"Who Could Have Seen It Coming?"

A dreadful thing has happened to us. Who could have foreseen it? I cannot foresee any end to our troubles. It may be that we are condemned to spend our whole lives in this strange, inaccessible place. I am still so confused that I can hardly think clearly of the facts of the present or of the chances of the future. To my astounded senses the one seems most terrible and the other as black as night.

Something terrible has happened to us. Who could have seen it coming? I cannot see any end to our troubles. We may be doomed to spend our whole lives in this strange, inaccessible place. I am still so confused that I can hardly think clearly about the present or our chances for the future. In my shock, the present seems terrible, and the future as black as night.

No men have ever found themselves in a worse position; nor is there any use in disclosing to you our exact geographical situation and asking our friends for a relief party. Even if they could send one, our fate will in all human probability be decided long before it could arrive in South America.

No men have ever been in a worse position. There is no use telling you exactly where we are and asking our friends to send help. Even if they could send a rescue party, our fate will almost certainly be decided before it reaches South America.

We are, in truth, as far from any human aid as if we were in the moon. If we are to win through, it is only our own qualities which can save us. I have as companions three remarkable men, men of great brain-power and of unshaken courage. There lies our one and only hope. It is only when I look upon the untroubled faces of my comrades that I see some glimmer through the darkness. Outwardly I trust that I appear as unconcerned as they. Inwardly I am filled with apprehension.

In truth, we are as far from human help as if we were on the moon. If we are to make it through, only our own abilities can save us. I have three remarkable companions, men of great intelligence and unwavering courage. They are our only hope. Only when I look at their calm faces do I see a glimmer of hope in the darkness. I hope I appear as unconcerned as they do. Inside, I am filled with fear.

Let me give you, with as much detail as I can, the sequence of events which have led us to this catastrophe.

Let me describe the events that led us to this catastrophe in as much detail as I can.

When I finished my last letter I stated that we were within seven miles from an enormous line of ruddy cliffs, which encircled, beyond all doubt, the plateau of which Professor Challenger spoke. Their height, as we approached them, seemed to me in some places to be greater than he had stated—running up in parts to at least a thousand feet—and they were curiously striated, in a manner which is, I believe, characteristic of basaltic upheavals. Something of the sort is to be seen in Salisbury Crags at Edinburgh. The summit showed every sign of a luxuriant vegetation, with bushes near the edge, and farther back many high trees. There was no indication of any life that we could see.

At the end of my last letter, I said we were within seven miles of an enormous line of reddish cliffs. They undoubtedly surrounded the plateau Professor Challenger had described. As we approached, the cliffs seemed higher in some places than he had said. Parts rose to at least a thousand feet. They had curious stripes, which I believe are typical of basalt pushed up from the earth. Something similar can be seen at Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh. The top showed every sign of lush vegetation, with bushes near the edge and many tall trees farther back. We could see no sign of life.

That night we pitched our camp immediately under the cliff—a most wild and desolate spot. The crags above us were not merely perpendicular, but curved outwards at the top, so that ascent was out of the question. Close to us was the high thin pinnacle of rock which I believe I mentioned earlier in this narrative. It is like a broad red church spire, the top of it being level with the plateau, but a great chasm gaping between. On the summit of it there grew one high tree. Both pinnacle and cliff were comparatively low—some five or six hundred feet, I should think.

That night we camped directly beneath the cliff, in a wild and desolate spot. The cliffs above us were not just vertical. They curved outward at the top, making it impossible to climb them. Nearby stood the tall, slender pinnacle of rock I believe I mentioned earlier in this story. It looked like a broad red church spire. Its top was level with the plateau, but a great chasm yawned between them. A single tall tree grew on its summit. Both the pinnacle and the cliff were relatively low, about five or six hundred feet, I would guess.

