Weird Tales volume 42 number 04
Page 13
The first occurrence prior to my arrival at the Orne Place, was in April. Eliza had just bidden her foster parents good night at the door leading from the kitchen which shuts off the back stairs and prevents drafts from dispelling the heat in winter. Oliver saw the door shut, and heard the girl's footsteps ascending the stairs. Then, half a beat behind them another footstep started up. Eliza was nearly at the top of the stairs before Oliver gathered his wits and opened the door. She was alone there, turning to look down at him beneath the bare light bulb. Her face wore a strange, devilish smile, compounded of mockery, yet fearfully, terribly alien.
Oliver stood dumbfounded, turning over in his mind whether Eliza had somehow prankishly skipped upstairs, but was unable to fit this deviltry with her character. So he ended up, staring gape-jawed until she turned, snapping off the light and proceeding in the dark to the next light switch just inside her room. When Oliver turned back into the kitchen, his wife looked up, nonplussed, from her darning. Their discussion made no headway with the matter, partly perhaps since Oliver somehow omitted telling his wife of Eliza's strange expression. They concluded that this might have been a freak of sound involving the wood frame of the old house, and called to mind reports of similar happenings.
IN THE latter part of May on a rainy afternoon, the minister, Mr. Brainerd, came to call. Mrs. Orne was in the kitchen frying doughnuts, while Eliza was washing clothes, using set-tubs and a washing machine in the ell, also connected to the kitchen by a door. Mrs. Orne naturally exclaimed regarding the condition of the house, her hair and dress while Mr. Brainerd climbed from his car. Nevertheless, after shedding these fluttering preliminaries of a parishional call, she had settled Mr. Brainerd, a young, easygoing fellow, over coffee, fresh doughnuts and discreet gossip. He sat facing the open eil door, where Eliza was continuing her work. His coffee cup was halfway to his lips, which were pursed with intent to retract if the liquid proved too hot, when a cake of soap floated through the air coming from the ell and swinging in a near ninety degree arc, to settle in the soap dish by the kitchen sink. That was one cup of coffee Mr. Brainerd did not drink.
Several minutes later, when Mr. Brainerd and Anne Orne looked into the ell they found Eliza caught by nervous laughter, badly convulsed, apparently from the effort of her performance. Indeed the two mystified witnesses had to put her on the front room couch and minister to her with damp cloths, smelling salts, or whatever they thought best. There was no trace of the diabolical about her expression then. On
MR. HYDE—AND SEEK
recovering she claimed she knew nothing of the episode, being quite unable to explain her attack of hysteria.
With this episode the story took form and spread through the community. I was called in, though my examination brought nothing positive to light. For the record, the story that the doughnuts in the bowl on the kitchen table flew onto the coat hangers against the kitchen wall is the invention and whole cloth embroidery of some absent party—a village loafer, probably,—for both Mr. Brainerd and Anne Orne deny any such occurrence.
June 6, 1949—In return for a couple of weeks with a limited practice, I had to put in more time at the hospital. Evenings were more apt to be free, and so far I have managed to be on hand most evenings, though nothing has yet happened during my stay. This evening the four of us were seated at the kitchen table reading—or in Eliza's case, writing a letter to a Portsmouth chum.
A mouse had been scampering in the walls, though I had not been particularly conscious of it until I happened to notice Eliza reflecting a moment over her letter. I could almost see her attention caught by the creature's slight scuttlings and squeak-ings. Perhaps a sudden muffling of the atmosphere was responsible, as if a focus of attention of some sort were being established. Then all at once Eliza's face changed, taking on the wholly tense preoccupied expression of a cat about to spring. A full, taut minute thus, and then she gave a slight forward thrust, just the shadow of a lunge I would call it. From the wall a shrill, agonized mouse-cry piped. The Ornes looked up in surprise at the blank wall, and its hidden, strangely-racked victim. Neither Eliza nor I turned a heeding head; I of course being concerned with her reaction. While she—well, I think I must yield my medical judgment and say she acted as one possessed, as if the "person within her personality" were supplanted, her mind being temporarily tenanted by a diabolical force. No, this poltergeist is no mere prankster's connivance.
A moment following the mouse's last cry, soon reached in rapid diminuendo,
Eliza thrust the very tip of her tongue briefly between her teeth, and in doing so seemed to be released to herself and regain her own personality. Seeing the three of us watching her (rather than the blank wall behind which was a still mouse) she shook her head slightly.
"Gosh, I must nave dozed off. I feel awfully tired. I didn't snore, did I?"
