In an excited whisper, a voice in the circle cried, “Look, look!” and before the eyes of all, a star rose in the darkness. For a moment it wavered over the cabinet and then fluttered swiftly across the room and remained stationary above the head of the German Professor.
“There is your star, Professor,” cried Vance. “When the Professor is in the circle,” he announced proudly, “that star always appears.”
He was interrupted by a startled exclamation from Lee.
“Something touched my face,” explained the young man apologetically, “and spoke to me.”
The music sank to a murmur, and the room became alive with swift, rushing sounds and soft whisperings.
The voice of Mrs. Marsh, low and eager, could be heard appealing to an invisible presence.
“The results are marvelous,” chanted Vance, “marvelous! The medium is showing wonderful power. If any one desires to ask a question, he should do so now. The conditions will never be better.” He paused expectantly. “Mr. Hallowell,” he prompted, “is it your wish to communicate with any one in the spirit world?”
There was a long pause, and then the voice of Mr. Hallowell, harsh and shaken, answered, “Yes.”
“With whom?” demanded Vance.
There was again another longer pause, and then, above the confusion of soft whisperings, the voice of the old man rose in sharp staccato; “My sister, Catherine Coates.” His tone hardened, became obdurate, final. “But, I must see her, and hear her speak!”