"It was on that," said Professor Challenger, pointing to this tree, "that the pterodactyl was perched. I climbed half-way up the rock before I shot him. I am inclined to think that a good mountaineer like myself could ascend the rock to the top, though he would, of course, be no nearer to the plateau when he had done so."

"The pterodactyl was perched on that tree," said Professor Challenger, pointing to it. "I climbed halfway up the rock before I shot him. I think a good climber like me could reach the top of the rock. But, of course, he would be no closer to the plateau once he got there."

As Challenger spoke of his pterodactyl I glanced at Professor Summerlee, and for the first time I seemed to see some signs of a dawning credulity and repentance. There was no sneer upon his thin lips, but, on the contrary, a gray, drawn look of excitement and amazement. Challenger saw it, too, and reveled in the first taste of victory.

As Challenger spoke about his pterodactyl, I glanced at Professor Summerlee. For the first time, I thought I saw signs that he was beginning to believe and feel remorse. There was no sneer on his thin lips. Instead, his face looked pale and tense with excitement and amazement. Challenger saw it too, and delighted in his first taste of victory.

"Of course," said he, with his clumsy and ponderous sarcasm, "Professor Summerlee will understand that when I speak of a pterodactyl I mean a stork—only it is the kind of stork which has no feathers, a leathery skin, membranous wings, and teeth in its jaws." He grinned and blinked and bowed until his colleague turned and walked away.

"Of course," he said with clumsy, heavy-handed sarcasm, "Professor Summerlee will understand that when I say pterodactyl, I mean a stork. But this kind of stork has no feathers. It has leathery skin, membrane wings, and teeth in its jaws." He grinned, blinked, and bowed until his colleague turned and walked away.

In the morning, after a frugal breakfast of coffee and manioc—we had to be economical of our stores—we held a council of war as to the best method of ascending to the plateau above us.

In the morning, we had a small breakfast of coffee and manioc because we had to conserve our supplies. Then we held a council of war to decide how best to climb to the plateau above us.

Challenger presided with a solemnity as if he were the Lord Chief Justice on the Bench. Picture him seated upon a rock, his absurd boyish straw hat tilted on the back of his head, his supercilious eyes dominating us from under his drooping lids, his great black beard wagging as he slowly defined our present situation and our future movements.

Challenger presided as solemnly as if he were the Lord Chief Justice in court. Picture him sitting on a rock, his absurd boyish straw hat tilted back on his head. His superior gaze bore down on us from under drooping eyelids. His great black beard wagged as he slowly explained our situation and what we would do next.

Beneath him you might have seen the three of us—myself, sunburnt, young, and vigorous after our open-air tramp; Summerlee, solemn but still critical, behind his eternal pipe; Lord John, as keen as a razor-edge, with his supple, alert figure leaning upon his rifle, and his eager eyes fixed eagerly upon the speaker. Behind us were grouped the two swarthy half-breeds and the little knot of Indians, while in front and above us towered those huge, ruddy ribs of rocks which kept us from our goal.

Below him, you could have seen the three of us. I was sunburnt, young, and energetic after our long walk outdoors. Summerlee sat solemnly behind his ever-present pipe, but he was still critical. Lord John was as sharp as a razor, his agile, alert figure leaning on his rifle. His eager eyes were fixed on the speaker. Behind us stood the two dark-skinned mixed-race men and the small group of Indians. In front of us, towering overhead, were the huge, reddish ridges of rock that kept us from our goal.

"I need not say," said our leader, "that on the occasion of my last visit I exhausted every means of climbing the cliff, and where I failed I do not think that anyone else is likely to succeed, for I am something of a mountaineer. I had none of the appliances of a rock-climber with me, but I have taken the precaution to bring them now. With their aid I am positive I could climb that detached pinnacle to the summit; but so long as the main cliff overhangs, it is vain to attempt ascending that. I was hurried upon my last visit by the approach of the rainy season and by the exhaustion of my supplies. These considerations limited my time, and I can only claim that I have surveyed about six miles of the cliff to the east of us, finding no possible way up. What, then, shall we now do?"