I assured her that she hadn't, that wc were merely looking up because we thought we had heard a mouse in the wall.
"Yes, I guess I must have heard him scampering around. Funny, you hear a noise like that and hardly realize it."
Shortly after that she retired for the night
JUNE 7, 1949—I've been thinking a good deal today about the human brain as an organ. Now the heart is fairly plainly a pump—one can comprehend its function upon inspecting it, as in dissection. And so on with all the other organs, their functions can be readily comprehended upon examination. But the mass of gray matter which comprises the brain cannot be thus comprehended as the source of thought process. One cannot see where or how this viscera-like mass permits one to pilot an airplane and carry on a conversation at the same time, or to cope with a novel problem such as the present one of conjecture concerning poltergeists. Since we cannot yet look into the brain and get very far by induction, all we know about it is what we feel and experience ourselves, or what we observe in others. Therefore, I conclude, if phenomenal accomplishments are directed by the brain, of which the brain's possessor is wholly unaware, the fact that these functions were directed by the brain would defy detection.
Thus, for example, the recent experiments at Duke University with cards, regarding "mental telegraphy," or the age-old business of making a divining rod indicate the subterrene presence of water -—these in the human brain—or the homing instinct in the pigeon's brain, suggest that certain functions of the brain may exceed anything we have yet ascertained.
WEIRD TALES
KNOWLEDGE of
YOUR INNER POWERS Gi¥£S YQl/ffi££00M
► AWAKEN YOUR HIDDEN POWERS A Learn Estoric Secrets of Life
THREE AMA2IN0. BOOKLETS by M. Doreal
IMS,
I. Mj'IUTI.'F U MMI
ii. Man's Higher Self IflEpi.r cover! Onlv 35*
3. Secret Teorlilnai of Jutui (jiaiwr caver) Onljr 35*
IA30. EVOLUTION OF MANS MIND by Br. Arthur Bsile A stimulating t!i ■ •■;■ •■Jura I i-.i..tp;vUtioit of acieiics. rdsiccurlin Id™, ancient windnm mid tftehlngi. II* pttfeE. < rlorh-bound 1 P'ire 98* IA16. YOU CAN LEARN ALL THE ANSWERS (Artonymou*) "it yuu shuuld clellbfrmtntr tallow CM call u[ tliii booK—'lien you would enter UDirn a truly IMH Ufa—" (I'ub. foreward) .Su?de
0»(* $1.00 THREE FAMOUS BOOKS! IAI2. THE CONQUEST OF FEAR by Bull Kins 1AM. SOMETHING TO LIVE BY by Deratht* KoDnlin IAIS. IN HIS BTEP8 by Charl«* M. Sti-to ™
(P«ru»» ffiiitioa) Eaelt Sim 35*
tAOa. THAT ANCIENT WAY bv Kate M. Francis
A KuidinK hand along the ISO WAV of Life. Hofcgre many
Kre-l tlUllu thai UUHEJ New filial slues the Anrlenl Way I
IdMlt) OulM IA4D. (I) DOER CliANCE OH 1U6TICE RULE O'JR LIVES
by Niloa [papar Imuidl Price {2) THE STORY OF JESUS by ds Pumcker
IA22.
6* u
IA2I. (3) TH = MASTEflS OF THE PATH OF OCCULTISM
by de Pumeker 95 DBg-«, PriVr
IA20. THE IfriPtRSONAL LiFE by Josaah S. Benflsr Bear and rccoghiie Ifir snlrlt within. The "I An" sneaks fmm Uiit tiuuk so ititimau'lv ■
■ ■■■*.ty." ;• will be a (rut
■ulje of ureuKlb uid wiwl-wu. Onr 1W,008 sulu: Pi ire *
READERS SERVICE IOOK CLUB. Do?*. W-31 119 E. Son Fernando St., Son Jese 32, Calif.
Please njsb me book nnmbcrfO _ KAME „
Putting it another way, if we say, "I think, therefore I am," the "I am" cannot directly challenge or enlarge upon the "I think." And if an unaccounted relationship between forces of the mind and external objects, and conjecturably forces in the environment exists, there's simply no telling of it.
June 11, 1949—Whatever it is, it's getting stronger, growing like a malignant tumor. Each successful exercise of dominance over Eliza's mind increases the power of the next manifestation, which may be less capricious, and not content with a mouse, for a victim. That Eliza is possessed by a malevolent entity or grotesque preternatural schism of split personality—or whatever in hell it can be called, for it is surely spawned of hell,—is apparent to me, whether my terms fit the textbooks or not.
