"When at Grindelwald in the winter 1900-1901 an excarnate entity came and spoke to me. He seemed much interested in the South African campaign; told me he had been a soldier, first in the Rifle Brigade, then in the Indian army. When I asked his name he said he was Henry Arthur Chomley (the name of a celebrated ambassador was the one given), that he was a brother of Sir Frederic Chomley, and had been in the Rifle Brigade and in India, _and had passed over two or three years before_.
When, shortly afterwards, I returned to Cambridge Terrace, he realised the changed surroundings, and asked where I was. On learning I was in rooms he asked whether there was anyone else in the house, and on my telling him there was a paralysed military man downstairs named Bates, he exclaimed 'What! Charlie Bates? I knew him very well in India--do ask him if he remembers me!'
I said I did not know the gentleman, but would certainly ask him if an opportunity should occur.
A few days after this, a message was brought up to me from Colonel Bates, asking for my uncle, General Propert's, address in Burmah. This gave me the opening. I wrote giving the required information, and suggested that I might come and have a talk with him.
In my next conversation with 'Colonel Chomley' I told him all this, and he again said: '_Mind you ask him about me!_' I answered: '_How can I, when I don't know what Colonel Bates' ideas are on these subjects? He might look on me as a dangerous lunatic!_'
Colonel Chomley remarked: '_I think you will find that he is interested in psychic matters._'
I discovered that this was true, for on my first visit I saw a copy of the S.P.R. Proceedings lying on the table.
I found him interested, but unable to get beyond the 'subliminal consciousness' theory.
A few days later I asked Colonel Bates if he had ever met a Colonel Henry Arthur Chomley in India. He thought for a moment, then said:
'Chomley? Why, of course I knew a Chomley, but I don't know his Christian name. He was Brigade Major at Meean Meer, and I took over the brigade from him, and bought his horses, etc. Where did _you_ know him?'
I then told him of the spirit who had given me the name of Henry Arthur Chomley, who said he had known him in India, and had over and over again begged to be remembered to him.