“I hardly need to say,” said our leader, “that on my last visit I tried every possible way to climb the cliff. I am a capable mountaineer, so I doubt anyone else could succeed where I failed. I had no rock-climbing equipment with me then, but I have taken care to bring it now. With it, I am certain I could climb to the top of that separate pinnacle. But as long as the main cliff overhangs, there is no point trying to climb it. On my last visit, I was pressed for time by the approaching rainy season and my dwindling supplies. Because of this, I managed to survey only about six miles of the cliff to the east of us. I found no possible way up. So what shall we do now?”

"There seems to be only one reasonable course," said Professor Summerlee. "If you have explored the east, we should travel along the base of the cliff to the west, and seek for a practicable point for our ascent."

"There seems to be only one sensible option," said Professor Summerlee. "If you have explored the east, we should head west along the base of the cliff. We can look for a place where we can climb up."

"That's it," said Lord John. "The odds are that this plateau is of no great size, and we shall travel round it until we either find an easy way up it, or come back to the point from which we started."

"That's it," said Lord John. "The plateau is probably not very large. We'll travel around it until we find an easy way up or return to where we started."

"I have already explained to our young friend here," said Challenger (he has a way of alluding to me as if I were a school child ten years old), "that it is quite impossible that there should be an easy way up anywhere, for the simple reason that if there were the summit would not be isolated, and those conditions would not obtain which have effected so singular an interference with the general laws of survival. Yet I admit that there may very well be places where an expert human climber may reach the summit, and yet a cumbrous and heavy animal be unable to descend. It is certain that there is a point where an ascent is possible."

"I have already explained this to our young friend here," said Challenger (he has a way of referring to me as if I were a ten-year-old schoolboy). "There cannot possibly be an easy way up anywhere. If there were, the summit would not be isolated. And without that isolation, the conditions that have so strangely disrupted the usual laws of survival would not exist. Yet I admit there may be places where an expert climber could reach the summit, but a large, heavy animal could not descend. There is certainly a point where it is possible to climb up."

"How do you know that, sir?" asked Summerlee, sharply.

"How do you know that, sir?" Summerlee asked sharply.

"Because my predecessor, the American Maple White, actually made such an ascent. How otherwise could he have seen the monster which he sketched in his notebook?"

"Because my predecessor, the American Maple White, actually made that climb. How else could he have seen the monster he sketched in his notebook?"

"There you reason somewhat ahead of the proved facts," said the stubborn Summerlee. "I admit your plateau, because I have seen it; but I have not as yet satisfied myself that it contains any form of life whatever."

"You're drawing conclusions that go beyond the proven facts," said the stubborn Summerlee. "I accept that the plateau exists because I have seen it. But I am not yet convinced that it contains any life at all."

"What you admit, sir, or what you do not admit, is really of inconceivably small importance. I am glad to perceive that the plateau itself has actually obtruded itself upon your intelligence." He glanced up at it, and then, to our amazement, he sprang from his rock, and, seizing Summerlee by the neck, he tilted his face into the air. "Now sir!" he shouted, hoarse with excitement. "Do I help you to realize that the plateau contains some animal life?"

"What you admit or don't admit, sir, is of almost unbelievably little importance. I'm glad to see that you've finally noticed the plateau itself." He glanced up at the plateau. Then, to our amazement, he jumped off his rock, grabbed Summerlee by the neck, and tilted his face upward. "Now, sir!" he shouted, his voice hoarse with excitement. "Does this help you realize that there is some animal life on the plateau?"

I have said that a thick fringe of green overhung the edge of the cliff. Out of this there had emerged a black, glistening object. As it came slowly forth and overhung the chasm, we saw that it was a very large snake with a peculiar flat, spade-like head. It wavered and quivered above us for a minute, the morning sun gleaming upon its sleek, sinuous coils. Then it slowly drew inwards and disappeared.

