I
THEEXPERIMENT
"Iamgladyoucame，Clarke；verygladindeed。Iwasnotsureyoucouldsparethetime。"
"Iwasabletomakearrangementsforafewdays；thingsarenotverylivelyjustnow。Buthaveyounomisgivings，Raymond？Isitabsolutelysafe？"
ThetwomenwereslowlypacingtheterraceinfrontofDr。Raymond’shouse。Thesunstillhungabovethewesternmountain-line，butitshonewithadullredglowthatcastnoshadows，andalltheairwasquiet；asweetbreathcamefromthegreatwoodonthehillsideabove，andwithit，atintervals，thesoftmurmuringcallofthewilddoves。Below，inthelonglovelyvalley，theriverwoundinandoutbetweenthelonelyhills，and，asthesunhoveredandvanishedintothewest，afaintmist，purewhite，begantorisefromthehills。Dr。
Raymondturnedsharplytohisfriend。
"Safe？Ofcourseitis。Initselftheoperationisaperfectlysimpleone；anysurgeoncoulddoit。"
"Andthereisnodangeratanyotherstage？"
"None；absolutelynophysicaldangerwhatsoever，Igiveyoumyword。Youarealwaystimid，Clarke，always；butyouknowmyhistory。Ihavedevotedmyselftotranscendentalmedicineforthelasttwentyyears。Ihaveheardmyselfcalledquackandcharlatanandimpostor，butallthewhileIknewIwasontherightpath。FiveyearsagoIreachedthegoal，andsincetheneverydayhasbeenapreparationforwhatweshalldotonight。"
"Ishouldliketobelieveitisalltrue。"Clarkeknithisbrows，andlookeddoubtfullyatDr。Raymond。"Areyouperfectlysure，Raymond，thatyourtheoryisnotaphantasmagoria——asplendidvision，certainly，butamerevisionafterall？"
Dr。Raymondstoppedinhiswalkandturnedsharply。
Hewasamiddle-agedman，gauntandthin，ofapaleyellowcomplexion，butasheansweredClarkeandfacedhim，therewasaflushonhischeek。
"Lookaboutyou，Clarke。Youseethemountain，andhillfollowingafterhill，aswaveonwave，youseethewoodsandorchard，thefieldsofripecorn，andthemeadowsreachingtothereed-bedsbytheriver。Youseemestandingherebesideyou，andhearmyvoice；butItellyouthatallthesethings——
yes，fromthatstarthathasjustshoneoutintheskytothesolidgroundbeneathourfeet——Isaythatallthesearebutdreamsandshadows；theshadowsthathidetherealworldfromoureyes。Thereisarealworld，butitisbeyondthisglamourandthisvision，beyondthese’chasesinArras，dreamsinacareer，’beyondthemallasbeyondaveil。Idonotknowwhetheranyhumanbeinghaseverliftedthatveil；butIdoknow，Clarke，thatyouandIshallseeitliftedthisverynightfrombeforeanother’seyes。Youmaythinkthisallstrangenonsense；
itmaybestrange，butitistrue，andtheancientsknewwhatliftingtheveilmeans。TheycalleditseeingthegodPan。"
Clarkeshivered；thewhitemistgatheringovertheriverwaschilly。
"Itiswonderfulindeed，"hesaid。"Wearestandingonthebrinkofastrangeworld，Raymond，ifwhatyousayistrue。Isupposetheknifeisabsolutelynecessary？"
"Yes；aslightlesioninthegreymatter，thatisall；
atriflingrearrangementofcertaincells，amicroscopicalalterationthatwouldescapetheattentionofninety-ninebrainspecialistsoutofahundred。Idon’twanttobotheryouwith’shop，’Clarke；Imightgiveyouamassoftechnicaldetailwhichwouldsoundveryimposing，andwouldleaveyouasenlightenedasyouarenow。ButIsupposeyouhaveread，casually，inout-of-the-waycornersofyourpaper，thatimmensestrideshavebeenmaderecentlyinthephysiologyofthebrain。IsawaparagraphtheotherdayaboutDigby’stheory，andBrowneFaber’sdiscoveries。Theoriesanddiscoveries！Wheretheyarestandingnow，Istoodfifteenyearsago，andIneednottellyouthatI
havenotbeenstandingstillforthelastfifteenyears。ItwillbeenoughifIsaythatfiveyearsagoImadethediscoverythatIalludedtowhenIsaidthattenyearsagoIreachedthegoal。Afteryearsoflabour，afteryearsoftoilingandgropinginthedark，afterdaysandnightsofdisappointmentsandsometimesofdespair，inwhichIusednowandthentotrembleandgrowcoldwiththethoughtthatperhapstherewereothersseekingforwhatIsought，atlast，aftersolong，apangofsuddenjoythrilledmysoul，andIknewthelongjourneywasatanend。Bywhatseemedthenandstillseemsachance，thesuggestionofamoment’sidlethoughtfollowedupuponfamiliarlinesandpathsthatIhadtrackedahundredtimesalready，thegreattruthburstuponme，andIsaw，mappedoutinlinesofsight，awholeworld，asphereunknown；continentsandislands，andgreatoceansinwhichnoshiphassailed（tomybelief）
sinceaManfirstlifteduphiseyesandbeheldthesun，andthestarsofheaven，andthequietearthbeneath。Youwillthinkthisallhigh-flownlanguage，Clarke，butitishardtobeliteral。Andyet；IdonotknowwhetherwhatIamhintingatcannotbesetforthinplainandlonelyterms。Forinstance，thisworldofoursisprettywellgirdednowwiththetelegraphwiresandcables；thought，withsomethinglessthanthespeedofthought，flashesfromsunrisetosunset，fromnorthtosouth，acrossthefloodsandthedesertplaces。Supposethatanelectricianoftodayweresuddenlytoperceivethatheandhisfriendshavemerelybeenplayingwithpebblesandmistakingthemforthefoundationsoftheworld；supposethatsuchamansawuttermostspacelieopenbeforethecurrent，andwordsofmenflashforthtothesunandbeyondthesunintothesystemsbeyond，andthevoiceofarticulate-speakingmenechointhewastevoidthatboundsourthought。Asanalogiesgo，thatisaprettygoodanalogyofwhatIhavedone；youcanunderstandnowalittleofwhatIfeltasIstoodhereoneevening；itwasasummerevening，andthevalleylookedmuchasitdoesnow；I
