With a slight bow, Hanlon stood motionless, ready to start.
The preliminaries had taken place on a platform, hastily built for the occasion, and now, with Mortimer behind him, Hanlon started down the steps to the street.
Reaching the pavement, he stood motionless for a few seconds and then, turning, walked toward Broad Street. Reaching it, he turned South, and walked along, at a fairly rapid gait. At the crossings he paused momentarily, sometimes as if uncertain which way to go, and again evidently assured of his direction.
The crowd surged about him, now impeding his progress and now almost pushing him along. He gave them no heed, but made his way here or there as he chose and Mortimer followed, always a few steps behind, but near enough to see that Hanlon was in no way interfered with by the throng.
Indeed, so anxious were the onlookers that fair play should obtain, the ones nearest to the performer served as a cordon of guards to keep his immediate surroundings cleared.
Hanlons actions, in all respects, were those that might be expected from a blindfolded man. He groped, sometimes with outstretched hands, again with arms folded or hands clasped and extended, but always with an expression, so far as his face could be seen, of earnest, concentrated endeavor to go the right way. Now and then he would half turn, as if impelled in one direction, and then hesitate, turn and march off the other way. One time, indeed, he went nearly half a block in a wrong street. Then he paused, groped, stumbled a little, and gradually returned to the vicinity of Mortimer, who had stood still at the corner. Apparently, Hanlon had no idea of his detour, for he went on in the right direction, and Mortimer, who was oblivious to all but his mission, followed interestedly.
One time Hanlon spoke to him. You are a fine guide, sir, he said. I seem impelled steadily, not in sudden thought waves, and I find my mind responds well to your will. If you will be so good as to keep the crowd away from us a little more carefully. I dont want you any nearer me, but if too many people are between us, it interferes somewhat with the transference of your guiding thought.
Do you want to hear my footsteps? asked Mortimer, thoughtfully.
That doesnt matter, Hanlon smiled. You are to follow me, sir, even if I go wrong. If I waited to hear you, that would be no test at all. Simply will me, and then follow, whether I am on the right track or not. But keep your mind on the goal, and look toward itif convenient. Of course, the looking toward it is no help to me, save as it serves to fix your mind more firmly on the matter.
And then Hanlon seemed to go more carefully. He stepped slowly, feeling with his foot for any curbstone, grating or irregularity in the pavement. And yet he failed in one instance to feel the edge of an open coalhole, and his right leg slipped down into it.
Some of the nearby watchers grabbed him, and pulled him back without his sustaining injury, for which he thanked them briefly and continued.
Several times some sceptical bystanders put themselves deliberately in front of the blindfolded man, to see if he would turn out for them.
On the contrary, Hanlon bumped into them, so innocently, that they were nearly thrown down.
He smiled good-naturedly, and said, All right, fellows; I dont mind, if you dont. And I dont blame you for wanting to make sure that Im not playing possum!
Of course, Hanlon carried no light cane, such as blind men use, to tap on the stones, so he helped himself by feeling the way along shop windows and area gates, judging thus, when he was nearing a cross street, and sometimes hesitating whether to cross or turn the corner.
After a half-hour of this sort of progress he found himself in a vacant lot near the edge of the city. There had been a building in the middle of the plot of ground, but it had been burned down and only a pile of blackened debris marked the place.
Reaching the corner of the streets that bounded the lot, Hanlon made no pause, but started on a straight diagonal toward the center of the lot. He stepped into a tangle of charred logs and ashes, but forged ahead unhesitatingly, though slowly, and picked his way by thrusting the toe of his shoe tentatively forward.
Mortimer, about three paces behind him, followed, unheeding the rubbish he stalked through, and very evidently absorbed in doing his part to its conclusion.
For the knife was hidden in the very center of the burned-down house. A bit of flooring was left, on which Hanlon climbed, Mortimer getting up on it also.
Hanlon walked slowly round in a circle, the floor being several yards square. Mortimer stepped behind him, gravely looking toward the hiding-place, and exerting all his mentality toward guiding Hanlon to it. At no time was he nearer than two feet, though once, making a quick turn, Hanlon nearly bumped into him. Finally, Hanlon, poking about in the ashes with his right foot, kicked against something. He picked it up and it proved to be only a bit of wire. But the next moment he struck something else, and, stooping, brought up triumphantly the hidden penknife, which he waved exultantly at the crowd.
