I spoke. The figure started, and looked up. In the sallow cheeks, untrimmed beard, sunken and encircled eyes, I recognized Pendlam. A quick flush spread over his haggard features, and he made a snatch at his tinsel crown.
"Do not be disturbed," I entreated.
He smiled, but with an air of embarrassment; and leaving the tinsel upon his uncombed head, pointed to the wall.
"You see where I am," said Pendlam.
"I see, yet do not see."
"I have reached the plane of symbols. You are aware that there is something in symbols?"
"A great deal! a great deal!" I said, from a sorrowful heart, as I glanced around me.
Pendlam, who had spoken doubtingly, seemed encouraged.
"Symbols are the highest expression of spiritual thought. Both words and pictures are used. They are the language of the spirit, which only the same spirit can understand. Look here, and you will see some symbols of a very astonishing character."
"Astonishing," said I, "is a mild word!"