My only chance was to engross its attention in some way, so that it would forget me for a little while, and leave me free to speak to the rajah. I pinned all my hopes on the rajah. Well, one morning, about a week after it first projected me, I went for a walk in Christchurch Meadow. We were united, and it had actually left me in peace ever since breakfast. I hoped its better feelings were beginning to get the mastery of it, and, in order to see, I tried to project it. No, it wouldn't move! The creature was still recalcitrant. Suddenly I saw Bessie Drayton just in front of me. In delight at seeing her, I forgot about it, and, quickening my pace, overtook her, and lifted my hat. She smiled divinely, saying, "Why, Mr. Nares, I just going to write----" At that moment, when I was listening to her sweet voice, it projected me! Could ill-nature go further? But, luckily, its mind was not really concentrated on what it was doing. I believe it was thinking of Bessie, and consequently it only carried about a hundred yards. I landed behind one of the big elms, where I lay _perdu_ till it had gone by. It and Bessie passed me together, and it was grinning from ear to ear, and looked as pleased as Punch. And poor Bessie, who thought she was talking to me, was being most charming to it. I did not waste time in swearing. I ran like the wind back to college, hoping that Bessie's society would prevent it coming after me till I had spoken to the rajah. I still retained one pull over it. In order to unite, it had to come where I was; it could not resume me from a distance, as I used to resume it; so if it united now it would have to leave Bessie. By a blessed chance, the rajah was at home, and in trembling haste I poured my story into his ear. He burst out laughing. "I was afraid of it!" he gasped, holding his sides. "How splendid!" I restrained my annoyance, and after a time he became a little more grave. "Do help me!" I urged. "It may unite at any moment, and project me the deuce knows where." "Oh, it'll be all right with the young lady." "Not for long. She's very particular, and won't let it walk far with her." "Oh, then we must act. You don't feel it yet?" "No; but do be quick!" The rajah sported his oak, took off his coat, lay down on the floor, and went into strong convulsions. I regretted putting him to so much trouble, but my need was urgent, and I knew that he was a good-natured man. Presently he cried (and I was just getting alarmed about him): "Are you there, Nani-Tal?" "Certainly," said an old white-haired gentleman, dressed in a sheet, who sat in the rajah's armchair. "That's all right," said the rajah, getting up and putting on his coat. "You were very difficult." "We're so busy just now," said Nani-Tal apologetically. "I'm demonstrating three nights a week, and the preparations take all my time." "Well, you can't have a boom for nothing," said the rajah, smiling.