The Ghost of Guir House

"As I said just now," observed Ah Ben, "I have no desire to force my

private views upon another, but I must distinctly object to the word

'theory,' as associated with my positive knowledge on this subject.

Every man must do as he thinks right, and as suits him best; but, for

my part, I have disregarded all the physical laws of health during an

unusually long life."

Paul straightened himself up, and looked at his host in the hope of a

further explanation.

"I don't think I quite understand you!"

"Yes," said Ah Ben, repeating the sentence slowly and emphasizing the

words, "I disregard all laws usually considered essential to living

at all!"

Henley was silent for a minute in a vain effort to decide whether or

not he were speaking seriously. He could not help remembering his

abstinence from food, but at the time had not doubted the man had

eaten between meals.

"Then you certainly ought to know all about it," he continued,

relaxing into his former position, but quite unsettled as to Ah Ben's

intention.

"You must admit that I have had sufficient time to be an authority

unto myself, if not to others," added the old man. And then as he

pressed the ashes down into the bowl of his pipe with his long

emaciated fingers, and watched the little threads of smoke as they

came curling out from under his thick moustache, Paul could only

admit that the gravity of his bearing was inconsistent with a

humorous interpretation of his words.

"You interest me greatly," resumed Henley, after scrutinizing the

singular face before him for several minutes, in a kind of mesmeric

fascination, "and I should like to ask what you mean by the

cultivation of this occult power of which you spoke?"

"It is only to be acquired by the supremest quality of self-control,

as I told you yesterday," answered Ah Ben; "but when once gained, no

man would relinquish it for the gold of a thousand Solomons! You

would have proof of what I tell you? Well, some day perhaps you

will!"

Henley started. The man had read his thoughts. It was the very

question upon his lips.

"You are a mind reader!" cried Paul. "How did you know I was going to

ask you that?"

Ah Ben made no answer; he did not even smile, but continued to gaze

into the fire and blow little puffs of smoke toward the chimney.

"You referred just now to the prize-fighter," Paul resumed after a

few minutes, "but I am going to squelch that argument."