stoodhere，andsawbeforemetheunutterable，theunthinkablegulfthatyawnsprofoundbetweentwoworlds，theworldofmatterandtheworldofspirit；Isawthegreatemptydeepstretchdimbeforeme，andinthatinstantabridgeoflightleaptfromtheearthtotheunknownshore，andtheabysswasspanned。YoumaylookinBrowneFaber’sbook，ifyoulike，andyouwillfindthattothepresentdaymenofscienceareunabletoaccountforthepresence，ortospecifythefunctionsofacertaingroupofnerve-cellsinthebrain。Thatgroupis，asitwere，landtolet，amerewasteplaceforfancifultheories。IamnotinthepositionofBrowneFaberandthespecialists，Iamperfectlyinstructedastothepossiblefunctionsofthosenerve-centersintheschemeofthings。WithatouchIcanbringthemintoplay，withatouch，Isay，Icansetfreethecurrent，withatouchIcancompletethecommunicationbetweenthisworldofsenseand——weshallbeabletofinishthesentencelateron。
Yes，theknifeisnecessary；butthinkwhatthatknifewilleffect。Itwilllevelutterlythesolidwallofsense，andprobably，forthefirsttimesincemanwasmade，aspiritwillgazeonaspirit-world。Clarke，MarywillseethegodPan！"
"Butyourememberwhatyouwrotetome？Ithoughtitwouldberequisitethatshe——"
Hewhisperedtherestintothedoctor’sear。
"Notatall，notatall。Thatisnonsense。Iassureyou。Indeed，itisbetterasitis；Iamquitecertainofthat。"
"Considerthematterwell，Raymond。It’sagreatresponsibility。Somethingmightgowrong；youwouldbeamiserablemanfortherestofyourdays。"
"No，Ithinknot，eveniftheworsthappened。Asyouknow，IrescuedMaryfromthegutter，andfromalmostcertainstarvation，whenshewasachild；Ithinkherlifeismine，touseasIseefit。Come，it’sgettinglate；wehadbettergoin。"
Dr。Raymondledthewayintothehouse，throughthehall，anddownalongdarkpassage。Hetookakeyfromhispocketandopenedaheavydoor，andmotionedClarkeintohislaboratory。Ithadoncebeenabilliard-room，andwaslightedbyaglassdomeinthecentreoftheceiling，whencetherestillshoneasadgreylightonthefigureofthedoctorashelitalampwithaheavyshadeandplaceditonatableinthemiddleoftheroom。
Clarkelookedabouthim。Scarcelyafootofwallremainedbare；therewereshelvesallaroundladenwithbottlesandphialsofallshapesandcolours，andatoneendstoodalittleChippendalebook-case。Raymondpointedtothis。
"YouseethatparchmentOswaldCrollius？Hewasoneofthefirsttoshowmetheway，thoughIdon’tthinkheeverfoundithimself。Thatisastrangesayingofhis：’Ineverygrainofwheattherelieshiddenthesoulofastar。’"
Therewasnotmuchfurnitureinthelaboratory。Thetableinthecentre，astoneslabwithadraininonecorner，thetwoarmchairsonwhichRaymondandClarkeweresitting；thatwasall，exceptanodd-lookingchairatthefurthestendoftheroom。Clarkelookedatit，andraisedhiseyebrows。
"Yes，thatisthechair，"saidRaymond。"Wemayaswellplaceitinposition。"Hegotupandwheeledthechairtothelight，andbeganraisingandloweringit，lettingdowntheseat，settingthebackatvariousangles，andadjustingthefoot-rest。Itlookedcomfortableenough，andClarkepassedhishandoverthesoftgreenvelvet，asthedoctormanipulatedthelevers。
"Now，Clarke，makeyourselfquitecomfortable。Ihaveacouplehours’workbeforeme；Iwasobligedtoleavecertainmatterstothelast。"
Raymondwenttothestoneslab，andClarkewatchedhimdrearilyashebentoverarowofphialsandlittheflameunderthecrucible。Thedoctorhadasmallhand-lamp，shadedasthelargerone，onaledgeabovehisapparatus，andClarke，whosatintheshadows，lookeddownatthegreatshadowyroom，wonderingatthebizarreeffectsofbrilliantlightandundefineddarknesscontrastingwithoneanother。Soonhebecameconsciousofanoddodour，atfirstthemerestsuggestionofodour，intheroom，andasitgrewmoredecidedhefeltsurprisedthathewasnotremindedofthechemist’sshoporthesurgery。Clarkefoundhimselfidlyendeavouringtoanalysethesensation，andhalfconscious，hebegantothinkofaday，fifteenyearsago，thathehadspentroamingthroughthewoodsandmeadowsnearhisownhome。ItwasaburningdayatthebeginningofAugust，theheathaddimmedtheoutlinesofallthingsandalldistanceswithafaintmist，andpeoplewhoobservedthethermometerspokeofanabnormalregister，ofatemperaturethatwasalmosttropical。
StrangelythatwonderfulhotdayofthefiftiesroseupagaininClarke’simagination；thesenseofdazzlingall-pervadingsunlightseemedtoblotouttheshadowsandthelightsofthelaboratory，andhefeltagaintheheatedairbeatingingustsabouthisface，sawtheshimmerrisingfromtheturf，andheardthemyriadmurmurofthesummer。
"Ihopethesmelldoesn’tannoyyou，Clarke；there’snothingunwholesomeaboutit。Itmaymakeyouabitsleepy，that’sall。"
