“If I have a high place in the scientific world as you say, it is because I have concentrated upon what is useful and discarded what is nebulous or absurd. My brain, sir, does not pare the edges. It cuts right through. It has cut right through this and has found fraud and folly.” “Both are there at times,” said Atkinson, “and yet ... and yet! Ah, well, Malone, I’m some way from home and it is late. You will excuse me, Professor. I am honoured to have met you.” Malone was leaving also and the two friends had a few minutes’ chat before they went their separate ways, Atkinson to Wimpole Street and Malone to South Norwood, where he was now living. “Grand old fellow!” said Malone, chuckling. “You must never get offended with him. He means no harm. He is splendid.” “Of course he is. But if anything could make me a real out-and-out Spiritualist it is that sort of intolerance. It is very common, though it is generally cast rather in the tone of the quiet sneer than of the noisy roar. I like the latter best. By the way, Malone, if you care to go deeper into this subject I may be able to help you. You’ve heard of Linden?” “Linden, the professional medium. Yes, I’ve been told he is the greatest blackguard unhung.” “Ah, well, they usually talk of them like that. You must judge for yourself. He put his knee-cap out last winter and I put it in again, and that has made a friendly bond between us. It’s not always easy to get him, and of course a small fee, a guinea I think, is usual, but if you wanted a sitting I could work it.” “You think him genuine?” Atkinson shrugged his shoulders. “I daresay they all take the line of least resistance. I can only say that I have never detected him in fraud. You must judge for yourself.” “I will,” said Malone. “I am getting hot on this trail. And there is copy in it, too. When things are more easy I’ll write to you, Atkinson, and we can go more deeply into the matter.” CHAPTER IV WHICH DESCRIBES SOME STRANGE DOINGS IN HAMMERSMITH