The Spirit Murder Mystery Read Free

which he was reading so eagerly was Sir William Crookes’s, “Researches in the Phenomena of Spiritualism,” for the general bias of John Thurlow’s mind was sceptical and he was, he felt, approaching his subject from a sound, scientific point of view. He achieved considerable satisfaction from this reflection; the scientific approach was a subtle screen against ridicule. Not that he knew much about any science except that of making money, but the very word science seemed to have an almost hypnotic effect on his powers of reasoning. For the opinions of famous scientists in any branch of learning he had a deferential awe, and any statement of theirs, no matter how guarded or theoretical, he would swallow with unquestioning credulity.
    All at once he rose from his chair, paced up and down the room to stretch his limbs, and as abruptly sat down again.
    â€œWell, Eileen, I’m at last convinced that there is something in spiritualism!” he exclaimed, turning his chair round to his niece as if eager to discuss the subject.
    Eileen closed her own book with an air of satisfaction and looked at her uncle with a smile playing about the corners of her lips.
    â€œBelief must be largely a matter of temperament, Uncle. I never required conversion. I must have been born in the faith, so to speak. You’ve only reached conviction after quite a lot of persuasion and study.”
    â€œWell, Eileen, you see, I want scientific proof. I’m naturally sceptical and cautious. But to be half converted, one has only got to think for a moment of the famous scientists who’ve been confirmed believers in spiritualism. There’s Sir William Crookes, whose book I’m reading. There’s Sir Oliver Lodge and Camille Flammarion and the rest of them. I’m absolutely convinced at last. You might humbug the ordinary man in the street, but you can’t humbug trained observers and exact thinkers.”
    â€œI suppose not,” replied Eileen somewhat listlessly and, after a pause, added, “but now you’re fairly certain that there is such a thing as spirit manifestation, you’ve only got to keep your mind open and you’ll get some actual proof, visual or aural. This old house, in which people have lived continuously for hundreds of years is particularly favourable for such. You’re almost certain to hear the faint strains of music which I’ve repeatedly heard for some time now. I should say a former occupant of this house was a keen musician.”
    â€œYou’re quite sure that this spirit music isn’t just fancy? I often have all sorts of tunes running through my head, but I can’t say I actually hear them. They’re quite different.”
    â€œNo, no, it’s not imagination on my part. I distinctly hear music; it’s very faint, but quite audible.”
    â€œCan you distinguish the instrument?” asked John Thurlow, after a moment’s reflection.
    â€œWhat a strange question to ask!” exclaimed Eileen with genuine surprise. “Now that point never struck me. I was so excited by the manifestation that I didn’t worry about the instrument. When I come to think of it, I must say the music sounded like the faint notes of a church organ.”
    â€œThe church is a mile away, and even when the wind is in this direction, it’s impossible to hear the church organ. Can’t be that, for I’ve checked it up since you first told me of the phenomenon. When did you hear it last?”
    â€œOn Tuesday night and it was particularly clear. I was sitting in this room when it occurred. You were out having a chat with Doctor Cornard.”
    â€œYes, I remember. Strangely enough, our talk turned on the subject of spiritualism. I had a hot argument with him. He flatly says he thinks it’s all rot. I mentioned this book of Sir William Crookes’s to him, and he declared that a famous scientist was usually a specialist in one subject