Clarkeheardthewordsquitedistinctly，andknewthatRaymondwasspeakingtohim，butforthelifeofhimhecouldnotrousehimselffromhislethargy。Hecouldonlythinkofthelonelywalkhehadtakenfifteenyearsago；itwashislastlookatthefieldsandwoodshehadknownsincehewasachild，andnowitallstoodoutinbrilliantlight，asapicture，beforehim。Abovealltherecametohisnostrilsthescentofsummer，thesmellofflowersmingled，andtheodourofthewoods，ofcoolshadedplaces，deepinthegreendepths，drawnforthbythesun’sheat；andthescentofthegoodearth，lyingasitwerewitharmsstretchedforth，andsmilinglips，overpoweredall。
Hisfanciesmadehimwander，ashehadwanderedlongago，fromthefieldsintothewood，trackingalittlepathbetweentheshiningundergrowthofbeech-trees；andthetrickleofwaterdroppingfromthelimestonerocksoundedasaclearmelodyinthedream。Thoughtsbegantogoastrayandtominglewithotherthoughts；thebeechalleywastransformedtoapathbetweenilex-trees，andhereandthereavineclimbedfromboughtobough，andsentupwavingtendrilsanddroopedwithpurplegrapes，andthesparsegrey-greenleavesofawildolive-treestoodoutagainstthedarkshadowsoftheilex。Clarke，inthedeepfoldsofdream，wasconsciousthatthepathfromhisfather’shousehadledhimintoanundiscoveredcountry，andhewaswonderingatthestrangenessofitall，whensuddenly，inplaceofthehumandmurmurofthesummer，aninfinitesilenceseemedtofallonallthings，andthewoodwashushed，andforamomentintimehestoodfacetofacetherewithapresence，thatwasneithermannorbeast，neitherthelivingnorthedead，butallthingsmingled，theformofallthingsbutdevoidofallform。Andinthatmoment，thesacramentofbodyandsoulwasdissolved，andavoiceseemedtocry"Letusgohence，"andthenthedarknessofdarknessbeyondthestars，thedarknessofeverlasting。
WhenClarkewokeupwithastarthesawRaymondpouringafewdropsofsomeoilyfluidintoagreenphial，whichhestopperedtightly。
"Youhavebeendozing，"hesaid；"thejourneymusthavetiredyouout。Itisdonenow。IamgoingtofetchMary；I
shallbebackintenminutes。"
Clarkelaybackinhischairandwondered。Itseemedasifhehadbutpassedfromonedreamintoanother。Hehalfexpectedtoseethewallsofthelaboratorymeltanddisappear，andtoawakeinLondon，shudderingathisownsleepingfancies。
Butatlastthedooropened，andthedoctorreturned，andbehindhimcameagirlofaboutseventeen，dressedallinwhite。ShewassobeautifulthatClarkedidnotwonderatwhatthedoctorhadwrittentohim。Shewasblushingnowoverfaceandneckandarms，butRaymondseemedunmoved。
"Mary，"hesaid，"thetimehascome。Youarequitefree。Areyouwillingtotrustyourselftomeentirely？"
"Yes，dear。"
"Doyouhearthat，Clarke？Youaremywitness。Hereisthechair，Mary。Itisquiteeasy。Justsitinitandleanback。Areyouready？"
"Yes，dear，quiteready。Givemeakissbeforeyoubegin。"
Thedoctorstoopedandkissedhermouth，kindlyenough。
"Nowshutyoureyes，"hesaid。Thegirlclosedhereyelids，asifsheweretired，andlongedforsleep，andRaymondplacedthegreenphialtohernostrils。Herfacegrewwhite，whiterthanherdress；shestruggledfaintly，andthenwiththefeelingofsubmissionstrongwithinher，crossedherarmsuponherbreastasalittlechildabouttosayherprayers。Thebrightlightofthelampfellfulluponher，andClarkewatchedchangesfleetingoverherfaceasthechangesofthehillswhenthesummercloudsfloatacrossthesun。Andthenshelayallwhiteandstill，andthedoctorturneduponeofhereyelids。Shewasquiteunconscious。Raymondpressedhardononeoftheleversandthechairinstantlysankback。Clarkesawhimcuttingawayacircle，likeatonsure，fromherhair，andthelampwasmovednearer。Raymondtookasmallglitteringinstrumentfromalittlecase，andClarketurnedawayshudderingly。Whenhelookedagainthedoctorwasbindingupthewoundhehadmade。
"Shewillawakeinfiveminutes。"Raymondwasstillperfectlycool。"Thereisnothingmoretobedone；wecanonlywait。"
Theminutespassedslowly；theycouldhearaslow，heavy，ticking。Therewasanoldclockinthepassage。Clarkefeltsickandfaint；hiskneesshookbeneathhim，hecouldhardlystand。
Suddenly，astheywatched，theyheardalong-drawnsigh，andsuddenlydidthecolourthathadvanishedreturntothegirl’scheeks，andsuddenlyhereyesopened。Clarkequailedbeforethem。Theyshonewithanawfullight，lookingfaraway，andagreatwonderfelluponherface，andherhandsstretchedoutasiftotouchwhatwasinvisible；butinaninstantthewonderfaded，andgaveplacetothemostawfulterror。Themusclesofherfacewerehideouslyconvulsed，sheshookfromheadtofoot；thesoulseemedstrugglingandshudderingwithinthehouseofflesh。Itwasahorriblesight，andClarkerushedforward，asshefellshriekingtothefloor。
ThreedayslaterRaymondtookClarketoMary’sbedside。
Shewaslyingwide-awake，rollingherheadfromsidetoside，andgrinningvacantly。
"Yes，"saidthedoctor，stillquitecool，"itisagreatpity；sheisahopelessidiot。However，itcouldnotbehelped；and，afterall，shehasseentheGreatGodPan。"
II
MR。CLARKE’SMEMOIRS
