“Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness a materialisation.  That means you will see something appear in space that was not previously there.  At first it will appear as a vaporous form, but finally it will be a solid body, which anyone present may feel and handle—­and, for example, shake hands with.  For this body will be in the human shape.  It will be a real man or woman—­which, I can’t say—­but a man or woman without known antecedents.  If, however, you demand from me an explanation of the origin of this materialised form—­where it comes from, whence the atoms and molecules composing its tissues are derived—­I am unable to satisfy you.  I am about to produce the phenomenon; if anyone can explain it to me afterward, I shall be very grateful....  That is all I have to say.”

He resumed his seat, half turning his back on the assembly, and paused for a moment before beginning his task.

It was precisely at this minute that the manservant opened the door and announced in a subdued but distinct voice:  “Mr. Maskull, Mr. Nightspore.”

Everyone turned round.  Faull rose to welcome the late arrivals.  Backhouse also stood up, and stared hard at them.

The two strangers remained standing by the door, which was closed quietly behind them.  They seemed to be waiting for the mild sensation caused by their appearance to subside before advancing into the room.  Maskull was a kind of giant, but of broader and more robust physique than most giants.  He wore a full beard.  His features were thick and heavy, coarsely modelled, like those of a wooden carving; but his eyes, small and black, sparkled with the fires of intelligence and audacity.  His hair was short, black, and bristling.  Nightspore was of middle height, but so tough-looking that he appeared to be trained out of all human frailties and susceptibilities.  His hairless face seemed consumed by an intense spiritual hunger, and his eyes were wild and distant.  Both men were dressed in tweeds.

Before any words were spoken, a loud and terrible crash of falling masonry caused the assembled party to start up from their chairs in consternation.  It sounded as if the entire upper part of the building had collapsed.  Faull sprang to the door, and called to the servant to say what was happening.  The man had to be questioned twice before he gathered what was required of him.  He said he had heard nothing.  In obedience to his master’s order, he went upstairs.  Nothing, however, was amiss there, neither had the maids heard anything.

In the meantime Backhouse, who almost alone of those assembled had preserved his sangfroid, went straight up to Nightspore, who stood gnawing his nails.

“Perhaps you can explain it, sir?”

“It was supernatural,” said Nightspore, in a harsh, muffled voice, turning away from his questioner.

“I guessed so.  It is a familiar phenomenon, but I have never heard it so loud.”