I have mentioned the thick fringe of greenery that hung over the edge of the cliff. A black, glistening object emerged from it. As it slowly came out over the chasm, we saw that it was a very large snake. It had a peculiar flat head shaped like a spade. It swayed and trembled above us for a minute, the morning sun gleaming on its sleek, twisting coils. Then it slowly drew back and disappeared.

Summerlee had been so interested that he had stood unresisting while Challenger tilted his head into the air. Now he shook his colleague off and came back to his dignity.

Summerlee had been so interested that he stood without resisting while Challenger tilted his head upward. Now he shook his colleague off and regained his dignity.

"I should be glad, Professor Challenger," said he, "if you could see your way to make any remarks which may occur to you without seizing me by the chin. Even the appearance of a very ordinary rock python does not appear to justify such a liberty."

"Professor Challenger," he said, "I would be grateful if you could make any remarks you wish without grabbing my chin. Even the sight of a very ordinary rock python doesn't seem to justify that."

"But there is life upon the plateau all the same," his colleague replied in triumph. "And now, having demonstrated this important conclusion so that it is clear to anyone, however prejudiced or obtuse, I am of opinion that we cannot do better than break up our camp and travel to westward until we find some means of ascent."

"But there is life on the plateau after all," his colleague replied triumphantly. "I have now demonstrated this important fact clearly enough for anyone to understand, however biased or slow-witted. So I think our best course is to pack up camp and travel west until we find a way to climb up."

The ground at the foot of the cliff was rocky and broken so that the going was slow and difficult. Suddenly we came, however, upon something which cheered our hearts. It was the site of an old encampment, with several empty Chicago meat tins, a bottle labeled "Brandy," a broken tin-opener, and a quantity of other travelers' debris. A crumpled, disintegrated newspaper revealed itself as the Chicago Democrat, though the date had been obliterated.

The ground at the foot of the cliff was rocky and uneven, so we moved slowly and with difficulty. Suddenly, though, we came upon something that lifted our spirits. It was the site of an old campsite. There were several empty Chicago meat tins, a bottle labeled "Brandy," a broken can opener, and plenty of other travelers' debris. A crumpled, decaying newspaper turned out to be the Chicago Democrat, though the date had been erased.

"Not mine," said Challenger. "It must be Maple White's."

"Not mine," said Challenger. "It must be Maple White's."

Lord John had been gazing curiously at a great tree-fern which overshadowed the encampment. "I say, look at this," said he. "I believe it is meant for a sign-post."

Lord John had been looking curiously at a huge tree fern that towered over the camp. "Hey, look at this," he said. "I think it's meant to be a signpost."

A slip of hard wood had been nailed to the tree in such a way as to point to the westward.

A thin piece of hardwood had been nailed to the tree so that it pointed west.

"Most certainly a sign-post," said Challenger. "What else? Finding himself upon a dangerous errand, our pioneer has left this sign so that any party which follows him may know the way he has taken. Perhaps we shall come upon some other indications as we proceed."

"Definitely a signpost," said Challenger. "What else could it be? Our pioneer was on a dangerous mission, so he left this sign. It shows any group following him which way he went. Perhaps we will find more signs as we go on."

We did indeed, but they were of a terrible and most unexpected nature. Immediately beneath the cliff there grew a considerable patch of high bamboo, like that which we had traversed in our journey. Many of these stems were twenty feet high, with sharp, strong tops, so that even as they stood they made formidable spears. We were passing along the edge of this cover when my eye was caught by the gleam of something white within it. Thrusting in my head between the stems, I found myself gazing at a fleshless skull. The whole skeleton was there, but the skull had detached itself and lay some feet nearer to the open.

We did indeed, but they were terrible and completely unexpected. Just below the cliff was a large patch of tall bamboo, like the bamboo we had passed through on our journey. Many stalks were twenty feet high, with sharp, strong tips. Even standing where they grew, they made dangerous spears. We were walking along the edge of the bamboo when I noticed something white gleaming inside it. I pushed my head between the stalks and found myself staring at a bare skull. The whole skeleton was there, but the skull had come loose and lay a few feet closer to the open.