Mr。Clarke，thegentlemanchosenbyDr。RaymondtowitnessthestrangeexperimentofthegodPan，wasapersoninwhosecharactercautionandcuriositywereoddlymingled；inhissobermomentshethoughtoftheunusualandeccentricwithundisguisedaversion，andyet，deepinhisheart，therewasawide-eyedinquisitivenesswithrespecttoallthemorereconditeandesotericelementsinthenatureofmen。ThelattertendencyhadprevailedwhenheacceptedRaymond’sinvitation，forthoughhisconsideredjudgmenthadalwaysrepudiatedthedoctor’stheoriesasthewildestnonsense，yethesecretlyhuggedabeliefinfantasy，andwouldhaverejoicedtoseethatbeliefconfirmed。
Thehorrorsthathewitnessedinthedrearylaboratoryweretoacertainextentsalutary；hewasconsciousofbeinginvolvedinanaffairnotaltogetherreputable，andformanyyearsafterwardsheclungbravelytothecommonplace，andrejectedalloccasionsofoccultinvestigation。Indeed，onsomehomeopathicprinciple，heforsometimeattendedtheseancesofdistinguishedmediums，hopingthattheclumsytricksofthesegentlemenwouldmakehimaltogetherdisgustedwithmysticismofeverykind，buttheremedy，thoughcaustic，wasnotefficacious。
Clarkeknewthathestillpinedfortheunseen，andlittlebylittle，theoldpassionbegantoreassertitself，asthefaceofMary，shudderingandconvulsedwithanunknownterror，fadedslowlyfromhismemory。Occupiedalldayinpursuitsbothseriousandlucrative，thetemptationtorelaxintheeveningwastoogreat，especiallyinthewintermonths，whenthefirecastawarmglowoverhissnugbachelorapartment，andabottleofsomechoiceclaretstoodreadybyhiselbow。Hisdinnerdigested，hewouldmakeabriefpretenceofreadingtheeveningpaper，butthemerecatalogueofnewssoonpalleduponhim，andClarkewouldfindhimselfcastingglancesofwarmdesireinthedirectionofanoldJapanesebureau，whichstoodatapleasantdistancefromthehearth。Likeaboybeforeajam-closet，forafewminuteshewouldhoverindecisive，butlustalwaysprevailed，andClarkeendedbydrawinguphischair，lightingacandle，andsittingdownbeforethebureau。Itspigeon-holesanddrawersteemedwithdocumentsonthemostmorbidsubjects，andinthewellreposedalargemanuscriptvolume，inwhichhehadpainfullyenteredhegemsofhiscollection。Clarkehadafinecontemptforpublishedliterature；themostghostlystoryceasedtointeresthimifithappenedtobeprinted；hissolepleasurewasinthereading，compiling，andrearrangingwhathecalledhis"MemoirstoprovetheExistenceoftheDevil，"andengagedinthispursuittheeveningseemedtoflyandthenightappearedtooshort。
Ononeparticularevening，anuglyDecembernight，blackwithfog，andrawwithfrost，Clarkehurriedoverhisdinner，andscarcelydeignedtoobservehiscustomaryritualoftakingupthepaperandlayingitdownagain。Hepacedtwoorthreetimesupanddowntheroom，andopenedthebureau，stoodstillamoment，andsatdown。Heleantback，absorbedinoneofthosedreamstowhichhewassubject，andatlengthdrewouthisbook，andopeneditatthelastentry。TherewerethreeorfourpagesdenselycoveredwithClarke’sround，setpenmanship，andatthebeginninghehadwritteninasomewhatlargerhand：
SingularNarrativetoldmebymyFriend，Dr。Phillips。
HeassuresmethatallthefactsrelatedthereinarestrictlyandwhollyTrue，butrefusestogiveeithertheSurnamesofthePersonsConcerned，orthePlacewheretheseExtraordinaryEventsoccurred。
Mr。Clarkebegantoreadovertheaccountforthetenthtime，glancingnowandthenatthepencilnoteshehadmadewhenitwastoldhimbyhisfriend。Itwasoneofhishumourstopridehimselfonacertainliteraryability；hethoughtwellofhisstyle，andtookpainsinarrangingthecircumstancesindramaticorder。Hereadthefollowingstory：——
ThepersonsconcernedinthisstatementareHelenV。，who，ifsheisstillalive，mustnowbeawomanoftwenty-three，RachelM。，sincedeceased，whowasayearyoungerthantheabove，andTrevorW。，animbecile，agedeighteen。
ThesepersonswereattheperiodofthestoryinhabitantsofavillageonthebordersofWales，aplaceofsomeimportanceinthetimeoftheRomanoccupation，butnowascatteredhamlet，ofnotmorethanfivehundredsouls。Itissituatedonrisingground，aboutsixmilesfromthesea，andisshelteredbyalargeandpicturesqueforest。
Someelevenyearsago，HelenV。cametothevillageunderratherpeculiarcircumstances。Itisunderstoodthatshe，beinganorphan，wasadoptedinherinfancybyadistantrelative，whobroughtherupinhisownhouseuntilshewastwelveyearsold。
Thinking，however，thatitwouldbebetterforthechildtohaveplaymatesofherownage，headvertisedinseverallocalpapersforagoodhomeinacomfortablefarmhouseforagirloftwelve，andthisadvertisementwasansweredbyMr。R。，awell-to-dofarmerintheabove-mentionedvillage。Hisreferencesprovingsatisfactory，thegentlemansenthisadopteddaughtertoMr。
R。，withaletter，inwhichhestipulatedthatthegirlshouldhavearoomtoherself，andstatedthatherguardiansneedbeatnotroubleinthematterofeducation，asshewasalreadysufficientlyeducatedforthepositioninlifewhichshewouldoccupy。Infact，Mr。R。wasgiventounderstandthatthegirlbeallowedtofindherownoccupationsandtospendhertimealmostassheliked。Mr。R。dulymetherattheneareststation，atownsevenmilesawayfromhishouse，andseemstohaveremarkednothingextraordinaryaboutthechildexceptthatshewasreticentastoherformerlifeandheradoptedfather。
