s I'd heard and my
bewilderment increased.

"Hello," a voice said.

My feet came down from the desk with a crash. I sat up straight and
stared about the small room.

"Who said that?" I demanded.

"I did. I'm right here." It was the same voice and I jerked my head in
the direction of the sound.

For an instant I didn't see a thing. But then, my eyes seemed suddenly
to focus, and I saw a tall, lanky young man standing a few feet from
me. He had a shock of straw colored hair and mild blue eyes. He wore a
light suit.

"Can you see me now?" he asked, and his voice sounded strained, as if
he were exerting himself in some manner.

"Yes, I can see you," I said. I was a little nettled. "What do you
mean coming in and scaring people that way?"

"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just can't help
it. I'll have to relax now."

"You'll have to what? Are you--"

I broke off and goggled. The young man had completely disappeared. My
forehead was suddenly damp with nervous perspiration. I closed my eyes
and forced myself to think calmly. This was some trick of my
imagination. I'd been working too hard. My nerves were shot. I'd have
to take a rest.

I opened my eyes cautiously. The room was empty. I drew a relieved
breath.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you," a familiar voice said apologetically.
"But, you see, I can't help it."

I stood up warily and peered about the room.

"Where are you?" I whispered.

"Right here in front of you."

"If you're a mahout for pink elephants, I don't want to see you," I
said. "Go away."

"Please," the young man's voice was plaintive, "I need your advice.
I'm in trouble."

"That's too bad," I said, edging toward the door.

"Please listen to me. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"From your viewpoint, no," I said.

"If you'll look carefully you can see me," the voice said. "That's
what bothers most people. I mean not being able to see me."

"How stupid of them to be bothered by a little thing like that," I
said, trying not to gibber. But in spite of my common sense I did peer
closely at the area the young man had occupied and I saw a very
remarkable thing.

* * * * *

I saw the vague, indistinct shape of the straw-haired, blue-eyed young
man standing exactly where I had seen him the first time. But the
effect was so uncertain and shadowy that I was hardly able to trust my
eyes.

The young man seemed to blend into the backgroun