Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 7.pdf/344

 exhaustive tests! Every possible way. I ask you, sir—have you given the spirits a chance?"

"It is only paying guineas to humbugs," said Smithers.

"There you are! Prejudice! Here is a man denies the facts and consequently won't see them, won't go near them."

"But you wouldn't have every man in the three kingdoms who disbelieved in spirits, attend séances before he should be allowed to deny?"

"Most assuredly yes. Most assuredly yes! He knows nothing about it till then."

The argument became heated. The little old gentleman was soon under way. He knew a person of the most extraordinary gifts, a medium

"Paid?" asked Smithers.

"Would you muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn?" said Lagune promptly.

Smithers's derision was manifest.

"Would you distrust a balance because you bought it? Come and see." Lagune was now very excited and inclined to gesticulate and raise his voice. He invited the whole class incontinently to a series of special séances. "Not all at once—the spirits—new influences." But in sections. "I warn you we may get nothing. But the chances are I would rejoice infinitely"

So it came about that Lewisham consented to witness a spirit-raising. Miss Heydinger it was arranged should be there, and the sceptic Smithers, Lagune, his typist, and the medium would complete the party. Afterwards there was to be another