He's like one of those weird chappies in India who dissolve themselves into thin air and nip through space in a sort of disembodied way and assemble the parts again just where they want them. I've got a cousin who's what they call a Theosophist, and he says he's often nearly worked the thing himself, but couldn't quite bring it off, probably owing to having fed in his boyhood on the flesh of animals slain in anger and pie.
The quote describes a character who possesses an extraordinary ability to vanish and reappear at will, likening him to a mysterious figure found in India. This individual is depicted as someone who can manipulate space in a mystical manner, much like a magician or a supernatural being who can reassemble himself after dissolving. The whimsical imagery reflects an exploration of the extraordinary and the limits of human potential.
The narrator references a cousin who is a Theosophist, hinting at a philosophical interest in the supernatural and spiritual realms. The cousin's failed attempts to achieve similar feats suggest a humorous twist, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. His childhood experiences, particularly his diet, are humorously tied to his inability to master these magical skills, suggesting that one's upbringing and choices may influence their capabilities in life.
