"The reason is obvious--the light would spoil the plate." "Well then, might not the light interfere with the success of the phenomena of a séance in the same way? The one is just as logical as the other." "Bravo, bravo," cried Renée, clapping her hands. "Pardon me," said Riche, anxious to justify himself, "but what I complain of is the absence of any proof. What I demand is evidence that is unimpeachable and crushing before I can believe any of these things. All I ask for is some proof, some message purporting to come from the other world through spirits who will convince me that the dead live, and that they can communicate with us." "You shall have it, you shall have it," cried the professor, rubbing his hands. "Have you ever heard the story of the Widow's Mite?" "No" they all cried out together. "Well, then, if you allow me, I will relate it to you." CHAPTER III THE STORY OF THE WIDOW'S MITE[4] Der Feind den wir am tiefsten hassen, Der uns umlagert schwarz und dicht, Das ist der Unverstand der Massen, Den nur des Geistes Schwert durchbricht. Arbeiter--_Marseillaise._ 'Ce n'est pas la vérité qui persuade les hommes, Ce sont ceux qui la disent.'--Nicole. Si non è vero, è molto ben trovato. Bruno (Eruici Furori) Part 2, Di 3. "A few years ago I knew a lady in New York who was in the habit of giving gratuitous private sittings to her family and a few friends. The moment she became entranced in the curtained space in her room, one or more of her spirit controls would come and speak through her. Among them was a spirit named George Carrol, who, when alive had been a friend of the medium and some of her circle. He had a strong manly voice, and could be heard distinctly all over the room. "One evening as her friends were sitting in the circle while the medium was entranced, the loud voice of George was heard, 'Has anyone here got anything belonging to the late Henry Ward Beecher?' "'I have a letter in my pocket from Mr. Beecher's successor, if that is what you mean?' said a gentleman present. "'No,' replied George, 'I am informed by another spirit present that Mr. Beecher is greatly concerned about an ancient coin "The Widow's Mite." This coin is out of place and ought to be returned. It has long been missing, and Mr. Beecher looks to you, Mr. Funk, to return it.' "'But, my dear sir,' replied Mr. Funk, 'the only Widow's Mite I ever heard of was the one I borrowed many years ago for the purpose of making a copy for the Dictionary, and I am confident that I returned it.' "'It has not been returned,' the voice replied. 'Go to your large iron safe and you will find it in a drawer under a lot of papers. It has been lost for many years, and Mr. Beecher says he wants it returned. That is all I can tell you.' "The next day Mr. Funk called in the cashier and said 'Do you remember an old coin called "The Widow's Mite" which we used for the Dictionary?' "'Yes, but it was sent back years ago.' "'Are you sure of this?'