracted my attention, with an air of 
 courtly politeness, bowed low before me. 
 
 His elaborate attire and theatrical attitude caused me 
 to conjecture that possibly he was arrayed for a mas- 
 querade ball, tableaux vivants, charade, or something of 
 
12 The <&hot of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 that kind. Anyhow, my unknown and unannounced visi- 
 tor was charmingly dressed in all the glory of an Eigh- 
 teenth Century costume, viz., a suit of delicate pale pink 
 brocaded satin, with white-frilled shirt, his powdered hair 
 or wig tied at the nape of the neck with a how of wide 
 silk ribbon; and filmy lace of cobweb fineness gracefully 
 bescreened a pair of the most exquisitely-modeled, richly- 
 bejeweled, lily-white hands it has been my lot to behold, 
 the precious stones in the rings emitting entrancing 
 rays of many-coloured light; while white-silk hose and 
 shoes with sparkling buckles adorned his nether limbs. 
 His dress was one of surpassing beauty worn with the 
 ease and custom of a Prince. 
 
 In spite of the irritation I was feeling caused by 
 the unwarrantable intrusion of the good-looking stranger, 
 I was conscious of a decided interest in him. He had, 
 apparently, already divested himself of his over-coat, 
 gloves and three-cornered hat and deposited them on 
 the couch beside him. With an air of nonchalance and 
 a slightly mocking smile on his full red lips, the in- 
 truder settled himself in the armchair immediately oppo- 
 site me and with a careless flick in my direction, of a 
 dainty morsel of perfumed lace that did service, it seemed, 
 for a handkerchief, broke the silence; coolly and com- 
 mandingly he remarked: 
 
 "Ah, Austin, my good fellow! I observe you are 
 well occupied endeavouring to improve your mind by 
 study; nevertheless, I require your undivided attention 
 for a while. Listen to my instructions, please." 
 
 "You most certainly have the advantage of me, Sir," 
 I stammered, mustering all the dignity I could on the 
 spur of the moment, unpleasantly conscious that my man- 
 ner and speech appeared rough and hard in comparison 
 with the high-bred action and dulcet tones of my visitor. 
 
 "There is no necessity for me to apologize for my 
 presence here," he said, in the manner of one conferring 
 a favour, adding loftily, "My name is Whynn, Frank 
 Whynn, at your service. By gad, sir, try to understand 
 that, my time is precious and attend without further par- 
 Icy." 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 13 
 
 As can be imagined I naturally resented this high- 
 handed method of procedure, especially from an utter 
 stranger; yet the peculiarity of the situation had its at- 
 traction, and I therefore composed myself as best I could. 
 In a clear, concise manner the visitor continued : 
 
 "Now, Austin, I would have you know I am fully 
 acquainted with all your circumstances and am in pos- 
 session of all necessary information concerning your com- 
 mercial ability, etc. ; I find your credentials are quite sat- 
 isfactory so that I may rely, I understand, upon your be- 
 ing honest and trustworthy. I desire to engage your ser- 
 vices for a very important mission, and if you will im- 
 plicitly obey my instructions you will have no cause to 
 regret it; in fact, you will not need to continue in your 
 trade of purchasing dolls ' eyes for that emporium of 
 yours in Bath, you know." 
 
 "Dolls' eyes, indeed!" I indignantly exclaimed. 
 "What do you mean, Sir! I never bought a single doll's 
 eye in the whole course of my existence ! ' ' 
 
 "Possibly not," he interrupted composedly. "Pre- 
 sumably they were all married with large families, but 
 your ware is quite immaterial to me. The matter re- 
 quiring attention is urgent; and I would have the busi- 
 ness dispatched with all celerity. Listen carefully: I 
 desire you to journey with all speed to Brecon, in the 
 county of Glamorganshire, South Wales. In that pic- 
 turesque village there stands at the foot of the hill on 
 the high road to the drowsy old town of Brecon, an an- 
 cient inn named the "Roebuck," once a fine posting 
 station now fast falling into decay, so aged has the 
 building become that it may be demolished at any time; 
 but ere its final destruction I would have you visit the 
 spot and pass a night in the South chamber that over- 
 looks the great orchard ; for within the recess of its old- 
 fashioned chimney there rests hidden treasure which I 
 would have you find. Journey, therefore, hither at once ; 
 seek diligently for an iron ring three feet above the re- 
 cess inside the commodious flue ; use your full strength 
 upon that ring and dislodge a stone plug, then thrust your 
 hand into the aperture and draw forth two bags of gold, 
 the price you will obtain for the gold will serve you 
 
14 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 for expenses during the fulfillment of your mission. I 
 trust, my good fellow, you thoroughly understand the 
 instructions so far ?" 
 
 At this point I stopped him, having decided that the 
 gentleman was either mad or well, I now believed I 
 knew the reason ,therefore I said coolly: 
 
 4 ' I imagine you are an actor, Mr. Whynn. However, 
 I consider it a breach of good manners to force your 
 company upon me in this manner. I have no desire to 
 witness the rehearsal of your part be that what it may, 
 therefore I should be obliged if you would bring this 
 farce to an end and leave me to my book." 
 
 The stranger's reply was loud and disocncerting laugh- 
 ter ;then stopping suddenly he sprang to his feet and 
 with a tragic gesture like the villain in the play 
 cried fiercely: 
 
 " Zounds, fellow ! Do you mistake me for a mummer? 
 One of those tragical-comical-historical strolling players, 
 a Thespian, eh? Was it not Shakespeare who declared 
 ' That all the world 's a stage, and men and women merely 
 players'? Other than in this manner, I can lay no claim 
 to histrionic greatness. Gaze well at this; I would have 
 you thoroughly realize who I am." 
 
 So saying he thrust under my nose an exquisite silver 
 snuff box, bearing within the lid in gold letters this in- 
 scription, "Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet, Llangollen Cas- 
 tle, Wales." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 "Very well. I wish you to know I am what is 
 termed 'dead', that is, I lived in the physical body more 
 than two hundred years ago. Passed out in 1748. I be- 
 long to an acient Welsh family whose baronial halls are 
 still in existence though the original one has fallen to de- 
 cay. But my position is entirely beside the question. As 
 I have already stated I am spoken of as dead, but as you 
 see, very much alive. I would have you understand I 
 have taken great pains and have spent much time and 
 labour in preparing you for this day. I am greatly in 
 need of your amterial that is physical services. You 
 are my chosen vessel remember, and you must do my work 
 well. I have come for the purpose of giving you my 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 15 
 
 orders, which you must carry out to the very letter. There 
 is in all this a special reason which shall be revealed as 
 we proceed." 
 
 Perhaps the expression on my face prevented my visi- 
 tor from continuing, for he resumed his seat as quickly 
 as he had vacated it and covering his lips with the deli- 
 cate morsel of lace concealed, I imagine, a smile, while 
 his eyes sparkled with suppressed merriment. 
 
 "Did you say 'dead 9 more than two hundred years?" 
 I gasped, endeavouring valiantly to recover from the 
 shock his statement had given me. 
 
 "Aye, my good fellow, truly! My physical organism 
 died long ago. I am what is ordinarily termed a ' ghost * 
 but for all that I do not appear very shadowy, do IT 
 Pray do not feel alarmed, I shall not harm you in the 
 least. On the contrary, if you will permit me I will con- 
 siderably benefit you. I understand you feel surprise, 
 and I am quite prepared for a certain amount of preju- 
 dice, opposition even; but I conjure you by all you 
 hold dear not to fear me. Trust me. Do as I wish. The 
 task, believe me, is not an arduous one. But its accom- 
 plishment is essential to my future happiness. I will, 
 however, well repay you for your labours, will, in fact, 
 heap on you wealth, honour and blessings. What can 
 you possibly need more. Come now, what do you say? 
 Give me your answer? 
 
 To be perfectly truthful I knew not what reply to 
 make, though my brain had been actively endeavouring to- 
 account for the amazing situation. 
 
 At first I was inclined to think the mysterious gentle- 
 man might be an advertising agent trying to induce me 
 to take an interest in hidden treasure for the benefit of 
 some Company ,or Magazine. Then I seriously pondered 
 if I were really awake ; I even shook myself a little in 
 order to be sure I had not fallen asleep over my book and 
 was but dreaming: Here was an individual before me, 
 tangible .and real enough, conversing, if not exactly ra- 
 tional yet quite easily, who nevertheless, termed himself 
 a ghost and desired me to believe that his mortal re- 
 mains had been buried over two hundred years ago. In 
 the course of Nature the physical part of him should long 
 
16 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 ago have been given back to Mother Earth and dissolved 
 into the elements. The notion was preposterous! Far 
 more likely he was an escaped lunatic; and with a mad- 
 man's cunning had gleaned information concerning my 
 occupation, name, address, etc., for some wild scheme 
 known only to his own disordered mind. 
 
 My best plan would certainly be to ring the bell 
 and rid myself of his presence as soon as possible; but 
 ere I could execute my plan I was startled and confused 
 by my vis-a-vis exclaiming sharply 
 
 ' * When you have quite finished, Austin, cogitating on 
 the advisability of obtaining the assistance of a waiter 
 to expell me as a madman, perhaps you will give me 
 your undivided attention and possibly a sensible answer 
 to my proposals; which would be more to your credit. 
 For I warn you if you succeed in summoning the pro- 
 prietor of this establishment, his wife, family, and staff 
 of subordinates, it will avail you nothing and the con- 
 sequences will recoil upon your own head. The mo- 
 ment these people enter the room I should make myself 
 invisible to any eyes but yours and you would merely 
 get the credit of being demented; or, as your elegant, 
 modern phraseology has it, "A little bit off the top." 
 Come now, be wise in time and agree to co-operate with 
 me. Do as I require and no harm will attend your ac- 
 tions. Will you undertake my mission?" 
 
 "No," I declared defiantly, "I absolutely refuse to 
 be your servant, to do your bidding." 
 
 Nevertheless, it was bewildering to realize that this 
 madman was able so readily and accurately to read my 
 thoughts. 
 
 "Indeed," said he with sarcasm, "If that be the 
 case, I shall have to resort to compulsion and should it 
 come to a tug-of-war, I warn you beforehand you will 
 come off much the worse in the encounter. But I have no 
 desire to resort to extreme measures, though if you com- 
 pel me by your obstinacy there will be no alternative. 
 Once more I ask you to well consider before you finally 
 decide." 
 
 "I absolutely refuse your offer and defy you to do 
 your worst," I answered angrily. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 17 
 
 For a moment an ugly frown distorted my visitor's 
 exquisite features, but is passed immediately and with 
 the utmost sauvity and urbanity he continued: 
 
 "Pray be calm, Austin; don't excite yourself, old 
 fellow. You must admit your display of temper is child- 
 ish in the circumstances; please remember you have no 
 conception of my power. I will not trouble you with a 
 display of it, either, as yet; but will repeat my state- 
 ment that I am prepared to protect and benefit you; 
 therefore do not throw away your chance of conspicuous 
 promotion. Think well over the matter and decide to ac- 
 cept my terms. Do not fail to meet me at the "Roebuck" 
 Inn a week to-night." And with a sweeping bow and 
 fascinating smile the amazing visitor bade me adieu and 
 vanished from my sight. 
 
 To say I was astounded, but midly expresses my feel- 
 ings. I had heard no sound the door was not opened 
 in the ordinary way yet the gorgeously-attired stranger 
 was no longer with me, and curious to relate, a sense 
 of peculiar loneliness pervaded the room after his dis- 
 appearance. Had it not been that the words, "Meet me 
 at the 'Roebuck' Inn a week to-night," still resounded 
 in my ears and again and again passed through my brin, 
 and a pleasant perfume pervaded the atmosphere, I 
 should have concluded I had dreamt the whole occurrence 
 but endeavour as I would, I could not break the 
 spell; nor dismiss the recollection of that compelling 
 sentence of a meeting at the 'Roebuck.' 
 
 Some days elapsed filled with business and excite- 
 ment such as a populous city has to offer, and the im- 
 pressions above related gradually paled and at length dis- 
 appeared entirely. I had not mentioned my strange ex- 
 perience to anyone, not even my wife to whom I wrote 
 frequently. And when the day of my homeward jour- 
 ney arrived, I can assure my readers that I left Man- 
 chester duly prepared for the journey to Bath, but owing 
 I was convinced to the blunders of railway officials, I 
 found myself instead, in South Wales. 
 
 The guard who came to the rescue of the porters, 
 whom I deluged with a storm of abuse for the inconceiv- 
 able mistake of landing me in Brecon, when I desired 
 
18 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 to be in the City of Bath, Somersetshire, declared I had 
 asked for Brecon, South Wales, when changing at Chin- 
 ley, and that he had purposely put me into a through car- 
 riage. 
 
 Conscious of the fact that scolding would not mend 
 matters, I lost no more time, but tried to rectify the mis- 
 take. I found I should have to wait a few hours before 
 making the return journey; I therefore wired my wife, 
 distributed a few judicious tips to the perturbed porters 
 and guards; and made enquiries for the " Roebuck " Inn. 
 It appeared that it was within an easy drive, so I en- 
 gaged a broken-down vehicle politely designated a 'cab' 
 and desired the Jehu to take me thither. 
 
 On my arrival I acknowledged that the " Roebuck " 
 Inn was certainly a quaint old edifice; solidly built of 
 stone, with an aged and hoary exterior, it inspired ad- 
 miration and respect. It was still the pride of the neigh- 
 borhood; and especially of its host; to whom it was a 
 source of much profit by way of tips from interested 
 visitors. 
 
 One of its chief show-rooms was that overlooking a 
 lovely old orchard, now glowing with the gold and crim- 
 son of its ripened fruit and reddeniing leaves. A beau- 
 tiful room, with low ceiling supported by broad, heavy 
 black oak beams; its walls paneled; its oak doors and 
 mantlepiece wonderful examples of the carver's art. Its 
 mullioned windows added also to the sense of importance 
 with which the visitor was impressed on entering, and it 
 was easy to believe the host, who filled my ears with 
 stories of the great ones Royalty included who had 
 graced it with their presence in days gone by. The massive 
 carved bedstead with its heavy draperies shutting out all 
 but a sense of luxurious rest might well have sheltered 
 the slumber of a King or Queen and the equally heavy 
 draperies of the windows added to the vague weirdness 
 which suffused the whole apartment. 
 
 Thus did I find myself in that very 'South chamber' 
 of the "Roebuck" Inn of which my ghostly visitor had 
 spoken, and I was forced to admit as I reviewed the situ- 
 ation that Pate in mysterious fashion had played pranks 
 with me, and the spook had gained a point. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet t9 
 
 Though resolutely endeavouring not to think of hid- 
 den treasure, I felt a strong desire to remain longer in 
 the room and with some difficulty and much tipping at 
 last obtained permission from my reluctant host. 
 
 Left alone, and with the privilege of staying for the 
 night, I began a cautious examination of the room, espe- 
 cially the wide old-time fireplace with its quaint iron dogs 
 well-fitted to support the Yuletide fuel. The huge chim- 
 ney compelled my attention, and much as I determined 
 to resist its fascination I found myself still gazing at, and 
 conjecturing, if in romantic times long past, that ancient 
 masonry had really received secret visits and harboured 
 hidden treasure? Slowly and surely curiosity overcame 
 all other feeling and I began an exhaustive examination 
 of the room to assure myself, may be, that no one 
 lurked behind the curtains, or in, or under, that majestic 
 bed; and in due time my searching finished at the capa- 
 cious flue. 
 
 Very cautiously I peered into its yawning mouth; 
 very carefully felt my way inside it ; and to my surprise 
 and delight found it contained a recess! Remembering 
 the directions given I continued feeling over the wall with 
 my hand, and at length came upon a metal ring embedded 
 in the sunken portion of the masonry. Yes! Yes! "an 
 iron ring three feet above the recess inside the commodi- 
 ous flue!" 
 
 I was now thoroughly aroused. I determined not to 
 leave the room far less the Inn until I had dislodged 
 the stone plug, to which I felt convinced that iron ring 
 must be attached. There passed throug my mind those 
 words: "use your full strength upon that ring and dislodge 
 a stone plug." 
 
 In vain I exerted my strength in vain I tugged and 
 pulled; injuring my hands with the rough, rusty ring, 
 and my arms and wrists with the force of my endeeavour. 
 Until at last, weary and exhausted, I relaxed my efforts ; 
 deciding to renew them later on, when, after a good din- 
 ner I should feel better able to wrestle with the time- 
 set plug. 
 
 Having dined and rested, faithful to my resolution, I 
 returned to my task. Candles pleasantly illuminated one 
 
20 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 portion of the room; and other candles, unlighted, were 
 set on the high mantle-shelf and on a table at the bed- 
 side. The lighted candle I carried in my hand did duty 
 for the continuance of my struggle; so placing it where 
 its rays would be most favourable and shielding it from 
 the down-draught of the flue, I again essayed my strength 
 upon the iron ring. Try as I would I could not dislodge 
 the plug it indicated. I had not sufficient strength, or 
 knack, perhaps, to move it. I was at last giving up in 
 despair when a slight sound as of loosening caused me 
 with increased vigour to renew my efforts and to my joy, 
 I succeeded in drawing the stone plug a little towards 
 me, and then, exerting my whole strength in one great 
 endeavour I finally released it. I nearly lost my balance 
 in so doing, for though by no means huge, the stone was 
 immensely heavy for its size ; however, I saved myself in 
 time, and depositing the plug upon the hearth beside me, 
 I eagerly sought a view of what had lain behind it. Find- 
 ing I could not clearly discern anything I thrust my hand 
 into the aperture to feel for substances which might be 
 there and come upon something globular in form and 
 soft like leather to the touch. What was it this dust- 
 grimed substance under my hand? Bags? Yes! bags! 
 Eagerly I drew forth one and then the other heavy 
 and filled with some hard substance. Trembling with 
 excitement I struggled with the dust, and the cord se- 
 curing each bag, unwilling somehow to cut the tie as 
 I could easily have done, and finally displayed to view 
 the dull yellow of the hidden treasure ! 
 
 When able to collect my senses a little I attempted to 
 distinguish the nature and also count the number of 
 ancient coins; until weary and exhausted I found that 
 the task was beyond me and decided on repose. 
 
 I had scarcely time to begin to appreciate the soft- 
 ness of the old-time feather bed and the downy pillows 
 when I was startled by a sharp rap on niy shoulder; and 
 glancing upward in alarm, I met the amused gaze and 
 saw in the darkness, as though suspended above me, 
 a soft phosphorescent light in which appeared the grace- 
 ful form and face of him who called himself "Frank 
 Whynn. " 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 21 
 
 Seeing I at once recognized him, he began pleas- 
 antly : 
 
 "Well done! Austin, old fellow. I am delighted you 
 have felt it your duty to obey my behest ! It is time now 
 to give you further directions: When you leave here 
 take the gold with you ; dispose of it in your own estab- 
 lishment to a customer whom I will influence to visit you, 
 a Jew, Leon by name. He will enquire for curios, and 
 you will display your find to him. He will give you a 
 fair price for those valuable old coins if you manage 
 him. Get as much as possible from him, Leon can well 
 afford to pay; and they are worth a goodly sum; there- 
 fore drive a good bargain a Jew is proverbially a tough 
 customer so deal with him accordingly. I will endeavour 
 to send a tutelary spirit to watch proceedings and in- 
 spire you to demand and to accept the correct value. 
 You must then journey to Hornsworth Castle, in West- 
 morland, the residence of Lord Templeton, who is a de- 
 scendant of my family; he is at present absent in Italy, 
 but you can get permission to inspect the Castle from 
 the agent, Mr. Lennox. You go there for the purpose of 
 obtaining documents lying in the secret drawer of an old- 
 fashioned cabinet in the Library; it is imperative you 
 get possession of those papers. I with other spirits will 
 meet you there and instruct you how to do so. You 
 will then take them to your residence and after revision 
 by me you will return them safely to the drawer from 
 which you removed them. These documents whose con- 
 tents is at present unknown to others are to me, all- 
 important. They deal with my private affairs and have 
 within them many misleading statements some of them 
 fatally detrimental to those I love. It is my intention to 
 correct the errors. You may consider this a question- 
 able way of making history; but it is, I assure you, 
 a very safe one; and in this case it is justifiable. For 
 the present I will not burden you with more, but wish 
 you the best of slumber in that fine old bed. Au Voir ! ' ' 
 
 He finished speaking and my eyes could no longer 
 perceive him. A host of perturbed thoughts and strange 
 notions jostled each other in my brain. It was impos- 
 sible to doubt the reality of the presence so lately with 
 
22 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 me, or deny that he was more than human. Neither could 
 I dispute the fact that circumstances not of my own 
 making had brought me to a place hitherto altogether 
 unknown to me; and furthermore, the discovery of the 
 treasure was indubitable testimony of the truth of the 
 ghost's assertions. Yet I confess I did not enjoy the 
 idea of being the tool of a man long dead, or of that 
 man's spirit; but being so far entangled my difficulty 
 was to see a clear way out of it. 
 
 Eventually I made up my mind to follow his instruc- 
 tions and to take the coins with me, secreting them some- 
 how upon my person. And, of course, I should have to 
 remove all trace of my investigations lest suspicion be 
 aroused and no end of trouble should follow. Therefore, 
 I deemed it best to rise, and return the stone plug to its 
 place, and re-fix the cement as best I could by the aid 
 of wit and water, trusting to the general darkness of 
 the flue to protect my handiwork should anyone think of 
 making an examination of the room after the departure 
 of the stranger who evinced so much desire to remain the 
 night. 
 
 These things done so as to leave no apparent traces 
 of tampering, and all restored to my satisfaction, I once 
 more sought, and this time found, repose. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 My birthplace, and that of my forefathers for many 
 generations, is the ancient city of Bath. A delightfully 
 charming, old-world place; once the favourite resort of 
 Royalty, and the residence of aristocracy of the bluest 
 blood. I naturally love the old city with its ancient edi- 
 fices, especially the gray old Abby that Cromwell and his 
 legions tried so ineffectually to destroy. 
 
 Lying in an escalloped basin all roads lead up to 
 Bath's broad, velvety downs, and one must therefore 
 climb the surrounding hills to reach them ; or, follow- 
 ing the windings of the lovely river, go along the valley 
 of the Avon. 
 
 Bath is still the "Beautiful"; possessing an inex- 
 haustible picturesqueness in her winding and sloping 
 streets, which give at every end a panoramic view of the 
 surrounding beauty. 
 
 But a change has come o'er the spirit of the dream; 
 and the city presents a very different aspect to the world 
 to-day to that which she wore in the stirring and roman- 
 tic times of Beau Brummell, and when Beau Nash was 
 the uncrowned king of her lovely precincts. 
 
 Her natural beauties are still undiminished ; "Age 
 cannot wither her nor stale her great variety ' ' ; the dear 
 old place still presents panorama of splendid scenery; 
 but the once stately city of Bath is fast falling into the 
 sere and yellow leaf of senile decay; the pride, the 
 pomp, the power and the passion of her glorious past 
 lie buried forever in the tomb, to which she herself 
 doubtless declines. 
 
 Yet she lives on a witness indisputable, of the Ro- 
 man conquerors; who finding the district of vast fertility 
 and interest, turned to their utmost account the healing 
 springs of waters which, gushing, bubbling, hissing 
 and boiling, escape from the bowels of the earth. They 
 pitched their tents, 55 B.C., and made a settlement, which 
 lasted until the withdrawal of their Legions in the Fifth 
 Century after Christ. Then gradually and entirely the 
 
24 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 Roman city passed from sight ; and other builders built 
 for other times. 
 
 Only of recent years have excavations brought to 
 light the handiwork of those old Romans. The vast tanks 
 for bathing, the stone platforms, the steps and seats, 
 the columns and vaulted roofs, the furnaces for heat- 
 ing water, the lavish use of materials in the plumb- 
 ing, all attesting the great knowledge they possessed 
 two thousand years ago. And the Roman bridges, Roman 
 roads and toll houses, bear witness also to the durability 
 of their workmanship. Nor is it possible to dig to any 
 great depth anywhere in Bath without making discov- 
 eries of Roman occupation in days long ago. 
 
 But the Ghost! Ah! I have not forgotten him! I 
 could not if I so desired ; his influence is too strong to 
 be lightly disposed of. 
 
 I am a practical, hard-headed man of the world. 
 There is nothing sentimental or imaginative about me; 
 nevertheless, I have often conversed with a ghost, and 
 the statement of the fact has brought a heap of ridicule 
 upon me. Even the wife of my bosom listened to my 
 story with an air of downright skepticism; and though 
 it was impossible to deny the testimony of the coins, I 
 felt, in spite of their very practical and material evi- 
 dence, that she was inclined to doubt the mental condi- 
 tion of her lord! 
 
 She interrogated me closely concerning my libations 
 during my stay in Manchester. 
 
 Doubtless the noise, smoke, dust, dirt and rain of 
 that city are enough to drive one occasionally to drink; 
 but I am an abstemious man and do not indulge in ex- 
 cess. I did not once overstep the mark during my stay 
 in Cottonopolis. It was a real ghost and no alcoholic 
 liquor which was responsible for my experiences, and 
 so I endeavored to convince my wife, and to diabuse 
 her mind of the idea that I had courted the whole occur- 
 rence by conversing with the spirit. 
 
 Conviction, however, must have come when a Jew, 
 giving the name of Leon, visited our establishment and 
 enquired for curios. I exhibited several things, but failed 
 to interest him, and finally showed him the antique coins. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 25 
 
 He was delighted with them ; and after a certain amount 
 of bargaining ended by purchasing, at a good price, the 
 treasure I had abstracted from the old chimney of the 
 "Roebuck" Inn. 
 
 My business and family history will not interest 
 the reader; but one incident should be related. As my 
 wife could not fail to see that the prophecies of the ghost 
 were being fulfilled, she became greatly alarmed. And 
 when, a little later I followed instructions to dispose of 
 my business and retire to the country, she was thor- 
 oughly unnerved and pleaded with me to have nothing 
 further to do with the occult. 
 
 "Oh! Harry/' she cried, piteously, the tears stream- 
 ing down her cheeks, "do give it all up. I am certain 
 it is but the Devil's work, and I fear for the future 
 indeed I do!" 
 
 I endeavored to soothe her, and made her some prom- 
 ises; but I gave her to understand that I could not dis- 
 regard the knowledge I possessed; nor slight, nor resist 
 entirely the influence which urged me forward. Be- 
 sides, I acknowledged to her, I felt a great respect 
 almost an affection for the ghost of Sir Francis 
 Whynn ; and his absence as I would that of an intimate 
 friend. Also, I had experienced that by following his 
 instructions I was always benefited and I, therefore, saw 
 no reason to disregard his counsel, or refuse to be influ- 
 enced by his advice. 
 
 Not long after this explanation I sold my business 
 profitably; and retiring to a quiet country residence in 
 Somersetshire, settled down to the study of metaphysics. 
 My wife, I am glad to say, finally withdrawing a good 
 deal of her opposition to my researches into Spiritual 
 Science. 
 
 Time passed, and nothing of importance happened_. 
 So long, indeed, was it since I received a visit from the 
 spirit-world that I seemed forgotten. A sense of neglect 
 enveloped me ; and depression began to lay its hand upon 
 me. 
 
 The land was filled with summer; the twittering and 
 song of the birds, the drone of insects, the colour and 
 beauty of flowers, the richness of foliage and lawn, 
 all made the surroundings of my country home a great 
 
26 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 delight. My special sanctum, cooled this hot afternoon 
 and toned to a soft light by the sun-blinds shutting out 
 the glare from each window, was a haven of restful 
 peace and shade. But mentally I drooped ; longing for a 
 visit from him, who, with his elegant manner and beauty 
 of aspect had woven himself into my life. Who now 
 seemed unconscious of my existence and whose visits I 
 had almost ceased to expect ; forced to the conclusion 
 that he had forgotten all about me. 
 
 One afternoon I was sitting listlessly, unable to take 
 an interest even in the occult, when a slight noise, 
 a sound familiar and indescribable, and a waft of de- 
 licious perfume attracted my attention, causing my 
 heart to beat wildly with a sudden hope. Nor was I 
 disappointed. For charmingly attired as ever, and as 
 gay, Sir Francis Whynn stood before me. 
 
