The neighbours felt that the trouble was caused due to witchcraft.

One day, very early in the morning, a clergyman and his wife were awakened by the noises in the study. While creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. When the clergyman flung open the door, he found that the room was empty. They didn't find anybody. Yet the desk had been opened and the housekeeping money was missing. 

Mrs. Hall anticipated that the stranger scientist had somehow caused the spirits to enter into her furniture. As Mrs hall's poor mother used to sit in that chair, she thought that her spirit had risen up against her now. While the neighbours thought that the trouble was caused by witchcraft. 

Mrs Hall was prepared to excuse her guests strange habits and irritable temper because she was satisfied that her guest was an eccentric scientist. Moreover, Griffin had already paid her in advance.

They suspected that the strange scientist had a hand in it certainly. Their suspicion grew even stronger when he suddenly produced some ready cash, though he had admitted not long before that he had no money.