Directly from the spirit shape came a low, baby cry. It grew louder; then faded. With its passing, the tiny shape began to disappear, exactly as though it were entering an unseen dimension of space. A prolonged gasp came from Rajah Brahman. He wrenched his arms, and for a moment, Dick thought the man would totter from the throne. Then came his call to Imam Singh.
The lights appeared to show Rajah Brahman, with arms outstretched, leaning upon the two men for support.
Eyes looked toward the ceiling. There was no sign of the vanished spook.
Mrs. Furzeman was at the rajah's throne, pouring forth her gratitude. She had recognized the spirit of her child. For the first time, she had seen a full materialization.
The rajah bowed in acknowledgment of her thanks. He could see that the entire group was awed, and now he prepared for the greatest spectacle of the evening.
A cabinet, mounted on a light but broad platform, was carried forward by Imam Singh. The spectators watched curiously as the Hindu servant arranged it in the center of the circle. The cabinet had upright corner rods and a thin, black top.
There were curtains at the sides; these were controlled by a single tasseled cord, the end of which was carried to Rajah Brahman by his servant.
Imam Singh went to the wall, and changed the lights until only a mild, indirect glow produced a soothing luminosity. Under that illumination, the high ceiling alone showed traces of light. The floor all about the cabinet was vague and obscure.
Not even the white-clad Hindu servant was visible. Only a faint sparkle from the costume of the jeweled rajah reflected the lights from above.
"Within these curtains," said Rajah Brahman softly, "I shall materialize a spirit — one that someone here shall recognize. Be thoughtful in your speech with the spirit. Remember that it will appear from another plane—"