We decided that he should be
placed in a sanitarium where he could have proper attention, and Mr.
Swain was to make the necessary arrangements. All I would have to do
would be to sign some papers. We were just saying good-night, when my
father appeared at the entrance of the arbour."
"This was about midnight, was it not?"
"Yes."
"Why did you choose that hour for the meeting?"
"Because at that hour my father and the yogi were always engaged in
invoking an astral benediction."
Even I, who knew the significance of the words, paused a little at
them. The doctor and Goldberger were hopelessly at sea. After all, the
words were a very good description of the weird ceremony.
"Well," I said, "and after your father appeared, what happened?"
"He was very excited and spoke to Mr. Swain in a most violent manner.
Mr. Swain attempted to take me away from him, not knowing, at first,
who it was had seized me; but I pushed him back and led my father away
toward the house."
"Did Mr. Swain touch your father?"
"No; I was between them all the time. I was determined that they
should not touch each other. I was afraid, if they came together, that
something terrible would happen.
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