Lehal Library

Here is another case, found worthy of a place in that famous work, but included somewhat doubtfully here in our present category, because though the Double was able-bodied and was seen, and challenged, by two of his friends, two others who were in the office had not noticed him. His exit also seems to have been unusual. The story is told by Mr. R. Mouat of Barnsbury, and the Double was that of the Rev. Mr. H., who shared his office. On September 5th, 1867, Mr. Mouat entered his office at about 9.45 a.m., and his clerk, who was in conversation with the porter, immediately questioned him about the arrival of a telegram which had missed him. Mr. H. was also there, standing behind the clerk; it was unusual for him to be there so early and he wore a melancholy look and was without his necktie. While the clerk, the porter and Mr. Mouat were discussing the telegram, a Mr. R. from an office upstairs, who was a friend of Mr. H. and Mr. Mouat, looked in. Presently the porter and Mr. R. went away, and Mr. Mouat, turning to Mr. H., said: "Well, what's the matter with you? You look so sour." Mr. H. made no answer, but continued to look fixedly at Mr. Mouat. After a moment or two the clerk said, "Here is a letter from Mr. H.," and as he spoke Mr. H. vanished. The clerk had not seen him, neither had the porter, but Mr. R. had seen him distinctly, and, when questioned, said that, though gesticulating at him facetiously, Mr. H. had not responded, but lifting a book had begun to read. The letter, dated the day before, was from Mr. H., to the effect that, not feeling very well, he would not be at the office next morning. At the time of the apparition he was at home,