"Facts are facts," said Smithers.
"A fact is a synthesis of impressions," said Lagune; "but that you will learn when you are older. The thing is that we were at cross purposes. I told Chaffery you were beginners. He treated you as beginners—arranged a demonstration."
"It was a demonstration," said Smithers.
"Precisely. If it had not been for your interruptions . . ."
"Ah!"
"He forged elementary effects . . ."
"You can't but admit that."
"I don't attempt to deny it. But, as he explained—the thing is necessary—justifiable. Psychic phenomena are subtle, a certain training of the observation is necessary. A medium is a more subtle instrument than a balance or a borax bead, and see how long it is before you can get assured results with a borax bead! In the elementary class, in the introductory phase, conditions are too crude. . . ."
"For honesty."
"Wait a moment. Is it dishonest—rigging a demonstration?"
"Of course it is."
"Your professors do it."
"I deny that in toto," said Smithers, and repeated with satisfaction, "in toto."
"That's all right," said Lagune, "because I have
