and windows fell back to the opposite side of the street and were
merged in the crowd; the small boys ceased throwing stones. Nobody
spoke above his breath; all whispered excitedly and pointed to the
now steadily growing light. How long a time had passed since the
first faint glow had been observed none could have guessed, but
eventually the illumination was bright enough to reveal the whole
interior of the store; and there, standing at his desk behind the
counter, Silas Deemer was distinctly visible!

The effect upon the crowd was marvelous. It began rapidly to melt
away at both flanks, as the timid left the place. Many ran as fast
as their legs would let them; others moved off with greater dignity,
turning occasionally to look backward over the shoulder. At last a
score or more, mostly men, remained where they were, speechless,
staring, excited. The apparition inside gave them no attention; it
was apparently occupied with a book of accounts.

Presently three men left the crowd on the sidewalk as if by a common
impulse and crossed the street. One of them, a heavy man, was about
to set his shoulder against the door when it opened, apparently
without human agency, and the courageous investigators passed in. No
sooner had they crossed the threshold than they were seen by the awed
observers outside to be acting in the most unaccountable way. They
thrust out their hands before them, pursued devious courses, came
into violent collision with the counter, with boxes and barrels on
the floor, and with one another. They turned awkwardly hither and
thither and seemed trying to escape, but unable to retrace their
steps. Their voices were heard in exclamations and curses. But in
no way did the apparition of Silas Deemer manifest an interest in
what was going on.