It was not within the scope of human fortitude to avoid being startled by such a sudden and incomprehensible apparition.

Woodward was startled; but he soon recovered himself, and after the first shock felt rather satisfied that he had some visible object with which he could make the experiment he projected, viz., to ascertain the nature, whether mortal or otherwise, of the being before him.

With this purpose in view, he walked very quickly after him, and as the other did not seem to quicken his pace into a corresponding speed, he took it for granted that he would soon overtake him.

In this, however, he was, much to his astonishment, mistaken.

His own walk was quick and rapid, whilst that of this incomprehensible figure was slow and solemn, and yet he could not lessen the distance between them a single inch.
"Stop, sir," said Woodward, "whoever or whatever you are--stop, I wish to speak with you; be you mortal or spiritual, I fear you not--only stop." The being before him, however, walked on at the same slow and solemn pace, but still persisted in maintaining his distance.