"Three raps will mean 'yes,' two raps 'no.'
"Are there any spirits present?" asked Delapine.
Three knocks were heard and felt by all the sitters.
"What is your name?"
Slowly the raps spelt out M-a-r-i-a L-e-o-n-o-r-a.
"Maria Leonora, why, that is my dear mother's maiden name," whispered Renée to Villebois.
Again the raps spelt out M-a-r-i-a L-e-o-n-o-r-a.
The financier turned pale as death, while Renée trembled all over.
"I want Monsieur Delapine to retire to the cabinet, I think I can then collect power enough to appear and speak," was rapped out.
Delapine leaned over to Riche and whispered in his ear,