Morton ignored this remark. "If we can keep this news from her for a few days, I defy any of her so-called 'controls' to affect her."
Lambert stirred uneasily in his chair. "I don't know about that. Clarke had a strong hold on her."
"He is dead. He has done his worst," responded Morton. "I tell you, it is your business to get as far from the city to-night as you can and keep ahead of the news if possible."
"That won't do any good. She is clairvoyant. She'll know of it."
"She didn't know you were coming to-day, did she?"
"No."
"And she has no knowledge yet of Clarke's death. Her attack at the table may have been, as she says, only a feeling of faintness. Besides, he's been dead two hours, and these manifestations always take place at the exact moment of death, do they not?"
Lambert brightened. "That's so! But I'm scared of what'll happen if he should manifest."
"Be assured. He can no more 'manifest,' as you call it, than a dead dog. Keep the newspapers from your wife and daughter, and it will be a long time before they learn of his death through any occult channel. I stake my reputation on that."
"I wish I felt as certain of that as you do," the miner answered. "I've seen so many impossible things happen. I'm kind o' shaky. I wish I could have your help." He rose with a shiver of dread. "You're right. I see that. We've got to get out of here, but it won't do to go back home."