 "Ah, Austin, industrious as usual," he exclaimed. 
 "Surrounded by books and learning! No, no, don't dis- 
 turb yourself, ' ' he added ; motioning me with a waive of 
 his lovely hand to retain the seat from which on seeing 
 him I had essayed to rise. 
 
 His influence was astounding, the rush of feeling to 
 my breast was overpowering. An overwhelming flow 
 of affection surged through me; I felt a strong desire to 
 kneel before him in abasement. He seemed to know my 
 feelings, for he addressed me in a markedly tender and 
 sympathetic manner: 
 
 "I understand you, Austin, and appreciate fully your 
 regard; and I am glad to see that you are beginning to 
 realize how much I desire to benefit you; that I am your 
 true friend and have your welfare faithfully at heart. 
 I shall also do my best to gain the confidence of your 
 wife ; a task I hope to accomplish in due season ; at pres- 
 ent there is more important work to accomplish. 
 
 You must now arrange your visit to Hornsworth 
 Castle. The time is ready for action in relation to the 
 affair I have already mentioned to you. You must meet 
 me shortly at Lord Templeton's for the purpose of secur- 
 ing the documents I need. You will find yourself alone 
 in the library of the Castle and will there carry out my 
 plans. My part will be complete, and you must carry 
 yours through in a like thorough manner. Write Lord 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 27 
 
 Templeton for permission to visit the Castle as I dictate 
 to you, and meet me there eleven days from to-day. 
 
 And remember, I promise you this that if you ful- 
 fill my requests as I desire, many secrets shall be revealed 
 to you. And in the near future, as my medium, you shall 
 visit foreign lands, dwell with great ones, and your 
 fame be world-renowned." 
 
 As I listened to my handsome visitor speaking thus 
 concerning myself a sense of joy pervaded my whole be- 
 ing; and when I had gained sufficient courage and calm- 
 ness to be able to speak I assured him I would execute 
 his every order; not with the expectation of gaining a 
 reward for my labours, but because of the sympathy and 
 admiration he aroused within me. 
 
 " Believe me, Sir. Francis, you may rely upon me. 
 Yours is my true allegiance. My word is my bond. And 
 every vow I make to you I will keep." 
 
 With a sweet smile of delight and a gracious inclina- 
 tion of his shapely head, he answered in his captivating 
 voice: "Thanks, Austin, old fellow; I most certainly 
 accept your physical favours in the spirit in which they 
 the given. I have every confidence in your sincerity, 
 and in your ability to perform the tasks before you. And 
 I appreciate your expressions of loyalty to my cause. 
 Gooy-bye, Austin. Remember to meet me at Hornsworth 
 Castle in eleven days." 
 
 And as ever Sir Francis Whynn was gone. Only 
 the memory of the bewitching fascination of his pres- 
 ence, and the exquisite odour of White Rose and Musk 
 which always pervaded the apartment during his visits 
 remained with me ; wrapping me in delightful recol- 
 lections for long after his departure. 
 
 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn has subtly and 
 spiritually enlightened my mind respecting what were 
 at one time difficult problems; and thankfulness blended 
 with respect, deep admiration, and sympathy, fill my 
 soul; and I heartily trust that all his desires may be ac- 
 complished. To refuse to aid him would be for me im- 
 possible; he is so enchantingly graceful so easy and 
 clever I could not resist his power or refuse to accept 
 any ideas he might place before me. I am content to 
 obey his commands and leave results. I am convinced 
 
28 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 that he possesses marvellous abilities and is a being of 
 a higher order than mortals. 
 
 He can read my thoughts swiftly and accurately, fore- 
 tell events, make and keep appointments, converse fluently 
 and rationally, visit me by day or night. 
 
 Distance presents no difficulty; stone walls cannot 
 keep him out, locked doors in no way prove a bar; but 
 instantaneously he can appear and disappear, and though 
 to all seeming quite substantial, vanishes into the air and 
 is gone. 
 
 After such an interview my wife declares that for 
 some time following I appear dazed, and have in my eyes 
 a far-away expression and a glow upon my countenance. 
 She says: 
 
 "You never seem properly awake now, Harry. And 
 when that persistent spook of yours has manifested, your 
 appearance and manner is of one who has been suddenly 
 aroused from deep slumber, and who is only partly con- 
 scious of his surroundings. ' ' 
 
 "My dear," I expostulate mildly, "I feel wide awake 
 enough Surely you exaggerate a little. I am well aware 
 you object to Sir Francis Whynn using my physical 
 organism, but let me beg of you to take a more tolerant 
 view and a more rational standpoint. The wisdom of his 
 present course of action will be made clear some day. ' ' 
 
 I realize that my wife is somewhat prejudiced against 
 the visits of the Ghost. Perhaps it is pardonable, for, as 
 you see, we have neither chick nor child, and all our mar- 
 ried life have been a devoted couple. These spiritual 
 manifestations are our first division. I do my best to 
 assure her all is well both now and in the future, and that 
 my affection is not in any way estranged from her. And 
 she admits that since the visits of the Ghost both she and I 
 have to acknowledge the development of much latent talent. 
 She having been influenced by a great desire to draw and 
 paint, and in a marvellously rapid fashion has developed 
 ability for portraiture and landscapes faculties she hith- 
 erto never dreamed that she possessed. Again, she has 
 unfolded powers of clairvoyance, and is able to describe 
 to me the forms and objects she discerns which are not 
 present to our physical senses. I encourage her all I possi- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 29 
 
 bly can in this direction, deeply interested myself and 
 confident such power will benefit her; and it may be the 
 operating influence which will prevail upon her to take 
 more kindly to Sir Francis Whynn. 
 
 My study of Spiritual Science has led me to discover 
 that I am capable of being what is termed "controlled"; 
 that is, my whole mental and spiritual ego can be com- 
 pletely dominated by the influence of a spirit-being. I am 
 informed that I am a "spirit-medium" and considered a 
 good physical instrument for use by the spirit-people, 
 which possibly explains why I have been chosen to go upon 
 this remarkable errand to Hornsworth Castle. 
 
 I wrote, as instructed, to Lord William Templeton, and 
 in making my written request I followed the directions of 
 a spirit-voice which, in distinctly audible words, dictated 
 every syllable of the letter. 
 
 This amazing experience occurred to me when I was 
 alone in my study one evening, just before dusk ; I could 
 see no form, but every utterance was clear and distinct. 
 I confess to considerable nervousness when the words first 
 fell upon my ears, nor do I think that is surprising consid- 
 ering the in my case unprecedented happening. The 
 letter was beautifully expressed, and evidently dictated by 
 a person of rank. It produced the desired effect, permis- 
 sion being received from Lord Templeton for me to stay at 
 Hornsworth and to make any use I required of his noted 
 collection of books. 
 
 Truly the Fates were propitious and I considered 
 myself a very fortunate individual ! 
 
 All preparations being completed, I journeyed to West- 
 morland, and in due course arrived at the country station, 
 where a smart brougham was waiting for me. On my 
 arrival at the Castle I was received with respect by the 
 steward and housekeeper, and after being shown to my 
 room, and partaking of a recherche luncheon, I was taken 
 on a tour of inspection by the old family butler. 
 
 Hornsworth is a stately erection built in the Eliza- 
 bethan period. In 1669 a handsome wing was added, 
 designed by that renowned architect, Sir Christopher 
 Wren; and various other additions have been made from 
 time to time, and the interior fitted with every desirable 
 modern appliance. 
 
30 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 My interest centred chiefly in the picture gallery and 
 the library ; the former abounding with splendid works of 
 art in which I took particular delight ; my attention being 
 riveted by a magnificent portrait of Sir Francis Whynn 
 executed by that great Italian painter, Baloni. There 
 was also a beautiful painting by an unknown artist repre- 
 senting a lady and a gentleman Sir Francis, I feel sure 
 upon a terrace; a smooth green lawn spread out before 
 and below them. The lady, lovely in the extreme, is 
 seated in a stiff high-backed chair, her companion bending 
 over her with a world of affection in his gaze; she toys 
 with a bouquet of roses, some of the petals of which have 
 fallen and lie scattered on the ground. The grace of 
 attitude and the perfection of her beauty of face and form 
 are beyond my poor ability to describe. 
 
 About this picture I asked many questions. Who was 
 the lady? Who was the gentleman? Who the painter? 
 I received very unsatisfactory replies. The gentleman was 
 a remote ancestor of Lord Templeton, who died abroad 
 whilst comparatively young the lady was a friend. I 
 noticed that the rather aged butler seemed a little deaf, 
 more especially when I made enquiries concerning Sir 
 Francis Whynn. 
 
 During my stay the pictures were all uncovered and 
 I made many visits to the gallery indeed I could scarcely 
 tear myself away- chiefly because of those magnificent 
 portraits of Sir Francis Whynn. The old butler usually 
 accompanied me ; he had little to do while the family was 
 abroad, and a privileged and learned visitor, I think he 
 looked upon me as a savant, was always welcome; and 
 he respected me accordingly. 
 
 We were standing talking in the gallery on the usual 
 topic of family history as exemplified in portraits, when a 
 startling noise attracted our attention; it proceeded from 
 the picture of the unknown pair and was as though some- 
 one had sharply cracked a whip. As it could not be 
 accounted for otherwise, I took it to be a signal to me from 
 the unseen. Therefore, expressing my desire to consult a 
 book, I left the gallery. I observed old John looked around 
 apprehensively as we went out. 
 
 On reaching the library I settled myself in one of its 
 restful and capacious chairs with an interesting volume on 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 31 
 
 my knee. I had scarcely lost myself in its pages when a 
 slight and well-recognized sound caused me to look up 
 my ghost was standing before me, smiling and debonnair. 
 
 ''Delighted to see you again, Austin," said he. Then 
 with a sweeping bow, "Let me present you to my friends.'' 
 And behold, three other spirits stood with him, their white 
 robes arranged and worn much as the Roman wore his toga. 
 Indicating each individual, Sir Francis introduced them: 
 
 "This is Father Piercy, my Father Confessor, and 
 this is my esteemed friend, Rudolph Kellier, physician 
 and surgeon; a most useful person in warfare, duel, 
 or desperate fracas, to repair damages. And this is my 
 clever friend, Ribchester Rochester Hilton, a Shakesperian 
 actor, or heavy tragedian, therefore well suited and ever 
 ready to amuse me when I am sad. Nevertheless, I am 
 fortunate to be honored with their friendship. As you 
 see, Austin, the professions are well represented." 
 
 The spirits having acknowledged the introduction, he 
 continued : 
 
 "My reason for bringing about this meeting between 
 you and these gentlemen is, that when necessity demands 
 they will make use of your organism. Therefore I advise 
 you to co-operate with them, as you have so kindly done 
 with me. The hour of your mission at Hornsworth has 
 arrived. This," directing my attention towards a beauti- 
 fully designed and exquisitely carved cabinet of Italian 
 workmanship, "is an heirloom, hence considered priceless; 
 and to me is especially valuable, for the reason that it- 
 contains many secrets the world must never know. And," 
 he added smilingly, ' ' I intend now to remove the danger of 
 discovery. 
 
 "Give your complete attention, Austin, while I direct 
 my subordinats to take dimensions, magnetize, and break 
 open the parts which securely hold my treasure. You must 
 then take charge of the documents and keep them safe at 
 any cost." 
 
 He turned, and in a foreign tongue spoke to someone. 
 
 At that moment a flood of soft, phosphorescent light 
 fell upon the cabinet ; and to my astonishment a spirit-man 
 appeared clothed in a white sack-like garment from which 
 Iris head and a pair of brawny arms emerged. He held a 
 plumb-line which, he pressed to the sides of the cabinet as 
 
32 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 though measuring it. Then suddenly the spectral light 
 went out, and for a space awesome darkness fell upon us ; 
 followed by a gradual returning of the lipht of day. 
 
 During the darkness the room semed full of uncanny 
 sounds, such as a number of rats would make scratching, 
 nibbling, and rushing away at a great speed. This was 
 quickly succeeded by crashes and cracking, and to my utter 
 bewilderment the precious cabinet collapsed, scattering its 
 contents on the floor. I felt amazed and helpless utterly 
 at a loss what to do. I did not understand the proceedings 
 one iota ; therefore I did not move until a whispered 
 command directed me to secure part of the contents. 
 
 I obeyed immediately; and placing some neatly tied 
 documents in my pockets, was wondering what would be 
 expected of me next, when I found myself raised and 
 whirled into space; and travelling at such speed that I 
 imagined I must be many miles from Hornsworth Castle. 
 
 I must have fainted; for I remember nothing more 
 until I slowly regained consciousness and found myself 
 seated in the interior of a church. 
 
 It seemed to be empty. But shortly there fell upon 
 my ears delicious and entrancing melodies. An unseen 
 organist poured forth his soul in music, which died upon a 
 weird and wailing note. 
 
 For an appreciable period silence reigned. Then sud- 
 denly the organ recommenced its music and in swelling 
 tones a solemn air was played, and voices added sweetness. 
 A number of choristers evidently took part, for now I 
 observed many boys in white surplices parading the aisles 
 and singing lustily. I also noticed candles burning upon 
 the altar; nor was I greatly surprised when a priest the 
 exact likeness of Father Piercy came forward, his aco- 
 lytes swinging incense before that holy place. 
 
 It was all most absorbing ; yet I wondered why I had 
 been brought hither, and was lost in conjecture regarding 
 the situation when came a sudden change ; the cathedral, 
 its beauty its music its occupants were all blotted out. 
 And I again experienced the remarkable sensation of travel- 
 ling rapidly through space. 
 
 I now became aware that I was sitting in Lord Tem- 
 pleton's library. But a sense of unreality possessed me, 
 and moving to assure myself of facts, I heard the soft tones 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 33 
 
 of Sir Francis' voice and felt the touch of his cool, firm 
 hand pass lightly, almost caressingly, over my brow. 
 
 "Ah, my dear Austin, you are all right now. We have 
 you here quite safely! You see," he continued, "Father 
 Piercy was rather anxious for you to become acquainted 
 with his time-honored place of worship where he so ably 
 officiated in days gone by when he resided in the physical 
 body upon your mundane sphere. Eh, Piercy? 
 
 * l Our mission has been most successfully accomplished, 
 thanks to your personal aid ; and the valuable assistance of 
 these spirit-gentlemen ; for which, believe me, I am 
 extremely grateful. The task, however, is not yet complete ; 
 will you, therefore, finish it by conveying the documents 
 entrusted to you to your private study; securely fasten 
 them in your escritoire, and on no account disturb them 
 without my permission? I have every confidence in you, 
 Austin; and feel sure that you will respect my wishes. 
 And now, desiring not to draw too much upon your vital- 
 ity, my friends and I will leave you. Au revoir!" 
 
 With these words the ghost and his companions faded 
 from my sight ; and a great loneliness fell upon me. 
 
 The sound of an enquiring voice, harsh by com- 
 parison with that to which I had so lately listened, brought 
 me back to the material world. 
 
 "May I come in, sir? Are you all right, sir?" and 
 without waiting for permission the speaker entered, and 
 gazing upon me anxiously, continued : 
 
 "I fancied I heard the bell ring just now, sir. I 
 answered it, and found you fast asleep and dreaming, it 
 seemed, sir; for you were talking quite aloud. I imme- 
 diately withdrew. But feeling anxious about you, sir, I 
 came back and knocked again and ventured in. I trust I 
 have not disturbed you, sir ; and that you will pardon the 
 intrusion ? ' ' 
 
 I sprang to my feet, trying to collect my senses, and 
 stammered out some lame excuse to the dignified, if obse- 
 quious, old butler who stood in the doroway regarding me 
 with concern; his excellent training forbidding him to 
 make more personal remarks. 
 
 My conduct must certainly have appeared most 
 strange, my only immediate answer being to feel hastily 
 
34 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 in the breast pockets of my coat to assure myself of the 
 safety of the precious documents. I then glanced hurriedly 
 and apprehensively round the room to where the beautiful 
 cabinet had stood, expecting to see wreckage and disorder. 
 To my amazement and relief nothing seemed amiss, nor 
 from outward appearances was it psosible to gather that 
 anything untoward had happened to the handsome furni- 
 ture. Had it not been for the undeniable presence of those 
 letters in my pockets, I should willingly have believed I 
 had dreamed the whole occurrence. 
 
 As diplomatically as I could I lulled any suspicion of 
 strange behaviour on my part; and requested the butler 
 to ask Mr. Lennox to come to me in the library. 
 
 From observation I had decided that the steward was 
 a man well-informed, very intelligent, agreeable, and pos- 
 sessed of a strong personality. On his arrival I talked of 
 various matters pertaining to the traditions of Horns- 
 worth, and steering the conversation towards the super- 
 natural, finally enquired if the Castle boasted a Family 
 Ghost. 
 
 Mr. Lennox ridiculed, but did not directly deny the 
 possibility. In the excitement of discussion I disclosed 
 some of the truths concerning my marvellous experiences 
 with spirit-people. I thought my listener rather sarcastic 
 once or twice; but ultimately he confessed that Horns- 
 worth really had the reputation of being haunted; and 
 that chiefly on that account Lord and Lady Templeton 
 avoided living there as much as possible. 
 
 He took pains, however, to assure me that he person- 
 ally had never seen or heard of a supernatural character, 
 "nor for that matter has Lord Templeton; but the same 
 cannot be said truthfully of her Ladyship, who is of a 
 nervous, excitable temperament, and often declares that she 
 can see and hear things which other people cannot." 
 
 "T should say, Mr. Austin,' he remarked after a short 
 pause, "that imagination plays a great part in these super- 
 stitious matters. And ladies, being weaker both mentally 
 and physically, often become hysterical, and jump to the 
 conclusion that they see spectres, or apparitions. I am, 
 therefore, surprised to hear you defend the belief and 
 affirm that you, also, have seen ghosts. " 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 35 
 
 "I beg to reiterate that assertion," I replied rather 
 sharply. For, to tell the truth, I resented the inference 
 that weakness of mentality, or hysteria, are essential quali- 
 fications to seeing ghosts. "I am proud to state that I 
 have both seen and conversed many times with invisible 
 beings, usually termed ghosts. And I must say that I 
 have invariably found them highly intelligent, if not intel- 
 lectual. And in one case, to my knowledge, a positively 
 charming and cultured being has manifested to me innu- 
 merable times. 
 
 "Now, Mr. Lennox, I do not suffer from hallucina- 
 tions, or mental aberration, nor do I consider myself at all 
 weak-minded. Yet I am absolutely certain that I have 
 conversed familiarly with an ancester of Lord Templeton, 
 quiet recently." 
 
 "Indeed." 
 
 "Yes," I continued, with increasing warmth. "I might 
 say, indeed, that my visit to Hornsworth is due to Sir 
 Francis Whynn that it is he who is mainly responsible 
 for my presence here today. And according to his own 
 account, and also to family records, he has been "dead" 
 over two hundred years." 
 
 "Pray do not excite yourself, Mr. Austin. I have no 
 desire to argue about it. It seems to me to be purely a 
 matter of belief or fancy. And just one of those subjects 
 which cannot be settled by dispute. However, I am quite 
 content to accept your statement and let it rest at that for 
 the present." And with a somewhat compasisonate smile 
 on his face, Mr. Lennox took his leave. 
 
 I much regretted having broached the subject; but 
 perhaps I was influenced to do so. We do not aliways 
 realize when we are. 
 
 My mission having been accomplished and the docu- 
 ments now safely in my possession, my visit to Hornsworth 
 drew to its close. 
 
 Judging by the manner of the Agent, the housekeeper, 
 and old John, it would seem that I had created a favour- 
 able impression, and that my departure was regretted. 
 Mr. Lennox drove me in a smart dog-cart to the railway 
 station and waited to see me off. In due course amid 
 snorts, whistles and agonizing shrieks the huge locomo- 
 tive started; the watchers on the platform waving adieu 
 
36 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 to their respective friends became smaller and smaller and 
 were lost to sight. I took my last look at the beauty of the 
 surrounding country; and drawing up the window of the 
 first-class compartment, settled myself comfortably in its 
 well-padded seat, and gave myself up to solid reflection on 
 the incidents of my visit to Hornsworth. 
 
 Amongst ohter things, I cogitatted upon the queer 
 apparition of the rough spirit-man who used his plumb-line 
 with such magical results ; and gravely wondered if he had 
 been a burglar in his day and generation. Thinking thus 
 recalled a story which a friend of mine relates: His busi- 
 ness premises were cleverly broken into, and a large safe 
 forced open and rifled; but fortunately the thief was 
 captured just as he was making off with his booty. The 
 surprising part of the tale is that the only tools found in 
 the burglar's possession were a jemmy, a handful of nails, 
 and a piece of copper wire Had spirits helped him, I 
 wondered. 
 
 But then, I argued to myself, as I followed this train 
 of thought, that kind of thing is altered by death, of 
 course. Surely there is no necessity for burglars to prac- 
 tice their art in the spirit realm ? Yet burglary might be 
 useful even to spirit-people, for when one comes to think 
 of it, practically speaking, the documents now in my pos- 
 session were stolen by that spirit-man and me ! 
 
 The problem became too perplexing I felt I had 
 better leave it. 
 
 I now became aware of an almost insuperable desire to 
 break the seals and view the contents of my precious 
 charge; and it was necessary to battle fiercely with the 
 temptation in order not to yield to it. But I am thankful 
 to say I did ultimately triumph over it ; and when I at last 
 arrived home, it was with the seals intact. And the much- 
 prized documents were safely deposited, as requested, in 
 my desk; to be removed by other hands than mine. 
 
 I received a most cordial welcome from my wife, who, 
 full of excitement and anticipation, was longing to hear a 
 detailed account of my visit to Westmorland. We talked 
 together for hours, and I told her everything I could 
 remember of the Castle, and its people. And of my visitors 
 from the Spirit Universe. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 37 
 
 The unabated interest with which she listened, and 
 the intelligent comments which she made from time to time, 
 were to me a source of great encouragement, and gratifi- 
 cation. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 My wife's interest in Spiritual Science had so far 
 developed, and her attitude towards Sir Francis Whynu 
 had so greatly changed, that she was most willing to 
 co-operate with me in arranging for a series of meetings 
 to be held consecutively throughout the Winter months. 
 
 We decided on a definite number of Seances. 
 
 To these we invited old, and we fondly imagined 
 tried and trusted friends. 
 
 Alas ! for the sacred bond of friendship ! It will not 
 always bear the strain of dark adversity or New Ideas. 
 At least, that is the conclusion I am driven by experience 
 to accept. 
 
 The Seances began. 
 
 And now commenced a truly amazing development 
 of physical power exhibited by spirit-people. Who, by 
 their knowledge of the subtle force termed "psychic", 
 made known their presence in unmistakable manner. 
 
 At our meetings my physical organism became the 
 instrument of quite a number of mysterious manifesta- 
 tions. There were heard loud and startling raps; and 
 sounds incident to the labours of a carpenter, such as 
 the sawing of wood, hammering of nails, planing and 
 boring. At other times came the falling of heavy weights ; 
 the ringing noise of an anvil struck with tremendous 
 force; at others, the melody of a musical instrument 
 skillfully played. And wearing apparel, ornaments, pic- 
 tures, and so forth, would be removed from their posi- 
 tion and taken to different parts of the house. 
 
 Occasionally, in full view of the sitters, small ar- 
 ticles would be taken from my person, such as keys, 
 coins, studs ; a tie pin, a watch and chain. These things, 
 leaving their places, would go forth towards the gath- 
 ering, greatly to the alarm of the ladies present. 
 
 By no means did we keep these enigmatical happen- 
 ings secret; all our intimate friends were invited to be 
 witnesses of these marvels. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whyiin, Baronet 39 
 
 About this time I made the discovery that, how- 
 ever much people may appear to respect, and unequiv- 
 ocally accept one 's word upon mundane matters ; directly 
 one declares belief in the activity of those called "dead", 
 the genuineness of their affirmations and acceptance is 
 severely tested. 
 
 I was soon voted a "crank", and practically called 
 "insane" by those who had known me all my life and 
 shared my hospitality innumerable times. 
 
 They went further. They were so very skeptical 
 concerning those same spiritual marvels that they openly 
 declared that I had arranged the whole affair, fixing 
 up an elaborate apparatus of invisible wires, and so forth 
 in order to deceive them. They unanimously declared 
 me to be a fool or a rogue. And this from those who 
 designated themselves my "friends"! 
 Ah, me ! 
 
 The most trying part was that no amount of evi- 
 dence or argument would convince them that their con- 
 clusions were wrong. 
 
 Finally, therefore, I refused to have anything more 
 to do with such intolerant persons. And in a paper de- 
 voted to Spiritual Science I advertised for honest investi- 
 gators. 
 
 The result proved most satisfactory. Thenceforth, 
 with a number of earnest truth-seekers around, my me- 
 diumship grew apace. 
 
 I should like my readers to understand that all re- 
 plies were not accepted. No! not by any means. The 
 letters were all most carefully examined; and only those 
 selected by spirit direction were permitted to attend the 
 sittings. 
 
 The Spirit-persons who are most regularly in com- 
 munication with a Medium are spoken of as "Counsel- 
 lors", "Familiar Spirits" or "Guides". 
 
 Hence those spirit-men to whom Sir Francis intro- 
 duced me, namely, Father Piercy, Rochester Hilton, and 
 Dr. Kellier, became as elder brothers. Giving me al- 
 ways their protection and instruction ; and introducing 
 me to bright and beautiful angel forms, who demon 5 - 
 strated from time to time their proximity by material- 
 izing fully. Revealing their presence chiefly by the use 
 
40 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 of a phosphorescent disc, or slate, and the aid of a ruby 
 lamp. 
 
 The luminous slate and the crimson lamp were the 
 only material accessories the spirit-people asked me to 
 employ. 
 
 Surrounded now by seekers after knowledge of the 
 occult life, our Seances met with results beyond all ex- 
 pectation the manifestations being of a really perfect 
 order. 
 
 With regard to spiritual phenomena, I am, indeed, 
 but a neophyte; the little I know has, in truth, been 
 forced upo me by spirit-beings. I did not seek the living 
 dead; without my invocation they discovered me. And 
 in spite (at first) of protest, insisted on enlightening me 
 concerning their spiritual existence, for which I am now 
 truly grateful. 
 
 And, without egotism, I may say that my medium- 
 ship has unfolded until many marvels were transmitted 
 through me. Amongst which were levitation, floating, 
 matter passing through matter, direct speaking and writ- 
 ing; and other forms of psychic power. 
 
 And many loved friends of those investigating 
 friends who had passed the gates of death made their 
 presence convincingly felt and seen. On such occasions 
 I was often bound and fastened in a wire cage; and 
 therefore, could in no way help in these direct mani- 
 festations; which were incontestably genuine. 
 
 The band of "Guides" was presently augmented by 
 a jolly spirit-man, a French clown, named Adolphe, 
 who always caused much diversion. He was usually ac- 
 companied by a stoical Maori Chief, called Tomshaw, 
 who invariably developed for inspection in full war array 
 decorated with a number of weapons. 
 
 "Literally dressed to kill!" Adolphe declared. 
 
 Despite the comical contrast of these two, the man- 
 ifestations were considered marvellous ; the grim old New 
 Zealand Chief in his fearsome, primitive costume, and 
 Adolphe in his funny, clownish garb, both wonderful in 
 a weird fashion. 
 
 About this time there came into our circle, by spir- 
 itual request, two wealthy foreigners, connected, it was 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet // 
 
 said, with the Russian Embassy. Following their advent 
 spirits of a decidedly military aspect began to appear. 
 
 Also, to the number of guides were added two lovely 
 and delightful females one, giving the name of Valerie ; 
 the other, a young girl calling herself Virginia who 
 charmed and interested the sitters beyond expression. 
 
 Our meetings, having exceeded the original num- 
 ber, had lasted through the Winter and well on into the 
 Spring. Summer was now approaching. The gentlemen 
 from the Russian Embassy were returning to their na- 
 tive land. And it was decided that the sittings should 
 be discontinued for a period. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 The early Autumn brought me an important foreign 
 communication. 
 
 It was penned by Baron Milhail Ortinsky, and pur- 
 ported to be an invitation from the Czar of Russia ! 
 
