discerned in each other. This latter symptom is not so marked
but that you and we could, by a deliberate effort, control it.
You need not stand on ceremony with us, Challenger. We have all
faced death together before now. Speak out, and let us know
exactly where we stand, and what, in your opinion, are our
prospects for our future."

It was a brave, good speech, a speech from that stanch and
strong spirit which lay behind all the acidities and
angularities of the old zoologist. Lord John rose and shook him
by the hand.

"My sentiment to a tick," said he. "Now, Challenger, it's up to
you to tell us where we are. We ain't nervous folk, as you know
well; but when it comes to makin' a week-end visit and finding
you've run full butt into the Day of Judgment, it wants a bit of
explainin'. What's the danger, and how much of it is there, and
what are we goin' to do to meet it?"

He stood, tall and strong, in the sunshine at the window, with
his brown hand upon the shoulder of Summerlee. I was lying back
in an armchair, an extinguished cigarette between my lips, in
that sort of half-dazed state in which impressions become
exceedingly distinct. It may have been a new phase of the
poisoning, but the delirious promptings had all passed away and
were succeeded by an exceedingly languid and, at the same time,
perceptive state of mind. I was a spectator. It did not seem to
be any personal concern of mine. But here were three strong men
at a great crisis, and it was fascinating to observe them.
Challenger bent his heavy brows and stroked his beard before he