Shewas，however，ofaverydifferenttypefromtheinhabitantsofthevillage；herskinwasapale，clearolive，andherfeatureswerestronglymarked，andofasomewhatforeigncharacter。Sheappearstohavesettleddowneasilyenoughintofarmhouselife，andbecameafavouritewiththechildren，whosometimeswentwithheronherramblesintheforest，forthiswasheramusement。Mr。R。statesthathehasknownhertogooutbyherselfdirectlyaftertheirearlybreakfast，andnotreturntillafterdusk，andthat，feelinguneasyatayounggirlbeingoutaloneforsomanyhours，hecommunicatedwithheradoptedfather，whorepliedinabriefnotethatHelenmustdoasshechose。Inthewinter，whentheforestpathsareimpassable，shespentmostofhertimeinherbedroom，whereshesleptalone，accordingtotheinstructionsofherrelative。
Itwasononeoftheseexpeditionstotheforestthatthefirstofthesingularincidentswithwhichthisgirlisconnectedoccurred，thedatebeingaboutayearafterherarrivalatthevillage。Theprecedingwinterhadbeenremarkablysevere，thesnowdriftingtoagreatdepth，andthefrostcontinuingforanunexampledperiod，andthesummerfollowingwasasnoteworthyforitsextremeheat。Ononeoftheveryhottestdaysinthissummer，HelenV。leftthefarmhouseforoneofherlongramblesintheforest，takingwithher，asusual，somebreadandmeatforlunch。ShewasseenbysomemeninthefieldsmakingfortheoldRomanRoad，agreencausewaywhichtraversesthehighestpartofthewood，andtheywereastonishedtoobservethatthegirlhadtakenoffherhat，thoughtheheatofthesunwasalreadytropical。Asithappened，alabourer，JosephW。byname，wasworkingintheforestneartheRomanRoad，andattwelveo’clockhislittleson，Trevor，broughtthemanhisdinnerofbreadandcheese。Afterthemeal，theboy，whowasaboutsevenyearsoldatthetime，lefthisfatheratwork，and，ashesaid，wenttolookforflowersinthewood，andtheman，whocouldhearhimshoutingwithdelightathisdiscoveries，feltnouneasiness。Suddenly，however，hewashorrifiedathearingthemostdreadfulscreams，evidentlytheresultofgreatterror，proceedingfromthedirectioninwhichhissonhadgone，andhehastilythrewdownhistoolsandrantoseewhathadhappened。Tracinghispathbythesound，hemetthelittleboy，whowasrunningheadlong，andwasevidentlyterriblyfrightened，andonquestioninghimthemanelicitedthatafterpickingaposyofflowershefelttired，andlaydownonthegrassandfellasleep。Hewassuddenlyawakened，ashestated，byapeculiarnoise，asortofsinginghecalledit，andonpeepingthroughthebrancheshesawHelenV。playingonthegrasswitha"strangenakedman，"whoheseemedunabletodescribemorefully。Hesaidhefeltdreadfullyfrightenedandranawaycryingforhisfather。JosephW。proceededinthedirectionindicatedbyhisson，andfoundHelenV。sittingonthegrassinthemiddleofagladeoropenspaceleftbycharcoalburners。Heangrilychargedherwithfrighteninghislittleboy，butsheentirelydeniedtheaccusationandlaughedatthechild’sstoryofa"strangeman，"towhichhehimselfdidnotattachmuchcredence。JosephW。cametotheconclusionthattheboyhadwokeupwithasuddenfright，aschildrensometimesdo，butTrevorpersistedinhisstory，andcontinuedinsuchevidentdistressthatatlasthisfathertookhimhome，hopingthathismotherwouldbeabletosoothehim。
Formanyweeks，however，theboygavehisparentsmuchanxiety；
hebecamenervousandstrangeinhismanner，refusingtoleavethecottagebyhimself，andconstantlyalarmingthehouseholdbywakinginthenightwithcriesof"Themaninthewood！
father！father！"
Incourseoftime，however，theimpressionseemedtohavewornoff，andaboutthreemonthslaterheaccompaniedhisfathertothehomeofagentlemanintheneighborhood，forwhomJosephW。occasionallydidwork。Themanwasshownintothestudy，andthelittleboywasleftsittinginthehall，andafewminuteslater，whilethegentlemanwasgivingW。hisinstructions，theywerebothhorrifiedbyapiercingshriekandthesoundofafall，andrushingouttheyfoundthechildlyingsenselessonthefloor，hisfacecontortedwithterror。Thedoctorwasimmediatelysummoned，andaftersomeexaminationhepronouncedthechildtobesufferingformakindoffit，apparentlyproducedbyasuddenshock。Theboywastakentooneofthebedrooms，andaftersometimerecoveredconsciousness，butonlytopassintoaconditiondescribedbythemedicalmanasoneofviolenthysteria。Thedoctorexhibitedastrongsedative，andinthecourseoftwohourspronouncedhimfittowalkhome，butinpassingthroughthehalltheparoxysmsoffrightreturnedandwithadditionalviolence。Thefatherperceivedthatthechildwaspointingatsomeobject，andheardtheoldcry，"Themaninthewood，"andlookinginthedirectionindicatedsawastoneheadofgrotesqueappearance，whichhadbeenbuiltintothewallaboveoneofthedoors。Itseemstheownerofthehousehadrecentlymadealterationsinhispremises，andondiggingthefoundationsforsomeoffices，themenhadfoundacurioushead，evidentlyoftheRomanperiod，whichhadbeenplacedinthemannerdescribed。Theheadispronouncedbythemostexperiencedarchaeologistsofthedistricttobethatofafaunorsatyr。[Dr。Phillipstellsmethathehasseentheheadinquestion，andassuresmethathehasneverreceivedsuchavividpresentmentofintenseevil。]
