Onder spiritistischen dwang

Summary

Chris Larcher sets up as veterinary surgeon in the little Devonshire village of Wichley, where the last of the squires is Andrew Grain. Pess, the local doctor, who dabbles in spiritualism, professes to receive a message from a spirit whom he calls "The Other Person", and who suggests that Grain should make Chris his heir. The Squire, much impressed by the message, agrees to do so, the young man being a favourite, and makes a will in his favour.

Chris falls in love with the Vicar's daughter, Alice, but the Squire opposes this, as the Vicar has in a sermon publicly denounced his spiritualistic leanings. There is an angry scene between the Squire and Chris, in which Grain faces Chris with the alternative of breaking off his engagement of Alice, or being disinherited. Two hours after this stormy interview, Grain is found dead in his study. Chris is accused of the murder and is imprisoned. Some spiritualistic adherents hold a séance during which "The Other Person", the spirit of the Squire's dead brother appears, and explains that he was murdered twenty years previously by the Squire and had got his revenge by obtaining control of the local spiritualist, Doctor Pess, and making him strangle the Squire.