 It was a request that I would visit the Russian Court, 
 to enable the Emperor and Empress to witness the won- 
 derful manifestations which occurred through my me- 
 diumship. 
 
 At the same time came a letter from Lord Templeton 
 desiring me to go immediately to Hornsworth Castle. 
 
 I had no hesitation in accepting Lord Templeton 's 
 invitation; but experienced the greatest difficulty in de- 
 ciding for, or against, the call to Russia. 
 
 I pleaded the length of the journey; the difficulties 
 of travel, the season; and also, domestic reasons. 
 
 The reply to all this was an imperative note, signed 
 by the Czar himself, commanding me to visit him, as soon 
 as possible, at his Winter Palace in Moscow. With it 
 was a letter from Baron Ortinsky, stating that all ex- 
 penses connected with my transit to Russia would be 
 amply covered, and those of my wife, should she desire 
 toaccompany me ; that every arrangement would be made 
 for our comfort, and that no refusal would be accepted. 
 
 I therefore, re-considered my decision; and finally 
 submitted to His Imperial Majesty's command. 
 
 But before going to Russia I visited Lord William 
 Templeton, whom I found to be an exceptionally agree- 
 able man, and very easy to get on with. Lady Temple- 
 ton was less affable; she appeared to me rather cold, 
 self-opinionated and distant. Nevertheless, I must not 
 complain altogether of her demeanour towards me; she 
 could, I found, be very gracious when she pleased. 
 
 As Lord Templeton engaged me after dinner " across 
 the walnuts and the wine," I discovered his special rea- 
 son for desiring my presence was that he had heard from 
 Mr. Lennox that I was somewhat versed in ghost-lore. 
 
Hie Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 4? 
 
 "Ah, by the way, Mr. Austin," he remarked, "I un- 
 derstand that you believe in ghosts?" 
 
 "Yes, my Lord, I do. It was, indeed, a very special 
 ghost who first induced me to write to you for permis- 
 sion to visit Hornsworth Castle." 
 
 "Really," replied Lord Templeton. "How very in- 
 teresting! Have you any objection to telling me the 
 story?" 
 
 "Not in the least, my Lord. The ghost in question 
 should be well known by name to you. He is indeed a 
 remote ancestor of yours, named Whynn. He calls him- 
 self 'Sir Francis Whynn.' Is not Whynn one of your 
 race, my Lord?" 
 
 "Yes, certainly. The name of Whynn appears in 
 the family tree. His half-sister, Lady Ann Templeton, 
 nee Whynn, is a direct ancestress of mine." 
 
 "It was, my Lord, at the urgent request of Sir 
 Francis Whynn that I came to Hornsworth Castle last 
 Autumn; and for a specific purpose. Though previous 
 to his visitations and advice, I must confess, I did not 
 know of its existence. I followed his directions; and 
 during my visit witnessed extraordinary happenings, 
 which, at present, I am not permitted to disclose." 
 
 "Quite so, Mr. Austin. I shall not press you. I do 
 not in the least doubt your word respecting your ghostly 
 orders. My own peculiar experience with the conduct 
 of such beings precludes my doing so. Re-fill your glass, 
 have a cigar, and tell me the whole story." 
 
 "Many thanks, my Lord, but I rarely smoke, and I 
 drink but little wine." 
 
 "All right, then. Tell me the story." 
 
 "I shall be delighted, my Lord, to unfold all I can 
 concerning that most interesting phantom; although I 
 am not at liberty to reveal his motives, ' ' and I proceeded 
 with a full account of my first meeting with Sir Francis 
 Whynn and the numerous interviews which followed. 
 
 "I can quite believe all you have told me, Mr. Aus- 
 tin," was his Lordship's comment. "And I don't mind 
 confessing to you that Lady Templeton had been is 
 still, in fact, persistently haunted by a ghost, who, much 
 to our annoyance, compels her to listen to a recital of 
 
44 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 what he calls his wrongs. He declares he has been in- 
 jured by someone connected with the Templeton family; 
 and that he is seeking revenge. He asserts that papers 
 relating to the affair are hidden in a rather pretty cabinet 
 we possess. We have searched most carefully, but can 
 find no vestige of papers of any kind." 
 
 "Of course not! my Lord," I exclaimed. "They 
 have been removed." "At least," I added, instantly re- 
 gretting my impulsive utterance, "so I am given to un- 
 derstand. ' ' 
 
 Without noticing the lameness of the latter part of 
 my remark Lord Templeton continued: 
 
 "Then you fancy there really is some truth in the 
 tiresome phantom's story?" 
 
 "It seems probable, my Lord. I feel that there is 
 a mystery attached to some documents that once reposed 
 in a secret receptacle somewhere in the Castle is the 
 cabinet you mentioned, here, my Lord?" 
 
 "Oh, yes; it is still in the library. You might like 
 to know how it came into the family possession. I must 
 admit I am somewhat at a loss to understand how you 
 come to hear about the missing papers, Mr. Austin?" I 
 made no reply ; and Lord Templeton went on. ' ' The late 
 Sir Francis Whynn, of whom we are speaking, was born 
 at Llangollen Castle quite two hundred and fifty years 
 ago and died abroad at the age of twenty-seven. There 
 appears to have been something tragic in his death, 
 the nature of which is not exactly known. His father, 
 Sir David ,was twice married ; there were children by each 
 marriage. Ann, the daughter of the first wife, married 
 Lord Hector Templeeton and bore him many children; 
 the eldest of whom a son is my direct ancestor. 
 
 "Francis was the only son of the second wife, and 
 came into the Baronetcy at the age of nineteen. At the 
 time of his succession he seems to have been traveling on 
 the Continent accompanied by a trusted tutor. He was 
 recalled by his father 's death to take up his position as 
 head of the family, and owner of a considerable estate 
 in Wales. His conduct towards his tenants and peas- 
 antry was marked by justice and consideration. Many 
 improvements resulted; and he was held in great affec- 
 tion by his tenantry. But having formed a taste for 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 4-5 
 
 travel ; after a few years spent on the improvement of his 
 land and the betterment of his people, he returned to 
 the Continent. 
 
 "From that time his history becomes obscure, and 
 nothing definite is known beyond his letters to his half- 
 sister, Lady Ann, who loved him devotedly, and sin- 
 cerely mourned his absence from their country; and who 
 almost died of grief when she heard of his untimely end. 
 
 "By her wish his body was brought from Italy and 
 laid in the Chapel of Llangollen Castle. In Lady Ann's 
 diary is also mentioned the advent of the walnut cabinet, 
 sent her from Rome by General Stanhope; containing, it 
 was said, defamatory statements concerning her brother's 
 life abroad. Attached to the cabinet were a key and a 
 label; upon the label were inscribed symbols directing 
 the manipulation of the key. 
 
 "Whether Lady Ann opened the secret drawer, or 
 not, cannot as yet be determined she makes no further 
 reference in her diary to the cabinet. I intend to leave no 
 stone unturned, ho\vever ; but to discover those papers, if 
 possible. 
 
 "And if, by your occult powers, Mr. Austin, you 
 could obtain tidings of the key; I should be under the 
 greatest obligation to you." 
 
 As I listened, a strange, unaccountable tremor seized 
 me ; and a strong desire came upon me to visit the library 
 at once; so I replied: 
 
 "I shall be delighted to assist you occultly, if I can, 
 my Lord. And I should very much like to view the inter- 
 esting and remarkable cabinet." 
 
 We repaired immediately to the library and had 
 scarcely reached it when strange noises startled us 
 cracking and creaking of a most eerie character. On 
 entering the room we were amazed by a terrific bang in 
 the direction of the walnut cabinet. Then, to our aston- 
 ishment, w r e saw two small doors open towards us ; and a 
 shelf tilt forward, as though worked upon a spring. 
 Upon the floor there dropped apparently out of space 
 a bundle of documents w r hich I immediately recognized as 
 the very packets I thought were securely fastened in my 
 escrotoire at home ! ! 
 
46 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 A blinding dizziness seized me, causing me to stagger 
 against the wall and cling to it for support. I learned 
 later I had been the instrument for the physical mani- 
 festation. 
 
 Just then a door opened suddenly, and Lady Temple- 
 ton entered, demanding to know what had happened. 
 
 "Nothing serious, my dear/' replied Lord Temple- 
 ton, quietly, as stooping he secured the fallen documents 
 and advanced to meet his wife. "I will endeavour to ex- 
 plain the unusual sounds which, no doubt, you heard, my 
 love. They were caused by some psychic force ; and some- 
 thing, or someone, precipitated this packet " (extending 
 it towards her) "in a most mysterious manner, out of 
 space. ' ' 
 
 "Heavens, William! What have you been doing ?" 
 exclaimed her ladyship, "Surely you are not tampering 
 with invisible powers? It is a dangerous pastime at best; 
 and you know my strong aversion to such practices. ' ' 
 
 "Be assured, my darling, I will tamper with nothing 
 of an unpleasant character, if I can possibly avoid so do- 
 ing," replied Lord Templeton. 
 
 "I am glad to hear you say so, William," answered 
 her Ladyship, "But tell me, were you not invoking psy- 
 chic aid when this occurred?" 
 
 4 ' No, my dear. Mr. Austin and I had scarcely en- 
 tered the library when this amazing thing happened." 
 
 "It is really most mysterious, ' ' Lady Templeton per- 
 sisted, "Because the Voice warned me that something of 
 this nature would take place; and assured me that im- 
 portant secret papers had been disturbed; and that Mr. 
 Austin was the instrument for this purpose. And I now 
 find on entering the library that a great deal of the 
 warning is quite true. Therefore I must request Mr. Aus- 
 tin to apologize for his intrusion and interference ; and I 
 hope, William, you will arrange for him to leave immedi- 
 ately." 
 
 "I am extremely sorry, my Lady, if my presence 
 causes you annoyance," I stammered, crimson and con- 
 fused. "But if you will permit me, I will endeavour to 
 explain " 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 47 
 
 4 'Marion, my love, " interposed Lord Templeton, "Mr. 
 Austin is our guest. And he has in no way infringed the 
 laws of hospitality. There is no reason for such severity. ' ' 
 
 "I am afraid, William, I am the more competent 
 judge. Will you please ask him to account for his ex- 
 traordinary conduct respecting the stolen documents? I 
 should very much like to know his reason for assisting in 
 the theft. " 
 
 Lady Templeton 's words transfixed me with amaze- 
 ment, her accusation was astounding! I endeavoured to 
 clear myself hy uttering an incoherent statement protest- 
 ing my innocence of evil intent. 
 
 " Marion, my dear," remonstrated Lord Templeton, 
 "pray calm yourself. I wish you would realize that Mr. 
 Austin's priceless knowledge of the supernormal can im- 
 mensely asist us in making important discoveries concern- 
 ing that voice which has troubled us both for years. There- 
 fore, I beg of you, Marion, leave us together for awhile." 
 Thus saying, he opened for her the door through which 
 her Ladyship had entered ; and closing it after her, turned 
 to me with profuse apologies for accusations. 
 
 ' "I beg you will not think that I agree with anything 
 which has been uttered to your discredit, Mr. Austin. I 
 feel confident you would not practice deception upon us. 
 Nor, indeed, does it seem that there could have been any 
 opportunity, had you so desired." 
 
 "Wait, my Lord! I may be less innocent than you 
 imagine; and Lady Templeton may not be so far wrong 
 after all. Let me explain my position." 
 
 And I hurriedly related all I knew in connection witb 
 the annoying papers. 
 
 Lord Templeton 's incredulous gaze was fixed upon me ; 
 and before I could add anything to my story, or his 
 thoughts find utterance, I felt consciousness slipping from 
 me. I semed to be enveloped in a mist and lost all knowl- 
 edge of material things. 
 
 On coming to myself I found Lord Templeton bending 
 over me; his worn, kindly face very close to mine. 
 
 "Better now, Mr. Austin?" he enquired solicitously, 
 as I gazed at him in bewilderment. 
 
 "I don't know," I answered. "I feel very strange 
 what has happened?" 
 
4-8 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "You have been entranced and controlled. And I 
 have had a long, and intensely interesting conversation 
 with the spirit of Francis Whynn. Through you he has 
 given me valuable most valuable information. 
 
 i i Your mediumship must be of a remarkably high 
 order, Mr. Austin. Your Spirit-guides have told me that 
 your psychic powers are of the greatest value to your 
 Control and to the spirit-friends who use you. I will not 
 weary you now, but I must tell you that the psychic terms 
 I use were given to me during your trance, and that your 
 amiable Control has most kindly advised me upon an expe- 
 idtious method of riding ourselves of the annoying spirit 
 who has haunted Lady Templeton and Hornsworth for so 
 many weary years. 
 
 "I am unable to adequately express my gratitude for 
 the privilege of meeting you, Mr. Austin ; and your won- 
 derful Control." 
 
 As may be imagined, I, also, felt grateful and delighted 
 at the happy turn of events. 
 
 And next day, on leaving Hornsworth Castle, I was 
 in an excellent frame of mind. Well satisfied that, in spite 
 of Lady Templeton 's prejudice against me, attributed 
 |md rightly, I believe to spirit influence, I had been the 
 instrument of beneficial labour. 
 
 My perplexity concerning the reappearance of the 
 documents in such a mysterious manner, I wisely decided 
 to leave until I should receive an explanation from my 
 beloved Sir Francis Whynn. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 There was now the Russian visit to consider. Still 
 feeling unwilling to face the ordeal, I was debating my 
 course of action; when I received a further, impressive 
 message from Baron Ortinsky; saying that the Czar was 
 anxiously awaiting my presence, and proof of my medium- 
 ship, and requesting me to start imemdiately for Russia. 
 
 Permitting this letter to decide me, I put my house in 
 order; and accompanied by Mrs. Austin, began the jour- 
 ney. We crossed from London to Ostend, and thence pro- 
 ceeded overland through Germany to Russia. 
 
 I will pass over the incidents en route, attempting no 
 description of the journey ; but by remarking that we were 
 not altogether charmed with the Russian country. The 
 whole place appeared to be dominated by red-tape official- 
 ism which made it very inconvenient for ordinary travel- 
 lers. Though we, certainly, had no reason to complain of 
 the passports supplied to us. They were a veritable ' * Open 
 Sesame;" a talisman for all the might-have-been difficult- 
 ies of the way, naturally the Government officials were 
 impressed by them, and were accordingly most civil. And, 
 indeed, the politeness we received everywhere was most 
 gratifying and remarkable, due I feel sure to the fact 
 that our passports bore the Imperial signature. 
 
 These things occurred in 1903. 
 
 On arriving at Moscow, my wife and I were greatly 
 affected by the sublime magnificence of the Czar's Winter 
 Palace. It completely entranced us when we first made 
 acquaintance with it; but by degrees we grew accustomed 
 to the splendours of our surroundings. 
 
 Baron Ortinsky was solicitous for our personal com- 
 fort; and gave all possible orders respecting our require- 
 ments. Fortunately for us both he spoke English well, 
 which greatly added to our ease, and interest; and the 
 pleasantness of our visit. 
 
 The Baron coached us carefully in the necessary points 
 of etiquette. So that, when at last the great moment 
 
50 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 arrived, my wife and I conducted ourselves correctly on 
 our presentation to Their Imperial Majesties, the Czar and 
 the Czarina. 
 
 We were most affably and kindly received; and re- 
 turned from the august audience filled with the conviction 
 that the Czar and Crazina were a delightful, charming, 
 noble and gracious pair. 
 
 By His Majesty's command I was to hold a seance on 
 the evening following our presentation. 
 
 In order to prepare myself for such an important 
 occasion, I locked myself in the study set apart for my 
 especial use, where, resting in the comfort of its quiet 
 and rich seclusion, I invoked the presence and aid of 
 those ministering angels whose plastic instrument I be- 
 lieved myself to be. 
 
 Earnestly I prayed that my familiar spirit and inti- 
 mate Control would as he had so often in the past 
 directly manifest. 
 
 Waiting thus, I tried to decipher the peculiar calig- 
 raphy of a missive recently delivered to me, and purport- 
 ing to be in English. But try as I would, I could not 
 read it. The signature only was intelligible to me-^- 
 " Alexander Vasily Rusakoff." 
 
 Suddenly to my unbounded delight there fell upon 
 my ear the slight rustling sound so closely associated with 
 the presence of my chief control; my heart began to beat 
 fast with pleasurable anticipation and, raising my eyes 
 expectantly from perusal of the letter, I encountered the 
 merry gaze of Sir Francis Whynn. 
 
 " Still studying, Austin/' he observed. "Though I 
 see the matter in hand is beyond you this time. Permit 
 me to be interpreter," and, without giving time for a 
 reply, or appearing even to read the letter, he continued, 
 "This is written by one General Alexander Rusakoff, and 
 says: 'Sir, I should esteem it a favour if, by your occult 
 powers, you could discover, and assist in bringing to jus- 
 tice, the assassins of my brother, Count Gregory Rusakoff, 
 who was foully murdered in his bed-chamber three years 
 ago. I shall be greatly obliged by your assistance. It is 
 believed that Nihilists have been the perpetrators of the 
 dastardly crime. Alexander RusakoftV M 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whvnn, Baronet 51 
 
 "Dear me, that's cool! The gallant General has set 
 you a very difficult task, Austin. It is quite evident that 
 he knows more about warfare than mediumship. Now, if 
 you are willing to be advised by me, I should say deci- 
 sively : Have as little as possible to do with such investi- 
 gations; keep off the Fortune-telling plane/' 
 
 "Without your full sanction, Sir Francis," I hastened 
 to assure him, ' ' I would never dream of aiding sensational 
 investigations." 
 
 "That is well!" he replied. "I see you are wise in 
 your generation, Austin, old fellow ! ' ' 
 
 "Now, I must tell you that we, my friends and I, have 
 an important task before us. 
 
 * ' At the coming seance we intend to present the doctrine 
 of Spirit-return which is the ancient belief in the direct 
 manifestation of the so-called Dead in a manner which 
 will leave no room for doubt. For this purpose we have 
 gathered together a special band of controls, some of whom 
 are clever magnetizers and linguists. They will be under 
 the personal direction of such noted Spirit-beings as Father 
 Piercy, Dr. Kellier, Rochester Hilton and others. 
 
 "The important labor of preparing the room for the 
 seance and arranging for the presence of spirit-friends of 
 august personages, is now progressing. For such a great 
 occasion you also, as our medium, must be very specially 
 strengthened. The spirit-magnetizers will work upon you 
 before the sitting. And, let me beg of you, do not swallow 
 too much of that pernicious black mixture stewing in the 
 samovar there, termed 'tea.' An excess will injure your 
 delicate nerves, which it is my duty to protect, if possible ! 
 
 "Now keep up your courage, Austin. All will be well/' 
 
 With these words he faded from my sight. Leaving me 
 cheered, though anxious still, lest at the important hour my 
 mediumship should fail me or fall below the best. 
 
 Once more alone I reflected upon the experience of the 
 past. Recalling how from time to time truths have been 
 borne in upon me respecting spiritual matters, truths which 
 are marvellous. Through which I have discovered that 
 spirit-power, namely, reserved or unseen forces, can be 
 evolved, prepared and conveyed from place to place, and 
 by means thereof, under the direction of invisible intelli- 
 gences, extraordinary manifestations can occur. 
 
52 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "If only", I said, speaking aloud my thoughts, "one 
 could realize fully what Sir Francis expresses so often, 
 that 'The Spiritual realm into which we enter through 
 the change named Death is a replica of this; and therefore 
 the very human world'. But our early training and con- 
 ditions lead us to very different conclusions and cause us 
 to believe the departed who die in holy faith are at once 
 transformed into angels. This, of course, is more particu- 
 larly true of Calvinism, Evangelism and Noncomformity 
 generally than of the other forms of Christianity. For 
 both the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Churches be- 
 lieve in an intermediate state. ' ' 
 
 My meditations were interrupted by a message from 
 the Countess Olga Androvisky, maid of honor to the 
 Czarina, requesting a private interview. Not knowing how 
 to refuse I acceeded to the lady's request. 
 
 I was conscious of a little flutter of excitement and I 
 must admit that on her arrival I was somewhat over- 
 whelmed at finding myself alone in the immediate presence 
 of an acknowledged court beauty. 
 
 To my consternation I learned that the lovely countess, 
 like the brave general, imagined me to be a first-rate For- 
 tune-teller. And were I to reveal the object of her mission 
 I should, I fear, be making public an important court secret. 
 
 A few minutes later I was bowing out in my very best 
 manner a lady whose beauty was heightened, rather than 
 diminished, by her palpable annoyance. 
 
 After this experience I was decidedly "not at home" 
 to any applicants whosoever. 
 
 I do not think I can ever forget my first seance held 
 in the presence of an imperial assembly. 
 
 On entering the room, which, according to directions, 
 had been furnished with a curtained cabinet containing a 
 couch and chair, my heart beat almost to suffocation. This 
 was followed immediately by a remarkable calmness. 
 
 Making my obeisance to the Czar and Czarina and 
 their distinguished circle amongst whom I noticed Baron 
 Ortinsky, I entered the cabinet with a firm step. 
 
 By gracious invitation of the Czar, Mrs. Austin also 
 was present. And the knowledge that my wife and Baron 
 Ortinsky both thoroughly appreciated and believed in 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 53 
 
 Spiritual Science, and would be in harmony with the wishes 
 of my spirit-guides, enabled me to give myself at once to 
 spirit-influences. 
 
 I quickly fell into a trance-like sleep, during which I 
 was absolutely unconscious of external happenings. 
 
 At the end of a long trance I was still in the cabinet. 
 As I slowly regained consciousness I could feel myself be- 
 ing magnetized by spirit-people and I heard the low, sweet 
 voice of my chief control, saying encouragingly: 
 
 "Do not fear, Austin; you are all right now. The 
 seance has been a magnificent success! Keep up your 
 heart, old fellow ! We shall all turn up trumps ! ' ' 
 
 And before I could frame a reply Sir Francis was 
 gone. 
 
 I essayed to rise and to move from the cabinet. At 
 that moment Baron Ortinsky entered enquiring solicit- 
 ously: "Mr. Austin, are you quite conscious yet?" 
 
 I answered that I felt normal but rather weak. 
 
 The baron hastened to my assistance and as he led me 
 from the cabinet he informed me that their Imperial Ma- 
 jesties and the court had all retired, thoroughly satisfied 
 with the spirit-manifestations which they had witnessed 
 during the seance. 
 
 When I had recovered sufficiently my wife greatly 
 enlightened me as to the seance, giving me many particu- 
 lars of the manifestations. Being myself unconscious the 
 whole time I am, of course, dependent upon others for an 
 account of what had occurred. 
 
 She said that four fully materialized forms presented 
 themselves to the sitters all being present at the same 
 time. That one of the spirit-beings drew aside the curtains 
 of the cabinet and revealed the form of the medium (my- 
 self) lying in deep slumber on the couch. That these 
 spirit-persons claimed their friends among the sitters, 
 conversing with them in their own language. 
 
 That the Czar and Czarina received indubitable proof 
 of their dear ones. The father of the Czar, Alexander the 
 Third, being one of the spirits materializing. 
 
 That the little French clown, Adolphe, relieved the 
 gravity of the proceedings by his amusing antics. 
 
 And that Sir Francis Whynn, in gorgeous attire 
 sparkling with jewels, appeared, accompanied by a beauti- 
 
54 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 ful brunette and a charming blonde, whom, supporting on 
 either arm, he introduced as his wife and daughter, Valerie 
 and Virginia. 
 
 That the three together made a tour of the room, and 
 drawing near to each sitter they permitted a close inspec- 
 tion of themselves. 
 
 So concluded, in the presence of the Imperial Roman- 
 offs, the manifestations of the first seance, of which the 
 humble medium was myself. 
 
 Then followed "by command'' a series of sittings, to 
 test the spiritual phenomena, prove beyond a doubt there 
 is life of a human character beyond the tomb, the last of 
 which was marked by a very special incident. 
 
 I will relate only the striking events, which are, in- 
 deed, to a certain extent public property, having been 
 translated into several languages and extracts published 
 in a number of periodicals. 
 
 On this occasion spirit-friends of many of the illus- 
 trious sitters manifested, claiming their kinship and 
 giving evidence of identity and relationship impossible to 
 refute. 
 
 A Russian Admiral and a Russian General material- 
 ized. 
 
 The Russian General held a conversation with the Czar, 
 delivering what he declared was "an important message". 
 Whatever the subject it was evident that the Czar of all 
 the Russians was deeply interested and listened \with 
 marked attention. Before his demise the general had been 
 well known to the emperor and was, therefore, absolutely 
 identified. Part of his message was to the effect that many 
 remarkable changes were in store for Russia. 
 
 "I can perceive, sire," said the spirit impressively, 
 "that in the near future there will be the outbreak of a 
 terrible war, and unless great care be exercised it will mean 
 ignominy, sorrow, destruction for your country, your fam- 
 ily and yourself." 
 
 More followed which I am unable to repeat, being my- 
 self dependent upon the accounts recited to me. But it 
 seemed a warning of some great national or family disaster. 
 
 Many controls and guides manifested. 
 
 One handsome young spirit-man walked boldly from 
 the cabinet and manipulating a valuable violin, played in 
 
The Ghost of .Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 55 
 
 masterly style. Then placing the instrument on a table 
 near to and in full view of the sitters, bowed to them and 
 retired. 
 
 Then came a little ,dusky Indian maiden, who danced 
 to the airs played by a musical-box wound by spirit-hands. 
 Four times in succession did she' materialize and de- 
 materialize, thrilling the audience by her wonderful form 
 and action. 
 
 Suddenly the portieres were thrown back. A spirit 
 clothed in the uniform of an English general of the 
 Eighteenth century strode toward the Czar, addressing to 
 him a demand for the " immediate imprisonment of that 
 villain, Francis Whynn," shouting angrily, "He stole my 
 wife!" 
 
 At that moment within and without the cabinet there 
 was a great commotion. The words "Traitor" and "Trea- 
 son" weer reiterated with great vehemence, whether by 
 visible or invisible persons no one could tell. 
 
 Instantly the whole circle was in confusion. Many 
 present, fearing some diabolical plot, essayed to remove 
 their Majesties to safety. But before this could be done 
 the spirit of Father Piercy manifested, imploring all to be 
 calm and on no account to break the circle. 
 
 As the priest appeared the English general vanished. 
 The smooth^ impressive and gentle demeanor of Father 
 Piercy restored quiet and confidence. He assured those 
 present that all was well respecting their personal safety. 
 Explaining that General Stanhope, who had so rudely 
 broken through the band of guides and forced himself upon 
 the Czar, was endeavoring to pay off an ancient score 
 against the chief control, Sir Francis Whynn, "who has 
 nobly and ably accomplished an important labor during 
 these remarkable seances." 
 
 And now appeared Sir Francis, unruffled, handsome, 
 smiling, bland. Apologizing in courtly manner for the 
 startling interruption and hoping that Ijheir Majesties 
 would feel no further alarm concerning it. 
 
 "It certainly would not have happened," he com- 
 mented lightly, "had not the gentleman in question suc- 
 cessfully evaded the vigilance of my subordinates, and 
 forced himself upon you, sire, in this unseemly manner. 
 He is now, sire, under secure restraint." 
 
56 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 Then, with a characteristic wave of the hand, he re- 
 minded the Czar and Czarina of the marvellous manifesta- 
 tions of spirit-power which they had witnessed during the 
 seaance and by his charming personality succeeded in 
 placing everyone at ease. 
 
 The seance concluded with the materialization of the 
 lovely Valerie and her daughter Virginia, who, with their 
 husband and father, Sir Francis Whynn, bid their Majes- 
 ties adieu, and, making their farewell to the whole circle, 
 faded from their sight. 
 
 I had remained unconscious during the whole of this 
 lengthy seance and for a considerable period after how 
 long I know not. 
 
 As I slowly came to myself I was aware of the voice 
 of Mrs. Austin speaking. Gazing languidly around I 
 discovered that I had been conveyed to my study and that 
 my wife and Baron Ortinsky were anxiously awaiting my 
 recovery, filled with fear lest, having been used so hard and 
 so long, I should be unable to regain my usual physical 
 vitality. 
 
 After partaking of suitable nourishment I retired to 
 my sleeping apartment for very necessary and long repose. 
 
