s gravely.

"The time has come, gentlemen," he said, putting the suitcase on the
table.

The Big Business Man took out the ring and held it in his hand
thoughtfully.

"The scene of our new life," he said with emotion. "What does it hold in
store for us?"

"What time is it?" asked the Very Young Man. "We've got to hurry. We
want to get started on time--we mustn't be late."

"Everything's ready, isn't it?" asked the Banker. "Who has the belts?"

"They're in my suitcase," answered the Very Young Man. "There it is."

The Doctor laid the ring and handkerchief on the floor under the light
and began unpacking from his bag the drugs and the few small articles
they had decided to try and take with them. "You have the food and
water," he said.

The Big Business Man produced three small flasks of water and six flat,
square tins containing compressed food. The Very Young Man opened one of
them. "Chocolate soldiers we are," he said, and laughed.

The Banker was visibly nervous and just a little frightened. "Are you
sure you haven't forgotten something?" he asked, quaveringly.

"It wouldn't make a great deal of difference if we had," said the
Doctor, with a smile. "The belts may not contract with us at all; we may
have to leave them behind."

"Rogers didn't take anything," put in the Very Young Man. "Come on;
let's get undressed."

The Banker locked the doors and sat down to watch the men make their
last preparations. They spoke little while they were disrobing; the
solemnity of what they were about to do both awed and frightened them.
Only the Very Young Man seemed exhilarated by the excitement of the
coming adventure.

In a few moments the three men were dressed in their white woolen
bathing suits. The Very Young Man was the first to be fully equipped.

"I'm ready," he announced. "All but the chemicals. Where are they?"

Around his waist he had strapped a broad cloth belt, with a number of
pockets fastened to it. On his feet were felt-lined cloth shoes, with
hard rubber soles; he wore a wrist watch. Under each armpit was fastened
the pouch for carrying the drugs.

"Left arm for red vials," said the Doctor. "Be sure of that--we mustn't
get them mixed. Take two of each color." He handed the Very Young Man
the tin boxes.

All the men were ready in a moment more.

"Five minutes of eight," said the Very Young Man, looking at his watch.
"We're right on time; let's get started."

The Banker stood up among them. "T