Like every other young investigator, Colin was more or less familiar with photographs of his host, but all the same the latter's appearance in real life came to him with something of a shock. A very old man, wearing a skull cap, from which long white hair hung down over his collar, he seemed at first sight to be almost pitifully frail and feeble. It was only when a second glance revealed the gleam which still lurked behind his gold spectacles and the dour, obstinate lines of his mouth and chin that this sense of physical weakness was swept away by a sudden impression of extraordinary intellectual power and immense force of character. With a little exclamation of annoyance he advanced to where Colin was standing. "I am sorry that you should have been left alone in this ice house," he began in a high, quavering voice. "I can't imagine why Mrs. Ramsay showed you in here, except that she happens to be a born fool." Colin accepted the thin, veined hand which the old scientist offered him. "I have been quite happy, thank you, sir," he said. "I have been inspecting your library." "I trust that you found something to entertain you," was the answer. "There are some interesting books here, but, unfortunately, they are mixed up with a good deal of trash. Every ignoramus who airs his views on some subject about which he knows nothing seems to think it necessary to send me a copy." He turned toward the entrance. "You had better come into my study," he added. "There is a nice fire there, and we can talk in comfort." Leading the way to the door, he conducted Colin across the hall into another and almost similarly shaped room exactly opposite. Here also the walls were lined with bookcases, but, thanks to the fire and one or two easy chairs, there was a certain air of homeliness altogether lacking in the library. The Professor made a gesture towards a dilapidated couch. "Sit down, Mr. Gray," he continued. "I don't know whether you appreciate a good cigar, but if you do I can offer you something a little out of the ordinary. Of course, if you are sufficiently young and barbarous to prefer a pipe don't hesitate to say so." "Well, I'm not an expert," admitted Colin. "All the same, I like to improve my education when I get the chance." The old man smiled grimly, and, moving across to a black oak bureau in the corner, returned with a box of long, delicately shaped Havanas. "Smoking is the one pleasure left which I can still enjoy," he explained. "Under the circumstances, I take particular care to have the best." He waited until Colin had lighted up, and then, following his example, placed the box on the table between them and seated himself in a big armchair in front of the fire. "And now, my young friend," he said, "let us get to business. I believe that Onslow has said something to you about my reasons for asking you to come and see me."