Fromwhatevercausearising，thissecondshockseemedtooseverefortheboyTrevor，andatthepresentdatehesuffersfromaweaknessofintellect，whichgivesbutlittlepromiseofamending。Themattercausedagooddealofsensationatthetime，andthegirlHelenwascloselyquestionedbyMr。R。，buttonopurpose，shesteadfastlydenyingthatshehadfrightenedorinanywaymolestedTrevor。
Thesecondeventwithwhichthisgirl’snameisconnectedtookplaceaboutsixyearsago，andisofastillmoreextraordinarycharacter。
Atthebeginningofthesummerof1882，HelencontractedafriendshipofapeculiarlyintimatecharacterwithRachelM。，thedaughterofaprosperousfarmerintheneighbourhood。Thisgirl，whowasayearyoungerthanHelen，wasconsideredbymostpeopletobetheprettierofthetwo，thoughHelen’sfeatureshadtoagreatextentsoftenedasshebecameolder。Thetwogirls，whoweretogetheroneveryavailableopportunity，presentedasingularcontrast，theonewithherclear，oliveskinandalmostItalianappearance，andtheotheroftheproverbialredandwhiteofourruraldistricts。ItmustbestatedthatthepaymentsmadetoMr。R。
forthemaintenanceofHelenwereknowninthevillagefortheirexcessiveliberality，andtheimpressionwasgeneralthatshewouldonedayinheritalargesumofmoneyfromherrelative。
TheparentsofRachelwerethereforenotaversefromtheirdaughter’sfriendshipwiththegirl，andevenencouragedtheintimacy，thoughtheynowbitterlyregrethavingdoneso。
Helenstillretainedherextraordinaryfondnessfortheforest，andonseveraloccasionsRachelaccompaniedher，thetwofriendssettingoutearlyinthemorning，andremaininginthewooduntildusk。OnceortwiceaftertheseexcursionsMrs。M。
thoughtherdaughter’smannerratherpeculiar；sheseemedlanguidanddreamy，andasithasbeenexpressed，"differentfromherself，"butthesepeculiaritiesseemtohavebeenthoughttootriflingforremark。Oneevening，however，afterRachelhadcomehome，hermotherheardanoisewhichsoundedlikesuppressedweepinginthegirl’sroom，andongoinginfoundherlying，halfundressed，uponthebed，evidentlyinthegreatestdistress。Assoonasshesawhermother，sheexclaimed，"Ah，mother，mother，whydidyouletmegototheforestwithHelen？"Mrs。M。wasastonishedatsostrangeaquestion，andproceededtomakeinquiries。Racheltoldherawildstory。Shesaid——
Clarkeclosedthebookwithasnap，andturnedhischairtowardsthefire。Whenhisfriendsatoneeveninginthatverychair，andtoldhisstory，Clarkehadinterruptedhimatapointalittlesubsequenttothis，hadcutshorthiswordsinaparoxysmofhorror。"MyGod！"hehadexclaimed，"think，thinkwhatyouaresaying。Itistooincredible，toomonstrous；suchthingscanneverbeinthisquietworld，wheremenandwomenliveanddie，andstruggle，andconquer，ormaybefail，andfalldownundersorrow，andgrieveandsufferstrangefortunesformanyayear；butnotthis，Phillips，notsuchthingsasthis。Theremustbesomeexplanation，somewayoutoftheterror。Why，man，ifsuchacasewerepossible，ourearthwouldbeanightmare。"
ButPhillipshadtoldhisstorytotheend，concluding：
"Herflightremainsamysterytothisday；shevanishedinbroadsunlight；theysawherwalkinginameadow，andafewmomentslatershewasnotthere。"
Clarketriedtoconceivethethingagain，ashesatbythefire，andagainhismindshudderedandshrankback，appalledbeforethesightofsuchawful，unspeakableelementsenthronedasitwere，andtriumphantinhumanflesh。Beforehimstretchedthelongdimvistaofthegreencausewayintheforest，ashisfriendhaddescribedit；hesawtheswayingleavesandthequiveringshadowsonthegrass，hesawthesunlightandtheflowers，andfaraway，farinthelongdistance，thetwofiguremovedtowardhim。OnewasRachel，buttheother？
Clarkehadtriedhisbesttodisbelieveitall，butattheendoftheaccount，ashehadwrittenitinhisbook，hehadplacedtheinscription：
ETDIABOLUSINCARNATEEST。ETHOMOFACTUSEST。
III
THECITYOFRESURRECTIONS
"Herbert！GoodGod！Isitpossible？"
"Yes，myname’sHerbert。IthinkIknowyourface，too，butIdon’trememberyourname。Mymemoryisveryqueer。"
"Don’tyourecollectVilliersofWadham？"
"Soitis，soitis。Ibegyourpardon，Villiers，I
didn’tthinkIwasbeggingofanoldcollegefriend。
Good-night。"
"Mydearfellow，thishasteisunnecessary。Myroomsarecloseby，butwewon’tgotherejustyet。SupposewewalkupShaftesburyAvenuealittleway？Buthowinheaven’snamehaveyoucometothispass，Herbert？"
"It’salongstory，Villiers，andastrangeonetoo，butyoucanhearitifyoulike。"
"Comeon，then。Takemyarm，youdon’tseemverystrong。"
Theill-assortedpairmovedslowlyupRupertStreet；
