Page:Pain--Stories in the dark.djvu/196

THE GRAY CAT or with that witchcraft in which even in England to-day some still believe, and not so long ago almost all believed. I have never, by the way, seen a good explanation of the fact that there are people who cannot bear to be in a room with a cat, and are aware of its presence as if by some mysterious extra sense. Let me remind you of the belief which undoubtedly exists both in China and Japan, that evil spirits may enter into certain of the lower animals, the fox and badger especially. Every student of demonology knows about these things.

'But that idea of evil spirits taking possession of cats or foxes is surely a heathen superstition which you cannot hold.'

'Well, I have read of the evil spirits that entered into the swine. Think it over, and keep an open mind.'