[8]We must acquiesce in the explanation given for this seemingly uncalled-for journey, and yet feel that it was unnecessarily exacting.
Of that wearisome return trip I have nothing to say beyond the fact that before reaching home my companion disappeared in the darkness of a side street, and that the Cathedral chimes were playing for three o'clock a.m., as I passed the corner of Eighth Street and Western Row.
The next evening my visitor appeared as usual, and realizing his complete victory, he made no reference to the occurrences of the previous night. In his usual calm and deliberate manner he produced the roll of manuscript saying benignantly, and in a gentle tone:
"Do you recollect where I left off reading?"
"You had reached that point in your narrative," I answered, "at which your guide had replaced the boat on the surface of the lake."
And the mysterious being resumed his reading.