This was a corker! We dared not ask Moïse for the name of the owner of the treasure, and then reproduce it on the spook-board, for he might give us a false name as a test. Nor did we wish to repeat the hackneyed trick of pretending that Spooks have difficulties in giving names, for our Spook had been cheerily naming Maule, Gilchrist, and others right along. Of course, if the worst came to the worst, the Spook could forget the name, and prove from an eloquent and scientific passage in Raymond that this was a common failing with spirits.[[27]] But we hoped to find a more original way out of the difficulty.
Before the next treasure séance took place we had some success in dealing with the camp’s business, which will be narrated later. We met again for treasure-hunting from 8.15 to 11.30 p.m. on March 19th. There were the usual preliminaries. Then the Spook said—(I again quote the record):
Spook. “Now, about OOO. I have found out a lot about him.”
Moïse. “Had you much work before you found out? And will you tell us how you did it?”
Spook. “It is very hard, and it is difficult to tell you about him, because he and his friends are struggling to control the mediums.” (The glass here began to move jerkily, indicating OOO.) “Look out. Stop!” (We stopped, in obedience to Moïse, who was greatly excited.)
Spook. “When the glass begins jerking like that it means I have lost control, and the mediums must stop at once, as OOO is in control. Do you understand?”
Moïse. “We understand. Would you like to tell us what sort of a struggle it is?”
Spook. “Mental struggle, but do not go into side questions to-night, as there is much opposition.”
Moïse. “All right, Sir.”
Spook. “Keep cool, Moïse! You are too excited, and will influence the mediums.”