With bowed head Adoni stood beside his mother's bed and looked silently upon her white features. Was it the austere majesty of death that confronted him? The stillness of that rigid form proclaimed death's dominion. Upon the settled calm of these waxen features its seal was set.

Adoni knew that transition is not annihilation. His mother was a living soul in or out of the body, and if the life cord had not yet been severed from the mortal habitation, the power of love might not fail him to raise the dead and restore life enough to have his mother speak once more.

"Martha, dear, I want you to leave me alone with mother. I will call you when she has returned - if she may return."

Martha obeyed quietly and Adoni was left alone - with the one called dead.

Silently he held her cold, lifeless hand in his strong life-giving clasp. He placed his other hand upon her forehead and knelt with closed eyes in communion with God.

A solemn, death-like stillness prevailed. Oblivious to all external surroundings the passing of time was not heeded.

Just once the sacred name of "mother" was breathed upon the listening air with startling distinctness!

"Mother, can you hear me? Are you coming?" Moments passed! Then a slight tremor became visible upon the fragile form. A delicate flush crept over the pallid features - the eyelids began to flutter - then unclosed! With an unfathomable light shining from them, they looked consciously into those bending over her.

Her lips shaped his name, but - no sound issued from them------.

Adoni leaned closer, then kissed her tenderly! "Dear little mother," he murmured with trembling voice. "I knew you would come back."

"There, there, do not try to speak, mother - rest for a moment, while I call Martha."

Stepping to the door - Adoni beckoned his sister! With breathless agitation, she hurried to the bedside! At the sight of her mother's open eyes, an involuntary cry of joyful surprise fell from her lips, and brought the doctor to the door.

He stopped short! Awe-struck and speechless he stared upon the "dead" - resurrected - to life!

Adoni was bending over his mother, holding her hands in his quiet, masterful way, pouring all the magnetic power of heart and soul into her frail body, to revive and strengthen her weak body - the effect was magical!

She turned her head toward her loved ones and looked from one to the other with a sweet smile.

Her lips began to move, forming a few faint words. Moments again elapsed in which she appeared to make a supreme effort, then she spoke with a calm and distinct voice:

"My blessed children - love has - prevailed - once - more. I am permitted to remain with you for a brief time. When I leave you, I cannot come again - only in spirit. God has granted my prayer, in leaving my message with you."

"My son,"she continued. - "You have evolved into the great illumination - have battled and overcome - ready to undertake God's work - of spreading the light! Remember your name - it was given to you for a purpose! 'Adoni, the Spirit of Light.' Let it ever shine in the dark places. Let your work of love be the accomplishment of that purpose, which will place you in the current of mighty forces - inspiring you to become a master------."

She faltered - closed her eyes - then opened them again with a look of renewed strength. Laying her hand upon Adoni's head she proceeded in distinct sentences.

"My son, a holy mission has been assigned to you - you have become a chosen instrument - . Profound knowledge shall be imparted to you, by one of the seers of old. - An adept - whom I have never seen in the flesh - but - with whom I have held spiritual converse - awaits you! He is old in years and experience, though young in appearance. His home lies in a remote region of the

Himalaya mountains, where in the silence, free from distracting influences, you will be taught the "Science of Life' and so-called Death. The letter which Martha will give you, contains complete instructions how to find him. Are you ready, my son - and willing to obey this call?"

Her eyes lovingly sought his with a look of searching inquiry?

"I am more than ready, mother," said Adoni with resolute firmness!

"I am conscious of my imperfections, and am eager to learn of the wise men, ail that my mind is able to comprehend, and I thank God for the rare opportunity that you, dear mother, are now giving me.

A smile, radiant and beautiful, lighted the mother's countenance.

"Spoken like my own dear boy, granting as ever, your mother's desire of the heart."

Turning then to Martha, she spoke most tenderly: "Darling little girl, you will be brave, I know. Tour Aunt Martha will come to make her home with you - then - when your brother returns - he will be both father and mother to his little sister."

She reached out her hand - Adoni clasped it!

Placing his arm protectingly about his sister he assured his mother, with tremulous voice, that he would regard this duty as the most sacred obligation of his life.

With a happy smile the mother closed her eyes. Brother and sister both watched with abated breath, wondering if she would speak once more?

After moments of deathlike stillness, - the heavy eyelids unclosed, - she looked upward and smiled! "Your father - !" she whispered softly - "is waiting for me - ." Her voice grew fainter, - she stopped breathing!

The two watchers bent over her to catch her feeble words, and glanced at each other with questioning eyes -? Adoni broke the solemn silence.

"Mother dear" his voice trembled! - "Do you wish to go - is there anything more you would like to say to us -?"

How solemn and peaceful this death-bed scene! No fear engraved upon the mother's face; simply a look of anticipated joy, while awaiting that wondrous transition from this earth plane, into that perfect life beyond!