into another existence."

"Would you mind telling me how it is that you have gained this
knowledge in such obvious exception to the rule!"

"The power of the occult is dormant in all men," answered Ah Ben;
"and as I have already said, may be developed slowly, through the
exercise of the will, or suddenly, as in some great physical shock,
and of a necessity comes to all in the event called death. Were I to
tell you how _I_ acquired this knowledge, Mr. Henley, it would
startle you, far more than any exhibition of the power itself. No, I
can not tell you; at least, not at present; perhaps some day you may
be better prepared to hear it."

The spark in the hanging lamp had almost expired, and the fire was
reduced to a mere handful of coals, casting an erubescent glow over
the pew and its occupants. Ah Ben stretched his hand toward the
chimney, and as he did so, a ball of misty light appeared against it,
just below the mantel. It was ill defined and hazy, like the
reflection a firefly will sometimes make against the ceiling of a
darkened room; but it was fixed, and Paul was sure it had not been
there a moment before.

"Do you see that?" asked the old man, breaking the silence.

"Yes," answered Paul; "and I was just wondering what it could be."

"Watch! and you will see."

They sat with their eyes fixed; but while Paul was staring into the