theoneindirty，evil-lookingrags，andtheotherattiredintheregulationuniformofamanabouttown，trim，glossy，andeminentlywell-to-do。Villiershademergedfromhisrestaurantafteranexcellentdinnerofmanycourses，assistedbyaningratiatinglittleflaskofChianti，and，inthatframeofmindwhichwaswithhimalmostchronic，haddelayedamomentbythedoor，peeringroundinthedimly-lightedstreetinsearchofthosemysteriousincidentsandpersonswithwhichthestreetsofLondonteemineveryquarterandeveryhour。VillierspridedhimselfasapractisedexplorerofsuchobscuremazesandbywaysofLondonlife，andinthisunprofitablepursuithedisplayedanassiduitywhichwasworthyofmoreseriousemployment。Thushestoodbythelamp-postsurveyingthepassers-bywithundisguisedcuriosity，andwiththatgravityknownonlytothesystematicdiner，hadjustenunciatedinhismindtheformula：
"Londonhasbeencalledthecityofencounters；itismorethanthat，itisthecityofResurrections，"whenthesereflectionsweresuddenlyinterruptedbyapiteouswhineathiselbow，andadeplorableappealforalms。Helookedaroundinsomeirritation，andwithasuddenshockfoundhimselfconfrontedwiththeembodiedproofofhissomewhatstiltedfancies。There，closebesidehim，hisfacealteredanddisfiguredbypovertyanddisgrace，hisbodybarelycoveredbygreasyill-fittingrags，stoodhisoldfriendCharlesHerbert，whohadmatriculatedonthesamedayashimself，withwhomhehadbeenmerryandwisefortwelverevolvingterms。Differentoccupationsandvaryinginterestshadinterruptedthefriendship，anditwassixyearssinceVilliershadseenHerbert；andnowhelookeduponthiswreckofamanwithgriefanddismay，mingledwithacertaininquisitivenessastowhatdrearychainofcircumstanceshaddraggedhimdowntosuchadolefulpass。Villiersfelttogetherwithcompassionalltherelishoftheamateurinmysteries，andcongratulatedhimselfonhisleisurelyspeculationsoutsidetherestaurant。
Theywalkedoninsilenceforsometime，andmorethanonepasser-bystaredinastonishmentattheunaccustomedspectacleofawell-dressedmanwithanunmistakablebeggarhangingontohisarm，and，observingthis，VilliersledthewaytoanobscurestreetinSoho。Hereherepeatedhisquestion。
"Howonearthhasithappened，Herbert？IalwaysunderstoodyouwouldsucceedtoanexcellentpositioninDorsetshire。Didyourfatherdisinherityou？Surelynot？"
"No，Villiers；Icameintoallthepropertyatmypoorfather’sdeath；hediedayearafterIleftOxford。Hewasaverygoodfathertome，andImournedhisdeathsincerelyenough。Butyouknowwhatyoungmenare；afewmonthslaterI
cameuptotownandwentagooddealintosociety。OfcourseI
hadexcellentintroductions，andImanagedtoenjoymyselfverymuchinaharmlesssortofway。Iplayedalittle，certainly，butneverforheavystakes，andthefewbetsImadeonracesbroughtmeinmoney——onlyafewpounds，youknow，butenoughtopayforcigarsandsuchpettypleasures。Itwasinmysecondseasonthatthetideturned。Ofcourseyouhaveheardofmymarriage？"
"No，Ineverheardanythingaboutit。"
"Yes，Imarried，Villiers。Imetagirl，agirlofthemostwonderfulandmoststrangebeauty，atthehouseofsomepeoplewhomIknew。Icannottellyouherage；Ineverknewit，but，sofarasIcanguess，IshouldthinkshemusthavebeenaboutnineteenwhenImadeheracquaintance。MyfriendshadcometoknowheratFlorence；shetoldthemshewasanorphan，thechildofanEnglishfatherandanItalianmother，andshecharmedthemasshecharmedme。ThefirsttimeIsawherwasataneveningparty。Iwasstandingbythedoortalkingtoafriend，whensuddenlyabovethehumandbabbleofconversationI
heardavoicewhichseemedtothrilltomyheart。ShewassinginganItaliansong。Iwasintroducedtoherthatevening，andinthreemonthsImarriedHelen。Villiers，thatwoman，ifI
cancallherwoman，corruptedmysoul。ThenightoftheweddingIfoundmyselfsittinginherbedroominthehotel，listeningtohertalk。Shewassittingupinbed，andIlistenedtoherasshespokeinherbeautifulvoice，spokeofthingswhichevennowIwouldnotdarewhisperintheblackestnight，thoughIstoodinthemidstofawilderness。You，Villiers，youmaythinkyouknowlife，andLondon，andwhatgoesondayandnightinthisdreadfulcity；forallIcansayyoumayhaveheardthetalkofthevilest，butItellyouyoucanhavenoconceptionofwhatI
know，notinyourmostfantastic，hideousdreamscanyouhaveimagedforththefaintestshadowofwhatIhaveheard——andseen。Yes，seen。Ihaveseentheincredible，suchhorrorsthatevenImyselfsometimesstopinthemiddleofthestreetandaskwhetheritispossibleforamantobeholdsuchthingsandlive。
Inayear，Villiers，Iwasaruinedman，inbodyandsoul——inbodyandsoul。"
"Butyourproperty，Herbert？YouhadlandinDorset。"
"Isolditall；thefieldsandwoods，thedearoldhouse——everything。"
"Andthemoney？"
"Shetookitallfromme。"
"Andthenleftyou？"
"Yes；shedisappearedonenight。Idon’tknowwhereshewent，butIamsureifIsawheragainitwouldkillme。
Therestofmystoryisofnointerest；sordidmisery，thatisall。Youmaythink，Villiers，thatIhaveexaggeratedandtalkedforeffect；butIhavenottoldyouhalf。Icouldtellyoucertainthingswhichwouldconvinceyou，butyouwouldneverknowahappydayagain。Youwouldpasstherestofyourlife，asIpassmine，ahauntedman，amanwhohasseenhell。"
