The Research Magnificent by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
page 40 of 450 (08%)
page 40 of 450 (08%)
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lights and shadows about him changed by imperceptible gradations and
a long pale alley where the native cart track drove into the forest, opened slowly out of the darkness, slowly broadened, slowly lengthened. It opened out to him with a quality of invitation. . . . There was the jungle before him. Was it after all so inaccessible? "Come!" the road said to him. Benham rose and walked out a few paces into the moonlight and stood motionless. Was he afraid? Even now some hungry watchful monster might lurk in yonder shadows, watching with infinite still patience. Kepple had told him how they would sit still for hours--staring unblinkingly as cats stare at a fire--and then crouch to advance. Beneath the shrill overtone of the nightjars, what noiseless grey shapes, what deep breathings and cracklings and creepings might there not be? . . . Was he afraid? That question determined him to go. He hesitated whether he should take a gun. A stick? A gun, he knew, was a dangerous thing to an inexperienced man. No! He would go now, even as he was with empty hands. At least he would go as far as the end of that band of moonlight. If for no other reason than because he was afraid. NOW! |
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