 My wife later told me that she had been greatly 
 alarmed at the length of time I had been entranced and 
 feared I would never be myself again, and that she hoped 
 she would not be called upon to be present when I was 
 subjected to such an exhausting and protracted trance. 
 
 I assured her that my chief control would never allow 
 me to be injured, but that, in this case, he had been very 
 anxious to make a deep impression upon the Czarina and 
 the Czar. 
 
 The seances being over and my work at the Winter 
 Palace concluded I took my leave of Russia. 
 
 But before going I had the honor of a second interview 
 with the Czar, at which I received his personal -thanks for 
 my services as a medium. He most graciously declaring 
 that he had been much interested and enlightened, and 
 that he wished me every success in my labors for what he 
 was pleased to term "a glorious cause ". 
 
 By favor of Baron Ortinsky I was permitted to view 
 one of the despatches sent abroad, in which, by approval 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 57 
 
 of the Czar, I was described as a sensible, unassuming, 
 gentle young man, endowed with marvellous gifts and 
 abilities of a unique order. 
 
 In addition to valuable cheque, I received a signed 
 photograph of the Emperor and Empress in a jeweled 
 frame, and a magnificent diamond ring. To Mrs. Austin 
 was presented a lovely necklace of jewels as a souvenir 
 of our remarkable visit. 
 
 Commands and invitations from other royalties and 
 nobility reached me before I left Russia. The creme de la 
 creme of society in various countries sought to engage me. 
 But to all of these I could make no immediate response, 
 being too fatigued for a considerable period of time to 
 comply with any. 
 
 The only course open to me was to return by easy 
 stages to my home and there recuperate. 
 
 My name, apparently, had become rapidly known and 
 I was now, what I presume is called, "famous". 
 
 But, without the full consent of my chief control I 
 would not visit any place, nor take the dear spirit-friends 
 whither they might not wish to go. Therefore, I awaited 
 orders. And only by the express desire of Sir Francis 
 Whynn would I undertake any further mediumistic en- 
 gagements. 
 
 Well and truly had he kept his word to me ! 
 
 Well and truly would I keep faith with him sweetest, 
 best, most fascinating and admirable of spirit-men! 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 I had but shortly returned to Austinlea, my country 
 home, when an invitation to visit him in Westmorland 
 came from Lord William Templeton. 
 
 He assured me that I should have rest and leisure in 
 abundance and that I should not be called upon to exercise 
 any mediumistic powers. He well understood how neces- 
 sary relaxation and every opportunity of regaining 
 strength must be to one who had gone through so much 
 stress and strain, and thinking that Hornsworth might 
 offer more seclusion than my own well-known home, he 
 begged I would not refuse. He added ''Lady Templeton 
 also hopes you will accept." 
 
 I confess to a sense of pleasurable anticipation at the 
 thought of again staying in that grand old castle and 
 revelling in its wealth of interests. And now that her 
 ladyship would make me welcome I felt strongly impelled 
 to accept the proffered hospitality. 
 
 Steadfast to my decision, however, I waited for the 
 approval of my dear old control. I soon received his wel- 
 come permission and commendation. 
 
 "lam desirous, nay, anxious, you visit Templeton," 
 he said; "I am proud for you to know him, and it gives 
 me pleasure and also provides opportunity for my sub- 
 ordinates to do some unseen work. ' ' 
 
 And hastening northwards on my arrival at Horns- 
 worth was cordially welcomed by Lord and Lady Temple- 
 ton. To my great relief I found that her ladyship's atti- 
 tude towards me had changed entirely she was frankness 
 and graciousness itself. 
 
 During the earlier part of my visit all ghostly conver- 
 sation was forbidden. But, naturally, as I gradually re- 
 covered my usual strength and vigor, it was impossible for 
 me to refrain from touching on the subject closest to my 
 heart. 
 
 The outstanding incidents of my services to the Czar 
 had been published in many papers, and were, therefore, 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 59 
 
 no news to my host and hostess. But it was, of course, in- 
 evitable that sooner or later we should go again over that 
 wonderful series of experiences. Though utterly uncon- 
 scious myself of all happenings during my periods of 
 trance I yet knew from my wife's account and from reports 
 of others many details of what occurred. 
 
 And the marvel of it filled me at times with almost 
 as much amazement as it did my audiences. Amazement, 
 full of delight, profound and well-nigh inexpressible, com- 
 pelling me to share my emotions with Lord William and 
 his wife. 
 
 From manifestations abroad we came to those near 
 home. And eventually to the past annoying hauntings of 
 Hornsworth Castle and the happy discontinuance of the 
 same. Both Lord and Lady Templeton heartily thanked 
 me as the instrument of my special control for the absence, 
 as promised by him, of the former vexatious ghostly dis- 
 turbances. 
 
 * 1 1 am glad .to tell you, Mr. Austin, we have not had 
 the slightest repetition of those troublesome experiences 
 since your last visit here," remarked Lord Templeton in 
 tones of thankfulness as we sat conversing after dinner. 
 
 ''That is good news, my lord," I answered. "I trust 
 you will never be thus annoyed again." 
 
 No sooner had I uttered the words than to my con- 
 fusion and consternation a voice said so audibly and so 
 harshly that I started and stammered with surprise and 
 alarm : 
 
 "Don't be too confident of my absence. I have not 
 finished with my lord, his lady, nor yourself. With you 
 I have an account to settle. I know all that is transpiring. 
 I'll make things hum as you will quickly see, unless I get 
 proper redress for my wrongs." 
 
 Lord Templeton, noticing my movement and not 
 realizing the cause of my uneasiness, enquired with concern 
 if there was anything he could do for me. 
 
 ' ' No, thank you, my lord, ' ' I replied. ' ' There is really 
 nothing the matter with me. I was perturbed by hearing a 
 spirit-voice which menaces my peace, and I am constrained 
 to believe that it is the very Voice which has annoyed her 
 ladyship so long." 
 
60 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 i ; Indeed ! How extremely vexatious. I really thought 
 we were entirely rid of the nuisance. " 
 
 "I fear not altogether, my lord. It would seem by his 
 statements that he will vary his form of attack. ' ' 
 
 " Ah, well a short respite is better than none; so 
 don't worry over us, Mr. Austin. In any case he cannot 
 have the same power. Knowledge properly used becomes 
 a great protection. And through you, Mr. Austin thanks 
 to the spirit of Francis Whynn I now possess valuable 
 information and know what method to employ should our 
 tormentor revive his nuisance. Knowledge being power I 
 have my weapon at command. " 
 
 No further sounds disturbing us we resumed our con- 
 versation, and for my host's information I related the 
 incident of General Stanhope's intrusion at the last of the 
 Russian seances. Lord William seemed greatly interested, 
 expressing to me his intention of shortly closely examining 
 the contents of the documents which had so mysteriously 
 appeared on the occasion of my Jast visit. 
 
 "I believe those papers will throw considerable light 
 upon this peculiar affair. It has been clearly demonstrated 
 that there has been and still is a bitter feud between the 
 opposing spirits. After I have carefully perused the papers 
 I should be very glad if you could visit us again, Mr. 
 Austin, so that we may the better discuss this matter. I 
 feel convinced that we shall eventually lay the ghost." 
 
 It was, therefore, arranged that so soon as Lord Tem- 
 pleton should have completed his investigations and get 
 at the contents of the mystifying documents I should return 
 to Hornsworth for a brief period, when, we hoped, we 
 should be able to clear up all remaining difficulties and per- 
 manently quiet the spirit of General Stanhope. 
 
 But I was not permitted to leave Hornsworth without 
 a demonstration of psychic power. 
 
 On the morning of my departure Lord and Lady Tem- 
 pleton were bidding me "Goodbye" and I was about to 
 enter the carriage to be driven to the station when I was 
 thrown into a trance, though not rendered entirely un- 
 conscious, my host having saved me from abrupt contact 
 with the ground and supported me in a reclining position 
 in his arms. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 61 
 
 There, from my person, materialized two lovely female 
 forms, who courtesied deeply with much grace to Lord 
 William and his wife. One, kneeling to Lady Templeton 
 for a moment, raised her hands as though in supplication. 
 Then both faded from the sight. 
 
 Though dazed and uncertain, with Lord Templeton 's 
 assistance I struggled to my feet, when, as if by magic, I 
 immediately recovered full stren^h and consciousness. 
 
 The manifestation seemed so unreal an incident that 
 but for the confirmation of my host and hostess, who de- 
 clared that it had been a marvellous spirit-demonstration, 
 I should have inclined to the belief that it was an imagina- 
 tion of my brain. For there were no accessories, no condi- 
 tions of any kind, and the sun shone brightly in an azure 
 sky. 
 
 Truly my experience of spiritual phenomena has been 
 of special character! 
 
 Without any personal knowledge or volition I have 
 been chosen and developed as a spirit-medium. The so- 
 called Dead were never sought by me. But they, the very 
 much alive Spirit-people, not only sought but found me, 
 and seem little inclined to discard me since my capture. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 How strange is life as Mortals know it on this 
 varying Earth ! How impossible for us to gauge tomorrow 
 by today! True, there are many times when "Coming 
 events cast their shadows before." But how much 
 oftener does the unexpected happen. Certainly this has 
 been true of my Psychic experience. And now, when I 
 seemed to have journeyed so far along the path of Super- 
 normal knowledge, there came a sudden halt. Not only 
 was my active membership set aside, but a time of strange 
 trial and temptation was before me. 
 
 Perhaps it was to test the genuineness of my alle- 
 giance, the depth of my faith, the strength of my resist- 
 ance of evil suggestion, the endurance of my patience.- 
 To try me whether I were, indeed, a fit subject for the 
 confidence of a Spirit who has passed beyond. 
 
 Hitherto I had never been annoyed, or tempted, by 
 any description of irritating or vexatious spirits from 
 the invisible universe. 
 
 "A land flowing with milk and honey" had been 
 offered to my mental vision. Benefits, friendship, welfare, 
 greatness and fame were to be my guerdon, surrounding 
 me with their blessings as the reward for my services 
 to Sir Francis Whynn. 
 
 This had indeed been so. All that he had foretold 
 me had been heaped upon me ; not one promise, but all 
 had been fulfilled. I could look back upon the period 
 since he first with sweet and polished accents addressed 
 me in the dingy parlour of a great hotel and trace, step 
 by step, each incident since that meeting, and give 
 evidence that nothing had failed of all that he predicted 
 and desired. 
 
 And now, almost at the pinnacle of fame, with won- 
 derful knowledge and power and strength, born of the 
 spiritual enlightenment and the marvels I had experienced 
 through the development of those Psychic powers which 
 from earliest childhood had been dormant within me, 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 63 
 
 waiting the unfolding influence of my chief control I 
 was suddenly checked, brought to a standstill It seemed 
 as though I would get "no whither" ever again. 
 
 Stagnation and inertia were thrust upon me. A 
 slough of despond spread slowly out before me, covering 
 all, battling through which seemed well nigh impossible 
 because of its intangible and irritating nature. 
 
 Without the least apparent reason my mediumship 
 seemed to be at an end, and sore temptations beset me. 
 
 The sense of hearing was wrought into an instrument 
 of torture by the persistent haunting of a hoarse, grating 
 voice which poured forth vile insinuations and bitter 
 vituperation against Sir Francis. The invisible speaker 
 declared himself to be General Stanhope who, by his eerie 
 presence, had so many years disturbed the peace of 
 Lady Templeton. 
 
 But, finding his abuse failed signally in its object, 
 he changed his tactics and endeavoured by persuasion 
 to cause me to accept him as my chief control instead 
 of him I knew and loved and trusted. 
 
 No allurements he could suggest could move me to 
 consider, even for a moment, disloyalty to Sir Francis. 
 Nor, for one moment even, to contemplate the acceptance 
 of such a substitute for my beloved control. 
 
 So, finding his attempts of no avail, he proceeded as 
 before, to utter abuse against that refined and charming 
 personality of whom I am so fond and proud. 
 
 "You believe Francis "Whynn to be a good man," the 
 rasping voice would say. "You are entirely mistaken. 
 Let me inform you he is a dishonourable, villainous fellow, 
 a libertine, a deep-dyed scoundrel who took advantage 
 of a sacred trust reposed in him, and stole a wife's 
 affections. He is a snake in the grass, a coward. Never 
 will I rest until I have unmasked him." 
 
 This and much more. And on and on the wearying 
 voice continued. 
 
 The perpetual anathematizing of one I so reverenced 
 and so loved drove me almost mad at times. But never 
 once were my favourable opinions of Sir Francis altered, 
 nor did I swerve in my allegiance to him, although his 
 long-continued absence tried me sorely. 
 
64 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 Diligently I sought the only refuge. I found my 
 safety and my strength in prayer. And earnestly I 
 supplicated the intervention of the Supreme Power whom 
 all the unseen worlds obey. Invoking the presence of 
 angel-ministers to guide and guard and help me in this 
 period of severe and unexpected and continued trial. 
 
 Nor were my prayers in vain. Those silent prayers 
 to God and to spirit-guides brought me presently the 
 longed-for answer, and some measure of relief and com- 
 fort were afforded me. 
 
 One evening at the usual hour, as I was sitting in my 
 study, I perceived I was not alone. The appearance of 
 the bright yet softly-spreading illumination warned me 
 of an approaching manifestation. And e'er long slowly 
 materialized, very distinctly, two lovely female forms, the 
 elder of whom, addressing me in a tender and sympathetic 
 manner, spoke reassuringly to me. 
 
 "We have heard your prayers for help and comfort, 
 and are bidden to come to your relief. We are to tell 
 you that though you cannot pierce the atmosphere of 
 difficulty surrounding you at present, you will be helped. 
 Take courage therefore. Believe that Divine aid will be 
 given to you. Have faith that you will be sustained until 
 we come again." 
 
 Then with sweet smiles of cheer and encouragement 
 they faded from my view. 
 
 It was indeed to me an angels' visit, Bringing me 
 holy tidings of another world where strength flows out 
 to aid the soul in trial whence fresh supplies of life 
 succour the fainting spirit. How changed I felt! How 
 rested ! How refreshed and strengthened by their angelic 
 presence ! A delicious sense of calm security pervaded 
 my whole thing. It seemed as though a new world of 
 rest and peace at last received me. And that night I 
 retired to rest in absolute contentment and slept as though 
 no evil spirit had ever beset my path. 
 
 And indeed, for many days at least, I was free from 
 that disturbing voice and presence. 
 
 Then began a new period of invisible annoyance. The 
 tormenting voice manifested itself again, giving me to 
 clearly understand that I was to be the victim of a fresh 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 65 
 
 attack. And now more weary days and nights passed by, 
 and faith and strength and patience wrestled on. 
 
 Would it ever change? Would it ever end? 
 
 I was cogitating thus in my study, and trying to 
 devise some means for evading my enemy, when my atten- 
 tion was attracted by a bright, phosphorescent light, 
 completely dimming the electric glow which illuminated 
 the room. 
 
 Within that powerful brightness focussed into view 
 two lovely faces, fresh as the morning, fair as the dawn 
 of day. The sweet, ethereal conutenances from intangible 
 uncertainty, developed so completely that all their beauty 
 and variety of colour were perfectly distinguishable. I 
 then realized that the angelic beings were two beautiful 
 females one a brunette and one a blonde. The younger 
 was the embodiment of eternal youth. A wealth of golden 
 hair framed the perfect face. The clear blue eyes shone 
 like the brightest stars. A wild-rose bloom enhanced the 
 dimpled cheeks, and red lips parted in a seraph's smile 
 showing the pearly teeth. A child just touching girlhood. 
 
 The other, a regal beauty, perfect in form and stature, 
 the contour of her features such it seemed impossible to 
 cease to gaze upon them. The large, exprssive deep- 
 violet eyes entranced me by their splendour, their sweet- 
 ness and their pleading gaze. And with a witchery of 
 sound, her gentle voice fell upon my ear: 
 
 "Austin, staunch friend, I desire you to know surely 
 who I am. My name is Valerie. I am the wife of Francis 
 Whynn. This (placing her arm around the young maiden 
 at her side) is our child, Virginia, the light of our souls, 
 the joy of our existence. 
 
 "I would have you know, true friend, that I, the 
 wife of him you love and honour, am neither wicked nor 
 depraved. On the contrary, I love the good, the true, 
 the brave, love life, light and liberty and all Divine 
 things. 
 
 "My life is spent in helping mortals. Nursing the 
 sick. Guarding the innocent. Assisting the fallen. 
 Strengthening and cheering the weak. Protecting the 
 helpless. I have visited earthly homes, so-called. Hovels 
 they are, more often, of crime and misery. Endeavouring 
 to aid those who dwell there to leave the sin, the vice, 
 
66 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 and degradation. And by the help of spirits and of 
 mortals, enter the paths of rectitude. Giving them hope 
 and courage to strive therein. To these self-chosen tasks 
 I dedicate my life. 
 
 "Many whom I have rescued look upon me as their 
 Guardian-spirit and Messenger of Light. Our fair child 
 is as a star of glory. And trusting Mortals love us. 
 
 "I tell you this, good Austin, not to praise myself, 
 or my sweet daughter. But because I would have you 
 know I do not flinch from the trials and difficulties of 
 a deluded world. As an enlightened spirit I will ever do 
 my duty towards mortals in distress, who seek Spiritual 
 aid. 
 
 "We come, too, from our fair celestial home to impart 
 to you strength and perseverance. And we ask you to 
 retain your faith in the goodness of Francis Whynn. 
 Though he is unable to be with you now, and the time 
 may seem strangely long e 'er he can return to you, believe 
 nothing to his discredit, for he is true and just and 
 faithful. A brave man, to whom the highest praise is 
 due for his trustworthy conduct. A genuine friend. A 
 generous, loyal and devoted husband. A most loving and 
 tender father. He is, truly, worthy of your highest opin- 
 ion and esteem, and my soul delights to know you love 
 and trust him. We thank you heartily for your fidelity 
 to his cause. Nor shall your steadfastness go unrewarded. 
 Be strong, be patient, continue in your well-placed con- 
 fidence." 
 
 "Oh, Glorious Spirit," I exclaimed, "I have never 
 faltered in my allegiance to Sir Francis." 
 
 The sweet smiles of peace and contentment which 
 rested upon the lovely, angel faces told me how well they 
 knew I spoke the truth. Then slowly the vision faded 
 and the spirit-light waned away. 
 
 I felt much strengthened by this visit, and more 
 determined than ever to remain steadfast in my loyalty 
 to my dear control. 
 
 Although much pressure was brought to bear upon 
 me I would not consent to make any engagements until 
 I received the full permission of Sir Francis Whynn. But 
 this being still withheld, I had to possess my soul in 
 patience; and I must confess that during this waiting 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Why tin, Baronet 67 
 
 period I was often sorely tempted. Wealthy persons made 
 me seductive offers to hold seances. Royalty sought me 
 for my medial powers. Even my wife found it difficult 
 to understand my continued inaction. Still, through it 
 all, my decision remained unchanged. 
 
 The tormenting Voice now jeered at me, taunting 
 me with the assertions that I was discarded, and cast 
 aside. 
 
 "Whynn has no further use for you. He has gained 
 his point. You are only a lump of clay! Once a useful 
 instrument to him, now you are no longer needed you 
 are cast out. He has worked his will, and you are of 
 so little interest to him that he cares not what becomes 
 of you." 
 
 This continued until I was sick and weary in the 
 extreme, worn into illness by the reiteration of the 
 monster's voice. 
 
 At last there came an evening when, to my inex- 
 pressible relief, I was again blessed with the dear presence 
 of Francis Whynn. In a soft, phosphorescent light, illu- 
 minating the dimness of my sanctum, where, before the 
 haunting of that evil voice of General Stanhope, I had 
 delighted to sit alone and hour by hour to meditate upon 
 the World which is the Real and True, appeared once 
 more the well-beloved for whom my soul was craving. 
 The old, gay self, smiling and bedonair! And once again 
 his cheery salutation sounded in my ear: 
 
 "Ah! Austin, old fellow! You are burning the mid- 
 night oil I see. Too bad, when you should be resting on 
 your virtuous couch!" 
 
 "Sir Francis!" I exclaimed. "How can I express 
 my delight at seeing you again ! ' ' 
 
 My words must have conveyed something of the 
 intense relief his visit brought me, for a serious expression 
 passed across his features, and for a moment he seemed 
 agitated. Then with a sigh, quickly followed by one of 
 his compelling smiles, he replied: 
 
 "Austin, dear friend. I desire to thank you sincerely 
 for your loyalty, your sympathy, and your faith. I am 
 well aware you have been severely tried and tempted on 
 Bay account. I trust you fully realize that I thoroughly 
 appreciate your disinterested resistance of evil insinua- 
 
68 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 tions, and of bribes. I shall not forget, nor fail you, 
 though I seem, to have done both during this recent time 
 of cerebral distress. 
 
 "I know, too, that my sweet wife and our darling 
 child have visited you to encourage and support you in 
 my continued absence. Your eyes have seen their beauty 
 and their worth, and therefore, you may judge their 
 pricelessness to me; you can understand how precious to 
 me is their welfare, and that I will do everything in my 
 power to uphold, untarnished, their good name. They 
 are my bright, particular stars. My hope. The greater 
 part of my living self, my soul's soul, the essence of my 
 purest being. And I will, if possible, shield them from 
 all harm. 
 
 "Some day, Austin, I will reveal to you the secret 
 of the trouble existing between General Stanhope and 
 myself. But that must wait a little longer. In the mean- 
 while, preserve your faith in me. Exercise patience yet 
 a little while and the whole mystery shall be made clear 
 to you, and the trouble set at rest. 
 
 "Ah! here come my dear ones! To leave a benedic- 
 tion with you, e'er I go." 
 
 Ajid to my astonished gaze appeared, at that precise 
 moment, the spirit-forms who had visited me before, and 
 whom I immediately recognized as the wife and daughter 
 of Sir Francis Whynn. Clasping each other's hands they 
 stood before me, a trio of celestial beauty, their faces 
 illuminated with ethereal joy. Then my eyes beheld the 
 form of Father Piercy, who raised his hands above them 
 as in blessing. And making their adieux to me, I watched 
 them fade from sight, till only the normal atmosphere 
 surrounded me, and I knew myself alone once more. . 
 
 Shortly after this I received a visit from the spirit 
 of Doctor Kellier, who charged me strictly not to accept 
 engagements for spiritual manifestations until I received 
 direct permission from Sir Francis. 
 
 He said he had been sent to warn me. Because it was 
 forseen that pressure would be brought to bear by incar- 
 nate persons of exalted rank. And that the trying 
 conditions in which the Spirit-band, guided by my chief 
 control, were labouring, prevented them from being prea- 
 ent to enable me. to obtain satisfactory and sure results. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 69 
 
 Therefore, it would be most unwise to attempt any form 
 of demonstration, or to endeavour to summon them to 
 my aid. 
 
 I accepted this spirit-message as a sacred injunction, 
 adhering rigidly to its directions. And when a remark- 
 able invitation reached me to display my mediumistic 
 powers before a very charming and popular young Prince 
 and his beautiful and gracious bride the future King and 
 Queen of a notable country at their delightful palace, I 
 was compelled to send a negative reply, which, I need 
 hardly say, was an extremely difficult thing to do. And 
 my inability to respond to this particular Royal invitation 
 caused me very genuine regret. 
 
 Day by day I fulfilled the necessary conditions for 
 spirit-manifestation awaiting the materialization of my 
 dear control. Hour after hour I sat alone, meditating and 
 speaking, maintaining my continued vigil. Until the 
 weary period ended, and my senses thrilled once more 
 to his return. 
 
 "My faithful friend," he said, cheerily, as was his 
 wont, "I take great pleasure in visiting you again! I 
 know how much you sacrifice for me. But nothing is 
 lost although it seems so at the time, perhaps. Nor can 
 I tell you all the conditions, or the reasons which have 
 kept me from you for so long. But I hav,e tried and 
 tested you. And now I know that I may trust you with 
 the story of my life. You shall take down with pen or 
 pencil, my confession. I desire you should hear it from 
 my lips, rather than others should give you a garbled 
 and untrue account. I am willing you shall be my judge. 
 In the near future you will visit Hornsworth Castle and 
 be called upon to inspect the papers sent thither originally 
 by General Stanhope; and it is quite probable he will 
 endeavour further to influence your mind against me " 
 
 "That he will discover to be impossible," I cried. 
 
 "Good!" he ejaculated, with a smile; but he gently 
 shook his head as if doubtful of the result. "I thank 
 you for your brave expressions, Austin, and appreciate 
 your faith and loyalty to my cause and me. ' ' 
 
 Gazing upon him, I could not but observe, in spite of 
 his apparent gaiety, a sadness in his tone; a depression 
 in the glance of his erstwhile merry dark-blue eyes, and 
 
70 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 an unusual suppression in his words and actions, though 
 he seated himself in the old, familiar way. 
 
 I seriously conjectured what could be troubling him, 
 and evidently he knew my thoughts, for springing to his 
 feet he paced the floor in an agitated manner; then stop- 
 ping abruptly, he exclaimed: 
 
 "As you surmise, Austin, I am troubled. In spirit, 
 not in conscience you must understand. I have not done 
 wrong at least, no evil. I regret no action of the past. 
 But having followed a course that seemed clear and 
 open, I thereby unwittingly made a bitter enemy. So 
 bitter, indeed, that his hostile spirit follows me still; and 
 until I am able to find a witness to the innocence of my 
 intentions and my conduct, my spirit may not wholly 
 leave your world. A century to you, Austin, seems an 
 amazing time, but to the discarnate spirit it is but a short 
 period. There is no such thing as Time, for us, as mortals 
 know it. Only the accomplishment of deeds counts in 
 the eternal life we know no other measure. 
 
 "Therefore, I seek a mortal who will understand; 
 know and feel intuitionally I speak the truth; to clear 
 me in the eyes of those remaining of my family who, 
 through false accusation, can but brand me as a villain. 
 Not for my own sake, but for those most precious to me, 
 whom you have seen. Whose worth, whose beauty of 
 form and spirit you now know. I mean my wife and 
 child. Those lovely spirits who appeared to you to give 
 you strength and comfort in time of need. 
 
 "You, Austin, are a thoroughly honourable man; 
 reliable, faithful, true. By research I testify that you 
 have never been guilty of a mean action in your life ; each 
 deed, since you became conscious of your individuality, 
 will bear inspection ; therefore I choose you as my earthly 
 instrument; and you have passed successfully through 
 Psychic tests. I know the immense value of your true 
 opinion. The knowledge of which I can obtain if neces- 
 sary independent of your will. 
 
 "The veil will be lifted from the past and I shall 
 stand exposed. Whether I shall be condemned as guilty 
 of a heinous crime or commended as an honest fellow, t 
 must leave to you and abide by your decision. But be slow 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Wliynn, Baronet 71 
 
 to judge, be well assured of your own, true opinion, 
 whether the sentence should be 'Guilty' or 'Not Guilty.' 
 
 "Bear in mind these facts; That time, opportunity, 
 a combination of mighty forces, a web of circumstances, 
 can play havoc with the best of good intentions, and the 
 very strongest will of man. 
 
 "Remember, also, that neither the past or the present 
 conditions are of my seeking. General Stanhope would 
 disgrace my memory and blacken it for aye. To this end 
 he inscribed certain documents with his version of my 
 actions, making me vile indeed ; but failing, only through 
 an accident, to do the harm he meant. He has never 
 ceased to haunt those of my relations whose psychic 
 constitution enabled him to do so. While he has diligently 
 sought the ear of such in hope of gaining their belief, I, 
 too, have been seeking the mediation of one like you to 
 clear me. I have tried many, but in some point each has 
 always failed. You are the first to answer every test 
 especially the last and hardest test of all that of com- 
 plete desertion. None have sustained that trial and 
 retained full faith save you and therefore all save you 
 have failed me. 
 
 "As General Stanhope maintains his hostile attitude, 
 and I am confident in your ability and allegiance, the 
 hour draws near for victory, or defeat. Remember, too, 
 that this position the bringing to all mortal minds of 
 all long passed, long 'dead' as men say, is not sought 
 by me. My adversary will have it so. As he professes 
 to be the injured person he has a perfect right to call 
 to arms for the redress of what he still persists in stating 
 are his wrongs. I am prepared to face the music, nor 
 will I shirk responsibility in the least degree. In gaining 
 you, I am accused by him of getting an undue advan- 
 tage. I cannot see that this is so. However, I will lay 
 that whole matter before you you must judge. 
 
