"I thank you for your faithful service." A smile stole over the
servant's gnarled face.

"I've done my duty, sir."

"I'm expecting the end of the world to-day, Austin."

"Yes, sir. What time, sir?"

"I can't say, Austin. Before evening."

"Very good, sir."

The taciturn Austin saluted and withdrew. Challenger lit a
cigarette, and, drawing his chair closer to his wife's, he
took her hand in his.

"You know how matters stand, dear," said he. "I have explained
it also to our friends here. You're not afraid are you?"

"It won't be painful, George?"

"No more than laughing-gas at the dentist's. Every time you have
had it you have practically died."

"But that is a pleasant sensation."

"So may death be. The worn-out bodily machine can't record its
impression, but we know the mental pleasure which lies in a