“And next to highest?”

“Self-improvement.”

“I agree,” Ragen said.

“Let me tell you about a book I read that explains how its possible to control one’s adrenaline, to channel it for maximum power.”

Ragen listened as Arthur described his readings in biology, especially his interest in the idea of harnessing fear and transforming it into energy by adrenaline and thyroid secretion. Ragen found himself annoyed at Arthurs assumption of superiority, but he could not deny that the Englishman knew a great deal he himself had never heard of.

“You play chess?” Arthur asked.

“Of course,” said Ragen.

“All right then, pawn to king four.”

Ragen thought a moment and answered: “Knight to queens bishop three.”

Arthur visualized the board and said, “Ah, an Indian defense. Very good.”

Arthur won the game, and every chess game they played after that. Ragen had to admit that when it came to mental concentration, Arthur was his superior. He consoled himself with the knowledge that Arthur couldn’t fight if his life depended on it.

“We will need you to protect us,” Arthur said.

“How you can read my mind?”

“A simple technique. You should be able to pick it up someday yourself.”

“Does Billy know about us?”

“No. He hears voices from time to time and he sees visions, but he has no notion we exist.”

“Should he not be told?”

“I don’t think so. I believe it would drive him insane.”

Chapter Nine

(1)

In March 1970, Robert Martin, school psychologist at Stan-bery Junior High, reported:

On several occasions Bill couldn’t remember where he was, couldn’t recall where his belongings were, and could not walk without assistance. The pupils of his eyes were pinpoint in size at these times. Recently Bill has had frequent altercations with teachers and peers which result in his leaving class. During these episodes he is depressed, cries and becomes incommunicative. During one of these recent episodes Bill was observed attempting to step in front of a moving car. Bill was taken to a physician for this behavior. It was reported that the diagnosis was “psychic trances.”

During my evaluation Bill appeared depressed, but well in control of his behavior. The evaluation revealed a strong dislike for his stepfather and strong aversion to his home because of this. Bill sees his stepfather as an extremely rigid, tyrannical individual with little feeling for others. This impression was verified by Bill’s mother in a parent conference. She reported that Bill’s natural father committed suicide and that Bill’s stepfather often compared Bill to his natural father. He frequently states that Bill and his mother were responsible for the natural father’s suicide (mother’s statement).

(2)

John W. Young, principal of Stanbery Junior High, discovered that Billy Milligan frequently cut class and sat on the steps outside his office or at the rear of the auditorium. Young would always sit beside the boy and talk with him.

Sometimes Billy spoke of his dead father and said he would like to be an entertainer when he grew up. He spoke of how bad things were at home. But often, Principal Young realized, the boy was in a trance. He would lead Billy to his car and take him home. After a great many of these episodes, Principal Young referred him to the Fairfield County Clinic for Guidance and Mental Health.