“‘At every step the silence increased, the cracking of twigs under my feet sounding like the report of firearms, whilst it grew so dark that I had in certain places literally to feel my way. When about halfway through the wood the shrubs that line the path on either side abruptly terminate, bringing into view a circle of sward, partially covered with ferns and bracken, and having in its midst a stunted willow that has always struck me as being peculiarly out of place there.
“‘Indeed, I was pondering over this incongruity when a tall figure stalked out from behind the tree, and, gliding swiftly forward, took to the path ahead of me.
“‘I rubbed my eyes and stared in amazement, and no doubt you will think me mad when I tell you the figure was nothing human.’
“‘What was it, then—an anthropoid ape?’ my Uncle John laughed.
“The vicar shook his head solemnly.
“‘I will describe it to you to the best of my ability,’ he said. ‘To begin with it was naked—stark, staring naked!’
“‘How positively indecent,’ murmured Uncle John, ‘really vicar, I don’t wonder you were frightened.’
“‘And then,’ the vicar continued, disregarding the interruption, ‘it was grey!—from head to foot a uniform livid grey.’
“‘A grey monstrosity! Ah! now THAT is interesting!’