"I am relating an absolute fact. By the side of the girl appeared the apparition of a skeleton cat, which accompanied me from the house, which glided along the streets at my side, which entered my own house with me, and which now lies here, on this little space of carpet between us, on which you see--nothing. Now, Bob, tell me at once that I am mad."
"I shall tell you nothing of the kind; I must have a little time to consider. What kind of reading do you indulge in? Sensation stories?"
"I chiefly read the newspapers."
"Digestion good, Ned?"
"In perfect condition; for the last ten years I have not had a day's bad health."
"All that is in your favor."
"Thank you. I see that you are taking a medical view of my case."
"Indeed, I am not; I only want to think it out for myself. You can actually see the cat?"
"There it lies, its yellow eyes fixed on my face."
"Touch it."