There was a pause. “Yes. Of course I do. A. L. Wells.”
Arthur had been known to most of us by his Christian name, but the initials were correct.
“How do you know it is an L.?”
“On letters,” was the laconic answer. Then: “Letters, letters, who has the letters?”
“Do you know whose cane this is?”
“Yes.”
“Will you tell us?”
Up to that time the replies had come easily and quickly. But beginning with the cane question, the medium was in difficulties. She moved uneasily, and spoke irritably. The replies were slow and grudging. Foreign subjects were introduced, as now.
“Horace’s wife certainly bullies him,” said the voice. “He’s afraid of her. And the fire-tongs—the fire-tongs—the fire-tongs!”
“Whose cane is this?” Herbert repeated.