slightly dazed at the astoundingstatement he had made--that I--I had called him from a planet beyondthe ken of the naked eye, known only to those who studied the heavenswith powerful glasses--farther away than any star of our own earthlysystem of planets. The thing made my senses reel.
And he seemed to sense my emotions, because he went on in a softlymodulated tone: "Do not think me in any way similar to thoseunfortunates under your charge. As an alienist you must know the truthof that, just as you knew that my trancelike sleep was whollyself-induced."
"I gathered that from the volume on your desk," I explained.
He glanced toward Ahmid's work. "You read the Sanskrit?" he inquired.
I shook my head. "No, I read the marginal notes."
"I see. Who called you here?"
I explained.
Croft frowned. "I cannot blame her; she is a faithful soul," heremarked. "I can comprehend her worry. I have explained to her asfully as I dared, but--she does not understand, and I remained awaylonger than I really intended, to tell the truth. However, now thatyou can reassure her, I must ask you to excuse me, doctor, for awhile. Come to me in about twelve hours and I will be here to meet youand explain in part at least." He stretched himself out once more onthe couch.
"Wait!" I cried. "What are you going to do?"
"I am going back to Palos," he told me with a smile.
"But--will your body stand the strain?" I questioned, beginning todoubt his sanity after all.
He met my objection with another smile. "I have studied that wellbefore I began these little excursions of mine. Meet me at, say, fouro'clock this afternoon." He appeared to relax, sighed softly, and sankagain into his trance.
I sprang up and stood looking down upon him. I hardly knew what to do.I began pacing the floor. Finally I gave my attention to the books inthe cases which lined the room. They comprised the most wonderfulcollection of works on the occult ever gathered within four walls.They helped me to make up my mind in the end. I decided to take JasonCroft at his word and keep the engagement for the coming afternoon.
I went to the study door and set it open. The little old woman sathuddled on a chair. At first I thought she slept, but almost at once Ifound her bright eyes upon me, and she started to her feet.
"He came back--I--I heard him speaking," she began in a husky whisper."He--is he all right?"
"All right," I replied. "But he is asleep again now and has promisedto see me this afternoon at four. In the meantime do not attempt todisturb him in any way, Mrs. Goss."
She nodded. Suddenly she seemed wholly satisfied. "I won't, sir," shegave her promise. "I was worrit--worrit--that was all."
"You need not worry any more," I sought to reassure her. "I fancy Mr.Croft is able to take care of himself."
And, oddly enough, I found myself believing my own words as I wentdown the steps and turned toward my own home to get what sleep Icould--since, to tell the truth, I felt utterly exhausted after myefforts to call Jason Croft back from--the planet of a distant sun.