At midnight a heavy rain was falling, fitful flashes of lightning cleft the dark clouds asunder, their lurid glare revealing a ghostly sky line against the sombre curtain of the night. Flickering lights cast spectral shadows along the deserted thoroughfares, tall trees writhed and twisted in the fierce grasp of the wind that careened howling and shrieking through the streets. The rain dashed in torrents against the buildings of a great city, and the water rushed in noisy turbulence along the smooth pavement. It was a night to daunt the stoutest heart from braving its fury but its tempestuous wrath had no terrors for one lonely wanderer.

Truth Ralston was fleeing from an unspeakable horror; on and on she sped, battling the raging elements. A nameless fear which shook her very being into active revolt was urging her along.

In sheer desperation she held her course, until at last, well nigh exhausted, drenched with rain, her mantle clinging in dank folds about her, she reached her mother's home. The house was in darkness. With her own key Truth unlocked the massive door and entered the dimly lit hall of her mother's home - and only haven of refuge.

Casting aside her wet mantle, she stole noiselessly to her mother's apartment. Finding her fast asleep, Truth leaned over her and whispered in agony: "Mother! Mother! Can you hear me!"

"Oh, Mother! Mother dear!" she cried in a voice of despair, "wake, wake, it is I - Truth." Mrs. Ralston opened her eyes and gazed at Truth in utter amazement, then springing from bed she cried in astonishment: "Truth Ralston! What in heaven's name brings you home!"

For a few moments Truth looked at her mother wildly, then with a sob threw her arms around her neck, striving for coherent utterance. She choked - faltered, then whispered brokenly: "Help me, mother dear, to understand. Am I awake or asleep? Everything seems like a horrible nightmare."

"Ever since I left the church I've oeen scarcely conscious of what I was doing. I could not stay longer in that house with him; he's vile, wicked. He uses some unnatural power to control my will; some evil influence haunts me at every move. I tried to escape it and ran from the house. Oh, mother, I am horribly afraid of him."

'Truth, what in the world are you talking about? Are you in a delirium? What wild raving! Sheer nonsense! You must be mad to come here alone at this hour of the night. Child, what have you done?"

"Mother, listen; try to comprehend this terrible, almost inconceivable truth. I've been hypnotized."

Mrs. Ralston raised her hands in protesting disbelief.

"Yes, mother. I know it now. I have felt it vaguely for some time, but today - tonight - I realize and can explain this dazed feeling which paralyzes my will. Oh, mother, it's intolerable. When I'm under this spell I'm not myself; not a conscious individual, but a mere creature under the domination of evil desire. Oh! The very thought of it makes me shudder. Mother! Can't you understand?"

"Do you expect me to understand your disordered imagination? Why do you display such an amazing state of mind by coming, home in this manner? How did you get here? Where is Clarence?"

"I don't know." Truth passed her hands across her brow with a gesture of bewildered recollection.

"I scarcely remember what it was that awakened me. I think it was the storm. I know there was a terrific crash - a blinding light. I felt a shock which seemed to rouse me with a sudden wave of apprehension. I realized that I must flee instantly from Clarence Vallero. I rushed downstairs, out of the house into the stormy night and fled from him, never to return again."

"Indeed you shall," exclaimed Mrs. Ralston angrily. "You shall return immediately, and I will go with you. Do you think that I shall permit you to bring public scandal upon us, all for a morbid fancy? Truth, you must be mad or ill, in which case I will summon the doctor at once when you are safely back in your own home."

Truth's heart sank. Her own home. A wave of utter desolation overcame her but she answered bravely. "No, mother, you may drive me out into the storm again but never into the house with Clarence Vallero."

For a few moments Mrs. Ralston regarded Truth in speechless astonishment. What had come over her? She, who had ever been so docile - was she going to develop her father's obstinate spirit? Whatever it was Mrs. Ralston felt that to humor Truth in her rash resolve would be social suicide, therefore her next words were spoken with an air of finality.

"It's useless to waste any more time on this subject. You shall return with me right now. I shall order the car and make myself ready with all possible dispatch. Let me think. The servants must know nothing of this to save appearances; we shall have to walk. The storm is abating and I can easily return again before morning." With this Mrs. Ralston hurried into the dressing room to prepare for the journey.

Being left alone Truth summoned every faculty to think how she might overcome her mother's determination. What course should she pursue?

Her thoughts leaped like lightning from one expedient to another. If her mother failed her in this hour of need to whom in all the world should she call upon for help? "Oh, God, thou alone canst save me; show me the way, I pray."

Slowly Truth sank upon her knees and bowed her head in silent prayer. After a few moments she arose quickly. Like one receiving an inspiration the thought of Adoni flashed upon her mind.

He would understand; he would sympathize with and help her. She hastened to the telephone and rang continuously; it seemed like ages before her call was heard - but at last the voice of Adoni sounded in her ears. "Hello, this is Truth Ralston speaking; I'm at mother's; do you understand? At mother's. Can you come here at once? I need a friend." "What?" "Please come at once." "Yes, yes." "Please do; don't ring; I shall watch for you and let you in."