’Since I have been occupied with these matters, I have come across strange people,’ said Dr Porhoet quietly, ’but I agree with Miss Boyd that Oliver Haddo is the most extraordinary.  For one thing, it is impossible to know how much he really believes what he says.  Is he an impostor or a madman?  Does he deceive himself, or is he laughing up his sleeve at the folly of those who take him seriously?  I cannot tell.  All I know is that he has travelled widely and is acquainted with many tongues.  He has a minute knowledge of alchemical literature, and there is no book I have heard of, dealing with the black arts, which he does not seem to know.’  Dr Porhoet shook his head slowly.  ’I should not care to dogmatize about this man.  I know I shall outrage the feelings of my friend Arthur, but I am bound to confess it would not surprise me to learn that he possessed powers by which he was able to do things seemingly miraculous.’

Arthur was prevented from answering by their arrival at the Lion de Belfort.

The fair was in full swing.  The noise was deafening.  Steam bands thundered out the popular tunes of the moment, and to their din merry-go-rounds were turning.  At the door of booths men vociferously importuned the passers-by to enter.  From the shooting saloons came a continual spatter of toy rifles.  Linking up these sounds, were the voices of the serried crowd that surged along the central avenue, and the shuffle of their myriad feet.  The night was lurid with acetylene torches, which flamed with a dull unceasing roar.  It was a curious sight, half gay, half sordid.  The throng seemed bent with a kind of savagery upon amusement, as though, resentful of the weary round of daily labour, it sought by a desperate effort to be merry.

The English party with Dr Porhoet, mildly ironic, had scarcely entered before they were joined by Oliver Haddo.  He was indifferent to the plain fact that they did not want his company.  He attracted attention, for his appearance and his manner were remarkable, and Susie noticed that he was pleased to see people point him out to one another.  He wore a Spanish cloak, the capa, and he flung the red and green velvet of its lining gaudily over his shoulder.  He had a large soft hat.  His height was great, though less noticeable on account of his obesity, and he towered over the puny multitude.

They looked idly at the various shows, resisting the melodramas, the circuses, the exhibitions of eccentricity, which loudly clamoured for their custom.  Presently they came to a man who was cutting silhouettes in black paper, and Haddo insisted on posing for him.  A little crowd collected and did not spare their jokes at his singular appearance.  He threw himself into his favourite attitude of proud command.  Margaret wished to take the opportunity of leaving him, but Miss Boyd insisted on staying.

‘He’s the most ridiculous creature I’ve ever seen in my life,’ she whispered.  ‘I wouldn’t let him out of my sight for worlds.’