Eliza and I started the evening with a game of checkers. This would prove di* verting while keeping me posted on her mental state. She sat in the chair Rev. Brainerd had occupied, facing the ell, the kitchen sink (this is from the chair occupant's left to right) a window into the area of front yard which might be called the ell courtyard. We played across a corner of the full-sized tabic in order to reach the board readily. Her game was undistinguished, and free from devious tricks or wild gambles. My own is orthodox, too; I'm merely noting the less artful nature of this girl of half my age.
Her chance came in the third game to force me to sacrifice—if she could be reasonably sure of her calculations. As she concentrated on the alternative moves I watched her, though in a moment she screened her brow with her hand, and I could no longer see her face.
Suddenly the air became heavy, a stillness that almost seemed sound ensued, as if silent black wings beat down upon the air. The telephone went "ting"—not ringing, but ticking as these country lines do in a thunderstorm. I looked up at the windows, wondering if a storm were coming, but could see only darkness. Then I saw a face pressed against the ell courtyard win-
Please mention Newsstand Fiction Unit when answering advertisements
MR. HYDE—AND SEEIC
dow, a white face, wide-eyed in terror. It was the face of Etiza Blaine! Breaking my gaze from this onlooker's, I turned in amazement to the girl across the checkerboard. Her face was utterly alien, an abominable satyr's mask, looking in cool, sardonic amusement at its counterpart's features pressed so fearfully against the windowpane,
I think that I did the right thing at last. I ran to the outer ell door and threw it open upon the courtyard. Switching on the outdoor light, I saw the courtyard was empty and the impress of no footprints were in the garden plot under the window. I turned back at once to find Oliver Orne just catching the fainting Eliza.
I think 1 did right, I say, because if I had turned and slapped the face or shaken the shoulders of the creature across the checkerboard from me, there'd be danger of psychic trauma for Eliza, with negative results as far as the poltergeist went. June 12, 1949—This morning I visited Chad wick, telling him what appears here. His advice to me was:
"Your best bet is to find some action which will fit all the various theories about poltergeists, since you are concerned with sure counteraction rather than theorizing. You must apply this action when the poltergeist is dominant, and in such a way that Eliza is done neither bodily nor mental harm. You must surprise the poltergeist, confronting him as strongly as possible at the moment of his greatest aggression. And you must do so with something as opposite in ail respects as possible."
I agreed and we concocted, rejected and sorted over a number of possible plans. Finally we hit upon two or three schemes which seem more substantial, if they can be worked out.
I DO not propose to report on them now, as they may never be tested. Since one of them involved the services of a. skilled dental technician friend, I spent the rest of the day with him in the hospital laboratory. June 15, 1949—Fortunately no manifes-
IEUMATISM?
? NEURITIS? SCIATI CAt
idiiU.t.uvm
describing the proven, special* ized treatment that has been amazingly successful in combatting rheumatism, arthritis and similar paintti! disorders. This illustrated book "RHEUMATISM" fully explains causes and effecti . . . teils you WHY drugs and medicines 31 ford but temporary relief. Delay may be dangerous, LEARN ABOUT SPECIALIZED TREATMENT Send for FREE Book today—a postcard will do. No obligation, Write today.
. BALL CLINIC, Dept (fr Excelsior Springs, Mo.
DRUNK?
jkthod. mux ■£ irsrt sr~'ir-i.~- :■. : -. ■ „ -,->a t.» i»dii»
J -. .,„- !--■. : ■■ ,■ iLIMivir.
f-r-ii.BE-kjn n.L-.o;".>;.!i a?:-.; kaues. nv. s-if-jM. to
_„SIREft
r. ■ :,.j bi-'i : t h- i i? ..■ ..■-..- ■:-: :■:■' .- * mn- . I " V ' .■■'■■ T" '-L~A>-
■
h-'. -V-Y.-'-'"-'" 'KnHV-C V..- ..]J pptw'tWHOEaPEai--■ rtat "Tour (MUXxl ia vonictlul! An .
no wabtiPra
■»■»■»» lona up «swl«
SENDNO MONEY!"
USe IS BAYS AT OUft RISK—**f CSFACTION UUAftArtTUtt
;.??"ASTT0DAY!
UNITED MEDICAL RESEARCH
Bt» m. Dtft; U-7. MMKEJPOUJ t, MINN.
RUPTURED?