 "Prepare yourself and one week from today we will 
 begin my story. Till then adieu, adieu." 
 
 The week passed and at an appointed hour, closeted 
 in my study free from all fear of interruption, Sir Francis 
 Whynn, the loved control, the gay, the handsome inhab- 
 itant of a supernormal world, through whose agency my 
 
72 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 own psychic consciousness had been awakened, sat facing 
 me, revealing the history of his life. 
 
 My favourite pen sped over the smooth surface of 
 the paper, keeping pace with the clear words he uttered. 
 Sheet after sheet was filled to his dictation, and evening 
 after evening passed away, until at last the story was 
 completed. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 THE STORY 
 
 "My earliest recollections are of a pleasant character, 
 and though no startling incident disturbed my childhood's 
 complacency, all that was bright, beautiful and enjoyable 
 to a lively youngster was mine. 
 
 "You must know, Austin, that I was born and brought 
 up at Llangollen Castle. That charming home of my child- 
 hood's days set far in a lovely retreat in the Welsh moun- 
 tains. I was endowed with the spirit and fire of uncon- 
 quered ancestors, who, for centuries, fought and died for 
 freedom, and filled with the romance and poetry of my 
 native land and the wild free spirit of the mountains 
 where I first saw light. 
 
 "I do not remember my mother. But my father and 
 my step-sister, Ann, showered love and tenderness upon 
 me, and though she was but six years my senior she smoth- 
 ered me in her quaint little, old-fashioned way, and through 
 my boyhood and my youth blessed me with her sweet 
 guardianship and care. She was tender, sympathetic and 
 self-sacrificing. Even as a very young girl the innate 
 goodness of her character was as unmistakably apparent. 
 In her our father had a devoted daughter, and I, the most 
 affectionate of sisters. 
 
 "I shared my adoring love for Ann with two mag- 
 nificent St. Bernards and a bonny Welsh pony. We played 
 and gamboled in the castle grounds we rode, we wrestled, 
 and often, un-attended, we roamed the mountain side or 
 found our joys upon the lake. Daring and fearless, ad- 
 mired and beloved, happy at studies or at play, I passed 
 through boyhood into youth. And through those years my 
 sister's deep regard for the welfare of all living things had 
 its effect upon my mind, controlling any unconscious cruelty 
 which might have lain dormant in me. 
 
 ' t So passed the joyous days of youth, and all too soon 
 I grew to man's estate. 
 
74 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 ' ' It was the fashion of those times, Austin, for a young 
 man of wealth and position to travel abroad for some years 
 under the guardianship and continued instruction of a 
 tutor, and there the final formation of his character would 
 be made. At last the day came when I was to leave my 
 fair Welsh home, my devoted sister and our beloved father, 
 and, for the sake of my education, visit the continent. In 
 the Rev. Horace Myers as my tutor my father made a wise 
 choice, and to his untiring efforts to inform my mind, his 
 ethics, character and example I owed my manhood. On 
 foreign soil, imbibing fresh ideas, widening the circle of my 
 experience in the society of this good man I rapidly un- 
 folded and learned the responsibility of life which claims 
 us all. 
 
 "My father's somewhat sudden death cut short the 
 three years to be spent abroad. I returned to Wales. I 
 deemed it right to accept the responsibilities now laid upon 
 me, and taking up my duties, endeavored to conduct myself 
 according to the ideals which had been placed before me. 
 Embodying in my person as far as possible the full mean- 
 ing of the word 'gentleman' and maintaining an unvarying 
 standard of justice and of honor. 
 
 "Needless to say dear Ann was delighted to have me 
 home and great was our mutual joy at meeting, and with 
 much delight she anticipated the day when, marrying, I 
 should settle down and give Llangollen a worthy msitress. 
 
 "I assured her that as yet I had no thought of mar- 
 riage, rather would I renew my travels in search of knowl- 
 edge and adventure. That none could play the part of 
 chatelaine so gracefully or faithfully as herself, and until 
 some brave knight spirited her away I begged her to remain 
 the doyenne of the castle. Hunting, steeple-chasing and 
 hurdle-jumping took a portion of my time chiefly for its 
 healthful exhilerating effects. 
 
 "Months went by. The claims of my estate were 
 many. The improvements I desired took more time in their 
 accomplishment than I anticipated. Determined to realize 
 the ideals I set before myself I remained much longer at 
 Llangollen than I originally intended. Then, finally, 
 having tested my plans and put the whole estate in order, 
 I placed the continuance of its working in the hands of 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 75 
 
 able persons whose integrity could not be doubted, and 
 turned my thoughts again to travel. 
 
 "It was with the greatest reluctance that my sister 
 bade me adieu. But despite her tears and supplications I 
 persisted in my decision. It may be some premonition 
 warned her of coming sorrow, of the finality of our part- 
 ing, some foreboding of disaster, an intuition of the com- 
 pleteness of the separation. How well I remember the 
 parting kiss I pressed upon her tear-stained face. Dear 
 Ann ! The last I ever gave her as an embodied spirit. 
 
 "Often my thoughts were with her. Not only in soli- 
 tary meditation, but in merry moments also would my 
 mnid turn homewards. 
 
 "Journeying upon the sea in those days, Austin, was 
 fraught with dangers and discomforts of which your mod- 
 ern mind knows nothing; filled with excitements also by 
 reason of the risks we ran, and sailoring was a greater art 
 than now. Twice was I wrecked and how I escaped drown- 
 ing seemed a miracle. On land I had even more adven- 
 tures and, of course, more intellectual interests. 
 
 ' ' I think, perhaps, of all the countries I visited, I loved 
 mostly those Latin states you know collectively as Italy. 
 But then, of course, as separate from each other as separate 
 countries, each with its own laws and customs and each 
 usually fighting against the other. This rather added to 
 the variety of my experience for I was as good for a fray 
 as I was for a rout ! 
 
 "The great variety displayed in those days interested 
 me deeply. Each place was foreign to the next. And 
 wandering idly through the different countries I feasted on 
 enchanting scenery, picturesque surroundings, handsome 
 peasantry and bright-eyed children. Quaint village festi- 
 vals or civic banquets, processions by day and night; in 
 fact, all the medley that foreign cities then offered to the 
 eye. Filled with the keen observation of omnivorous youth, 
 each day brought fresh interests with it, and incidentally 
 I learned not a little in this manner. 
 
 "I think the Italian cities were my great delight, 
 though Vienna held me for a period, but Venice, Milan, 
 Florence, Rome and Naples exercised the most charm over 
 me. Its ancient history filled my mind, its present doings 
 caught me in their web; its past magnificence; its present 
 
16 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 glory; its art in stone in marble and in pigment. Ex- 
 ploring and inspecting I visited again and again its archi- 
 tectural building and all its points of special interest past 
 and present. I was greatly attracted also by ts social life 
 and was a recipient of that especial honor an interview 
 with His Holiness, the Pope. 
 
 "But Venice, loveliest city of the Adriatic, drew me 
 back. And after going south as far as Naples, I retraced 
 my steps from state to state, a long and dangerous and dif- 
 ficult journey in my time, Austin, and found myself again 
 in the Queen City. 
 
 "Lovely days and hours and weeks and months I 
 lived through half in the past, half in the present. Sur- 
 rounded by an atmosphere of natural beauty, interested 
 and amused by the spectacle of love, intrigue, of jealousy 
 and also crime I daily gazed upon, I lived the easy life 
 of a beholder rather than a participant of that kaleidoskopic 
 panorama. What lovely colors passed before my eyes. 
 What simple spaces. What infinite delights. 
 
 "Young, handsome, fascinating, rich and generous, 
 well-grounded in sound principles of life, small wonder that 
 I found the world so pleasant. 
 
 ' ' But being all these things I naturally did not escape 
 the eye of mating mothers. And though at twenty-five I 
 was heart whole and fancy free, I can say with absolute 
 truth that I had had no light flirtations, no careless love 
 declared which might have pained the heart or lacerated 
 the feelings or broken the affection of those who would 
 have wooed and won me. 
 
 "I revelled in all forms of beauty and enjoyed them 
 to the full. I kept my name and soul unsullied, and chiefly 
 to the teaching of my sister and my tutor was the possi- 
 bility of such condition due. 
 
 "Doubtless the romance which on all sides surrounded 
 me in Venice had some effect upon me, nor could I deny 
 that I experienced sensations of mingled pleasure and 
 amusement as I observed the captivating fair ones, in 
 gaily decked gondolas, gliding beneath the bridge of sighs 
 and past the terrace where I sat half screened by foliage, 
 casting coquettish, languishing glances in my direction. 
 
 "The half-daring, half -shy coquetry and enticing 
 cajolery exercised so often upon me must certainly have 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 77 
 
 encouraged the awakening of those incipient germs of Love 
 dormant in every human heart, which afterwards in my 
 own developed to their best and fullest in the one great 
 passion of my life. 
 
 "That passion did not awake in Venice. But when, 
 at length, I decided to re-visit home and bade a temporary 
 adieu to the most alluring of all cities I stayed awhile in 
 Milan, and there I met my fate. 
 
 "A bewildering pair of lustrous dark eyes, a rosy 
 mouth, a tender smile, electrified the current of my 
 thoughts and had the power to overthrow all past deter- 
 minings, and with a magic key open the golden gate. At 
 one single glance of mute eloquence from a pair of glorious 
 eyes I had succumbed to the fever of undying love. 
 
 "Yes, Austin, five minutes before meeting the owner 
 of those enchantments I was unaware of her existence ! 
 
 "Is it possible, think you, to analyze thoroughly the 
 cause and effect of love? Alas! Alas! Love's sway is so 
 enchanting, so bewitching, that wisdom is lost in its ex- 
 citing grasp ! 
 
 "Trembling with emotion, I bowed over a soft white 
 hand which I held in ecstasy. And at that moment, quite 
 unbidden, an arrow from Love's bow pierced two quivering 
 hearts through and through. 
 
 "Thus we met, fair Valerie and I, at the villa of a 
 handsome and intriguing countess, leader of fashion and 
 of politics in Milan. I had, of course, letters of introduc- 
 tion to important personages. Also some reputation as an 
 Englishman of means and standing, and, being still unwed, 
 was ever welcome. 
 
 "So enamored was I, I had not heard the lady's name, 
 Or knew that I retained the lovely hand within my own 
 until I heard my hostess saying: "Lady Stanhope's soldier 
 husband, of whom your countrymen are so proud." 
 
 "I hastily released the dainty fingers. In as courtly 
 a manner as possible in my agitated condition, I murmured 
 some common-place remark and turned to respond to the 
 taew introduction, a turmoil raging in my heart. 
 
 My paradise was lost ! The lovely creature was a wife 
 already, and therefore not at liberty to be wooed and won. 
 A chilling blast swept across my soul a dark and wintry 
 region lay before me. 
 
78 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "My emotion must have been written on my face, for 
 the rich flood of color which enhanced the beauty of my 
 innocent captor receded rapidly, leaving her deathly pale 
 as she bowed and passed me. 
 
 "It must be placed to my credit, Austin, that from 
 the moment I knew that Lady Stanhope was a wife I 
 avoided meeting her whenever possible, even to declining 
 invitations I would otherwise gladly have accepted. 
 
 "Of course, in these circumstances Milan ceased to 
 give me pleasure. And yet I felt unable to continue the 
 homeward journey. 
 
 "Valerie's lovely face the -knowledge which those 
 few seconds had conveyed to me, the certainty of her in- 
 terest in me, if only for a moment made it impossible for 
 me to anticipate delight or enter with any zest into the sweet 
 and tranquil life waiting me in Wales. 
 
 "I could not rest. Distraction became imperative. I 
 must put distance between myself and her whom I could 
 never hope to marry. 
 
 "So leaving Milan I pursued a different route, and 
 moving southwards I came again to Naples, my intention 
 being to visit Northern Africa. 
 
 "But Fate interposed. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 THE STORY 
 ( Continued ) 
 
 "I had not been one day in Naples when to my 
 amazement and inexpressible distress I found myself face 
 to face with General Stanhope and his wife. 
 
 ' ' The meeting was so sudden there was no time to col- 
 lect my thoughts, or be upon my guard. In the excitement 
 of the moment I unwittingly admitted I had no imperative 
 engagement or demands upon my time in fact, that I had 
 ample leisure. Nor was it possible for me to explain why 
 I so earnestly desired to refuse the cordial invitation ex- 
 tended to me to join them for the day. So in the end I 
 accompanied them, reluctantly enough, to the charming 
 residence they had taken for the season, a white marble, 
 balconied and terraced villa, some distance from the city. 
 
 "My host insisted upon my remaining to admire the 
 beauties of the exquisite Neapolitan night, and on the next 
 day some slight incident prolonged the visit. I discovered 
 later that General Stanhope, for private reasons, looked 
 upon my advent as a special act of Providence in his be- 
 half. I vainly struggled in the web wherein I was en- 
 tangled. The General seemed to sense that once I left his 
 roof my return would be more than doubtful, and not in 
 the least knowing my excellent reasons for longing to 
 escape, he made every effort to detain me. Against my 
 better judgment nay, against my will I became the 
 Stanhopes' guest. 
 
 "Alas, alas, what moth resists the candle when its 
 compelling light burns brightly? 
 
 "And truly, the peace pervading those sweet and ex- 
 quisite surroundings of loveliness and health which all 
 unbidden settled on my fevered spirit, was beyond my 
 power to repel. With an abandonment of truth might I 
 have exclaimed, 'My spirit lies within the arms of Paradise ! ' 
 
80 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 After the hot fever of my recent wanderings I should have 
 been more than mortal could I have turned my back upon 
 the Paradise not merely proffered for my acceptance 
 but thrust upon me. 
 
 "I was still morally strong enough to keep my good 
 resolutions and guard my words and actions in Valerie's 
 bewitching presence, yet I acknowledge frankly I measured 
 time only by those hours when my eyes could feast upon 
 her. To make things worse I found that General Stan- 
 hope, many years the senior of his wife, was very ready to 
 delegate to me the torturing joy of acting Cavalier when- 
 ever he felt more inclined for the companionship of his 
 books than a visit to a palace or an excursion in the coun- 
 try. Though nearly thirty years older than his wife he was 
 by no means an elderly or decrepit man on the contrary, 
 he was an early riser and active walker and a fine horse- 
 man, but beyond al Ithis, he was an ardent student of his 
 profession and Europe was full of war! He gave at least 
 one-half of every day to conning charts of battle-fields, 
 plans of warfare and methods of attack. He was evidently 
 extremely glad to have happened upon someone who would 
 relieve him of the duty of accompanying Lady Valerie on 
 the many and varied explorations she desired to make all 
 round that wonderfully interesting and historical old city. 
 
 "And so it came about that, in spite of all my waning 
 resistance, or fertility of excuses, I was deputed to escort 
 the lovely wife whenever her husband was unable, or dis- 
 inclined to do so. With al Ithe naturalness in the world 
 we glided imperceptibly into the easy ways of daily inter- 
 course, approved and smiled upon by General Stanhope. 
 
 * ' We walked, we climbed, we visited stately palaces, 
 churches and temples, castles and wonderful gardens, and 
 all the marvellous outlying loveliness from Ischia to Salerno 
 we explored. We floated idly over the famous bay, revel- 
 ling in the incomparable beauty of the Neapolitan moon- 
 light and listened dreamily to serenades sung in the soft 
 dialect of Naples: 
 
 "Beauty before me and around me, 
 
 Beauty below me and above, 
 Loveliest thoughts and tones surround me 
 
 Is it a marvel if I love? 
 
[ The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 81 
 
 " Exquisite colors, soft and blended, 
 
 Stars below me and stars above. 
 Songs of love, which shall never be ended 
 
 Is it a marvel if I love" 
 
 A sweet intimacy, ripening e'er long into a great 
 friendship, was thus establashed, and truly, in Fields 
 Elysian, the joyous days and beauteous nights went by. 
 
 " I set a watch upon my heart, and, exercising strong 
 self-control, succeeded in maintaining a mutual friendship, 
 and either with her husband or without him, Valerie and I 
 were constantly in each other's society. 
 
 ' ' I really think Stanhope admired me himself ; he used 
 to call me "The Handsome Cavalier", and often said, as 
 an excuse for not accompanying his wife, "you make a 
 handsome couple." A noted portrait painter, Pomes, 
 Gieolamo Baloni, was visiting Naples, and nothing would 
 satisfy him but that we should be painted by this artist. 
 To this I would not consent some inward warning caused 
 me to be immovable in my decision. But to satisfy my 
 friends I sat alone to the great man, delighted to have such 
 fen opportunity of giving joy to my sweet sister to whom 
 I intended to send the portrait. Before it was completed 
 General Stanhope expressed an ardent desire to possess it, 
 or at least retain it while he stayed in Naples, and reading 
 the same emotion in Lady Valerie's face, I consented to its 
 remaining at their villa for an indefinite period as you 
 know, Austin, it was eventually despatched to my sister 
 with the fatal cabinet. 
 
 "And yet, by accident, our portraits were painted on 
 the same canvas, by an unknown artist. 
 
 ' * I had brought Lady Valerie a gift of flowers a bou- 
 quet of exquisite roses. Not finding her in the house I 
 sought her on the balcony where we often sat looking 
 down upon the Bay of Naples. As she toyed with the 
 fragrant blooms I must have bent somewhat over them, 
 gazing at her as I did so. She drew forth one lovely rose 
 and delicately removed the petals slowly, one by one, let- 
 ting them fall upon the marble pavement in petty pro- 
 fusion. 
 
 "Unknown to us, other eyes beheld her action and 
 read into the whole a translation of their own, and greatly 
 daring a handsome itinerant artist came cap in hand to 
 
82 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 beg permission to complete in colors the wonderful sketch 
 his memory had produced on canvas. 
 
 ' l The talent of this unknown fellow and the suavity of 
 his Italian tongue gained his point, and Lady Valerie 
 was easily persuaded to sit for him each day as he had seen 
 her from his screen of myrtles. Promising, moreover, not 
 to behold the painting until completely finished. 
 
 The painter gave me the first view. To my dismay I 
 discovered that the whole scene had been depicted with 
 infinite skill and inspiration. That artist, as he un- 
 doubtedly was he had portrayed Love's golden dream in 
 sunshine under an azure sky! 
 
 " Valerie, as the central interest, was most exquisitely 
 defined. Her peerless grace and beauty, the bewitching 
 contour of her form were perfectly displayed; the light 
 and atmosphere, the glow and color of flowers, foliage and 
 drapery with unerring skill produced a rare and delightful 
 picture, truly a masterpiece of executive ability. 
 
 "But the exquisite picture could not be shown as 
 promised. 
 
 1 ' Too accurately had the clever fingers painted me as 
 the ardent wooer, eagerly awaiting the decision of the 
 Fates! Too accurately had pierced the innermost recesses 
 of my soul and with infinite skill revealed its secret longing 
 on the canvas. 
 
 "That picture must be hidden from the glances of all 
 comers. The story which it told must go no further 
 must not be breathed to the winds even, lest the idle breezes 
 lightly carry it and disclose my secret to the world ! 
 
 "Willingly did I pay the price asked by the clever 
 artist for his labors, and unhesitatingly despatched the 
 painting to my sister in Llangollen, who, woman-like, in 
 voluminous writings poured out herself in admiration of 
 her handsome brother and the lovely ' bride-to-be. ' Express- 
 ing her hope of my return to Wales accompanied by the 
 lovely lady of the picture to whom she would accord her 
 warmest welcome and honor her as the mistress of my home. 
 
 "To explain successfully to Lady Valerie the dis- 
 appearance of the painting was no easy task ; she had taken 
 the most lively interest in its progress and most honorably 
 kept her word in not endeavoring to glimpse it at the 
 feittings. I had the greatest difficulty in covering up my 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 83 
 
 action, only by placing the blame upon the innocent artist 
 could I hide the deception. I spoke the truth in saying 
 that the finishing touches were added in his studio and that 
 after receiving payment for his work he had disappeared 
 from Naples for I had paid him a goodly sum to leave the 
 city suggesting he intended, doubtless, to sell the picture 
 for a higher sum in one of the nieghboring states or even 
 out of tlaly altogether ; virtually branding him a rogue and 
 a liar. That he had left the city I knew full well. But 
 the picture went to Ann. 
 
 "Mean as you must think me, Austin, it seemed then 
 the only thing to do. I believed I was preventing an un- 
 happy awakening for Lady Valerie, and making possible 
 the continuance of our friendship, which I realized 
 added much pleasure to her life, for her soldier husband 
 was so engrossed in studying battles, past and present, that 
 without me much loneliness must have been hers. 
 
 "You saw the pictures, Austin, when you first visited 
 Hornsworth and can therefore judge if I was right. By the 
 removal of that painting I fondly hoped to keep my secret 
 intact. 
 
 "The Wars of Austrian Secession were in progress 
 and Britain taking the field in favor of the empress-queen, 
 Theresa. General Stanhope was recalled to duty, having 
 to leave Naples immediately to rejoin his troops. 
 
 "To my dismay he begged me to remain in order to 
 leave with me the responsibility of the safe keeping of his 
 wife. Obviously any attempt to travel to Great Britain at 
 such a time would be fraught with many dangers, moreover 
 his military duty not calling him much further than the 
 western borders of Bavaria, he deemed it better in every 
 way for Lady Valerie to stay in Naples, feeling confident of 
 his own swift and safe return. 
 
 "There certainly was some truth in his declaration 
 that knowing I was on the spot would make him feel much 
 happier than if he left his wife with none but foreigners 
 surrounding her. 
 
 "All my protests were in vain. 
 
 "Lady Valerie herself took the news very badly, beg- 
 ging piteously not to be left behind ; rather to be taken to 
 the neighborhood of the seat of war. A request to which 
 her husband was, of course, utterly unable to accede. He 
 
84 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 tried to appear as sanguine as possible when leaving, in 
 order, no doubt, to raise her drooping spirits. She em- 
 barrassed him considerably by vehemently renewing her 
 pleading to accompany him. Though, naturally, he felt 
 delighted by her great desire to be with him, he was per- 
 force compelled to tear himself away. 
 
 " 'Remember, Sir Francis,' he said, 'I leave my sweet 
 Valerie in your keeping. Make her as happy as possible. 
 Do not on any account permit her to mope and fret. I 
 trust you to amuse her. It will not be long e'er I return 
 and relieve you of your responsibility.' 
 
 "I had always imagined General and Lady Valerie 
 Stanhope to be an affectionate couple in spite of the dis- 
 parity of their ages, but I was quite unprepared for the 
 outburst of feeling displayed by the lady on the occasion of 
 her husband's departure for the war. Afterwards I be- 
 Iieve4 I better understood it. 
 
 "I had been the guest of the Stanhope's now for a 
 considerable time, but before the departure of the general 
 I betook myself to other quarters. 
 
 "I endeavored to fulfill, honorably, the sacred trust 
 imposed upon me. 
 
 " Every day I called at the villa to enquire for Lady 
 Valerie, not, attempting to disturb her in her grief. When 
 at last I saw her I did my best to cheer and raise her 
 spirits, assuring her that the war would not be lasting. 
 That her husband's reputation and tried ability would be 
 a check upon the enemy and hasten victory. And that it 
 was quite possible he would soon be by her side again to 
 protect and cheer her. 
 
 "To all of which she listened with averted face, with 
 hands clasped, listless and unmoved, making no reply, 
 grief and weary patience expressed in every line of her 
 drooping figure. 
 
 . "I had the mortification of seeing her grow daily more 
 pale, thin and languid. All my efforts proved of no avail. 
 Nor could I induce her to take a reasonable interest in life, 
 or brighten her depressed condition in the least degree. It 
 seemed to me a cruel fate that one so young and fair should 
 be compelled to eat her heart out in solitude and despair 
 with no relief forthcoming. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 85 
 
 "As time passed and matters did not improve and I 
 failed to arouse even a little interest in her life I at last 
 offered to escort her in an attempt to reach Great Britain 
 the journey would be perilous in the extreme, but I 
 would risk everything for her safe. 
 
 "She thanked me, but, shaking her head dejectedly, 
 declared she had no desire to return. I became entirely 
 at a loss to know what course to follow in order to change 
 her moods, and feeling at so great a disadvantage at last I 
 visited the villa less. I could have volunteered for war, but 
 Lady Valerie was a sacred charge I could not leave her. 
 
 "I now spent much time alone, making daily excur- 
 sions into the history-charged environs of Naples, wherein 
 truly the mind of man may find food for unending thought, 
 or rest his brain and refresh his weary spirit by gazing 
 from above the city upon one of the richest landscapes in 
 the world. There, upon the high rock, on which is built the 
 Castle of St. Elmo, he may look below upon the whole of 
 Naples, shaped like a theatre, brinked by sparkling sea 
 and set about with islands of rare beauty. Or climbing 
 the steep hill which leads to the Monastery and Church of 
 the Carthusians, invite his eyes to rest upon one of the most 
 varied and extensive vistas it is possible to find. 
 
 "And while I mused, again and again, I questioned 
 myself as to the cause of the strange, persistent melan- 
 choly which consumed my lady. Groping and searching 
 always for some clue, so reasonable explanation of a con- 
 dition so inexplicable and enduring. 
 
 "I recalled, as far as possible, past words and actions, 
 conjuring up every detail memory would permit me, and 
 finally I asked myself, 'Am 7 in any way the cause of this 
 despondency?' I now felt confident I was. 
 
 "Then, in a very different frame of mind, I called on 
 Ladv Valerie. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 THE STORY 
 ( Continued ) 
 
 "I could not recount to you, Austin, the words where- 
 by I endeavored to express to General Stanhope's wife my 
 new understanding of her sentiments. You will realize 
 that but for the intimate and candidly happy friendship 
 which had grown up between us during the long days spent 
 together when, by her husband's wish we had left him to 
 his books, while mounted upon the lovely white Neapolitan 
 horses purchased when, he first took the villa, we rode side 
 by side far out from the city, that but for that, it would 
 have been an almost impossible task to put into words, 
 What I now realized regarding Lady Valerie. 
 
 " Believing that I understood the cause of her ex- 
 cessive emotions at the time of her husband's summons to 
 the war and her earnest desire to accompany him, which 
 neither General Stanhope, nor myself, had been able to 
 appreciate rightly at the time, her husband's earnestly ex- 
 pressed wishes and compassion for her enforced loneliness, 
 blinding me to possibilities, I felt I had at last grasped the 
 true condition, and not even at the general 's bidding would 
 I, without his wife's full and complete consent, thrust my 
 society upon her. Not even to act, as I so sincerely in- 
 tended, the part of a protector and a friend. I loved her 
 too much to willfully cause her the slightest pain or agita- 
 tion which in any way I could possibly prevent. 
 
 "I now saw quite clearly that she had been placed in 
 a very difficult, if not dangerous, position, and that her 
 feminine intuition had warned her of the perils to be en- 
 countered. Therefore, in the best words at my command, 
 I endeavored to express my continued devotion to her 
 service, a devotion upon which she could ever and abso- 
 lutely rely, and, while not in any way intruding upon her, 
 to be sufficiently within call to be at hand should circum- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 81 
 
 stances demand my presence. Thus could I keep faith with 
 General Stanhope, while relieving Lady Valerie of a pain- 
 ful situation. 
 
 "I assured her I was still her willing slave her most 
 obedient servant. Her Knight Errant to fight for and pro- 
 tect her should necessity arise. Though out of sight, yet 
 ever at her call. 
 
 "I looked upon my frequent visits of the past almost 
 as an unwarrantable intrusion, though they were, indeed, 
 made in good faith and with the most honorable intentions. 
 
 "To all of which Lady Valerie listened with downcast 
 eyes, while her bosom rose and sank. But when I had fin- 
 ished speaking she stood upright before me and placing her 
 lovely hand on mine, thanked me. Just once she raised her 
 long, dark lashes and gave me one, mute glance, expressing 
 with her glorious eyes that which she was unable to say in 
 words. Then her lips quivered, her head drooped, and to 
 my utter dismay she turned from me and wept. 
 
