The flash of the luminant mixture filled the room, while the shutter of the camera fell. In that sudden glare of light the visitors had a momentary glimpse of a marvellous sight. The medium lay with his head upon his hands in apparent insensibility. Upon his rounded shoulders there was perched a huge bird of prey--a large falcon or an eagle. For one instant the strange picture was stamped upon their retinas even as it was upon the photographic plate. Then the darkness closed down again, save for the two red lamps, like the eyes of some baleful demon lurking in the corner. “My word!” gasped Malone. “Did you see it?” “A crocodile out of the pond,” said Mailey. “But harmless,” added Professor Richet. “The bird has been with us several times. He moves his wings, as you have heard, but otherwise is inert. We may have another and a more dangerous visitor.” The flash of the light had, of course, dispelled all ectoplasm. It was necessary to begin again. The company may have sat for a quarter of an hour when Richet touched Mailey’s arm. “Do you smell anything, Monsieur Mailey?” Mailey sniffed the air. “Yes, surely, it reminds me of our London Zoo.” “There is another more ordinary analogy. Have you been in a warm room with a wet dog?” “Exactly,” said Mailey. “That is a perfect description. But where is the dog?” “It is not a dog. Wait a little! Wait!” The animal smell became more pronounced. It was overpowering. Then suddenly Malone became conscious of something moving round the table. In the dim red light he was aware of a mis-shapen figure, crouching, ill-formed, with some resemblance to man. He silhouetted it against the dull radiance. It was bulky, broad, with a bullet-head, a short neck, heavy, clumsy shoulders. It slouched slowly round the circle. Then it stopped, and a cry of surprise, not unmixed with fear, came from one of the sitters. “Do not be alarmed,” said Dr. Maupuis’ quiet voice. “It is the Pithecanthropus. He is harmless.” Had it been a cat which had strayed into the room the scientist could not have discussed it more calmly. “It has long claws. It laid them on my neck,” cried a voice. “Yes, yes. He means it as a caress.” “You may have my share of his caresses!” cried the sitter in a quavering voice. “Do not repulse him. It might be serious. He is well disposed. But he has his feelings, no doubt, like the rest of us.” The creature had resumed its stealthy progress. Now it turned the end of the table and stood behind the three friends. Its breath came in quick puffs at the back of their necks. Suddenly Lord Roxton gave a loud exclamation of disgust. “Quiet! Quiet!” said Maupuis. “It’s licking my hand!” cried Roxton. An instant later Malone was aware of a shaggy head extended between Lord Roxton and himself. With his left hand he could feel long, coarse hair. It turned towards him, and it needed all his self-control to hold his hand still when a long soft tongue caressed it. Then it was gone.