Twenty horrible faces appeared.

But the first native who placed his hand on the stair-rail, struck from behind by some invisible force, I know not what, fled, uttering the most fearful cries and making the wildest contortions.
Ten of his companions followed him.

They met with the same fate.
Conseil was in ecstasy.

Ned Land, carried away by his violent instincts, rushed on to the staircase.

But the moment he seized the rail with both hands, he, in his turn, was overthrown.
"I am struck by a thunderbolt," cried he, with an oath.
This explained all.