Loud and long they cheered him. Cordially Mr. Mortimer grasped the hands of the hero, and it was with some difficulty that Alvord Hendricks restrained Miss Abby Ames from getting out of his car and rushing to congratulate the successful treasure-seeker.
Now, she exclaimed; no one can ever doubt the fact of telepathy after this! How else could that young man have done what he has done. Answer me that!
Its all a fake, asserted Hendricks, but Im ready to acknowledge I dont know how its done. Its the best game I ever saw put up, and Id like to know how he does it.
Seems to me, put in Eunice, a little dryly, one oughtnt to insist that it is a fake unless one has some notion, at least, of how it could be done. If the man could seecould even peepthere might be a chance for trickery. But with those thick cotton pads on his eyes and then covered with that big, thick, folded silk handkerchiefits really a muffle-theres no chance for his faking.
And if he could seeif his eyes were wide openhow would he know where to go? demanded Aunt Abby. That blindfolding is only so he cant see Mr. Mortimers face, if he turns round, and judge from its expression. And also, I daresay, to help him concentrate his mind, and not be diverted or distracted by the crowd and all.
All the same, I dont believe in it, and Hendricks shook his head obstinately. There is no such thing as telepathy, and this willing business has all been exposed years ago.
I remember, and Aunt Abby nodded; you mean that Bishop man and all that. But this affair it quite different. You dont believe Mr. Mortimer was a party to deceit, do you?
No, I dont. Mortimer is a judge and a most honest man, besides. He wouldnt stoop to trickery in a thing of this sort. But he has been himself deceived.
Then how was it done? cried Eunice, triumphantly; for no one else knew where the knife was hidden, except that newspaper man who hid it, and he was sincere, of course, or thered be no sense in the whole thing.
I know that. Yes, the newspaper people were hoodwinked, too.
Then what happened? Eunice persisted. Theres no possible explanation but telepathy. Is there, now?
I dont know of any, Hendricks was forced to admit. After the excitement blows over a little, Ill try to speak with Mortimer again. Id like to know his opinion.
I know that. Yes, the newspaper people were hoodwinked, too.
Then what happened? Eunice persisted. Theres no possible explanation but telepathy. Is there, now?
I dont know of any, Hendricks was forced to admit. After the excitement blows over a little, Ill try to speak with Mortimer again. Id like to know his opinion.
They sat in the car, looking at the hilarious crowds of people, most of whom seemed imbued with a wild desire to get to the hero of the hour and demand his secret.
Theres a man who looks like Tom Meredith, said Eunice, suddenly. By the way, Alvord, where do the Merediths stand in the matter of the club election?
Which of them?
Eitheror both. I suppose theyre on your sidethey never seemed to like Sanford much.
My dear Eunice, dont be so narrow-minded. Club men dont vote one way or another because of a personal like or dislikethey consider the good of the clubthe welfare of the organization.
Well, then, which side do they favor as being for the good of the club?
Ask Sanford.
Ohif you dont want to tell me.
Eunice looked provokingly pretty and her piquant face showed a petulant expression as she turned it to Hendricks.
Smile on me again and Ill tell you anything you want to know: if I know it myself.
A dazzling smile answered this speech, and Hendricks gaze softened as he watched her.
But youll have to ask me something else, for, alas, the brothers Meredith havent made a confidant of me.
Story-teller and Eunices dark eyes assumed the look of a roguish little girl. You cant fool me, Alvord; now tell me, and Ill invite you in to tea when we get home.
Im going in, anyway.
Not unless you tell me what I ask. Why wont you? Is it a secret? Pooh! Id just as lief ask Mr. Tom Meredith myself, if I could see him. Never mind, dont tell me, if you dont want to. Youre not my only confidential friend; there are others.
Who are they, Euny? I flattered myself I was your only really, truly intimate friendnot even excepting your husband!
Oh, what a naughty speech! If you werent Sanfords very good friend, Id never speak to you again!
I dont see how you two men can be friends, put in Aunt Abby, when youre both after that same presidency.
Thats the answer! Eunice laughed. Alvord is Sans greatest friend, because its going to be an easy thing for Sanford to win the election from him! If there were a more popular candidate in Alvords place, or a less popular one in Sanfords place, it wouldnt be such a walkover!
