From the bowl came a noise like cats’ tongues lapping and now and then the bowl itself would tilt and move a fraction of an inch or so about the floor. For a moment we watched this monstrous manifestation in silence. Then the sorcerer resumed his ritual and bound the spirits present to do his bidding to the spell of the Three Known and One Unknown elements. “What are your names?” he asked, and the elemental demons or spirits speaking through the trance-bound boy gave them. “Who is your leader?” There was a momentary hesitation, and then a spirit answering to the name of Amalik assumed the leadership. “Have you been a mortal?” “No, I was never mortal. I was an earth-spirit, serving the priests of Odin till the Cross came.” “What brought you here to-night?” “The Blood Libation and the summons. What do you want of us? We wish to depart.” “You are bound to do my bidding by the words of Might. You may not go. I want you to find for me the spirit of one of the men of blood who used the torture instruments in the Museum.” “I do not know the men.” “I command you to seek them. I command all of you by the powers that are mine to seek and bring them.” For a moment there was silence, broken only by the laboured breathing of the boy. Then he spoke again. “I have found one, O Masters.” “What is his name?” “Kurt Ettethurm.” “He is to answer my questions himself. Where did you live?” A new and harsher voice issued from the boy’s lips. “By Sachsenhausen, near Augsburg.” “When?” “In the time of Charles the Fifth of Spain.” “Were you one of his torturers?” “No, I served Count Anton of Tornen.” “Who were your victims?” “Criminals, bandits, and Lutherans.” “When did you die?” “At Muhlberg.” “When--not where?” “At Muhlberg--killed in the battle of Muhlberg.” “Where are you now?” “Why ask? I am in a lower state.” “Do you revisit this sphere unless summoned?” “I am always here, but you cannot see me.” “Where are you usually?” “By the slaughter houses.” “Do you move from place to place?” “Yes, I follow the Scharfrichter (headsman).”[31] “Why?” “To watch.” “Are you bound to?” “No, I like it.” “Can you show yourself to us?” “I do not think so. Help me and I will try.” “How can we help you?” “Place that bowl of blood at the northern corner of the pentacle.” I must have started to move forward, for Bentlemeyer shouted at me to keep still, and I realized in a flash that I had nearly been trapped into going beyond the protection of my circle. The boy began to chuckle horribly and then suddenly choked. Before our eyes his face became empurpled, his eyes seemed to start from his head, and the tongue protruded. His legs kicked and his hands beat feebly at something solid--impenetrable--but invisible, that poised in the empty air above him. “Stop it, for God’s sake!” I cried to Bentlemeyer.