Why did the narrator in the mark of the beast pretend not to believe Strickland when he confessed his suspicions?

The narrator in "The Mark of the Beast" pretended not to believe Strickland's suspicions to maintain a sense of composure and rationality in the face of a bizarre situation. By downplaying Strickland's fears, the narrator aimed to dismiss the supernatural implications of the incident, reflecting a broader skepticism towards the unknown. This denial also served to protect their social standing and sanity, as acknowledging Strickland’s claims would challenge their worldview and invite chaos into their orderly lives. Ultimately, the narrator’s disbelief highlights the tension between rationality and superstition in the story.