Youyou Hendricks looked at Eunice in speechless admiration. The dancing eyes were impudent, the red lips curved scornfully, and she made a daring little moue at him as she readjusted her black lace veil so that a heavy bit of its pattern covered her mouth.
What do you do that for? Move that darned flower, so I can see you talk!
She laughed then, and wrinkled her straight little nose until the veil billowed mischievously.
I wish youd take that thing off, Hendricks said, irritatedly; it annoys me.
And pray, sir, who are you, that I should shield you from annoyance? My veil is a necessary part of my costume.
Necessary nothing! Take it off, I tell you!
Merry Christmas! and Eunice gave him such a scornful shrug of her furred shoulders that Hendricks laughed out, in sheer enjoyment of her audacity.
Tell me about the Merediths, and Ill take off the offending veil, she urged, looking at him very coaxingly.
All right; off with it.
Slowly, and with careful deliberation, Eunice unpinned her veil, took it off and folded it in a small, compact parcel. This she put in her handbag, and then, with an adorable smile, said: Now!
You beautiful idiot, and Hendricks devoured her with his eyes. All I can tell you about the Merediths is, that I dont know anything about their stand on the election.
What do you guess, assume, surmise, imagine or predict? she teased, still fascinating him with her magnetic charm.
Well, I think this: theyre a little too old-timey to take up all my projects. But, on the other hand, theyre far from willing to subscribe to your husbands views. They do not approve of the Sunday-school atmosphere he wants to bring about, nor do they shut their eyes to the fact that the younger element must be considered.
Younger element! Do you call Sanford old?
No; hes only twenty-eight this minute. But there are a lot of new members even younger than that strange as it may seem! These boys want gayetyyea, even unto the scorned movies and the hilarious prize-fightsand as they are scions of the wealthy and aristocratic families of our little old town, I think we should consider them. And, since you insist on knowing, it is my firm belief, conviction andIm willing to addmy hope that the great and influential Meredith brothers agree with me! So there now, Madam Sanford Embury!
Thank you, Alvord; youre clear, at least. Do you think I could persuade them to come over to Sanfords side?
I think you could persuade the statue of Jupiter Ammon to climb down from his pedestal and take you to Coney Island, if you looked at him like that! But I also think that friend husband will not consent to your electioneering for him. It isnt done, my dear Eunice.
As if I cared what is done and what isnt, if I want to help Sanford.
Go ahead, then, fair lady; but remember that Sanford Embury stands for the conservative element in our club, and anything you might try to do by virtue of your blandishments or fascinations would be frowned upon and would react against your cause instead of for it. If I might suggest, my supporters, the younger set, thewellthe gayer set, would more readily respond to such a plan. Why dont you electioneer for me?
Eunice disdained to reply, and Aunt Abby broke into the discussion by exclaiming: Oh, Alvord, here comes Mr. Mortimer, and he has Mr. Hanlon with him!
Sure enough the two heroes of the day were walking toward the Hendricks car, which, still standing near the scene of Hanlons triumph, awaited a good chance for a getaway.
I wonder if you ladies wouldnt like to meet this marvel, began Mr. Mortimer, genially, and Aunt Abbys delight was convincing, indeed.
Eunice, too, greeted Mr. Hanlon cordially, and Hendricks held out a welcoming hand.
Tell us how you did it, he said, smiling into the intelligent face of the mysterious mind-reader.
You saw, he returned, simply, with a slight gesture of out-turned palms, as if to disavow any secrets.
Yes, I saw, said Hendricks, but with me, seeing is not believing.
Dont listen, Hanlon, Mr. Mortimer said, smiling a little resentfully. That sort of talk would go before the test, but not now. What do you mean, Hendricks, by not believing? Do you suspect me of complicity?
I do not, Mortimer. I believe you have been taken in with the rest, by a very clever trick. He looked sharply at Hanlon, who returned his gaze serenely. I believe this young man is unusually apt as a trickster, and I believe he hoodwinked the whole community. The fact that I cannot comprehend, or even guess how he did it, in no way disturbs my conviction that he did do it by trickery. I will change this opinion, however, if Mr. Hanlon will look me in the eye and assure me, on his honor, that he found the penknife by no other means or with no other influence to guide him than Mr. Mortimers will-power.