The Invisible Man Loses His Temper
Itisunavoidablethatatthispointthenarrativeshouldbreakoffagain,foracertainverypainfulreasonthatwillpresentlybeapparent. Whilethesethingsweregoingonintheparlour,andwhileMr.HuxterwaswatchingMr.Marvelsmokinghispipeagainstthegate,notadozenyardsawaywereMr.HallandTeddyHenfreydiscussinginastateofcloudypuzzlementtheoneIpingtopic.
Suddenlytherecameaviolentthudagainstthedooroftheparlour,asharpcry,andthen—silence.
"Hul-lo!"saidTeddyHenfrey.
"Hul-lo!"fromtheTap.
Mr.Halltookthingsinslowlybutsurely. "Thatain'tright,"hesaid,andcameroundfrombehindthebartowardstheparlourdoor.
HeandTeddyapproachedthedoortogether,withintentfaces. Theireyesconsidered. "Summatwrong,"saidHall,andHenfreynoddedagreement. Whiffsofanunpleasantchemicalodourmetthem,andtherewasamuffledsoundofconversation,veryrapidandsubdued.
"Youallrightthur?"askedHall,rapping.
Themutteredconversationceasedabruptly,foramomentsilence,thentheconversationwasresumed,inhissingwhispers,thenasharpcryof"No!no,youdon't!" Therecameasuddenmotionandtheoversettingofachair,abriefstruggle. Silenceagain.
"Whatthedooce?"exclaimedHenfrey,sottovoce.