Experiment 2

Squire’s burial took place as planned. All villagers and few neighbours were present and Squire’s stepson Joseph walked behind body as it was carried to churchyard. In those days, nobody expected Squire’s wife to come to burial. Squire had no family except his wife and stepson, and he had left everything to his wife.
But what was ‘everything’? land, house, furniture, pictures, and silver were all there, but no money was found. This was very strange. Squire Bowles was quite rich man; he received plenty of money from his land every year, his lawyers were honest, but still there was no money. Squire had not been mean with his money. His wife had all she needed, he sent Joseph to school and university, and he lived well. But still he earned more money than he spent. Where was it?

Mrs Bowles and her son searched house and grounds several times but found no money. They could not understand it.
They sat one evening in library discussing problem for twentieth time.
‘You’ve been through his papers again, Joseph, haven’t you?’ asked mother.
‘Yes, Mother, and I’ve found nothing.
‘What was he writing day before he died, do you know? And why was he always writing to Mr Fowler in Gloucester?’
‘You know he had some strange ideas about what happens to person’s soul when he dies. He was writing to Mr Fowler about it but he didn’t finish letter. Here, I’ll read it to you.’

He fetched some papers from Squire’s writing table and began to read.

My dear friend,
You will be interested to hear about my latest studies, though I am not sure how accurate they are. One writer says that for time after death man’s soul stays close to places he knew during life — so close, in fact, that he can be called to speak to living. Indeed, he must come, if he is called with right words. And these words are given in experiment in Dr Moore’s book, which I have copied out for you. But when soul has come, and has opened its mouth to speak, caller may see and hear more than he wishes, which is usually to know where dead man has hidden his money.
Joseph stopped reading and there was silence for moment.

Then his mother said, ‘There was no more than that?’
‘No, Mother, nothing.’
‘And have you met this Mr Fowler?’
‘Yes. He came to speak once or twice at Oxford.’
‘Well,’ said mother, ‘as he was friend of Squire, I think you should write to him and tell him what… what has happened. You will know what to say. And letter is for him, after all.’
‘You’re right, Mother,’ replied Joseph. ‘I’ll write to him at once.’ And he wrote that same evening.