Short Fiction · Chapter
II: “You Can Almost Hear the Ghosts.” explained
Talbot Wills and Doctor Otto Zoberg travel to a remote, old-fashioned town for a psychic investigation.
What happens
Talbot Wills and Doctor Otto Zoberg travel to a remote, old-fashioned town for a psychic investigation. Zoberg demonstrates telepathic abilities during the drive and describes the town's ancient character and a 'Devil's Croft.' They meet John Gird and his daughter Susan, a reputed medium. Gird reluctantly agrees to one final séance, with Wills and himself as witnesses.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. Superstition
Zoberg defends telepathy and psychic research against Wills' skepticism, framing the séance as a scientific test.
The Power of Belief and Ritual
The town's preservation of old customs and the Devil's Croft, along with the planned séance, highlight the role of belief and ritual.
Isolation and Otherness
The remote, insular town and its hostile reception of strangers emphasize themes of isolation and otherness.
Characters to notice
- Talbot Wills
The narrator and skeptical investigator, accompanying Zoberg to witness psychic phenomena.
- Otto Zoberg
Psychic researcher who demonstrates telepathy and arranges the séance with Susan Gird.
- Mr. Gird
Susan's father, a gruff local who reluctantly allows a final séance.
- Susan Gird
A slender, dark-haired young woman described as a powerful medium; she appears shy and reserved.
Key passages
“You can almost hear the ghosts within them, in broad daylight.”
The old houses seem haunted even during the day.
Zoberg's description of the town's ancient atmosphere.
“I do not say that they believe, but it is civic property and protected by special order from trespassers.”
The town officially maintains the Devil's Croft as public land, regardless of personal belief.
Zoberg explains the town's ambiguous relationship with the Devil's Croft.
“It's not good for the girl.”
The séances are harmful to Susan.
Gird's objection to further psychic experiments with his daughter.