The mysterious influence of evil she confessed to possessing was here illustrated in a manner that was unmistakable.
In an instant all the strange words she had uttered swept through my bewildered brain as I stood there terrified, aghast.
The mystery surrounding her was as inexplicable as it was startling.
Chapter Five.
The Bony-Faced Man.
Daily the problem grew more puzzling.
The fusing of the crucifix and the carved medallion of the Madonna were clearly due to the presence of the mysterious Aline, the beautiful woman who had warned me against the strange evil she exerted over those with whom she came in contact. Such occurrences seemed supernatural; yet so curious were her words and actions, and so peculiar and impressive her beauty, that I could not help doubting whether she actually existed in flesh and blood, or only in some bright vision that had come to hold me in fascination. Yet Simes had seen her, and had spoken with her. There was therefore no doubt that she was a living person, even though she might be a sorceress.
Nevertheless, they were something more than mere conjuring feats which caused the sacred objects in my room to spontaneously consume in her presence. Had she not told me plainly that evil followed in her footsteps? Did not these two inexplicable events fully bear out her words?