the pain. 'Where you're hidden — how you do it — I don't know.' 'I'm invisible,' said the Voice. 'That's what I want you to understand.' 'Anyone can see that. There's no need for you to be so angry. Now then. Give us an idea. Where are you hidden?' 'I'm invisible. That's the point. And what I want you to understand is this—' 'But where are you?' interrupted Mr Marvel. 'Here — six yards in front of you.' 'Oh, no! I'm not blind. You'll be telling me next you're just thin air.' 'Yes. I am — thin air. You're looking through me.' 'What! Isn't there anything in you?' 'I am just a human being — solid, needing food and drink, needing clothes, too... But I'm invisible. You see? Invisible. Simple idea. Invisible.' 'What, are you real?' 'Yes, real.' 'Let me feel your hand,' said Marvel, 'if you are real.' He felt with his fingers the hand that had closed round his wrist and his touch went up the arm, found a chest, and touched a bearded face. Mr Marvel's own face showed shock and surprise. 'Of course, all this isn't half so strange as you think,' said the Invisible Man. 'It's quite strange enough for me,' said Mr Marvel. 'How do you manage it? How is it done?' 'It's a very long story. And besides—' 'I tell you, the whole business is — I can't understand,' said Mr Marvel. 'What I want to say now is this: I need help. I need help immediately. I came on you suddenly. I was wandering around helpless, without clothes. And I saw you—'