With a few blows from the machetes of our Indians we cleared the spot and were able to study the details of this old tragedy. Only a few shreds of clothes could still be distinguished, but there were the remains of boots upon the bony feet, and it was very clear that the dead man was a European. A gold watch by Hudson, of New York, and a chain which held a stylographic pen, lay among the bones. There was also a silver cigarette-case, with "J. C., from A. E. S.," upon the lid. The state of the metal seemed to show that the catastrophe had occurred no great time before.

Our Indians cleared the spot with a few blows of their machetes. We could then examine the details of this old tragedy. Only a few scraps of clothing were still recognizable, but the bony feet still had boots on them. It was very clear that the dead man was a European. A gold watch by Hudson, of New York, lay among the bones. Its chain held a fountain pen. There was also a silver cigarette case with "J. C., from A. E. S.," on the lid. The condition of the metal seemed to show that the tragedy had happened not long before.

"Who can he be?" asked Lord John. "Poor devil! every bone in his body seems to be broken."

"Who could he be?" asked Lord John. "Poor guy! Every bone in his body seems to be broken."

"And the bamboo grows through his smashed ribs," said Summerlee. "It is a fast-growing plant, but it is surely inconceivable that this body could have been here while the canes grew to be twenty feet in length."

"And the bamboo is growing through his smashed ribs," said Summerlee. "Bamboo grows fast, but surely this body couldn't have been here while the canes grew twenty feet tall."

"As to the man's identity," said Professor Challenger, "I have no doubt whatever upon that point. As I made my way up the river before I reached you at the fazenda I instituted very particular inquiries about Maple White. At Para they knew nothing. Fortunately, I had a definite clew, for there was a particular picture in his sketch-book which showed him taking lunch with a certain ecclesiastic at Rosario. This priest I was able to find, and though he proved a very argumentative fellow, who took it absurdly amiss that I should point out to him the corrosive effect which modern science must have upon his beliefs, he none the less gave me some positive information. Maple White passed Rosario four years ago, or two years before I saw his dead body. He was not alone at the time, but there was a friend, an American named James Colver, who remained in the boat and did not meet this ecclesiastic. I think, therefore, that there can be no doubt that we are now looking upon the remains of this James Colver."

“As for the man’s identity,” said Professor Challenger, “I have no doubt at all. As I traveled up the river, before I reached you at the fazenda, I made careful inquiries about Maple White. At Para, they knew nothing. Fortunately, I had a definite clue. One picture in his sketchbook showed him having lunch with a priest at Rosario. I found the priest, although he proved to be a very argumentative fellow. He was absurdly offended when I pointed out how modern science must undermine his beliefs. Even so, he gave me some definite information. Maple White passed through Rosario four years ago, two years before I saw his dead body. He was not alone. He had a friend with him, an American named James Colver, who stayed in the boat and did not meet the priest. I think, therefore, there can be no doubt that we are now looking at the remains of this James Colver.”

"Nor," said Lord John, "is there much doubt as to how he met his death. He has fallen or been chucked from the top, and so been impaled. How else could he come by his broken bones, and how could he have been stuck through by these canes with their points so high above our heads?"

"There's not much doubt about how he died either," said Lord John. "He fell or was thrown from the top and was impaled. How else could his bones have been broken? And how else could these canes have pierced him, with their points so high above our heads?"

A hush came over us as we stood round these shattered remains and realized the truth of Lord John Roxton's words. The beetling head of the cliff projected over the cane-brake. Undoubtedly he had fallen from above. But had he fallen? Had it been an accident? Or—already ominous and terrible possibilities began to form round that unknown land.

