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I was satisfied, however, his main purpose was to discover whether I had any knowledge or suspicion of him being back of Madeline Spencer. And I was not so sure I had bluffed him. I began to fancy he had seen through me, at once, and had played me off against myself, so to speak. And, the longer I meditated, the more the fancy gripped me. Finally, in disgust, I summoned Bernheim and Moore.
Even our swords were similar long, leather-sheathed rapiers with dead gold hilts. Under my doublet I laced the steel vest Bernheim brought me. It and one other were made by a famous Milan armorer three hundred years ago, Bernheim said; and the two had been in his family ever since. And, so far as he knew, there were no others like them in all Europe; not even in the Museums.
But we are of opinion that even after this laborious and well-planned compilation something still remains to be said. In the first place, Professor Bernheim deals largely with metaphysical problems which we consider devoid of interest; while, conversely, he entirely ignores certain considerations which appear to us to be, both theoretically and practically, of the greatest importance.
Then I remembered Bernheim; he was standing at another window. "Colonel," said I, "did you see that woman in the Victoria?" His heels came together with a click. "Yes, Your Highness. "Have you heard of the occurrence in the Hanging Garden, last night?" "Yes, Your Highness." "Well, that's the lady," said I. "What do you think of her?" He hesitated. "Speak out," I said.
"You are a perfect treasure, Bernheim," I said. "Come, we will start at once. Is your horse good for a fast ride back?" "Entirely, sir." "Then you can give me the story on the way," I said. "Meanwhile, get some refreshment." I went back to the table and it was amusing how suddenly the conversation ceased and everyone looked at me. I smiled reassuringly at Dehra, for there was concern in her eyes.
America has been far too rich in such a temper as this and it was never more so than in the forties and the fifties of the last century. Mesmerism crossed the ocean and while Braid and later Bernheim and Charcot were following it through on sound, psychological lines and bringing to bear upon it great insight and scientific discipline, it fell here into the hands of charlatans and adventurers.
It looked quite too flimsy to afford any protection; yet, when I saw it proof against a bullet fired from a revolver and also turn repeated sword thrusts, I was, perforce, convinced. And I was completely won when I donned it; it was like a vest of silk. And I was well pleased it was so; for I was wearing it simply to oblige good old Bernheim, who seemed so earnest about it.
"You have no doubt of their genuineness?" I asked. "Absolutely none though, of course, I know only the handwriting of the answer." "Well done," said I; "well done!" Then I read the two papers again. "Do you think he means it?" I asked, tapping the smaller paper. "After last night, undoubtedly. And you must be there, sir you and a witness," said Bernheim. I thought a bit then I took out my watch.
His Majesty has ordered his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Bernheim, to invite them to the Birthday Ball to-night; where they will be honored by a special presentation." Courtney read it carefully. "At last I see the simple truth in a daily paper," he commented. "But, as for you, my friend, button your coat well over your heart for it's in for a hard thump tonight." "So?" said I.
"What, uncle! You write stories, and you know Miss Morgan? She is very pretty. And do you also know Dr. Daoud who follows her about everywhere?" "A quack, a charlatan!" "Possibly, uncle, and yet, unquestionably a most extraordinary experimentalist. Neither Bernheim nor Liégeois, not even Charcot himself, has obtained the phenomena he produces at will.
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