I gave a dreadful start. The doctor turned to look at me for an instant, and then turned to centre his attention upon the figure of our host, and I understood in some intuitive fashion that he was there to watch over the strangest contest man ever saw⁠—to watch over and, if necessary, to protect.

“He is being controlled⁠—possessed,” he whispered to me through the shadows. His face wore a wonderful expression, half triumph, half admiration.