Get Relief This Proven Way
Why try to worry along wKh truoscs that gouge your flesh—press heavily on hips and spine—enlarge open, lng—fall to hold rupture? You need the Out he. No leg-straps or cutting belts. Automatic adjustable pad holds at real opening—follows every body movement with instant Increased support in c.iae of strain. Cannot slip whether at work or play. Light. Waterproof, eon be worn In bnih. Send for nmnaieff FREE hook. "Advieo to Ruptured." and details of liberal truthful 60-day trial offer. Also endorsements from grateful users lo your neighborhood. Write:
Clothe Boob, Dept. 39, Hloomfleld, New Jezwey
INVENTORS
ll juu
out how to protect It We are registered Patent Attorneys. Send for copy of our Patent Booklet "How to Protect Your Invention," and an "Invention Record" form. No obligation. They arc yours for the asking.
MeMORROW. BEBMAN & DAVIDSON
Readier oil Patont Attorntys
1W-B Victor Building Washington 1, D. ti.
Please mention Nbwsstand Fiction Unit vhea answering advertisement*
WEIRD TALES
OUTDOOR WORK
Study for game warden, park, fish,' patrol, and wildlife conservation .^/ service exams. Details free. Write DELMAR INSTITUTE C-13, Denver, Cole.
$«GOODLUCK?
Love, wonlth, happiness roars. Carry the Talisman of tlie Orient. Try this amazing charm for one week. Satisfaction goaranteed or money refunded. Semi only $1.00 TO
DEL MONTE. Wlv Ditmors Blvd.
Suite 7 A, Long Islcnd City 5. New York
B*~ PRICE ERROR -w
THE WORLD BELOW 5. Fowler Wright
Advertised in this magazine % $1.95 Correct price of this title is #3.50
I.EI: HI,ATT ■ 5131 Walnut St. » Phlta. SO. Pa.
GASH FOR WEIRD TALES
I will buy any itiuet of WEIRD TALES i»u«d before 1933.
I alio wont to buy HORROR STORIES, STRANGE TALES, TERROR TALES, and any collection* of Fanlaitic Maoa-ninet and Book*. Detcriba condition and avola price
CLAUDE HELD
372 DODGE STREET BUFfALO B. N. Y.
FANTASY FAN'S BOOK CLUB
Two MORE free books than any other club offers you. Write for details and free catalog of weird and science-fiction books and back-dated magazines.
Werewolf Uookshop 1S0W-H Riverside Drive Verona, Pennsylvania
THE KELLEK ANTHOLOGY — $3.5*
• LIFE EVERLASTING *
and ten other tales of
Science, Fantasy, and Horror
By DAVID
H. KELLER, M.D.
3.."ifi postpaid from Fantasy-News, Boob Dent.,
Box 4. Stein way, Lou* Island City, N. Y.
WEIRD TALES
SCIENCE-FICTION — FANTASY
Brand new. cloth-bound, library-size sample book. $3.00. Illustrated catalogues, 10# (refunded).
HOUSE OF STONE
LlNKMipiiG 24 MASSACHUSETTS
tations took place while I was completing a variety of preparations, to cover as many contingencies as I could. Today I brought back the acrylic plastic candlestick which my dental technician had produced (using his false teeth manufacture thus divert-edly). It was a curious piece, anything but artistic, with shapeless, topheavy bulges. Remarking upon its amateurish appearance and saying that I could do better with more practice, I put the object on the mantel with my tobacco jar and smoking apparatus. Since it seemed highly improbable that the poltergeist would appear in the presence of any object which it knew to be inimical, I hoped that this candlestick would not appear so.
It had been a hot day, with thunder-showers likely to break the oppressively muggy air. Shortly after supper I was standing up, filling my pipe, as is my custom. I was reaching for a wooden match from the wall receptacle and idly looking into the mirror in front of me. My gaze rested on the image of Eliza, or what displaced it. The face was turned as she talked to Mrs. Ornc. But the mirror reflected the abhorrent satyr's head, self-confident with the myriad abominations of hell itself.
As I watched, Eliza—or this horror— saw me staring at the mirror, and broke into a Sardonian smile. I turned from the mirror to El 12a. Her features were nearly normal, though the alterations were even now taking place, as if challenging me for my looking-glass view.
I was not idle either, for the time had come. And yet my mind continued turning over the matter of mirrors, the lore of the speculum of Mage Merlin, the Devil's Looking Glass of Dr. Lee, of katoptro-mancy and vampirism. I had picked up the candlestick and advanced slowly, with a show of irresolution, to the stove. Doctors and acrobats, bull-fighters and actors must have a sense of timing; it is often extremely important. Here the poltergeist must think me uncertain, or bent upon hurting Eliza—at which misdirected aim he could laugh, exult and grow stronger. So I advanced to the stove as the transfor-