Devil May Care (A Jonathan Harker Mystery) by Tony Evans Read Free Book Online Page A

remembered. But what the devil is it, Charles?’
    In answer to my question he picked up the lamp and walked to the far wall of the library, scrutinising the shelves. After opening a few books and replacing them he returned with a somewhat mildewed volume and sat down in his chair.
    ‘In saying “What the devil” you may have come closer to the truth than you intended. See this.’
    He held the book open so that all four of us could see the peculiar design which filled the lower part of one page. It consisted of an outer circle with an equal-sided triangle set within it. Esoteric, rune-like symbols could be seen in the spaces between the straight sides of the triangle and the outer circle. Inside the triangle sat a second inner circle, which contained no markings.
    Mina held my pocket-book next to the ancient volume. It was quite clear that other than the symbols – which either I had not observed clearly or which had been absent from my dream – my sketch was the same as the diagram which Charles had unearthed.
    Edith refilled our glasses. ‘I think you’d better explain, Charles,’ she said.
    ‘Very well. The book I have here,’ he held it up momentarily, ‘is The Magus , or Celestial Intelligencer , by Francis Barrett. It was published in 1801. The book is a guide to the occult and to ceremonial magic and is itself based on a number of much earlier works, including some very rare manuscripts. The illustration is of the Seal of Lucifer, an ancient and powerful symbol. Of course the modern church is inclined to dismiss such things as myths and legends.’
    As he spoke I wondered how the Seal could have entered my dream. One possible explanation was that I had seen it before, perhaps years ago in some forgotten book or monograph and since forgotten it. Neither could I dismiss an alternative possibility: that the dream had been the result of an external influence rather than simply the regurgitation of my own unconscious imagination.
    ‘Perhaps we are too quick to dismiss such disturbing beliefs as mere superstition,’ Edith said. ‘What is the purpose of the Seal of Lucifer, according to those who have faith in such things?’
    Charles paused to gather his thoughts. ‘I am not an expert in occult beliefs, which in any event are rarely consistent or reliable. However, in broad terms, the Seal is used to summon Satan’s presence. There are many reasons why a misguided person might want to attract the attention of the Prince of Darkness. However, the use of the Seal suggests a particular purpose: the offering of a sacrifice in the hope of the reward of immortality – or at any rate, of a life prolonged beyond its normal span.’
    Mina nodded. ‘I have read of such practices. Am I right in saying that in return for the soul of the man or woman sacrificed, Satan grants to his acolyte the life-force of the victim’s body?’
    ‘You are absolutely correct,’ Charles answered.
    ‘Mina’s researches for her sensational fiction sometimes take her into very strange places,’ I said with a smile. ‘But can we seriously believe that such rituals are practised today?’
    Charles shook his head. ‘I think it unlikely that they are often practised , as such, but I would not be surprised if they were attempted . Amateur occultism is after all not uncommon. However, even if we accept the reality of such arts, it would require an unusually competent magician to achieve any success.’
    ‘And what is your own opinion, Charles?’ Mina asked. ‘Can the power of Satan really be harnessed by a human being?’
    ‘I would like to think not, but there is a great deal of evidence to suggest the feat is not impossible. You and Jonathan know more than most that the physical laws of everyday life can sometimes be transcended by darker powers and as a churchman I must necessarily believe in a spiritual realm, if not a magical one.’

     
    Chapter Six
     
    The following morning I decided that I would go to St Ives to try to