An old man sat quietly, in an immense modern chair. He watched Fletcher calmly, his blue eyes mild and tired. A strange thrill shot through Fletcher. It was not fear. Rather it was a vibration, rattling his bones — a deep sense of awe, tinged with fascination.
"Where — what is this place?" he asked faintly. He was still dazed from his quick ascent.
"Don't ask questions!" The nervous little man snapped angrily, tapping his pencil against his ledgers. "You're here to answer, not ask."
The Old Man moved a little. He raised his hand. "I will speak to the element alone," he murmured. His voice was low. It vibrated and rumbled through the chamber. Again the wave of fascinated awe swept Ed.
"Alone?" The little fellow backed away, gathering his books and papers in his arms. "Of course." He glanced hostilely at Ed Fletcher. "I'm glad he's finally in custody. All the work and trouble just for — "
He disappeared through a door. The door closed softly behind him. Ed and the Old Man were alone.
"Please sit down," the Old Man said.
Ed found a seat. He sat down awkwardly, nervously. He got out his cigarettes and then put them away again.
"What's wrong?" the Old Man asked.
"I'm just beginning to understand."