We fell silent as we stood around the shattered remains and realized the truth of Lord John Roxton's words. The overhanging cliff rose above the cane thicket. He had undoubtedly fallen from above. But had he fallen? Had it been an accident? Or was there another explanation? Already, ominous and terrible possibilities were forming around that unknown land.

We moved off in silence, and continued to coast round the line of cliffs, which were as even and unbroken as some of those monstrous Antarctic ice-fields which I have seen depicted as stretching from horizon to horizon and towering high above the mast-heads of the exploring vessel.

We moved off in silence and continued along the line of cliffs. They were as even and unbroken as some of the enormous Antarctic ice fields I had seen in pictures. Those ice fields stretched from horizon to horizon and towered high above the masts of the exploring ship.

In five miles we saw no rift or break. And then suddenly we perceived something which filled us with new hope. In a hollow of the rock, protected from rain, there was drawn a rough arrow in chalk, pointing still to the westwards.

For five miles, we saw no gap or break. Then, suddenly, we saw something that filled us with new hope. A rough chalk arrow had been drawn in a hollow in the rock, sheltered from the rain. It still pointed west.

"Maple White again," said Professor Challenger. "He had some presentiment that worthy footsteps would follow close behind him."

"Maple White again," said Professor Challenger. "He had a feeling that worthy people would follow close behind him."

"He had chalk, then?"

"So he had chalk?"

"A box of colored chalks was among the effects I found in his knapsack. I remember that the white one was worn to a stump."

"I found a box of colored chalk among the things in his backpack. I remember that the white chalk was worn down to a stump."

"That is certainly good evidence," said Summerlee. "We can only accept his guidance and follow on to the westward."

"That is certainly good evidence," said Summerlee. "We can only accept his guidance and follow him west."

We had proceeded some five more miles when again we saw a white arrow upon the rocks. It was at a point where the face of the cliff was for the first time split into a narrow cleft. Inside the cleft was a second guidance mark, which pointed right up it with the tip somewhat elevated, as if the spot indicated were above the level of the ground.

After about five more miles, we saw another white arrow on the rocks. It was where the cliff face was split by a narrow cleft for the first time. Inside the cleft was a second marker pointing straight up it. Its tip was raised slightly, as if it indicated a spot above ground level.

It was a solemn place, for the walls were so gigantic and the slit of blue sky so narrow and so obscured by a double fringe of verdure, that only a dim and shadowy light penetrated to the bottom. We had had no food for many hours, and were very weary with the stony and irregular journey, but our nerves were too strung to allow us to halt. We ordered the camp to be pitched, however, and, leaving the Indians to arrange it, we four, with the two half-breeds, proceeded up the narrow gorge.

It was a solemn place. The walls were enormous, and the narrow strip of blue sky was partly hidden by two fringes of greenery. As a result, only dim, shadowy light reached the bottom. We had gone without food for many hours and were exhausted from the rocky, uneven journey. But our nerves were too tense to let us stop. However, we ordered the camp to be set up. We left the Indians to arrange it, and the four of us continued up the narrow gorge with the two mixed-race men.

It was not more than forty feet across at the mouth, but it rapidly closed until it ended in an acute angle, too straight and smooth for an ascent. Certainly it was not this which our pioneer had attempted to indicate. We made our way back—the whole gorge was not more than a quarter of a mile deep—and then suddenly the quick eyes of Lord John fell upon what we were seeking. High up above our heads, amid the dark shadows, there was one circle of deeper gloom. Surely it could only be the opening of a cave.

The gorge was no more than forty feet wide at its entrance, but it quickly narrowed to a sharp angle. The sides there were too steep and smooth to climb. This was certainly not what our pioneer had tried to point out. We made our way back. The whole gorge was no more than a quarter of a mile deep. Then Lord John’s sharp eyes suddenly spotted what we were looking for. High above our heads, among the dark shadows, was a circle of deeper darkness. Surely it could only be the entrance to a cave.