 "My courage fled. Man-like I was helpless in the face 
 of tears. I concluded, naturally, that I must be the cause, 
 and seeking wildly for some means of comfort and finding 
 none, I threw myself impulsively at her feet and besought 
 forgiveness for the grief I had unwittingly occasioned. 
 
 "As abruptly as she had lost her self-control did she 
 regain it. And graciously, even tenderly, bidding me rise, 
 she averred that there was nothing to forgive. That she 
 entirely endorsed the wisdom of separation. Then, giving 
 me her hand to kiss, she said, ' Farewell. ' 
 
 "Though I replied 'Farewell, I will come again, Lady 
 Valerie, only at your bidding/ It seemed to me as though 
 I was dismissed nay, banished as I left the villa. 
 
 "All the happy friendship was at an end. All the joy 
 of daily meetings, which, of late had, it is true, been grow- 
 ing far less frequent. All the hope of renewing our inti- 
 mate companionship, was destroyed forever! 
 
 "Though it was at my own suggestion that all this 
 ceased, I was far from satisfied or happy. The remem- 
 brance of the fact that I had done my duty did, I confess, 
 gave me but little consolation. 
 
 "As the hours and days dragged by my misery deep- 
 ened. The true value of that sweet friendship was borne 
 in upon me now that it seemed irrevocably lost. Expelled 
 
88 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 by circumstances from the Paradise which daily intercourse 
 with Valerie had become to me it was a thousand times 
 more precious to me than heretofore. 
 
 1 ' In vain I endeavored to rejoice that a crisis had been 
 avoided ; that untold sorrow and trouble were prevented by 
 this entire separation. Destiny seemed cruel and heartless 
 and I railed, futile and wild, against my fate. 
 
 " Doubtless I added to my pain and prolonged my 
 agony of soul unnecessarily by remaining too near the villa. 
 I could have removed quite easily to a greater distance and 
 yet have been within the reach of a courier should Lady 
 Valerie have need for me. But I remained just out of the 
 city on its northern slope. I felt I longed to gaze across 
 the bay and know that, almost from my balconied window, 
 I could descry the marble villa gleaming white amongst its 
 glossy greens of citrons, orange and myrtle and inhale the 
 perfumed breezes of its gardens, wafted from the south. 
 
 "Day by day I rode itno the city, and, leaving my 
 mount nearby, would wander in the dusk near Valerie's 
 dwelling, in miserable frame of mind gazing intently at the 
 cold, marble villa. I even ventured into the groves and 
 gardens, so that, perchance, I might gain a closer view of 
 that which had till now delighted my vision almost every 
 day. My mind recalled the past, the pleasant hours spent 
 herein, the mistress of this delightful haven, her beauty, 
 her charm of voice and manner, acknowledging her forti- 
 tude and commending her decision. Admitting fully that 
 for me, the sweet torture of her presence would be as 
 heaven, compared to this miserable experience of despair 
 without it. 
 
 "Night after night I kept my vigil, playing at sen- 
 tinel, imagining that I was guarding the fair mistress of 
 the villa. Tormenting myself lest I should be discovered, 
 and, indeed, the danger was no slight one, for had my 
 presence become known I must not renew my nightly visits. 
 Yet, must I gaze once more upon the window of my lady's 
 boudoir, where, in that sweet room, even at this moment she 
 might be reclining, and, perhaps, dreaming dreams of me f 
 
 "Even as my eyes rested in a lingering gaze, a flood 
 of light streamed from the window. A figure in white 
 stood looking forth into the midnight blue the wonder- 
 ful night-blue of Naples. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 89 
 
 " Austin, I was transfixed! I could not move, I dare 
 scarcely draw a breath! It seemed a direct answer to 
 unspoken prayer, that, at this last vigil I should be vouch- 
 safed a vision of my Valerie ! 
 
 "Then, on the still, scented air there fell a sound, 
 so soft, that only a sense of hearing made most acute by 
 constant need of secrecy, could have distinguished the 
 words that fell from those sweet lips : 
 
 " 'Frank! 0, Frank! Come back come back!' 
 
 "Trembling and greatly agitated, every fibre of my 
 being thrilled to the low intensity of that voice. Dare I 
 reply to such a call ? Should I not go before my presence 
 was discovered? Yet how good it was to know I was re- 
 membered, nay, more, that Valerie longed for my return ! 
 How I had hungered for such knowledge. I hesitated, 
 and on that moment rested all the future, for while I tar- 
 ried a second utterance fell upon my ears : 
 
 " ' 0, Frank ! Love of my heart how can I live with- 
 out thee?' 
 
 " 'Valerie! Valerie!' I cried. And leaping from my 
 ambush I hastened forward and gained the villa and by 
 aid of a strong vine which clothed the wall beneath her 
 window I reached the balcony before its terrified occupant 
 had sufficiently recovered to call for protection. My move- 
 ments in the shrubbery had caused her to retreat hastily 
 from the window, so that by the time I reached the case- 
 ment, Valerie, almost rigid with fear, was unable to sum- 
 mon aid. 
 
 " 'Darling, forgive me!' I cried in a low voice. 'I 
 could not help it I had to come ! ' 
 
 "She gazed at me in terror. Recoiling from me and 
 putting up her hands before her face as though she would 
 shut out the sight or thrust me from her, exclaiming as she 
 warned me back: 
 
 " 'Wretched creature that I am! I little dreamed 
 that any ears save mine could hear me. Go ! Go ! I beseech 
 you go ! ' 
 
 'Darling, I cannot go, until you seal this glorious 
 revelation with one, sweet token of your love,' I exclaimed 
 fervently. 
 
 "Fearful of herself she sought my aid, crying out in a 
 low voice: 
 
90 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 * ' ' Oh, Frank ! Help me help me ! I dare not express 
 what I feel. I know you are a gentleman. Spare me ! ' 
 
 My answer was to take her in my arms and hold her 
 to my heart. I pressed my lips on hers in one long kiss 
 of love, to which her own responded. Then, releasing 
 her I told her I would not burden her with my presence 
 other than she desired. But that the dear assurance of 
 her love for me, and mine for her, would change the 
 world for both. 
 
 I descended as quickly as possible and passed into 
 the night. Life took on a roseate hue. Valerie and I 
 found a new heaven and a new earth; and light and 
 hope and beauty glorified our lives. 
 
 "I will not burden you, Austin, with details of the 
 days which followed. Suffice to say we never met alone ; 
 indeed, we did not often meet at all, but in our spirits 
 we were ever in each other's presence. 
 
 "Time passed. The war was over. King George 
 had led his troops to victory in Bavaria and General 
 Stanhope was expected home. I felt my presence could 
 be no longer needed after his return and decided to re- 
 main only until he should arrive to receive in safety his 
 beautiful and faithful wife. Then I should be free to 
 move from Naples, and I knew my wisest course lay in 
 turning homewards. 
 
 "Valerie could not be my wife. Though we were 
 
 Note: King George II. 
 
 joined in spirit and no distance, however great, could 
 separate us yet she belonged in body to another; and 
 for our mutual peace it would be better for me to go. 
 Calmly I made my plans; calmly I looked forward to 
 the final discharging of that duty which General Stan- 
 hope laid upon me, and to taking my last physical view 
 of the beloved and lovely countenance, which dwelt for- 
 ever in my heart. 
 
 ' ' So steadily had I put from me all thought all pos- 
 sibility of Valerie ever being mine, except at some far 
 distant date, that I hardly realized its import when first 
 the information came of General Stanhope's death, re- 
 sulting from a wound received in battle. Unconsciously 
 I lived, mentally, in the future. Knowing no other wo- 
 man would ever take Valerie's place; no other ever oc- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 91 
 
 cupy my heart part of my soul and spirit; be the years 
 many, even to the full span of mortal life, she would 
 be mine for ever. 
 
 "And now this amazing thing had happened! 
 
 ' ' Valerie was free ! 
 
 "I will pass over the days of mourning. I respected 
 Valerie's grief, and did not see her. 
 
 "But as the weeks wore on, I felt I had the right to 
 exercise that protection, which where love is mutual 
 the heart's devotion cannot fail to give. I confess I 
 pressed my suit a little. And though, perhaps, in the 
 world's eyes it was hardly right, I persuaded my beau- 
 tiful Valerie to wed me before the long period of con- 
 ventional mourning had elapsed. It seemed to me that 
 full three months was time enough. 
 
 "So Valerie became my wife. 
 
 "We were married privately in the villa. Valeria 
 had grown to love her foreign home, and though now 
 Mistress of Llangollen Castle, she for the present could 
 not bear the thought of leaving all the beauty of the 
 surroundings where had been born and blossomed the 
 real love of her life. But the exuberant joy which should 
 have been ours was held in check until the full days of 
 mourning should be over; then, we told ourselves, 
 we would go forth together in no way hiding from the 
 world our rapturous love. 
 
 "A cloud, however, appeared on our horizon. Va- 
 lerie became unaccountably sad; unpleasant dreams and 
 strange forebodings vexed her; and, in spite of every 
 effort on my part, her depression became more marked 
 and more enduring. 
 
 "So agitated and unnerved was she at last that I 
 was not greatly astonished when, late one night, when 
 we were alone together in her boudoir, she burst into a 
 flood of hysterical weeping. I essayed to soothe, holding 
 her closely to my breast, where she clung, sobbing con- 
 vulsivly. 
 
 "At last she raised her sweet, tear-stained face, and 
 exclaimed, brokenly: 
 
 " ' Frank, my love, I fear some terrible catastrophe! 
 A horrible dread of something happening to you! I do 
 
92 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 not understand my feelings. They are nameless, but too 
 real to me. Forgive, and bear with me ! ' 
 
 "Hardly had she ceased speaking than we were both 
 startled by most unusual sounds, as of horsemen, or a 
 carriage, approaching the villa. The sounds came rapidly 
 nearer, then stopped. The loud clanging of a bell an- 
 nounced the arrival of a belated and insistent visitor. 
 
 ' 'Oh, Frank! Who can it be at this late hour?' 
 whispered Valeria in terror. 'Let us arouse the servants !' 
 
 " 'No, darling/ I answered. 'If they are not already 
 awakened by such ringing, I will go down and interview 
 the midnight visitant. Grazia shall come to you. It may 
 be a special messenger from Kinlg George, my love, re- 
 questing your beauteous presence at his Court! And I 
 must be the first to inform you of the honour, darling!' 
 I spoke thus lightly to subdue her fears. Bending I kissed 
 her sweet lips. 
 
 "Valerie clung to me, endeavoring to keep me with 
 her; but I gently released myself from her embrace and 
 hurried out little prepared for what awaited me ! 
 
 "Before I reached the hall the new-comer had been 
 admitted, and was in the act of being relieved of his trav- 
 eling cloak by a man presumably his valet ; some lug- 
 gage was being carried in. And my astounded vision fell 
 on the appalling sight of the form of him, whom we all 
 believed to be deceased, none other than General Stan- 
 hope! 
 
 "I understood Valerie's forebodings now. 
 
 "As I descended the broad staircase he turned and 
 faced me. 
 
 "I recoiled with an exclamation of amazement! He 
 appeared so changed, haggard and old. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 "The General did not speak for an appreciable length 
 of time, but peered at me mistrustfully in the dim morn- 
 ing light. I stood in the middle of the grand staircase, 
 that he had, before catching sight of me, essayed to 
 ascend. I could distinguish clearly his altered appear- 
 ance his face pale, haggard, anxious and aged. His 
 features appeared ghastly and the whole outline of his 
 form and attitude was repellent to me : a premonition of 
 his mental state, maybe. His uniform crumpled and 
 travel-stained. When he realized who I was he shouted 
 
 "Sir Francis Whynn, by all that's holy! the mean- 
 ing of your presence here, sir, at this hour? Speak, I 
 command you!" 
 
 I could have better faced a hostile army just then 
 than the General's natural, simple inquiry. It is so dif- 
 ficult to inform a living man that he is supposed to be 
 dead. 
 
 He naturally felt bewildered, having expected a dif- 
 ferent reception. The old servant, who had arrived upon 
 the scene, muttered an unintelligible something, which 
 scarcely could be termed a welcome. It was dreadfully 
 difficult for me to explain that I had been so certain he 
 was gone for ever, that I had married his widow. To 
 say the least of it, the situation was trying. 
 
 "Come, you do not speak. If you are honest, you 
 will do so. I demanded an explanation. What are you 
 doing here in my house, at midnight, sir, and trying to 
 steal away?" he added, sneeringly. 
 
 As he spoke he drew and brandished his sword and 
 made a feint that he would strike me. Recovering my 
 equanimity, I ejaculated with dignity 
 
 "Put up your sword, General; there is no need for 
 passion. I understood you had been killed in battle. A 
 message to that effect from England was so delivered, 
 and accepted by everyone as truth ; the servants can cor- 
 roborate my statements." 
 
94 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 The whole household by this time had been aroused, 
 and the male and female retainers had gathered with 
 scared faces, in a group ; their countenance^ pale, their 
 eyes gleaming darkly with bewilderment and apprehen- 
 sion in the gloom. I was conscious acutely so of their 
 whispered wonderment. They said to each other "the 
 old master has come back ; what will become of the young 
 master and mistress now?" 
 
 Strange thoughts chased themselves wildly through 
 my heated brain my whole being throbbed with per- 
 plexed emotion. It was so unexpected, this trying dif- 
 ficulty that now confronted me, I scarcely knew what to 
 do, what to say, 
 
 "You contend," interrupted the General, harshly, 
 "that you believed me dead that everybody understood 
 I was defunct. By everybody, do you include my wife? 
 Does she, also, believe me to be dead that you are made 
 welcome here in my house at midnight, sir, ah!" 
 
 "Spare your taunts and insinuations, General. Yes, 
 it is best you learn the whole truth. Valerie believes you 
 to be dead, and by her you were sincerely mourned. Your 
 memory is as yet revered; but, feeling herself at liberty, 
 she became my wife. We were married just three months 
 ago." 
 
 i i 
 
 Married! Valerie to you! My wife no longer, 
 but yours! Good Heavens, God above, can this be so?" 
 he demanded brokenly. 
 
 "It is true," I reiterated. 
 
 "I will not believe that my Valerie would forget me 
 so soon. No, no; I see through the scheme, the wish on 
 your part was father to the thought. You took no par- 
 ticular pains to ascertain the facts, and you inveigled my 
 fair young wife into marriage. Traitor that you are, I 
 will not excuse you. The crime is yours, and you must 
 pay the penalty. We cannot both live ; you shall die, for 
 I will kill you. 
 
 "General Stanhope, you forget yourself. Be calm. 
 have patience, sir, and do not jump to hasty conclu- 
 sions. We cannot discuss these matters here fully before 
 the servants. I will dismiss them, and then we will con- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 95 
 
 So saying, I ordered the retainers to their respective 
 quarters, and motioned the General that I would follow 
 him into the study, but, wilfully blind to everything but 
 his fury, he demanded reparation as he termed it im- 
 mediately, and rushed upon me furiously with his drawn 
 sword. I repelled the attack somewhat by my calm de- 
 meanour, I feel confident, but to small purpose, for he 
 did not desist in his attempts to wound me. 
 
 His attitude was most threatening from the first. 
 He was a solider, accustomed to dictate in a fighting 
 mood, I presume. Anyway he refused to reason the mat- 
 ter out, so I suggested a duel, to take place when he was 
 less fatigued. My considerate tone appeared only to 
 further exasperate him. 
 
 11 Protect yourself, now, sir coxcomb," he shouted, 
 lashing himself into a fury. "I have no time to waste, 
 and cannot wait your pleasure," so saying he made a 
 desperate onslaught with his naked sword against me 
 forcing me back on the stairway. 
 
 The noise of the altercation, or a desire to investi- 
 gate the cause of my long absence brought Valerie on 
 the scene at this juncture. If I could I would have spared 
 the dear girl the shock, but the General's actions had 
 been so bellicose from the very first, I had no alternative 
 but to let matters take their course. 
 
 The sight of the fragile, affrighted Valerie, appar- 
 ently added fuel to the fire of the General's rage, he bel- 
 lowed rather than spoke: 
 
 "Ah! here you come, madam! You presumed my 
 death an old man glad to be rid of me, no doubt, but 
 I'm here, alive, and determined to avenge my wrongs. 
 Sir Francis Whynn not I must die; and you must be 
 quite sure he is dead too. You understand me? Dead, 
 I say, killed by me. See !" 
 
 So saying, he turned abruptly, and without warning 
 made a fierce lunge, buried his keen glistening sword 
 many inches deep into my quivering flesh. Oh, God! the 
 pain was agonizing. I realized at once I was done for. 
 The torturing thought of Valerie's sad plight, and my 
 helplessness was maddening, and caused me to writhe 
 in agony of mind and body. Great Scott! Austin, Hell 
 
96 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 hath not greater torments to offer than I suffered in that 
 hour of my despair and physical pain. 
 
 My brain reeled I dropped faint to the floor. I 
 could hear my darling Valerie's screams of anguish and 
 terror, which brought the alarmed servants again troop- 
 ing upon the scene. I could distinguish their horrified 
 cries and wild exclamations and anxieties to help me. 
 
 I made strenuous efforts, in spite of excruciating 
 pain, to regain my feet, but all to no purpose. I was 
 effectually pinned by the General's clever thrust and 
 firm wtapon which fact appeared to give him great sat- 
 isfaction for he laughed aloud in derision at my futile 
 efforts to regain my feet. 
 
 Poor Valerie ! She was nearly frantic with amaze- 
 ment, horror and grief, and as she cried aloud, "Oh! 
 send for a surgeon, he must not die!" 
 
 The General's rage was boundless, he acted like a 
 madman ! Would not, even from Valerie, listen to 
 reason. All her endeavours were fruitless. She begged 
 him piteously to obtain medical assistance before it was 
 too late. 
 
 All this time I was suffering untold agony; I be- 
 came weak and dizzy from the loss of blood; my head 
 sank lower upon the stairway. Valerie, realizing my 
 awful plight in compassion knelt beside me, and raising 
 my drooping head, placed it tenderly upon her fair bosom, 
 while her scalding tears rained in torrents upon my face. 
 
 In piteous tones she begged me to live. * ' Oh Frank ! 
 my love ! don't leave me! don't die! stay with me." 
 
 By Heavens! I died a thousand terrible deaths in 
 my powerlessness and physical suffering as Valerie ut- 
 tered those words. My life's blood was flowing freely, 
 to the ebb, and staining Valerie's pretty white garments, 
 in spite of her strenuous efforts to staunch its copious 
 issue. We both felt in despair, yet there was no help 
 for it! The deed was done. 
 
 The trouble had come so suddenly, so unexpect- 
 edly, and from such an unlooked-for quarter, that all 
 we could do was resign ourselves to the parting. Valerie 
 pressed her lovely rose-leaf lips to my burning brow, and 
 whispered her lamentations and assurances of undying 
 affection even if the worst came. " Frank, if you die, I 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 97 
 
 die too, I could not live without you/' she declared and 
 kissed me passionately. 
 
 I made one firm effort to raise myself to respond to 
 her embrace, but discovered I was unable to move, or 
 emit one sound. I heard only faintly now Stanhope's 
 fierce curses. My power had fled, my sight grew dim 
 I could no longer view sweet Valerie's exquisite fea- 
 tures. All was black, black despair! and so I lost con- 
 sciousness. 
 
 I remembered no more until I awoke to find myself 
 upon a spotless couch in a still, cool room. Gazing around 
 me in surprise, and to ascertain if possible where I was 
 located, I encountered the sympathetic smile of a kind, 
 motherly lady, who tenderly bent over me, raised my 
 head, re-arranged my downy pillows, and gently enquired 
 if I felt better? 
 
 "As far as health is concerned, Madam, I fell all 
 right ,thank you," I ejaculated. "Can you tell me what 
 you presume ails me, and where I am?" for I fully 
 realized I could not tell or even recall even in the faintest 
 fashion past events. 
 
 The white-robed lady smiled and soothingly replied: 
 "Here comes Dr. Kellier, he will give you the necessary 
 information, I believe." 
 
 I glanced up to view the presence of a tall, fair, 
 handsome young gentleman, whose bright, blue eyes 
 peered quizzically into mine. 
 
 "I see you are improving, Sir Francis. My name is 
 Rudolph Kellier, and at present I constitute myself your 
 medical adviser. Accordingly I advise a little more 
 rest. Compose yourself for sleep." 
 
 As he said this, with a winning smile, he waved a 
 shapely white hand over my face, and some irresistible 
 power compelled me to sink again into deep slumber. 
 How long I slept I am unable to say, but when I awoke I 
 felt greatly refreshed, quite strong, in fact. I moved 
 and gazed around me to again encounter the kindly 
 glances of both doctor and nurse. I vaguely wondered 
 if they had kept vigil whilst I slept. 
 
 "Well, are you feeling all right?" the doctor cheerily 
 enquired. 
 
98 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "Yes, quite well, thank you. Where am I, and how 
 long have I been here?" 
 
 "Good: An excellent number of questions for an 
 invalid. I feel confident you are quite strong now. But 
 one question at a time, please." We both laughed, and 
 the doctor continued : * ' You are in my home. You were 
 brought here at my request in a helpless tate, about four 
 months ago." 
 
 "Four months ago, doctor; good heavens, I have 
 been a serious patient. Whatever could have been the 
 trouble ? I cannot properly recall the past, though I have 
 a dim recollection of being hurt somewhere, and some- 
 how. But I feel much better now, so dismiss the nurse 
 and I will rise and dress. ' ' 
 
 "Steady, the nurse has gone, but here, take these 
 garments of mine, we are somewhere of a height and 
 size. Your clothing was terribly cut up and dreadfully 
 bloodstained, therefore of little service to you now." 
 
 "By Jove! yes, I remember Stanhope stabbed me. 
 Ah ! Valerie, Lady Stanhope, can you tell me what be- 
 came of her? Is she safe and well? Give me as quickly 
 as possible all the information that lies in your power," 
 I exclaimed, excitedly. 
 
 ' ' Calm yourself, Sir Francis Whynn. You see I know 
 your full title. The lady was not killed ; in fact, she was 
 not physically harmed at all. She is fairly well." 
 "Thank God! I ejaculated, fervently. 
 
 "Amen. Please understand I am your firm friend, 
 Sir Francis. I have really had a similar experience to 
 your own. You see this, pointing with his finger to a 
 deep livid mark on the cheek beneath the left eye. I 
 received that wound in a duel. A lady in the case, of 
 course. Altho' I vanquished my rival, my love affair 
 had a different ending to your own. Anyway I did not 
 get the prize, but I got the opportuinty to fight a duel. 
 
 "The lady jilted you after that, Doctor?" I queried, 
 solicitously. 
 
 ' ' Not exactly that, but she certainly gave her favours 
 to another man. I simply repeat my story to give you 
 confidence that I understand and sympathize with your 
 present condition. Now if you are ready and willing I 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 99 
 
 will at once accompany you to the home of your fair en- 
 chantress. " 
 
 "Kellier, old fellow, I knew you were a gentleman. 
 You never did me a greater service in your life. I would 
 like the lady to know I am well and strong after the ugly 
 thrust that might have killed me, and that I have in no 
 way deserted her. I am quite ready. 
 
 "So is the carriage. Come along. I understand 
 your feelings, we shall soon be there ; at the villa, I 
 mean." 
 
 Together we entered, (Dr. Kellier and I) the old 
 familiar grounds, and presented ourselves at the very 
 portals. So eager was I for egress that I felt to be walk- 
 ing on air. I was on the very tip-toe of expectancy. My 
 sweet love ! What would she say ? Would she accord me 
 a warm welcome? Did she feel confident I was faithful 
 to our plighted troth? Our Marrige. Our Love, of that 
 she could have no doubt. Still uneasy for her sake, yet 
 hopeful, I permitted the doctor to lead the way. With- 
 out an obstacle we reached Valerie's well-remembered 
 chamber door when a torrent of thoughts overwhelmed 
 me. 
 
 As we stood there, awaiting entrance, a page ap- 
 proached and passed us without a word or glance, or 
 appearing in any way to notice our presence. 
 
 To my surprise upon entering the apartment, I found 
 my love was lying upon a bed of sickness, her pale, wan, 
 delicate features waxen in hue, her splendidly long silken 
 dark curling lashes resting lightly upon her sunken 
 cheeks. There seh lay in a sleep that greatly resembled 
 death, so cold and still was she. My heart felt frozen 
 with grief and despair. She had been fretting, I felt 
 sure, my darling Valerie! 
 
 My conjectures were interrupted by Kellier 's voice 
 whispering to me, "Speak and arouse her." 
 
 I eagerly obeyed, and in tender tones of love ex- 
 claimed, "Valerie, my angel awake. Your lover is nere, 
 look up, pet and live, get strong for my sake as well as 
 for your own." With this a smile illuminated her pale 
 countenance, and obediently her glorious orbs unveiled 
 and gazed up with a pleading glance into mine. A be- 
 
100 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 wildered expression, then a joyous gaze ot recognition, a 
 glad cry and she burst forth impulsively : 
 
 "Oh Frank, my love, my life. Is it you? I knew 
 you would come. They told me you were dead and gone 
 from me for ever, but I believed them not. I knew that 
 God in His goodness, in answer to my heartfelt prayers, 
 would let you come to me. I have suffered so much, but 
 I can die happy now." 
 
 "My adorable angel, you must not die, I am here to 
 assist you to recover. You must get well and strong. I 
 need your sweet companioship, for we are truly one. I 
 feel proud to know, darling, that in spite of false reports 
 you had faith in my integrity. I will never desert you. 
 Strive from now, brave heart, to recover your wonted 
 health, and together we will leave Naples, and travel far 
 away cross the deep blue sea to other lands and climes, 
 and live in joy and peace together. 
 
 Her reply was an almost hysterical sobbing embrace. 
 Entwining her shapely arms around my neck, she 
 breathed rather than spoke : 
 
 "Frank, my love, I cannot find words to express my 
 joy at this, our reunion. God is good, sweetheart. Have 
 you seen our little treasure, the sweet darling babe ? She 
 is such a bonny wee thing, with eyes, hair and perfect 
 features like your own." 
 
 "A babe, our child," I stammered in confusion. "My 
 love what you must have suffered alone, apparently de- 
 serted. Heaven, I can scarcely realize it all. Believe 
 me, darling, I came to you directly I was conscious, strong 
 and able to undertake the journey. Do forgive me, my 
 love, my life, for all the sorrow and suffering I have 
 caused you, although I feel I shall never be able to for- 
 give myself." 
 
 Without particularly heeding my remarks, Valerie 
 pleasantly continued: "You must see the child, Frank, 
 and tell me if you do not agree with me, she is beautiful. 
 Nurse, bring baby here," commanded Valerie. 
 
 To my astonishment (for I thought we were alono, 
 i)r. Kellier having most discreetly retired) a tall young 
 woman in nurse's attire, carrying apparently a bundle 
 of linen, lace and furbelows, made her appearance and 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whjrn, Baronet 101 
 
 calmly proceeded to unfold the snowy drapery and re- 
 vealed to my bewildered gaze the tiny pink face of an 
 infant. 
 
 Without professing to be an excellent judge of such 
 matters, I'll confess that the little one certainly possessed 
 an exquisitely perfect formation and features. The 
 babe's presence was certainly a revelation to me. I was 
 lost in wonderment. Breaking upon my reverie, Valerie 
 gently enquired: 
 
 ''There, Frank, is not our darling just perfectly 
 lovely?" 
 
 I readily acknowledged that the little babe was a 
 real beauty. The fact is, as I told her, I did not know, 
 although possibly I ought to have done, that such an event 
 as the birth of a child might have occurred. So, nat- 
 urally, I felt confused. To my inexperienced eye the 
 infant was such a pretty, fragile freature that I dare 
 not touch it rashly, lest it would crumble or break. Dear 
 Valerie, she just hugged, fondled and caressed the little 
 treasure, handling it with such skill that I was lost in 
 admiration at her deftness. It was a trial to me, I'll 
 own, when the darling girl raised the tiny mite and pre- 
 sented its soft pink cheek for me to kiss. I nervously 
 passed through the ordeal without discredit, I trust. 
 
