I did so, and in the dim light saw at the end of the hall a white figure which was barely distinguishable and which I took to be the individual who had spoken to me.

Consequently I addressed my conversation to it.

The shadowy form asked me what I wanted and I explained that I had lost my way and asked where the headquarters of my battalion were.

The being replied that it did not know but invited me to come in and spend the night.

At that moment somebody from the upstairs region came with an electric torch, and the light lit up the empty hall.