I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least something of a theologian.
The Czar proceeded:
“There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He came here nearly a year ago—just when the difficulty with Japan was beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can rely on him absolutely.”
This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler’s mind. The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame Krüdener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making money.
But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
I listened anxiously for more.
The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my face, went on to enlighten me.
“Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private séance. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond.”
“Is it permissible to ask the spirit’s name?” I ventured respectfully.