The base of the cliff was heaped with loose stones at the spot, and it was not difficult to clamber up. When we reached it, all doubt was removed. Not only was it an opening into the rock, but on the side of it there was marked once again the sign of the arrow. Here was the point, and this the means by which Maple White and his ill-fated comrade had made their ascent.

Loose stones were piled at the base of the cliff there, making it easy to climb up. When we reached the spot, all doubt was gone. It was an opening in the rock, and once again an arrow was marked beside it. This was where Maple White and his ill-fated companion had climbed up, and how they had done it.

We were too excited to return to the camp, but must make our first exploration at once. Lord John had an electric torch in his knapsack, and this had to serve us as light. He advanced, throwing his little clear circlet of yellow radiance before him, while in single file we followed at his heels.

We were too excited to return to camp. We had to explore at once. Lord John had a flashlight in his knapsack, and we had to rely on it for light. He led the way, casting a small, clear circle of yellow light ahead of him. We followed close behind in single file.

The cave had evidently been water-worn, the sides being smooth and the floor covered with rounded stones. It was of such a size that a single man could just fit through by stooping. For fifty yards it ran almost straight into the rock, and then it ascended at an angle of forty-five. Presently this incline became even steeper, and we found ourselves climbing upon hands and knees among loose rubble which slid from beneath us. Suddenly an exclamation broke from Lord Roxton.

The cave had clearly been worn smooth by water. Its sides were smooth, and its floor was covered with rounded stones. It was just large enough for one man to pass through by stooping. For fifty yards, it ran almost straight into the rock. Then it rose at an angle of forty-five degrees. Soon the slope became even steeper. We found ourselves climbing on our hands and knees through loose rubble that slid out from under us. Suddenly, Lord Roxton cried out.

"It's blocked!" said he.

"It's blocked!" he said.

Clustering behind him we saw in the yellow field of light a wall of broken basalt which extended to the ceiling.

Gathered behind him, we saw a wall of broken basalt in the yellow light. It stretched up to the ceiling.

"The roof has fallen in!"

"The roof has collapsed!"

In vain we dragged out some of the pieces. The only effect was that the larger ones became detached and threatened to roll down the gradient and crush us. It was evident that the obstacle was far beyond any efforts which we could make to remove it. The road by which Maple White had ascended was no longer available.

We tried to pull out some of the pieces, but it was no use. The only result was that the larger pieces came loose and threatened to roll down the slope and crush us. Clearly, the obstacle was far too large for us to remove. The route Maple White had used to climb up was no longer available.

Too much cast down to speak, we stumbled down the dark tunnel and made our way back to the camp.

Too discouraged to speak, we stumbled down the dark tunnel and made our way back to camp.

One incident occurred, however, before we left the gorge, which is of importance in view of what came afterwards.

However, one incident happened before we left the gorge that matters because of what happened afterward.

We had gathered in a little group at the bottom of the chasm, some forty feet beneath the mouth of the cave, when a huge rock rolled suddenly downwards—and shot past us with tremendous force. It was the narrowest escape for one or all of us. We could not ourselves see whence the rock had come, but our half-breed servants, who were still at the opening of the cave, said that it had flown past them, and must therefore have fallen from the summit. Looking upwards, we could see no sign of movement above us amidst the green jungle which topped the cliff. There could be little doubt, however, that the stone was aimed at us, so the incident surely pointed to humanity—and malevolent humanity—upon the plateau.

We had gathered in a small group at the bottom of the chasm, about forty feet below the cave entrance. Suddenly, a huge rock rolled down and shot past us with tremendous force. One or all of us had narrowly escaped being hit. We could not see where the rock had come from. But our half-breed servants were still at the cave entrance, and they said it had flown past them. It must therefore have fallen from the top of the cliff. We looked up but could see no movement in the green jungle above the cliff. There could be little doubt, however, that the rock was aimed at us. The incident surely meant that people were on the plateau, and that they meant us harm.

