But when I turned around at last I saw--in the distance, between the crucifix and my portrait, about a quarter of a yard above the floor--the body of my father, as though hanging in the air.

It is hard for me to give the details, for twilight had long set in, but I can say with certainty that it was the image of a corpse, and not of a living being, although a cigar was smoking in its mouth.

To be more exact, there was no smoke from the cigar, but a faintly reddish light was seen.

It is characteristic that I did not sense the odour of tobacco either at that time or later--I had long given up smoking.

Here--I must confess my weakness, but the illusion was striking--I commenced to speak to the hallucination.
Advancing as closely as possible--the body did not retreat as I approached, but remained perfectly motionless--I said to the ghost: "I thank you, father.