 While thus interestingly engaged, we were inter- 
 rupted by the entrance of a portly gentleman, who bustled 
 into the room, and whom the nurse hailed as ''Doctor". 
 The gentleman in question appeared very solicitous re- 
 specting Valerie's welfare, scolded the nurse for permit- 
 ting her to have the custody of the child. "I believe I 
 gave you strict instructions to keep your patient quiet," 
 he began sternly, "and here I find her in an excited state, 
 nursing. Remove the infant at once." 
 
 The medical man had reckoned without his host. 
 Valerie clung in a desperate fashion to her little one, pro- 
 testing vigorously against the separation, wildly appeal- 
 ing to me in her extremity: "Frank, Frank, don't let 
 them take the baby, I cannot permit them to take our 
 pet from me, I cannot bear it. She is my very own, ours, 
 let me keep her." 
 
 I strove to soothe Valerie, placed a detaining hand 
 upon the child, and forbade the nurse to touch it. The 
 
102 Th'e Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 physician, seeing" the trouble his order had caused, altered 
 his tone, and in a more gentle fashion said: 
 
 "Very well, nurse, let your mistress have her own 
 way just now." Then, sotto voice, which I distinctly 
 heard, "It really does not matter, Lady Stanhope is 
 dying. She can't last much longer, so prepare for the 
 end." 
 
 The good natured nurse burst suddenly into tears, 
 and turned abruptly away to hide her grief. 
 
 I then stepped up to the physician, exclaiming: 
 
 "Sir, you must be mistaken in your diagnosis. The 
 lady will not die. She will nay must improve in 
 health. I am here to remove her from these unhappy 
 surroundings. The child and her, when she is stronger, 
 will come to me." 
 
 But the man rudely pushed past me, and treated my 
 remarks with silent contempt, and after assuring Lady 
 Stanhope that the child should not be taken from her, 
 left the room after giving instructions to the weeping 
 nurse, without a glance in my direction. 
 
 I felt most indignant at being thus rudely ignored, 
 and was seriously cogitating how to act under the circum- 
 stances, when Dr. Kellier, who had noiselessly as his 
 wont, I noticed, re-entered the apartment, and touching 
 me on the shoulder, gently yet commandingly said, 
 "Raise Valerie in your arms bodily from the couch, the 
 nurse will take the child." 
 
 I hastened, wonderingly to obey. I followed his in- 
 structions to the letter, for he was very explicit in his 
 orders, advising me to be very careful not to give the 
 body a shock. 
 
 "She has fainted, you observe," he commented, "but 
 I want you to carry her to our carriage, and I will have 
 her properly attended to on our arrival home. ' ' 
 
 This was good news. Kellier had done so very much 
 for me that I had implicit faith in his ability to cure Va- 
 lerie. 
 
 "Thanks, old fellow," I whispered, fervently, as T 
 lifted my precious burden from her snowy bed. "She 
 will soon recover from her indisposition, whatever it is, 
 if you put your skill into operation." 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 103 
 
 Strange to say Valerie opened her eyes smiled 
 sweetly when she saw me, re-entwined her arms lovingly 
 around my neck, thus making my delightful task the 
 lighter. She seemed to melt into my embrace as it were, 
 and appeared so ethereal and pure like a waxen lily. 
 
 "Oh Frank," she whispered sweetly, "I am ready to 
 accompany you, take me to heaven, but bring our baby 
 too. Don't leave her love, to be sneered and scoffed at, 
 let us take her now." 
 
 I hesitated, and glanced beseechingly at Kellier, as 
 I asked about the infant. Valerie wants the baby, may 
 we take her also?" 
 
 "One thing at a time," the Doctor answered, grimly. 
 
 * * You do as I tell you at present, I will attend to the 
 child's welfare later. The mother's wellbeing is of the 
 greatest importance just now." 
 
 Without further parley I proceeded again to raise 
 Valerie from her downy pillows. Her head at length 
 rested upon my breast, her dark waving tresses fell 
 around her perfect face in sweet profusion, stray strands 
 coyly curled up and touched my cheeks. Her eyelids 
 closed as though in sleep, which appeared as restful and 
 peaceful as a child's. 
 
 To my utter amazement, however, as I removed my 
 darling from the yielding bed, I saw there were two 
 Valeries, one warm, living, lovingly clasped in my arms, 
 the second lying cold and still rigid as in death, the coun- 
 tenance as white as the damask sheets it pressed. The 
 sight alarmed me and for a moment I was unable to stir 
 a limb. Dr. Kellier, observing my perplexity, smiled an 
 enigmatical smile, but gently beckoned me forward with 
 my precious burden. 
 
 Just then a number of persons passed me and rushed 
 hurriedly into the room, and I heard the sounds of loud 
 sobbing and lamentations, and the words distinct and 
 clear rang out, "Lady Stanhope is dead." I glanced 
 lovingly down at my charming love, and felt it was my 
 turn to smile, for she was not dead, but sleeping. I hur- 
 ried forward until I rested with her, still in my arms, in 
 the waiting vehicle, which in a short span of time drew 
 up at Dr. Kellier 's imposing residence, and two female 
 attendants relieved me of the unconscious Valerie. The 
 
104 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 young Doctor followed them, motioning me to remain 
 where I was. 
 
 I was alone with my burning thoughts. How very 
 strange and mysterious the past events appeared. 
 
 I turned over in my mind the inexplicable matters 
 I had witnessed without discovering an adequate solu- 
 tion to the mystery. I hailed the Doctor's return with 
 delight made enquiries after his patient, and then 
 plunged at once into the subject that troubled my mind. 
 
 "Doctor, please explain the paradoxied appearance 
 of two Valeries. I'll acknowledge I am truly mistified 
 by that phenomenon beyond measure. I held one form, 
 yet there was another alike yet unlike. If possible, tell 
 me the meaning of such a remarkable occurrence." 
 
 "Yes, I will endeavor to explain, although I am not 
 surprised you do not understand. You see, I have not 
 yet informed you that you are also dead." 
 
 "Dead? What do you mean? Man! I am anything 
 but dead or lifeless, inanimate, defunct, cold, still, etc. I 
 fail to grasp the situation." 
 
 Kellier broke into a hearty if disconcerting laugh. 
 
 "It is an awkward task for me to try to persuade 
 you that you are defunct, for appearances are against 
 my statements, but for all that you are dead, demised, 
 so considered by the denizens of the physical world. 
 Your spirit or real self, left your body after that ugly 
 wound you received from General Stanhope's sword, a 
 few months ago, and your mortal remains, just as your 
 sweetheart's will be, were interred in the burial grounds 
 at Naples. The Ego or self-consciousness, is unable to 
 retain a hold upon its fleshly tenement or body when the 
 vital force is dispersed, which happened hi your case 
 through the loss of blood, but you, like your fair lady, 
 have sustained the shock termed ' death', and you have 
 renewed your wonted vigor, for it is quite evident 'Rich- 
 ard is himself again'. Do not forget, Whynn, that I was 
 once pronounced dead ; that was after the duel I men- 
 tioned to you." 
 
 "And Valerie, she, you say, has just passed through 
 the same miraculous change, is she dead, and is that the 
 reason why I saw the two forms of my fair love so dis- 
 tinctly?" I interruptingly inquired. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 105 
 
 "Yes, that is so." 
 
 ' ' Great heavens ! Kellier, truly there are more things 
 in earth and heaven than can be dreamed of in man's 
 philosophy. ' ' 
 
 "Whynn, old fellow, although you may not realize 
 it, we are ghosts. That is what our late associates, even 
 your loved ones who mourned distractedly, your physical 
 loss, would term us, if we again essayed to revisit our 
 old haunts in the physical world! And yet there is very 
 little of the unsubstantial about either of us, judging by 
 appearances, now is there?" 
 
 "Well really, Doctor, it's very puzzling. How can 
 I ever hope to successfully grapple with the problems, I 
 wonder?" I blurted. 
 
 "Don't try my boy, let circumstances be your en- 
 lightener. ' ' 
 
 "Oh Kellier, I am fully cognizant of your kindness 
 to both Valerie and myself, you are an angel, a tutor, and 
 faithful, unselfish friend rolled into one. I feel just three 
 times alive, anything but inanimate. My emotions are 
 intense. I long to dive into these mysteries, ask a thou- 
 san dquestions concerning them. Therefore, I beg in- 
 dulgence, I must upon your patience and kindness con- 
 tinue to draw if you will permit me. Pray tell me in 
 that horseless carriage, by what power we travelled and 
 arrived at the handsome old, familiar villa?" 
 
 "To give you some small idea of how we travelled, 
 I may say, we were propelled through space by electricity 
 in the quicker and clearer vibrations at lightning speed, 
 my vehicle being fitted with mechanical appliances de- 
 signed for the purpose. You and I had ben prepared, 
 magnetised, reclothed, with a semblance of flesh or mat- 
 ter, i. e., chemically prepared, solidified material, con- 
 taining the component parts of the substances that go to 
 form an ordinary human, physical organism. Thus 
 equipped we were without difficulty enabled to re-enter 
 the grosser atmosphere of the earth plane and success- 
 fully accomplish our mission. ' ' 
 
 Necessarily we were invisible to all, excepting those 
 whose spiritual natures had been aroused, quickened and 
 developed to perceive the denizens of the psychic world. v 
 
106 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "Eh! Gad, Kellier, it's marvellous," I exclaimed. 
 
 "For instance, no one excepting your wife saw you 
 in that chamber of death. The lady did not even see 
 me, her deep love for you assisted considerably to arouse 
 and unfold her dormant psychic faculties. You see her 
 spiritual counterpart Ego, or real self, was preparing to 
 vacate its mortal tenement; her grief at your tragic end 
 and the premature birth of her child the cause. Your 
 presence and undivided affection gave the necessary 
 stimulus to fully awaken the latent powers of spirit per- 
 ception, she saw and fully recognized you, ere she 'shuf- 
 fled off the mortal coir ", as Shakespeare puts it. 
 
 "That accounts then for that pompous physician's 
 rude behavior to me. He did not know of my presence, 
 I presume." 
 
 "That is so. The nurse and the doctor were both 
 absolutely unconscious of your presence. Both seeing and 
 hearing the invalid behave as though she was holding 
 converse with empty air, they concluded her hour had 
 come and refused her nothing, as is the custom at the 
 death bed of mortals." 
 
 "Thanks ever so much, I thoroughly appreciate your 
 hlcid explanation, but it does appear strange to try to 
 think of one's self as dead, for really, old chap, I must 
 say I never felt more alive in the whole course of my 
 existence. ' ' 
 
 "That's all right, you appear exceptionally lively, 
 for one who has been ruthlessly killed and declared de- 
 funct, you know." 
 
 ' ' Kellier you are a brick, I shall be eternally obliged 
 to you. Believe me, I shall never forget, and if oppor- 
 tunity presents itself I shall endeavor to repay your kind- 
 ness. I require a little more information, I trust you 
 will bear with me. I would like to know how I am to 
 acquaint Valerie with these marvellous truths, and con- 
 vey the intelligence that she is considered a ghost or 
 'dead'?" 
 
 "Don't worry yourself too much concerning the 
 lady's enlightenment. There will be no great difficulty 
 to contend with, I assure you. Women naturally possess 
 the intuitive faculty. They instinctively, as it were, un- 
 derstand these delicate matters. Men rarely relish the 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 107 
 
 idea of suddenly having become angels, or ghosts. Wo- 
 men take to the notion like ducks to water. You shall 
 test the matter for yourself shortly. In the meantime, I 
 would like to explain that being signalled for by the 
 guardians of the watch-tower, whose pleasure and duty 
 it is to keep vigil and guard the border-land in spirit 
 life: to render aid or assist in any way those helpless 
 souls who by accident or design have been ejected from 
 their corporeal bodies into the psychic realm, at the 
 time of your cruel demise, I took your case in hand, made 
 enquiries as to the cause of the quarrel, etc., and ac- 
 cordingly am prepared at the present time to offer you 
 hospitality and advice. 
 
 "The reason you were not aware you had left your 
 body was because I had taken precautions to have you 
 thoroughly well magnetised, and by mental suggestion 
 induced a deeper unconsciousness than what had taken 
 place by loss of the vital force, etc. I aroused you from 
 the trance only when I considered it necessary, again 
 deepening your death sleep. The last time I took partic- 
 ular care to arouse memory so that you, without shock, 
 could recall past events. Do not think me presumptions. 
 Not from idle curiosity, but to endeavor to become your 
 benefactor, I have made myself fully acquainted with 
 your past history, and will here and now predict a happy 
 future for you and your soul's mate. I am delighted to 
 have been the means of bringing about the pleasurable 
 reunion, and be the first to bid you welcome to the bright 
 celestial regions of Love and Life." 
 
 "Presumptions indeed! My dear Doctor, you have 
 overwhelmed me with your noble consideration. I feel 
 confident, althou' you have endeavored to so lightly pass 
 over your magnificent work that you have accomplished 
 a great deal, overcome tremendous obstacles for Valerie's 
 and my sake. My feelings are too great for expression, 
 I am truly grateful, believe me. I would like to ask you 
 one very pertinent question: What am I to do, now I 
 am here in Spirit-land?" 
 
 "Ah! that is a matter that will require further con- 
 sideration. In the meantime consider yourself my very 
 welcome guest. Look upon this establishment as your 
 home. The lady to be installed as mistress. I shall oc- 
 
JOS The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 cupy only a small corner. Now, Whynn, old fellow, spare 
 me the thanks, I have been repaid a thousand times al- 
 ready. I am charmed to know I have been instrumental 
 in assisting two such loving, faithful souls. Ah who 
 comes here?" 
 
 At that moment a nurse glided into our presence and 
 in dulcet tones ejaculated: 
 
 ' ' The lady is awake, Doctor, and calling for Frank. ' ' 
 
 "All right nurse. Sir Francis, you are at liberty to 
 visit your wife." 
 
 I needed no second bidding. Eagerly I pressed for- 
 ward, rushed past the attendant, and once more clasped 
 in loving embrace my darling Valerie. What a trans- 
 formation from the pale, sickly appearance of the death- 
 chamber, to that of a lovely goddess, the personification 
 of beauty and health. Her incomparable beauty, height- 
 ened and enhanced by a million graces, her diaphanous 
 snowy garments, tastefully draped to cunningly conceal, 
 yet reveal her perfect form; her luxurious dark tresses 
 simply arranged and prettily decorated with perfect 
 specimens of the queen of flowers, while clusters of bright, 
 delicate pink roses nestled tenderly at her faultless throat 
 falling in profusion over the folds of her fleecy robe. To 
 me she appeared an entrancing picture of idealistic youth 
 and beauty, lovely beyond compare. 
 
 "Frank, my love," she blushing, exclaimed as she 
 faltered under my admiring glances, "what a glorious 
 change for us, we are really in Heaven now, we need 
 never part, need we?" 
 
 "But husband mine, there is just one thing missing, 
 our darling baby. I love her so, I could not be truly 
 happy without her. Forgive me love, but it is the truth, 
 she ought to be with us, let me have her. Frank, promise 
 me, I know you will refuse me nothing. Let me have my 
 child." This was said so coaxingly. 
 
 "My angel bride, you shall be denied nothing. If 
 1 have any power in Heaven here, or on the earth below, 
 the little one shall be in your possession in quick time," 
 I declared, rather boastfully, I fear. 
 
 Nevertheless I excused myself and had another in- 
 terview with Kellier, and to my inexpressible joy, the 
 Doctor agreed to take us with him to fetch the babe. 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whyiui, Baronet 109 
 
 Once again together we traversed space in a magnificently 
 fitted up conveyance and by means of a glistening lever 
 we were, after being quickly propelled through waves of 
 ether, brought to a standstill in the grounds of that well 
 remembered tragical villa, and entered without inter- 
 ference a darkened chamber. Strange to relate we had 
 returned to the ancient mansion at the precise period 
 when the interment of my fair Valerie 's body was taking 
 place. 
 
 The tiny infant in a dainty cot was being faithfully 
 guarded by Valerie's late maid whose eyes, true soul, 
 were red with weeping. As we drew near the cot and 
 took a close survey of the innocent inmate we distinctly 
 heard the maid's sobs and lamentations at the loss of 
 her erstwhile mistress. We naturally relied upon Dr. 
 Kellier's instructions how to order ourselves in this deli- 
 cate task. It was, I can assure you, Austin, a marvellous 
 experience for Valerie and myself. 
 
 The clever Doctor ordered the mother to speak to 
 her child. This sweet Valerie did instantly, with the 
 result that the tiny babe responded with a dimpling 
 smile as though it recognized its mother was near. I 
 could see the young mother's joy, her deep emotions, 
 and felt convinced Valerie could never nave consented 
 to a long separation, even for the child to have gained 
 what Dr. Kellier termed ''An earthly experience." 
 
 "No, this pretty creature was the offspring of pure 
 love, the babe of true desire, the first born of our pure 
 affection, the mother's treasure. The earthly surround- 
 ings had faded from my mind as it were by the thrilling 
 responses to my darling love's sweet emotions, so that 
 I forgot where I was and our purpose, but I was aroused 
 from my reverie. The maid was speaking with tears in 
 her voice: 
 
 "Ah! poor child, I see you are laughing in your in- 
 nocent sleep. Can you see angels, I wonder, that you 
 smile so sweetly? Maybe your beautiful mother is near 
 watching over you. Poor lamb, it's a pity she does not 
 take you to heaven with her, you are not wanted here. I 
 heard General Stanhope term you a squalling brat, he 
 hates you I know." 
 
110 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 I saw Valerie blanch and recoil, she felt faint with 
 anguish. I hastened to support her, whispering words 
 of consolation and affection for her and our babe. We 
 needed no further stimulus after the nurse's remarks to 
 determine our actions. To have the infant at once re- 
 moved from such an unholy atmosphere was our desire. 
 Dr. Kellier immediately responded to our request by in- 
 ducing a deep mesmeric sleep to fall upon the faithful 
 attendant. He then dexterously raised the child from its 
 pretty bed, quickly severed the silver cord of physical 
 life that bound the infant to its fleshy body. The babe 
 gave one convulsive shudder, and pursed its features as 
 though in pain, then gave up the ghost. The more beau- 
 tiful spiritual counterpart was placed in Valerie's wait- 
 ing arms, and the joyous young mother clasped to her 
 palpitating bosom her precious babe. 
 
 "Need I enlarge upon this subject, Austin? Tell you 
 how our infant grew in beauty, repeat her childish prat- 
 tle, tell of her cuteness, winsomeness and love, and her 
 first lisping words when she faltered 'Mamma', 'Dadda'. 
 With confidence I can say as she grew she daily unfolded 
 in grace and beauty. Our greatest difficulty was to de- 
 vise a suitable name, for she was such a Juno, Diana, 
 Venus, and Hebe rolled into one. The personification of 
 purity, beauty, love and perfection, a delightful and 
 charming companion for us both. By mutual agreement 
 at last we named her "Virginia." 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 "Now you would imagine we would have settled 
 down to live happy ever after; not so; peace, perfect 
 peace, was not ours yet. Some time after I had become 
 settled with my wife and child in our spiritual home, a 
 real and substantial dwelling, and had received a special 
 visit from my angelic and beloved parents, a host of rela- 
 tives and friends, at the request of my sister Anne I 
 undertook the task of preparing for a long journey to 
 earth ; my sister was desirous anxious that I should 
 obtain possession of those defamatory papers which had 
 been sent to her, and still reposed in the walnut cabinet 
 at Hornsworth Castle. 
 
 * ' Frank, I want you to go and destroy those papers, ' ' 
 Anne asserted, and her desire was a command. I con- 
 ferred with Father and Mother and Valerie, who readily 
 agreed to the plan. 
 
 In the firast place, before entering upon such an 
 important task as abstracting, handling and altering 
 material documents, however important or detrimental 
 to one's good name, it was very necessary to take a 
 course of lessons, to study the laws governing spirit 
 manifestations and power, to successfully combat earth 
 force and use all physical substances. The ethereal body,, 
 although very substantial, is more delicate in texture and 
 more highly tuned to quicker vibrations than the cor- 
 poreal one. Therefore, the difficulties to be encountered 
 in the grosser atmosphere, or air pressure of the physical 
 realm musty if one out of the physical body is to remain 
 in it for any length of time, be overcome by practical 
 knowledge of weight and resistance, experience of which 
 can only be gauged and acquired by expert experiments. 
 
 Our kind friend and noble adviser Doctor Kellier 
 again came to my assistance and readily undertook the 
 task of enlightening me into the mysteries of rehabilita- 
 tion of the fleshy body. Also together we formulated a 
 plan of campaign in respect to the whole matter of repara- 
 
112 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 tion or restitution for my past injuries. Before I ven- 
 tured into the physical realm I had perforce to learn the 
 science of anatomy and reproduction of human flesh and 
 bony structure, with the nucleus or protoplasms for 
 muscles, sinews, tissues, blood, skin, etc. ,all the material 
 that goes to chemically construct a human physical frame. 
 Dr. Kellier carefully prepared and liquidized all of the 
 essential chemical compounds, the constituent elements 
 that go to compose the component parts of a fully devel- 
 oped corporeal form for my use. I had the whole body 
 of a real fleshly man in liquid form, sealed in a psychic 
 receptacle. 
 
 By this material it was possible with knowledge of 
 correct proportions, etc., to clothe oneself with a substan- 
 tial coating, or semblance of flesh for manifesting, that is, 
 being seen by mortals in a substantial way. 
 
 I was duly instructed by the Doctor how to manipu- 
 late these precious compounds. How to deftly handle the 
 chemical substances, liquids, and luminosity, so as to 
 manifest myself in a fully materialized body, even to 
 correct proportions of height, shape and minute details 
 of original style of dress, etc. In darkness or full light 
 of day, to do the work regally, you understand. 
 
 I may tell you a spirit-man is much larger in pro- 
 portion, than a physical one. He unfolds or develops 
 after discarding his fleshly tenement and becomes larger 
 and more perfect. 
 
 I was now prepared for quite an achievement. A 
 fascinating study of the practical methods of artistic 
 plastic clay work. Like a good actor, I had to learn how 
 to make up. I can assure you, Austin, manifesting on 
 the mundane plane would have been very simple, easy 
 in the extreme, if I had been content to follow the line 
 of the least resistance and appear to human eyes in the 
 regulation garb of a voluminous white robe with hood or 
 cowl pulled well over head and face to partially conceal, 
 yet reveal the upper part of the features be a phantom 
 play the ghost, as it were. 
 
 Prom the first intimation of the idea of personally 
 visiting General Stanhope, I' determined to accomplish 
 my purpose, in 1 my own particular fashion, by discard- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 113 
 
 ing the spectre idea and substituting my own method of 
 procedure. 
 
 Therefore, I departed after a protracted farewell of 
 my loved one, fully equipped from the spiritual realm 
 and with knowledge, material, and a retinue of spirit- 
 men, that were experts, yet were my willing attendants. 
 These included adepts, masters in the past arts of mysti- 
 cism, occultism, magnetism and a scientific understand- 
 ing of the elements and substances of the two worlds, 
 psychic and physical. These guides were made up of 
 Egyptians, Hindoos, Chinese, aboriginals and numerous 
 Europeans. Thus prepared for all emergencies, my gifted 
 attendants and I journeyed earthwards. In due time we 
 settled ourselves and our belongings in the spiritual 
 counterpart of the home of General Stanhope in Naples, 
 Italy. 
 
 The forces we employed among others during our 
 protracted stay in the psychic part of Naples, were the 
 electric, magnetic and hypnotic; marvellous forces these 
 when rightly understood, Austin ! 
 
 The apartments, especially General Stanhope's pri- 
 vate suite of rooms, were carefully, by these qualified 
 spiritual attendants, magnetized daily. This process 
 was often employed for the purpose of disintegrating 
 atoms of matter which impeded our freedom or access 
 to other parts of the premises. 
 
 Also the magnetic force was very useful to us when 
 we required to raise ponderable bodies or remove ob- 
 stacles or carry hard or light substances around. For 
 instance, pass a heavy oak dining table through a stone 
 wall, or lift it from the floor, tilt and drop it to pro- 
 duce noises, or simply to scatter beautiful flowers upon< 
 visitors, pass matter through matter, you know, as 
 the scientifically inclined investigator into the realms of 
 spiritual phenomena delights so much to quote. 
 
 Now for practise or more often for the amusing pur- 
 pose of mystifying the inmates of the villa, my attend- 
 ants would remove sundry articles of wearing apparel 
 taken from a lower suite of rooms to a higher, or vice 
 versa. And to an assembly of guests. 
 
 Introduce Apports in the shape of singing birds, in- 
 sects, giant moths, lovely butterflies, bouquets of flowers, 
 
114 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 Eastern curios, foreign coins, jewels, etc., and during 
 their exclamations of surprise, bewilderment or conster- 
 nation, make the whole paraphernalia invisible to their 
 sight for a few seconds or entirely disappear from view 
 altogether. 
 
 In this way the villa got a rather peculiar reputa- 
 tion. To us, these preliminary performances clearly dem- 
 onstrated that we had succeeded in producing a psychic 
 
 Note: (See Scientific Reports of Spiritual Manifes- 
 tations. ) 
 
 atmosphere, and had established a connecting link be- 
 tween the spiritual and physical realms. 
 
 All this was very necessary to the furthering of my 
 plans. Now our combined efforts were to be directed 
 upon individuals. General Stanhope first, of course. 
 Every time he entered his sanctum he was hypnotised 
 by one of us, and would complain to himself of feeling 
 so unaccountably "sleepy". I took this matter fully in 
 hand at last and gradually got the General under my 
 complete influence and control. I discovered I could 
 induce in him a profound trance-like state of mind. 
 
 Thus I had access to General Stanhope's mental 
 state. I was enabled to review his secret thoughts. The 
 mind which is opaque to mortals under the circumstances 
 I have described becomes as crystal, I diligently 
 searched the archives of the past. I found what I re- 
 quired, and more, I read tiny tablets, i. e., minute rec- 
 ords of the brain, many times duplicated and docketed 
 for future reference at his Memory's command, I had 
 my scribes magnify and take copies of such as I required. 
 I could disclose many secrets, passions, fears, pure and 
 evil desires, for without impediment the General's mind 
 was entirely at my disposal. I knew every thought, every 
 action, all he had ever done or contemplated doing. My 
 what I could reveal! 
 
 "In that hour of triumph I could have entirely al- 
 tered his future career by strong mental suggestion if I 
 had so desired. I am not posing as a Saint, Recording 
 Angel, Accuser, or Judge, but there were unlimited 
 possibilities within my grasp. To the man out of the 
 body, in possession of sufficient data and knowledge, there 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet tl5 
 
 are infinite opportunities and possibilities, believe me, 
 Austin ! 
 
 I am simply a disseminator of facts and I did not 
 interfere with one possession of General Stanhope's mind 
 more than was necessary for the preservation of the good 
 names of my family nad myself. I merely took notes of 
 all I required. 
 
 By this particular method of reviewing the past, 
 thoughts and actions of General Stanhope and that crit- 
 ical period of him and my career, I read his statements 
 made to the physician who had been hastily summoned 
 to the scene of events, after my demise. His story was 
 a pure fabrication. Also his sworn testimony: i., e., 
 the account given to the coroner and jury who attended 
 the inquest held upon my body. 
 
 Stanhope falsely stated that I had armed myself 
 with a keen weapon immediately upon realizing that he 
 had returned intact from the seat of war, and that it 
 was entirely due to his own skill and prowess he was 
 enabled to overcome my villainous attacks, and ran me 
 through and so caused my death in self-defence. 
 
 In lieu of witnesses, for the servants had not seen 
 the act of violence directed against me, he was believed, 
 especially when he pleaded I had already presupposed 
 him dead and on the strength of a supposed rumor had 
 induced his young wife to believe my statements and 
 inveigled her into marriage. 
 
 He made a decided impression upon the minds of the 
 susceptible jury-men by the pathetic rehearsing of his 
 dilemma. How he had returned victorious from a cruel 
 war to discover that his home had been wrecked, his 
 wife taken from him and from shock of the tragic affair 
 passing from swoon upon swoon Lady Stanhope had 
 remained in an unconscious state so that her life was 
 now despaired of. 
 
