Neither Ben-Zayb nor any of the padres had yet seen it; Juanito Pelaez was the only one who had, and he was describing his wonderment to the party.
Ben-Zayb, as a journalist, looked for a natural explanation.

Padre Camorra talked of the devil, Padre Irene smiled, Padre Salvi remained grave.
"But, Padre, the devil doesn't need to come--we are sufficient to damn ourselves--" "It can't be explained any other way." "If science--" "Get out with science, _punales_!" "But, listen to me and I'll convince you.

It's all a question of optics.

I haven't yet seen the head nor do I know how it looks, but this gentleman"-- indicating Juanito Pelaez--"tells us that it does not look like the talking heads that are usually exhibited.

So be it! But the principle is the same--it's all a question of optics.