Villierstooktheunfortunatemantohisrooms，andgavehimameal。Herbertcouldeatlittle，andscarcelytouchedtheglassofwinesetbeforehim。Hesatmoodyandsilentbythefire，andseemedrelievedwhenVillierssenthimawaywithasmallpresentofmoney。
"Bytheway，Herbert，"saidVilliers，astheypartedatthedoor，"whatwasyourwife’sname？YousaidHelen，Ithink？
Helenwhat？"
"ThenameshepassedunderwhenImetherwasHelenVaughan，butwhatherrealnamewasIcan’tsay。Idon’tthinkshehadaname。No，no，notinthatsense。Onlyhumanbeingshavenames，Villiers；Ican’tsayanymore。Good-bye；yes，I
willnotfailtocallifIseeanywayinwhichyoucanhelpme。
Good-night。"
Themanwentoutintothebitternight，andVilliersreturnedtohisfireside。TherewassomethingaboutHerbertwhichshockedhiminexpressibly；nothispoorragsnorthemarkswhichpovertyhadsetuponhisface，butratheranindefiniteterrorwhichhungabouthimlikeamist。Hehadacknowledgedthathehimselfwasnotdevoidofblame；thewoman，hehadavowed，hadcorruptedhimbodyandsoul，andVilliersfeltthatthisman，oncehisfriend，hadbeenanactorinscenesevilbeyondthepowerofwords。Hisstoryneedednoconfirmation：hehimselfwastheembodiedproofofit。Villiersmusedcuriouslyoverthestoryhehadheard，andwonderedwhetherhehadheardboththefirstandthelastofit。"No，"hethought，"certainlynotthelast，probablyonlythebeginning。AcaselikethisislikeanestofChineseboxes；youopenoneaftertheotherandfindaquainterworkmanshipineverybox。MostlikelypoorHerbertismerelyoneoftheoutsideboxes；therearestrangeronestofollow。"
VillierscouldnottakehismindawayfromHerbertandhisstory，whichseemedtogrowwilderasthenightworeon。
Thefireseemedtoburnlow，andthechillyairofthemorningcreptintotheroom；Villiersgotupwithaglanceoverhisshoulder，and，shiveringslightly，wenttobed。
Afewdayslaterhesawathisclubagentlemanofhisacquaintance，namedAustin，whowasfamousforhisintimateknowledgeofLondonlife，bothinitstenebrousandluminousphases。Villiers，stillfullofhisencounterinSohoanditsconsequences，thoughtAustinmightpossiblybeabletoshedsomelightonHerbert’shistory，andsoaftersomecasualtalkhesuddenlyputthequestion：
"DoyouhappentoknowanythingofamannamedHerbert——CharlesHerbert？"
AustinturnedroundsharplyandstaredatVillierswithsomeastonishment。
"CharlesHerbert？Weren’tyouintownthreeyearsago？
No；thenyouhavenotheardofthePaulStreetcase？Itcausedagooddealofsensationatthetime。"
"Whatwasthecase？"
"Well，agentleman，amanofverygoodposition，wasfounddead，starkdead，intheareaofacertainhouseinPaulStreet，offTottenhamCourtRoad。Ofcoursethepolicedidnotmakethediscovery；ifyouhappentobesittingupallnightandhavealightinyourwindow，theconstablewillringthebell，butifyouhappentobelyingdeadinsomebody’sarea，youwillbeleftalone。Inthisinstance，asinmanyothers，thealarmwasraisedbysomekindofvagabond；Idon’tmeanacommontramp，orapublic-houseloafer，butagentleman，whosebusinessorpleasure，orboth，madehimaspectatoroftheLondonstreetsatfiveo’clockinthemorning。Thisindividualwas，ashesaid，’goinghome，’itdidnotappearwhenceorwhither，andhadoccasiontopassthroughPaulStreetbetweenfourandfivea。m。
SomethingorothercaughthiseyeatNumber20；hesaid，absurdlyenough，thatthehousehadthemostunpleasantphysiognomyhehadeverobserved，but，atanyrate，heglanceddowntheareaandwasagooddealastonishedtoseeamanlyingonthestones，hislimbsallhuddledtogether，andhisfaceturnedup。Ourgentlemanthoughthisfacelookedpeculiarlyghastly，andsosetoffataruninsearchofthenearestpoliceman。Theconstablewasatfirstinclinedtotreatthematterlightly，suspectingcommondrunkenness；however，hecame，andafterlookingattheman’sface，changedhistone，quicklyenough。Theearlybird，whohadpickedupthisfineworm，wassentoffforadoctor，andthepolicemanrangandknockedatthedoortillaslatternlyservantgirlcamedownlookingmorethanhalfasleep。Theconstablepointedoutthecontentsoftheareatothemaid，whoscreamedloudlyenoughtowakeupthestreet，butsheknewnothingoftheman；hadneverseenhimatthehouse，andsoforth。Meanwhile，theoriginaldiscovererhadcomebackwithamedicalman，andthenextthingwastogetintothearea。Thegatewasopen，sothewholequartetstumpeddownthesteps。Thedoctorhardlyneededamoment’sexamination；hesaidthepoorfellowhadbeendeadforseveralhours，anditwasthenthecasebegantogetinteresting。Thedeadmanhadnotbeenrobbed，andinoneofhispocketswerepapersidentifyinghimas——well，asamanofgoodfamilyandmeans，afavouriteinsociety，andnobody’senemy，asfarascouldbeknown。I
don’tgivehisname，Villiers，becauseithasnothingtodowiththestory，andbecauseit’snogoodrakinguptheseaffairsaboutthedeadwhentherearenorelationsliving。Thenextcuriouspointwasthatthemedicalmencouldn’tagreeastohowhemethisdeath。Thereweresomeslightbruisesonhisshoulders，buttheyweresoslightthatitlookedasifhehadbeenpushedroughlyoutofthekitchendoor，andnotthrownovertherailingsfromthestreetorevendraggeddownthesteps。
返回顶部