“Did Rhett impress you as a man who might dabble in black magic practice to gain his ends?” Mr. Parker inquired.
Professor Kennedy dropped a log on the fire before he answered. Considering his words carefully, he said:
“Undoubtedly, Mr. Rhett would have the knowledge, but he struck me as a man of unusual character. Suppose you explain more fully what you have in mind.”
Professor Kennedy listened soberly as Penny recounted her many observations while at the Rhett mansion. He frowned slightly as she told how Mrs. Rhett had found the burnt match ends tied with scarlet string. When she disclosed how Lorinda and she destroyed the wooden doll, he no longer could remain silent.
“Indeed, you are correct in thinking someone may be trying to practice a little jungle magic!” he exclaimed. “Mrs. Rhett may be in grave danger unless we take counter-measures.”
“But why should anyone seek to harm her?” Penny inquired. “You don’t think she’ll actually be physically hurt?”
“Her mind will be influenced—poisoned,” the professor explained. “Oh, I don’t mean a drug will be used, but there are subtle and just as effective ways. Now those burned match ends and the doll are only symbols, harmless in themselves, yet they are a means by which Mrs. Rhett may be made seriously ill.”
“Merely by the use of suggestion?”
“Yes.”
“But it’s all such nonsense!” Penny protested.