“Mr. Sellers. We will try that later.
“Mr. Furness (to the ‘medium,’ informally). This investigation is one of great importance to us. There is no question about it—we have heard these curious sounds. Now as to whether they come from ‘spirits’ or not—that would seem to be the very next logical step in our inquiry. I think you are entirely at one with us in every possible desire to have this phenomenon investigated.
“The ‘Medium.’ Oh, certainly. But I pledge myself to conform to nothing, for—as I said in Europe—I do not even say the sounds are from ‘spirits;’ and, what is more, it is utterly beyond human power to detect them. I do not say they are the spirits of our departed friends, but I leave others to judge for themselves.
“Mr. Furness. Then you have come to the conclusion that they are entirely independent of yourself.
“The ‘Medium.’ No, I do not know that they are entirely independent of myself.
“Mr. Furness. Under what conditions can you influence them?
“The response, which was partly inaudible at the reporter’s seat, was understood to be: ‘I cannot tell.’
“Mr. Furness. You say that in the generality of cases they are beyond your control?
“The ‘Medium.’ Yes.
“Mr. Furness. How in the world shall we test that?