 To be brief, the verdict was death by ' misadventure/ 
 the jurymen adding a rider. That my demise was brought 
 about by my own folly and guilty knowledge ; that with- 
 out proper investigation I had hastened to marry his 
 wife, etc., etc. 
 
 These statements were made in authorized docu- 
 ments and were sent much to her dismay to my sister 
 in Wales. 
 
116 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 Incidently I realized by an examination of mind rec- 
 ords that General Stanhope intensely loved Valerie. Still 
 loved her, in fact, although his affecton did not extend 
 to her tiny babe when it was born, that was naturally 
 on my account, for he really hated me, and was secretly 
 delighted he had robbed me of my existence, as he fondly 
 believed. 
 
 Now there is one important item I must mention. 
 There had been one eye-witness to the scene of my mur- 
 der, and that was the General's Soldier valet, Antonio 
 Castello, the one who had arrived with him at the villa 
 that memorable night. He had hidden when bidden with 
 the other servants to depart and had peeped from be- 
 hind the heavy curtains that screened the hall from the 
 stairway. He had watched the whole scene. He knew 
 I was unarmed, therefore unable to defend myself at 
 that critical moment, but the fellow Costello, although 
 a Roman Catholic, was not a good one. At least he 
 did not regularly attend the Confessional Box and he 
 readily accepted a bribe from General Stanhope to dis- 
 appear just before the inquest; for the General, accord- 
 ing to the secret records I now read, had considered it 
 expedient to get rid of this man for fear his evidence 
 would be damaging to his Stanhope's Sworn Evidence. 
 Like all such policies it did not wear well, for Castello 
 was a disreputable character, drank and gambled and 
 annoyed the General by turning up at intervals and de- 
 manding more money blackmail, really. 
 
 I mention this to enlighten you as to the fact that Gen- 
 eral Stanhope lived somewhat in fear of revelations and 
 was not truly happy. I came to this conclusion, that not 
 only would I surprise General Stanhope by discovering 
 myself to him in fully materialized form, but that I would 
 speak to him direct and make my spirit voice audible to 
 his physical senses. After a lot of preliminary work, my 
 attendants and I perfected a wireless apparatus for con- 
 veying sounds based upon the practical knowledge of 
 spiritual and mundane acoustics. By practical applica- 
 tion we obtained evidence that our schemes had suc- 
 ceeded, for by practising calls upon the pages, and visit- 
 ors, we knew we had been heard. It was really amusing 
 to witness the results of a sharp query or the call of a 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 117 
 
 name, to see many of them running in all directions, seek- 
 ing the caller or endeavoring to locate the sounds. Now 
 I considered the time ripe for a seance. So at a prear- 
 ranged period, when General Stanhope was one evening 
 alone in his study, I manifested my presence in an un- 
 mistakable fashion. I stood visibly before him quite in 
 my old style, smiling and debonair, and attired in an 
 elaborate Court dress, perfect in detail and glittering 
 with jewels. I had taken the precaution to well anoint 
 myself with a sufficiency of luminosity. Hence I stood 
 out in bold relief from the dark background of heavy 
 plush hangings, with which the apartment was adorned. 
 I congratulated myself. I had achieved a perfect repro- 
 duction of my old self, especially when I saw the Gen- 
 eral's perturbed expression. He rubbed his eyes in a 
 bewildered fashion, shook himself to be quite sure he 
 was not dreaming, then he became alarmed, half rose 
 from his chair and tried to speak, but his tongue clove 
 to the roof of his mouth. No words could he utter for 
 an appreciable length of time; he trembled with doubt 
 and fear. Here was the man he had thought dead. He 
 had killed, in fact, alive ! Ha ! could it be true ? A den- 
 izen of another world, a spirit come to accuse him, and 
 a strong spirit at that. The situation was fascinating 
 and most dramatic. I, now invisible, sent a wireless im- 
 pression, awakened his thoughts and tried to impress 
 him with the idea of repentance, reminded him by trans- 
 mission of thought that there was such a thing as "Jus- 
 tice. ' ' Aroused his religious sentiments, recalled to his 
 mind the Commandment, especially the Sixth, "Thou 
 shalt not kill," and the declaration that "Vengeance is 
 mine, saith the Lord," etc. 
 
 In response he writhed in agony of soul; he recalled 
 instantly and vividly his early religious teachings. His 
 mind was now on the rack. This was my hour of triumph, 
 it was his turn to have a taste of Hell, Austin. 
 
 Suddenly he recovered himself sufficiently to find 
 speech. "By heavens, it is Sir. Francis Whynn, the 
 Devil!" I responded politely with a lowly bow and my 
 left hand covering that part of my anatomy known as 
 the heart. . I retorted, in a clear ringing voice : 
 
US The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 "Not the Devil, General, but Frank Whynn, very 
 much at your service, Sir. ' ' 
 
 "My! This electrified him: he would much rather 
 have received a visit from His Satanic Majesty at that 
 precise moment, I firmly believe. Quite confident he was 
 not mistaken now, and that I was alive and speaking to 
 him in firm and clear tones, his eyes bulged, his hair 
 moved, and he stammered incoherently, and then col- 
 lapsed and cried piteously and cringingly: 
 
 "Why do you come, what do you want? Are you 
 spirit, man or Devil that you thus affright me ? Go away, 
 leave me alone in peace." 
 
 I replied impressively : 1 1 General Stanhope, I come 
 to remind you that the day of reckoning is at hand," 
 then with a lowly obeisance vanished from his sight; 
 
 I had no inclination to further prolong his agony, 
 for I realized fully I had left his mind on the rack. It 
 is a cruel position even for an enemy. He knew now 
 there was no escape, even in death, and he would live in 
 fear of a future state. 
 
 When we went for our next interview, it was under 
 very different circumstances. 
 
 This was some time after General Stanhope's demise 
 and he had been entombed with all the pomp and cer- 
 emony of Militarism befitting his rank; he had now 
 become quite comfortably settled in his spiritual home 
 that I descended into his sphere. Marvel not I say l de- 
 scend', Austin! There are numerous states of being in 
 that Holy Summerland where Angels dwell. Each goes 
 to his own particular sphere at the change of death, 
 the one each is most fitted for. 
 
 There are no secrets hidden from Angel's gaze. The 
 pure and true alone are permitted to enter the Courts 
 of Purity and Love. From these exalted states one may 
 descend into the lower regions. But those souls dwelling 
 in these places of unrest may not, until purified of all 
 dross, ascend to the joys above. Therefore, with the 
 twofold purpose of enlightening and assisting him and 
 receiving redress, I approached General Stanhope. But 
 he was not in a penitent mood. He refused spiritual 
 assitance and received my request for reparation with 
 jeers, and coffing. There we stood face to face, man to 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet U9 
 
 man, stripped of all material trappings, as men on equal 
 terms of power and condition. I appealed to him to cease 
 to do evil, to endeavor to undo the wrongs, "Remove or 
 destroy the false documents now resing in that walnut 
 cabinet in Westmoreland, which had been sent to my 
 sister Anne in Wales," I pleaded. 
 
 To no purpose, without a moment's hesitation he 
 refused. "You be 'damned,' Whynn," he rudely ejac- 
 ulated. "I'll correct nothing. What I have done and 
 said shall remain forever. Those precious documents you 
 are so deucedly interested in, shall remain intact in the 
 secret drawer until such time one of your descendants 
 shall discover them and know of your perfidy. Thus 
 your real character shall be exposed to public view. I 
 will never forgive you, never, for stealing my wife's af- 
 fections. Go! I refuse your request, unless you imme- 
 diately release Valerie, who I feel confident will return 
 to me." 
 
 I did not attempt to leave or argue, so he blustered 
 on: 
 
 "Don't attempt to force me; I'll not be compelled 
 by you. Go! or fight it out with me." I bowed and 
 ejaculated : 
 
 "As you please, I am ready for action, Stanhope. 
 
 Thus the challenge, and matters were brought to a 
 crisis. The battle commenced and ultimately the con- 
 flict was of necessity transferred to the earthly sphere, 
 I to get the coveted papers, he to try to prevent my ob- 
 taining them. 
 
 Mentally you ask, Austin, why was this warfare 
 necessary? Especially when you realize as I do, that we 
 shall know as we are known over there and that no 
 blame rested upon me. I was exonerated from evil in- 
 tent by spiritual judges as well as my own conscience. 
 
 Well, to explain, I am naturally chivalrous where 
 women are concerned, and the only rift in the lute to my 
 sister Anne's happiness, also my beloved parents' satis- 
 faction was the sorrowful thought that the once revered 
 name of 'Whynn' could be dragged in the mire and 
 wrongfully besmirched. So for their (my own dear 
 ones') sake, as well as my own, I undertook the Hercu- 
 lean task of compelling restitution, and I fought the good 
 fight to the finish. 
 
120 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 As you may well imagine, a man's nature is not en- 
 tirely transformed, that is, he does not become a pure 
 angel in the twinkling of an eye by the simple method 
 of discarding his fleshy body. No! Whatsoever a man 
 thinketh, that shall he become! is a truism much nearer 
 the mark than the general belief that death hath the 
 power to make sinners into Saints. 
 
 General Stanhope's ideas of justice and mine were 
 at variance. So perforce warfare, that is, there was a 
 trial of will power, they were of course the battling 
 forces. 
 
 Our duelling weapons were, deliberate actions and 
 facts; our base, and mighty fortresses were our very use- 
 ful physical mediums. You were one of my strongholds 
 of course, Austin. For neither he nor I could get posses- 
 sion of those precious documents without the physical 
 aid of a good medium. 
 
 In the eyes of justice, Motive plays an important 
 part. A man may commit a crime with a pure motive, 
 nevertheless, he will be called upon to pay the full pen- 
 alty of his act, but goodness and mercy will support and 
 strengthen him to make full reparation; and he will not 
 in angels' eyes be accoutned 'guilty', or at least not as 
 much so as the man who deliberately of malice and afore- 
 thought commits depredations and evil actions. 
 
 I often congratulated myself that I had done noth- 
 ing really wicked; I had to acknowledge to myself my 
 intentions had been honourable all the way through my 
 physical career. Nevertheless, in carefully examining 
 the pros and cons of the case, my trouble with General 
 Stanhope, I had to confess I had made mistakes. As a 
 matter of fact, who has not? 
 
 I was certainly remiss in not endeavouring to ascer- 
 tain from an authorized source the truth or otherwise, of 
 the rumoured demise of General Stanhope. I had ac- 
 cepted without question the message delivered at the 
 Villa, in a dispatch brought by a courier to the effect 
 that General Stanhope had died of fatal wounds in a 
 Hospital in the Old Land. 
 
 I had also pressed forward hastily to obtain the, 
 precious prize the fair Valerie's hand in marriage. Her 
 heart's best love I already possessed. This then was "The 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 121 
 
 head and front of my offending no more." General Stan- 
 hope absolutely refused to accept my statements, especi- 
 ally as he professed to believe Valerie would return to 
 him if he defeated me. Hence the opening of the for- 
 midable battle to prove my truth and compel redress. 
 
 At this particular period of my career I was seeking 
 for, and with indifferent results, a good psychic instru- 
 ment, a spiritual minded man, a very necessary aid to 
 a spirit-man as you well know, Austin. 
 
 I used many psychics from time to time but dicov- 
 ered each one most unsatisfactory for my purpose. So 
 many difficulties presented themselves in this respect 
 that I lost faith a little in my own ability to obtain one. 
 I got rather weary of the apparently endless task of pre- 
 paratory stages and an invariable collapse. I would find 
 as I thought the ' * Rara-Avis ", a spirit medium who re- 
 ally loved his work, and obeyed spiritual injunctions, re- 
 sponded readily to inspiration, good and true in every 
 way, I fondly imagined. To catch him tripping at the 
 very first small temptation alas, for good intentions. 
 
 Well, as I was saying, I kept trying and gradually 
 I became very cosmopolitan in my views, and could easily 
 associate with Tom, Dick or Harry, and be a l ' hail fellow 
 well met" in spirit circles; gaining experience by object 
 lessons, arranged by ardent enquirers, etc. "How Psychic 
 Mediums are obtained and used in such gatherings." It 
 is all a matter of blended knowledge and experience. I 
 dis covered that it requires prompt action and tact. Also 
 a goodly amount of proper persuasion. 
 
 Then I had the good fortune, quite unimown to your- 
 self, to meet you, Austin. I had you spiritually mag- 
 netized times without number long ere I made you ac- 
 quainted with myself. I naturally encountered many 
 invisible difficulties before I could get you into a proper 
 state of mind. 
 
 When a Spirit being requires to manifest in 
 a material way that is demonstrates his power and 
 presence to anxious mortals, a good psychic medium is 
 indispensable. 
 
 To obtain a perfect Human Instrument I had often 
 to use extreme measures, surprise or overpower him. It 
 was practically by knowledge, force and the liberal use 
 
122 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 of mundane material, such as wealth, position and fame. 
 
 I gained your co-operation in my endeavors to ob- 
 tain redress. Eh Austin! My quest for a suitable Me- 
 dium was not mere child's play. All the same, some of 
 my experiences were quite amusing. Other times the 
 labour became irksome, if not flat, stale and unprofitable. 
 
 My searching brought me in touch with distinct 
 phases of human existence, some of which were sad in- 
 deed. I have dwelt in celestial eminence in "The Sum- 
 merland" as our part of the Spiritual Realm is termed, 
 but from that sphere of joy and brightness and bliss I 
 descended into the physical regions of mental darkness, 
 appalling misery, suffering and despair, Hells indeed! 
 I have run the gamut of human expereince from Heaven 
 to Hades, I firmly believe, Austin. 
 
 Having been born and reared in the lap of luxury 
 with the proverbial "silver spoon", it was a great sur- 
 prise to me to be brought so directly and materially in 
 touch with poverty in its worst form, and to realize that 
 myriads of fellow creatures were suffering untold misery 
 and disease. I knew by the sights I witnessed that num- 
 berless souls were existing in hovels without sufficient 
 food or the common necessities of life. This was a de- 
 plorable state of affairs, my fullest compassions were 
 aroused, and I seriously cogitated how I could possibly 
 alleviate some of the awful mundane suffering. I sent 
 forth wireless messages of fervent prayer and true de- 
 sire, and I was privileged to receive responses from 
 Angels of light. By-and-by I was called upon to co-op- 
 erate with a host of ministering spirits who had also left 
 their celestial dwellings to assist to remedy existing 
 mundane evils. Their greatest endeavours were to in- 
 spire the men in political authority to legislate justly 
 for the redress of the poor and needy. 
 
 These were matters of vital importance and nat- 
 urally retarded my personal affairs. My darling wife 
 and child were my constant companions during these ex- 
 citing times. All through I had protected and endeav- 
 ored to shield them from such terrible knowledge. My 
 sweet Valerie emphatically declared that a true wife 
 should be by her husband's side to cheer and sustain 
 him in his manifold duties, and added. "Frank. T want 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 123 
 
 to be a real helpmeet to you." Hence Valerie and Vir- 
 ginia joined me in my spiritual efforts. 
 
 My dear ones would visit the prison houses. Their 
 pure presence, like very sanctity, would illuminate the 
 four walls of a condemned man's cell, altho' his physical 
 sight could not discern them, until he, poor sinner would 
 unconsciously respond to the celestial glory, and recall 
 early religious precepts. My sweet wife and tender child 
 would not relax their spiritual efforts for signs of re- 
 pentance until such time they acquired sufficient evi- 
 dence of the poor man's desire for spiritual mercy, 
 strength and goodness. Thus in a much more penitent 
 state of mind, open to receive the shafts of spiritual 
 truth and light, he prepared for his coming doom to 
 some extent regenerated. 
 
 At last free to resume my own particular duties I 
 was, as before stated, quite determined to secure if at 
 all possbile an efficient spiritual medium, and my efforts 
 in this quest brought me in personal touch with a num- 
 ber of spirit people dwellers on the borderland. 
 
 In spiritualistic circles these individuals are known 
 as "earth bound spirits" and they are as numerous as 
 the sands of the sea, and also they endeavor to use any 
 medium they can take possession of, or gain an influence 
 over, on account of the fact that they are more often 
 than not quite content to remain psychically undevel- 
 oped; their soul's interest being in the earth realm. 
 Their passions and appetites still unappeased. I made 
 the acquaintance of one in particular, whom I will call 
 "David." Remember these earth bound spirits are not 
 all wicked, no, far from it. 
 
 "David", he was an exceptionally unselfish being. 
 Frequently he assisted me by his musical ability, he 
 was a clever musician, and could manipulate a variety 
 of musical instruments, to subdue the physical vibra- 
 tions in my self-imposed seance work. 
 
 It is necessary to study the laws of correct vibra- 
 tion to facilitate perfect full form manifestations; thus 
 I was enabled to give demonstrations of spirit power. 
 And the spirit child "Primrose", a dusky Indian maid- 
 en, was by musical vibration empowered to fully ma- 
 terialize, de-materialize, that is, appear in diaphanous 
 
124 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 draped personality; then gradually disappear before the 
 assemblies' gaze, until only a small portion of her lum- 
 inous drapery was visible on the floor, then to gradually 
 regain her full proportions. This very interesting and 
 very convincing class of phenomena required very fine 
 conditions and true vibrations; music of heavenly sweet- 
 ness, so to speak; and ''David" played the fairy bells 
 and auto-harp divinely! 
 
 I was grateful for David's assistance. He surprised 
 me one time by remarking abruptly that he knew a very 
 important reason why I was not very successful in gain- 
 ing the full confidence of physical men, those that I re- 
 quired as instruments for my special spiritual work. In 
 his awn words I will relate the incident. 
 
 "I know the reason why you cannot impress a suit- 
 able person to become your medium," he said. 
 
 "Tell me the cause, David, and if it lies in my 
 power," etc. 
 
 "Yes, Frank, you can apply a remedy I know, if you 
 will. In spite of your ability and adroitness you never, 
 owing to your aristocratic heredity traits of birth and 
 breediing, I presume, really understand mundane require- 
 ments. If a man is struggling with inadequate monetary 
 means, it is utterly impossible for that individual to give 
 proper time and attention to the development of his spirit- 
 ual gifts. Your true medium is proverbially poor. Hence 
 it is spondulicks he requires." 
 
 "What did you say he required?" I faltered, 
 
 "Spondulicks," was the amazing reply. 
 
 "Heavens, man! What fell malady may that be?" I 
 interrogated. Without attempting to reply to my query, 
 David continued: 
 
 ' ' I can tell you exactly where you can obtain the goods 
 to alter conditions if you will accept them." 
 
 ' 1 1 pray thee f urthen enlighten me, David, ' ' I pleaded, 
 quite bewildered, yet amused by his earnestness. 
 
 "I certainly will," he quickly answered. "It's small 
 use preaching spiritual advancement to a hungry man; 
 first feed him, and when he feels secure from pecuniary 
 needs, he will willingly respond to spiritual teachings." 
 
 " Impecuniosity is the trouble, and a very embarrass- 
 ing difficulty I should say," I retorted in relieved tones 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 125 
 
 "Call it what you will,'' sai dDavid. "I believe I 
 have the key to the situation, which is in the shape of hid- 
 den treasures, two bags of yellow gold coins. How does 
 that strike you ? ' ' 
 
 "To whom does this treasure belong?" I doubtfully 
 inquired. 
 
 "To me as a direct descendant of a bold, bad bucca- 
 neer, a regular cut-throat pirate, who made it his business 
 to kill men, scuttle ships and steal all he could lay his 
 hands on, and when the vessel was moored safely in harbour, 
 he would come ashore and hide and spend his ill-gotten 
 gains in drinking, gambling, or worse. He was as dextrous 
 with a chisel and hammer as he was with a cutlass. He 
 took pains to make stone plugs to fit the excavations he 
 made in numerous massive stone chimneys in Inns, where 
 he resided from time to time, there he hid bags of yellow 
 coin. I know where there are two bags of coins still intact. 
 If you will take the trouble to use it. It rests snugly in a 
 secret hiding place in the commodious flue in the Roebuck 
 Inn, Wales." 
 
 "Well, I must say, David, this information is very 
 interesting, and gold may be the remedy for penury, but 
 I fail to see how the vagaries and crimes of your very free 
 lance, too free, progenitor and his predilections for hoard- 
 ing gold coin, can possibly effect me or assist me in my 
 endeavours to obtain a reliable medium. I want a con- 
 scientious Being, not one gold will buy, David," I averred. 
 
 "Ah! That's the crux! You are quite mistaken if 
 you imagine coin of the realm, money, has no influence. An 
 object lesson in the shape of two bags of gold would impress 
 a physical man more thoroughly than a thousand tongues 
 that you possessed reliable supernormal powers, and had 
 real intentions towards his worldly advancement. You en- 
 deavour to impress your desired mediums that you will 
 materially benefit them, don't you?" 
 
 "Yes! Spoken like a philosopher, David; I realise 
 what you say. There may be great advantage in material 
 wealth and I will accept your offer in the spirit in which it 
 is meant. Let us go and investigate the treasure. Lead 
 on, my friend, lead on!" 
 
 Unseen by mortals, together we journeyed to the old- 
 fashioned village of Brecon, Wales, and reached the Roe- 
 
126 The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 buck Inn, thoroughly examined exterior and interior of 
 premises, discussed possibilities, and there and then de- 
 cided upon the best methods to employ to accomplish our 
 purpose. Needless to remind you of the impression made 
 upon your mind at our first and subsequent interviews, and 
 the discovery of the bags of gold, Austin. 
 
 There is, however, one matter of importance I have 
 omitted, the return of those valued documents that were 
 stolen and so mysteriously reappeared at the home of Lord 
 Templeton. I sent them there and you must at some time 
 read them. 
 
 I felt determined to leave no stone unturned to ac- 
 complish my purpose, after the transferrance of the docu- 
 ments to your home at "Austinlea." This accounts for 
 my enforced absence, my personal affairs kept me busy. 
 
 I instructed my spirit scribes who invisibly arrived 
 at your Homestead in due course, and used your escritoire 
 for the purpose of erasing all objectionable matter and 
 insertiing by clever imitation of original handwriting, the 
 truth, with especial reference to the facts of my untimely 
 demise. When finished the papers were carried to their 
 original resting place, through space, by my magnetizers, 
 the Hindoos. The methods of transference exactly the 
 same as used for the transmission of sounds and conveying 
 of apports, rehabilitated yet invisible the spirit-men with 
 psychic electric appliances travel through either physical 
 matter or invisible ethereal space. 
 
 By this bold stroke of diplomacy I decided there was 
 a good chance of posterity being enlightened, and if any 
 more of my descendants had heard legends regarding my 
 case, in the face of tabulated facts in documentary form, 
 those false stories would quickly be relegated to the scrap 
 pile of discarded myths. As you know, Lord Templeton 
 received the revised historical papers, and my earthly work 
 was accomplished. 
 
 There are a few things regarding the ethereal exist- 
 ence I may mention that might interest you, Austin, then 
 I close. There are spheres upon spheres; realms of inter- 
 ests and activity over there. 
 
 The spiritual form of Government is quite superior 
 to the mundane. The unseen authorities invariably mete 
 out truth and justice. These laws are immutable and Man- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 127 
 
 kind after death, gradually learns to obey them. They 
 recognize the wisdom of so doing. 
 
 I have heard it said that we get our deserts on the 
 other side of life, pain, pleasure, rewards or punish- 
 ment are relative terms ; our Souls do not go to Heaven or 
 Hell. What we sow, we reap; personal responsibility is 
 the keynote of salvation. In the course of time, the fruits 
 of our endeavours reward us, or the mental pain, the re- 
 sults, of wrong actions, remorse, afflict us. But puissant 
 life with all its attributes is a Divine gift to Mankind. That 
 is rebirth comes to each one of us as a heritage ; every soul 
 is treated alike. There are no favourites, God is no re- 
 specter of persons. Therefore, it is easy to conjecture that 
 "the Kingdom of God is within us" or that we are Gods 
 in embryo, and must develop our selfhood. Man cannot 
 get anything for nothing. He pays an equivalent every 
 time. 
 
 There are great possibilities, and nothing to fear, 
 by knowledge, everything to gain, after the death of the 
 physical organism. In fact transition is a mere incident 
 in man's marvellous career. There are numerous rebirths 
 and other worlds to conquer in man towards perfection's 
 upward march. 
 
 A sane, healthy man dislikes the idea of being trans- 
 formed into an angel with wing appendages. There is no 
 danger of such a catastrophe ; a man cannot lose his man- 
 hood by passing out of his fleshly body. He is re-born 
 with a more perfect shape. There are no defects in his 
 spiritual counterpart. Whatever there may have been in 
 his physical body he realizes quickly or slowly as the case 
 may be, that he is perfectly shaped, free, capable, con- 
 scious, and powerfully equipped; if he uses his intelli- 
 gence rightfully he discovers myriads of potent possibili- 
 ties. He may become a ruler, monarch of a mighty realm, 
 the world within himself. He may become a creator ; there 
 is no lack of spiritual material. He may profit by past 
 experience ; all the knowledge he has gained on earth is of 
 service to him in the ethereal realm. And those hard les- 
 sons he learned, the wisdom he so laboriously acquired in 
 his first conscious stage of existence, his physical life, 
 are invaluable assets to his spiritual advancement, for 
 
)2S The Ghost of Sir Francis Whynn, Baronet 
 
 there are positions to be filled and duties to be performed 
 in spirit life. 
 
 All knowledge rightly used gives man immense power, 
 and this is especially true, if during his fleshly tenure he 
 has taken the pains to awaken and develop his intuitional 
 aspirations and inspirational faculties. And Humanity 
 see God today as much as they will a thousand years hence. 
 God is within himself. 
 
 Spiritual phenomena give man a greater insight into 
 his present and future state than anything I know. Life 
 is an eternal sequence. Here in the mundane sphere man 
 lays his foundation for his future state. Therefore, it is 
 necessary to build character, good, true, firm and strong; 
 the rest is easy. 
 
 "Are the spiritual realms substantial?" you mentally 
 inquire. Of a surety they are. Into a world of realities 
 just outside the physical world, at death, all Mankind, 
 in common with all living creatures, all forms of life, enter 
 into this real world, exactly as the butterfly leaving the 
 shattered chrysalis enters its new realm, or the chicken 
 bursting forth from the egg, the bud into blossom. The 
 spirit world is quite close to you, Austin ; to enter it fully 
 yo umust burst your fleshly bonds. I may add that growth, 
 unfoldment, development is a necessity; for instance, in- 
 fants grow to maturity in spirit life. 
 
 I have poured out my innermost soul to you, so think 
 well over all I have said and form your own conclusions, 
 Austin. 
 
 I have now fulfilled my earthly mission. We must 
 separate for a period, separate to meet again when your 
 time comes to enter the spirit world. Reluctantly I bid 
 you adieu! for you I know will miss me, and to me you 
 have been a faithful friend and willing instrument. Do 
 not grieve too deeply for my absence, (I read your un- 
 spoken thought) I shall be near you in spirit, be assured 
 of that. Evil cannot change truth. You have been true 
 to yourself, to me, and all others you have been in contact 
 with. You will be remembered and revered for your spir- 
 itual truth and actions as a spirit medium. By angels you 
 will be blessed, and when the time arrives for your de- 
 parture from earthly cares, you will receive a warm wel- 
 
The Ghost of Sir Francis Whyim, Baronet 
 
 come, from your loved ones gone before and your true 
 friends. 
 
 "I shall be awaiting you, Austin, and shall endeavour 
 to be the first to clasp your hand as you enter the spirit 
 life and give you welcome. You have my gratitude and 
 truest blessings. 
 
 Au Revoir." 
 
 With a characteristic wave of his hand and a tender 
 smile illuminated his countenance as he slowly disappeared, 
 faded out, as it were. 
 
 So ended the presence of Sir Francis Whynn, my 
 spiritual instructor and benefactor. The memory of that 
 true-hearted, noble-minded man will permanently remain 
 with me. He came mysteriously. He saw. He conquered 
 my mentality and affections ; and although I shall miss his 
 charming presence, as one who has been suddenly bereaved, 
 I will not mourn his absence (it would not be fair to him 
 I so deeply revere,) for I know he has entered into his 
 "Perfect Day" and my best thoughts and fervent prayers 
 are for his spiritual welfare and happiness. 
 
 Finis. 
 
YB 74308 
 
 497660 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY