’"How am I to know you are what you represent yourself to be?” said I, trying the softest manner of speech; (the poor victim appeared at ease immediately).—­“Ask me any question you please,” was replied, apparently by the woman, “and I will answer you.”  I rose and went into the front entrance of the house, which is divided from the zeenahnah by a high wall, as are all our Mussulmaun houses, and returned with something closely concealed in my hand.  I asked, “What is enclosed in my clenched hand?”—­“A piece of charcoal,” was the prompt reply.  It was so in truth; I could no longer doubt.

’Another of the party was sent to the outer house; and, again I inquired, “What is in this person’s hand?”—­“Grains of corn.”—­“Of what nature?”—­“Wheat.”  The hand was opened, and the contents were really as was said;—­confirming to all present, if they had ever doubted, that the poor woman was possessed by the demon, as I have before represented.  Nearly two hours were spent in the most singular conversations, which, whilst they amused me exceedingly, convinced me by my own observations of the truth of that which I had but imperfectly believed before these trials.

’"I will certainly destroy you in this fire, unless you give me ample assurances that you will never again annoy or torment this poor inoffensive woman;” and, as I presented my preparation, the screams, the cries of “Spare me! oh, spare me this fiery torment!” were repeated with redoubled force.  I asked, “What is your belief?”—­“I believe in one God, the Creator of all things;” was promptly answered.—­“Then away to the forest, the boon you first craved from me, nor again venture to return to this house.”

’The instant my command was given, the woman was calm, her reason restored immediately; her shame and confusion were beyond expressing by words, as she awoke from what she termed a dream of heavy terror that had overpowered her.  The appearance of a strange man,—­herself but half clad, for in the moments of raving she had torn off parts of her clothing, leaving the upper part of her person entirely uncovered—­nearly deprived her again of returning reason; her husband’s presence, however, soothed her mind; but it was some time before her confusion was sufficiently banished to enable her to converse freely with me.  In answer to the questions I asked of her, she replied that she had not the least recollection of what had occurred.  She fancied herself overpowered by a dreadful dream which had agitated her greatly, though she could not recollect what was the nature of that dream.  I ordered some cooling beverage to be prepared for my patient, and recommending rest and quiet, took my leave, promising to visit her again in my professional character, should any return of the calamity render my visit necessary.  The whole family heaped blessings and prayers on my head for the benefit they believed I had been the instrument of Providence in rendering to their house.