I've just explained to you that ghosts don't venture into certain countries, because they do not offer certain atmospheric conditions.

Now, let me explain the precautions we must take if we wish to see them." "Explain! explain!" said Sir John, "I would rather hear you talk than any other man, Roland." And Sir John, stretching himself out in his easy-chair, prepared to listen with delight to the improvisations of this fantastic mind, which he had seen under so many aspects during the few days of their acquaintance.
Roland bowed his head by way of thanks.
"Well, this is the way of it, and you will grasp it readily enough.

I have heard so much about ghosts in my life that I know the scamps as if I had made them.

Why do ghosts appear ?" "Are you asking me that ?" inquired Sir John.
"Yes, I ask you." "I own that, not having studied ghosts as you have, I am unable to give you a definitive answer." "You see! Ghosts show themselves, my dear fellow, in order to frighten those who see them." "That is undeniable." "Of course! Now, if they don't frighten those to whom they appear, they are frightened by them; witness M.de Turenne, whose ghosts proved to be counterfeiters.

Do you know that story ?" "No." "I'll tell it to you some day; don't let's get mixed up.