When they had recovered their sight and their balance, the spectacle was a deplorable one for the majority of the company. Tom Linden, looking white, dazed, and ill, was seated upon the ground. Over him stood the huge young Scotsman who had borne him to earth; while Mrs. Linden, kneeling beside her husband, was glaring up at his assailant. There was silence as the company surveyed the scene. It was broken by Professor Challenger. “Well, gentlemen, I presume that there is no more to be said. Your medium has been exposed as he deserved to be. You can see now the nature of your ghosts. I must thank Mr. Nicholl, who, I may remark, is the famous football player of that name, for the prompt way in which he has carried out his instructions.” “I collared him low,” said the tall youth. “He was easy.” “You did it very effectively. You have done public service by helping to expose a heartless cheat. I need not say that a prosecution will follow.” But Mailey now intervened and with such authority that Challenger was forced to listen. “Your mistake is not unnatural, sir, though the course which you adopted in your ignorance is one which might well have been fatal to the medium.” “My ignorance, indeed! If you speak like that I warn you that I will look upon you not as dupes, but as accomplices.” “One moment, Professor Challenger. I would ask you one direct question, and I ask for an equally direct reply. Was not the figure which we all saw before this painful episode a white figure?” “Yes, it was.” “You see now that the medium is entirely dressed in black. Where is the white garment?” “It is immaterial to me where it is. No doubt his wife and himself are prepared for all eventualities. They have their own means of secreting the sheet, or whatever it may have been. These details can be explained in the police court.” “Examine now. Search the room for anything white.” “I know nothing of the room. I can only use my common sense. The man is exposed masquerading as a spirit. Into what corner or crevice he has thrust his disguise is a matter of small importance.” “On the contrary, it is a vital matter. What you have seen has not been an imposture, but has been a very real psychic phenomenon.” Challenger laughed. “Yes, sir, a very real phenomenon. You have seen a transfiguration which is the half-way state of materialisation. You will kindly realise that spirit guides, who conduct such affairs, care nothing for your doubts and suspicions. They set themselves to get certain results, and if they are prevented by the infirmities of the circle from getting them one way they get them in another without consulting your prejudice or convenience. In this case being unable, owing to the evil conditions which you have yourself created, to build up an ectoplasmic form, they wrapped the unconscious medium in an ectoplasmic covering and sent him forth from the cabinet. He is as innocent of imposture as you are.”