The bravado had entirely gone out of the Parkins' voice. Several moments elapsed as Villard eyed him carefully.
"Just what did you see, William? Tell me exactly what caused your fright."
Villard's words were measured. They lacked warmth, a fact that Parkins could not have failed to take into account.
"Some one stood by my bedside—a woman's form—not in the flesh——"
"Yes—go on!"
"It stood there, motionless, and the room became as cold as ice. I tried to shout but my voice refused to respond. All I could do was to gasp for breath!"
"How long did the apparition remain in view?" demanded Villard, his eyes gleaming his disgust toward Parkins.
"A half minute or a minute—seemed like an hour!" he replied, his teeth chattering from sheer fright.
"Did the Spirit talk—say anything at all?"
"Not a word—just held up a hand as if warning me of something——"