“There was no history attached to the place,” Dr. Fanshawe added, “and no one we spoke to had ever heard of its being haunted. Now, what do you make of it?”
“A fairly satisfactory case,” I replied, “because I think this stone affords a clue to part of the mystery at least. When I was out in the West, I was told by some Indians of the Rogue River tribe, whom I was delighted to fall in with, that when a place of theirs was haunted, they kept the ghost quiet by burying a piece of blue rock, which is to be found in the lava beds of that district, but is very rare. Now in all probability this custom is not confined to the Indians of one tribe, but is more or less universal; therefore we need not be surprised to find a piece of this blue rock buried elsewhere.”
“But there are no Indians in this neighbourhood,” Mrs. Fanshawe remarked.
“Not now,” I said, “but undoubtedly there were once. My supposition is that this place has a history. It was once badly haunted by spirits of the most dangerous type, which, for want of a better name, I will style neutrarians.
“These neutrarians are spirits that have never inhabited material bodies, and are only to be found in very remote and isolated districts, where the soil has rarely if ever been disturbed. They are invariably antagonistic to all forms of animal life, probably, because, if they were created first, which is quite feasible, they regard man as an interloper, and, probably, also because they covet man’s body and are jealous of him. Many of the Indians believe that man is descended from the gods, and neutrarians from devils, and that the latter feel the distinction and hate man accordingly. Neutrarians vary considerably both in appearance, habits and constitution. Whilst some can apparently reveal themselves at will, others can only do so by stealing vitality from human beings or animals. Let us now see how all of this applies to the present case. When you came to your house you did not get the impression it was haunted; it was only when you looked at the quarry—it was there you received your first impressions—and they were, in all probability, correct. I believe a great deal in first impressions, particularly with regard to the superphysical. This theory, too, namely, that the hauntings originated in the quarry, finds support in the fact that you found the blue stone close to the quarry, and that the figure you both saw coming along the carriage drive was coming from that direction. The blue stone, I believe, had been buried there and was dug up when the quarry was made; thus the stopper, so to speak, which kept the ghost in check being removed, the hauntings of course recommenced. Belonging to the species that cannot manifest itself without drawing vitality from some form or other of animal life, this neutrarian first attacked the gardener’s wife, and then the maid, selecting these two on account of their unusual robustness. Had you not thrown the blue stone at it, and afterwards fixed the stone to your door, it is more than likely that you would both have succumbed.”
“Then many diseases that have defied diagnosis, and there are countless such,” Dr. Fanshawe exclaimed, “may very probably be due to neutrarians.”
“I think it is very likely,” I said. “I have noticed, for example, houses, where several people have been medically stated to have died of cancer, have been haunted by disturbances of a parallel nature to those you experienced.”
“But are such hauntings to go on for ever?” Mrs. Fanshawe asked. “Is there no means of putting an end to them, saving by blue stones? How about exorcism?”
“I am not sure on that point,” I said. “I certainly do not think that neutrarians or the spirits of imbeciles can be exorcised satisfactorily, as I have known several cases of hauntings by these spirits in which exorcism has been practised, and in no instance has it had any effect whatsoever. I should say hauntings by neutrarians might last indefinitely; I see no reason why they should not. Have you made any enquiries lately about the house?”
“No,” Mrs. Fanshawe replied, “not for some time. When we get back to Montreal, we will do so, and let you know.” The conversation ended here.