Dr. Jim had a smattering of the theory of reincarnation. He did not believe in it, but on questioning Sidney he really began to believe that the boy must have been in India in some former life. Else how did this country-bred youth know about the gorgeous east. He said things which he could not possibly have read in books. For two hours Herrick drew him out on the subject and was fairly astounded at the mind which laid itself out before his gaze. Later on Sidney began to grow restless and again his eyes took on that fixed look. Rising he walked up and down the library. Dr. Jim asked what was the matter.
"I'm going to see something," said Sidney in a most matter of fact tone, "the feeling is always the same. I feel as if I were not myself; as if I did not belong to my body."
"Do you want to sleep?" asked Herrick anxiously and with a thrill.
"No, I feel particularly wide awake. I wish Stephen were back!"
Dr. Jim sat up alertly. "Why do you wish that?"
"There is something bad going to happen to him. I feel that he--he is in danger. I don't know," Sidney passed his thin hand across his eyes, "there is a dark cloud, but bad,--bad."
Herrick felt half inclined to go with Sidney to Biffstead and walk home with Marsh-Carr. But he was ashamed to give way to what seemed a foolish impulse. He laughed at the boy, and began to question him on other subjects. "You are fond of wandering about at night?" he said.
"I go to the Pine wood very often," replied Sidney still uneasy, "it is so amusing to watch them."
"Them? Who?--What are you talking about?"
"I suppose you would call them fairies," said the boy, "they are real people to me. Little men and women, so busy about their work."