He resolved, if possible, to solve the problem uppermost in his mind, and learn whether or not he could communicate with an inhabitant of the world he had left.
He paused for a moment to consider the best method of doing this.

Then he remembered one of his most confidential friends and advisers, and at once wished himself at his office.

He found the office closed, but went in to wait for his friend.

Occupying the time in thinking over his strange situation, he waited long, and only when the bells began to ring did he remember it was Christmas forenoon, and that his friend would not be at the office that day.

The next moment he wished himself at his friend's house, but he was as unsuccessful as at the office; the friend was not at home.