Soon the old man entered, a very ordinary looking person, and civilly asked what I wanted.
I said that I understood he was possessed of psychic powers, and I would like to see an exhibition of them.
He smiled and answered, "My fee is two-and-six for a quarter of an hour. Choose your own phenomenon, and I'll see what I can do."
I was puzzled at first, and looked round the bare walls for inspiration. There was not even a photograph or picture. Then suddenly I thought of something rather silly.
"Please make those four chairs opposite to us cross the floor and mount on to the table," I said.
The old man drew his chair quite close to mine, "Then give me your hand." I removed my glove and did as he asked.
He looked, not at the chairs, but into my face, and I at once warned him.
"I am no good as a subject for hypnotism, so it is useless to try."
He laughed and answered, "I am not a hypnotist, but I see you have power. You may as well lend me some. You are young, and I am old."
At that second my attention was distracted by a grating sound, and I forgot all about my companion. I saw the four chairs leave the wall and advance towards the table, in exactly the position, and tilted forward, they would be in if a human hand was dragging them across the floor. There appeared to be four invisible hands at the work. Then, one by one, they were neatly balanced, one on the top of the other, on the table.