The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1902-07-03

| often communicated. JOlQ you
what my privileged experience had
been, and / can prove it, incredible
as it may appear to you"
While he was speaking number
Of new arrivals had invaded the
cafe, calling in on their way from a
neighboring theater for drink or
cigar. Their curiosity being
aroused by the words they had par
TALLY heard, they drew near to lis
ten and, being informed Of what
had happened, joined the others in
discussing the pros and cons of this
debatable topic, some laughingly,
some seriously, according to the
view they took Of the subject. No
one seemed to take it very seriously,
however, except a few, who shook
their heads doubtfully, while others
laughed at them and joked about
spirits. Above the Babel-like noise
ordinations and snatches of con-
versation could be heard, such as:
TImpossiblep' "Who knows? Do
you? 7" SsWhat will you bet p sFI am
no foolp' sFI bet hundred francs
he can't prove it,p' "Strange things
happen!" etc.
The gambling element asserting
itself, bets ran high, and it was
finally agreed to deposit the stakes
in the hands of the incredulous
man, and then they called upon the
spiritualist with the weird look in
his eyes to make good his words.
He seemed strangely reluctant
and sighed and hesitated, but at
last he made up his mind and said:
IF [ comply with your request,
you must all submit to my condi-
tions, You must give me your
promise that no one will attempt to
intrude upon me or disturb me in
any way and that / shall have one
witness with me-
This was considered quite reason
able, and all consented readily.
81 need not add that of course
you viii hold yourselves bound in
honor to keep the conditions faith
fully. You, sir" he continued, fix
ing his basilisk eye on his oppo-
nent, who WINGED perceptibly, S'shall
be that witness. You must accom-
pany me into the next room. The
doors shall be left open, and you
will have to describe aloud what
ever you may see. If the experience
turns out to be painful one, you
have only yourself to thank for it.
With these words he rose and
walked toward the corridor leading
to the inner part of the house and
beckoned to the other man, who, by
this time considerably subdued, hes
itated for minute; but, putting on
the best face he could, he took up
lighted lamp from table and fol
lowed him into the first room to
the right, leaving the doors wide
open. @
AS they disappeared a strange
hush fell over the noisy and excited
company. Silence reigned for some
time, until the twelve strokes Of
midnight were heard sounding dis
family from a church clock. Then
a voice arose in the next room, say
ing slowly and solemnly:
maurice Durand, thou who didst
promise that on the anniversary Of
our cruel parting thou wouldst give
me the consolation of seeing thee
again if [ called upon thee to ap-
pear, remember thy promise! Dear
friend, [ entreat thee come! Maui
rice, appearp
Then came pause, amid breath
less silence, but soon the voice was
heard again, saying:
Maurice, remember thy vow! /
beseech thee, appearw
Another silence. Then another
voice was heard, saying in tremu-
lous accents:
s1There is faint light in the
darkest part Of the room. It takes
shape! 1t approaches! It is-ah!
Awayp0
An unearthly shrek rent the air,
followed by a crash and heavy
fall, and then all was silence once
more
The startled listeners looked at
each other with ,dismay. Some had
turned pale, while others looked i'll
at ease, but all felt uncertain, irres-
olute what to do. Some time elaps-
Aed before it was suggested that they
ought to disregard their promise
and go in and see what had hap
pened, SO as to render assistance if
it were needed. A move was made
toward the room, but it was in total
darkness. A light was procured,
and this was what they found:
The room was empty, the lamp