My Library

been so imposed upon—so horribly deceived?’ said he, for he was a devout follower of the modern thaumaturgy. “Several further tests, equally successful and decisive, were then given by this ghostly thing, both by writing, tipping, rapping, and the production of beautiful phantom hands, faces, flowers, and other objects, many of which were not only singular but magnificent. Probably thousands of persons have seen the curious pencil drawings, executed by ‘mediums,’ and which are said to be portraits of ‘Spiritual flowers’—for most certainly they resemble nothing growing on this earth. Well, in less than five minutes the horrible thing there at the table, the eyeless monster, executed thirteen such—and they would pass current as splendid specimens of ‘Spirit art.’ “ ‘Now,’ said Vatterale, ‘for something else.’ And then addressing the thing, he said: ‘You will now render yourself viewless, and show what you can do. And first let us have some music.’ Then turning to the company, he said: ‘Real spirits love the light, but such as that invariably act most efficiently in the dark—for then they have the advantage of the elements condensed upon their forms—a semi-material investiture—and can come in direct contact with material substances, which, in the case of real spirits, is exceedingly difficult of accomplishment.’