But to this argument Dr. H---- only returned a pitying smile, professing to think me, on this point at least, too feeble-minded to be worthy of reply, but in reality not knowing what on earth to say. He often, however, recurred to the subject of Spiritualism, and on several occasions told me that if I could procure him the opportunity of submitting a test which he might himself suggest, he should be very much obliged to me. It was about this time that a young medium named William Haxby, now passed away, went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Olive in Ainger Terrace, and we were invited to attend a _séance_ given by him. Mrs. Olive, when giving the invitation, informed me that Mr. Haxby had been very successful in procuring direct writing in sealed boxes, and she asked me, if I wished to try the experiment, to take a secured box, with writing materials in it, to the _séance_, and see what would happen to it. Here was, I thought, an excellent opportunity for Dr. H----'s test, and I sent for him and told him what had been proposed. I urged him to prepare the test entirely by himself, and to accompany me to the _séance_ and see what occurred,--to all of which he readily consented. Indeed, he became quite excited on the subject, being certain it would prove a failure; and in my presence he made the following preparations:-- I. Half a sheet of ordinary cream-laid note-paper and half a cedar-wood black lead pencil were placed in a jeweller's cardwood box. II. The lid of the box was carefully glued down all round to the bottom part. III. The box was wrapt in white writing paper, which was gummed over it. IV. It was tied eight times with a peculiar kind of silk made for tying up arteries, and the eight knots were knots known to (as Dr. H---- informed me) medical men only. V. Each of the eight knots was sealed with sealing-wax, and impressed with Dr. H----'s crest seal, which he always wore on his watch-chain. VI. The packet was again folded in brown paper, and sealed and tied to preserve the inside from injury.