and impregnable behind all mere molecular disturbance. I
summoned him, I say, to watch the foolish mental tricks
which the poison would play. I found that I was indeed the
master. I could recognize and control a disordered mind. It was
a remarkable exhibition of the victory of mind over matter, for
it was a victory over that particular form of matter which is
most intimately connected with mind. I might almost say that
mind was at fault and that personality controlled it. Thus, when
my wife came downstairs and I was impelled to slip behind the
door and alarm her by some wild cry as she entered, I was able
to stifle the impulse and to greet her with dignity and
restraint. An overpowering desire to quack like a duck was met
and mastered in the same fashion.

"Later, when I descended to order the car and found Austin
bending over it absorbed in repairs, I controlled my open hand
even after I had lifted it and refrained from giving him an
experience which would possibly have caused him to follow in the
steps of the housekeeper. On the contrary, I touched him on the
shoulder and ordered the car to be at the door in time to meet
your train. At the present instant I am most forcibly tempted to
take Professor Summerlee by that silly old beard of his and to
shake his head violently backwards and forwards. And yet, as you
see, I am perfectly restrained. Let me commend my example to
you."

"I'll look out for that buffalo," said Lord John.

"And I for the football match."