Остров доктора Моро

           Myshadowgrewshorter.Iwatchedthedistantfigureuntilitwentawayagain.WouldMoreauandMontgomeryneverreturn?Threesea-birdsbeganfightingforsomestrandedtreasure.

           ThenfromfarawaybehindtheenclosureIheardapistol-shot.Alongsilence,andthencameanother.Thenayellingcrynearer,andanotherdismalgapofsilence.Myunfortunateimaginationsettoworktotormentme.Thensuddenlyashotcloseby.Iwenttothecorner,startled,andsawMontgomery,—hisfacescarlet,hishairdisordered,andthekneeofhistrouserstorn.Hisfaceexpressedprofoundconsternation.BehindhimslouchedtheBeastMan,M’ling,androundM’ling’sjawsweresomequeerdarkstains.

           "Hashecome?"saidMontgomery.

           "Moreau?"saidI."No."

           "MyGod!"Themanwaspanting,almostsobbing."Gobackin,"hesaid,takingmyarm."They’remad.They’reallrushingaboutmad.Whatcanhavehappened?Idon’tknow.I’lltellyou,whenmybreathcomes.Where’ssomebrandy?"

           Montgomerylimpedbeforemeintotheroomandsatdowninthedeckchair.M’lingflunghimselfdownjustoutsidethedoorwayandbeganpantinglikeadog.IgotMontgomerysomebrandy-and-water.Hesatstaringinfrontofhimatnothing,recoveringhisbreath.Aftersomeminuteshebegantotellmewhathadhappened.

           Hehadfollowedtheirtrackforsomeway.