“Your demonstration was most impressive,” said Mr. Ayling. “How would you interpret your vision of Mrs. Hawthorne?”
“I should say the woman and her granddaughter at this very moment are enjoying a pleasant vacation in a sunny climate. California perhaps, or Florida.”
“Mrs. Hawthorne was in Florida, but she bought a ticket to Riverview.”
“Obviously, she never arrived here,” replied the monk. “You see, the crystal glass never lies.”
“Then your advice would be to resume my search in Florida?” the investigator asked.
“I do not presume to advise you.” From a cabinet, Father Benedict removed a black cloth which he used to polish away an imaginary speck on the crystal globe. Then he covered the standard with a cloth hood and added impressively: “However, I consider it my duty to warn you of danger.”
“Warn me?” exclaimed Mr. Ayling. “Of what danger?”
“My second vision was most disturbing,” Father Benedict said gravely. “As I interpret it, great harm—perhaps death, will pursue the man who walks alone in the woods, unless he alters his present course. You came to Riverview for a definite purpose, Mr. Ayling?”
“Why, yes, to find Mrs. Hawthorne.”
“Mr. Ayling, for your own well being, you must abandon the search.”