Отруєний пояс
Chapter II. The Tide Of Death
Summerleedrewhimonwithhischorusofsubacidcriticism,whileLordJohnandIlaughedatthecontestandthelady,herhanduponhissleeve,controlledthebellowingsofthephilosopher.Life,death,fate,thedestinyofman—thesewerethestupendoussubjectsofthatmemorablehour,madevitalbythefactthatasthemealprogressedstrange,suddenexaltationsinmymindandtinglingsinmylimbsproclaimedthattheinvisibletideofdeathwasslowlyandgentlyrisingaroundus.OnceIsawLordJohnputhishandsuddenlytohiseyes,andonceSummerleedroppedbackforaninstantinhischair.Eachbreathwebreathedwaschargedwithstrangeforces.Andyetourmindswerehappyandatease.PresentlyAustinlaidthecigarettesuponthetableandwasabouttowithdraw.
"Austin!"saidhismaster.
"Yes,sir?"
"Ithankyouforyourfaithfulservice."Asmilestoleovertheservant’sgnarledface.
"I’vedonemyduty,sir."
"I’mexpectingtheendoftheworldto-day,Austin."
"Yes,sir.Whattime,sir?"
"Ican’tsay,Austin.Beforeevening."
"Verygood,sir."
ThetaciturnAustinsalutedandwithdrew.Challengerlitacigarette,and,drawinghischairclosertohiswife’s,hetookherhandinhis.
"Youknowhowmattersstand,dear,"saidhe."Ihaveexplaineditalsotoourfriendshere.You’renotafraidareyou?"
"Itwon’tbepainful,George?"
"Nomorethanlaughing-gasatthedentist’s.Everytimeyouhavehadityouhavepracticallydied."
"Butthatisapleasantsensation."
"Somaydeathbe.
