Lagune's treatment of the exposure was light and vigorous. "The man
Chaffery," he said, "has made a clean breast of it. His point of
view--"
"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 the facts.
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