We withdrew hurriedly from the chasm, our minds full of this new development and its bearing upon our plans. The situation was difficult enough before, but if the obstructions of Nature were increased by the deliberate opposition of man, then our case was indeed a hopeless one. And yet, as we looked up at that beautiful fringe of verdure only a few hundreds of feet above our heads, there was not one of us who could conceive the idea of returning to London until we had explored it to its depths.

We hurried away from the chasm, thinking about this new development and what it meant for our plans. Our situation was already difficult enough. But if people deliberately opposed us as well as nature, our case was truly hopeless. Yet we looked up at that beautiful fringe of greenery only a few hundred feet above our heads. Not one of us could imagine returning to London before we had explored it thoroughly.

On discussing the situation, we determined that our best course was to continue to coast round the plateau in the hope of finding some other means of reaching the top. The line of cliffs, which had decreased considerably in height, had already begun to trend from west to north, and if we could take this as representing the arc of a circle, the whole circumference could not be very great. At the worst, then, we should be back in a few days at our starting-point.

After discussing the situation, we decided to continue around the plateau, hoping to find another way to the top. The cliffs had become much lower and had already begun to turn from west to north. If they formed part of a circle, the whole circuit could not be very long. At worst, we would be back where we started in a few days.

We made a march that day which totaled some two-and-twenty miles, without any change in our prospects. I may mention that our aneroid shows us that in the continual incline which we have ascended since we abandoned our canoes we have risen to no less than three thousand feet above sea-level. Hence there is a considerable change both in the temperature and in the vegetation. We have shaken off some of that horrible insect life which is the bane of tropical travel. A few palms still survive, and many tree-ferns, but the Amazonian trees have been all left behind. It was pleasant to see the convolvulus, the passion-flower, and the begonia, all reminding me of home, here among these inhospitable rocks. There was a red begonia just the same color as one that is kept in a pot in the window of a certain villa in Streatham—but I am drifting into private reminiscence.

We marched about twenty-two miles that day, with no change in our prospects. Our aneroid barometer shows how far we have climbed since leaving our canoes. The slope has risen steadily, and we are now no less than three thousand feet above sea level. As a result, both the temperature and the vegetation have changed considerably. We have escaped some of the horrible insects that make tropical travel so miserable. A few palms remain, along with many tree ferns, but we have left all the Amazonian trees behind. It was pleasant to see convolvulus, passionflowers, and begonias among these inhospitable rocks. They all reminded me of home. One red begonia was exactly the same color as one in a pot in the window of a certain villa in Streatham. But I am drifting into private memories.

That night—I am still speaking of the first day of our circumnavigation of the plateau—a great experience awaited us, and one which for ever set at rest any doubt which we could have had as to the wonders so near us.

That night, a great experience awaited us. I am still talking about the first day of our journey around the plateau. The experience put to rest forever any doubts we might have had about the wonders so near us.

You will realize as you read it, my dear Mr. McArdle, and possibly for the first time that the paper has not sent me on a wild-goose chase, and that there is inconceivably fine copy waiting for the world whenever we have the Professor's leave to make use of it. I shall not dare to publish these articles unless I can bring back my proofs to England, or I shall be hailed as the journalistic Munchausen of all time. I have no doubt that you feel the same way yourself, and that you would not care to stake the whole credit of the Gazette upon this adventure until we can meet the chorus of criticism and scepticism which such articles must of necessity elicit. So this wonderful incident, which would make such a headline for the old paper, must still wait its turn in the editorial drawer.

As you read this, my dear Mr. McArdle, you will realize that the paper has not sent me on a wild-goose chase. Perhaps you will realize it for the first time. You will also see that an unbelievably fine story is waiting for the world, whenever the Professor gives us permission to use it. I would not dare publish these articles unless I can bring my evidence back to England. Otherwise, I would be hailed as the greatest journalistic Munchausen of all time. I have no doubt you feel the same way. You would not want to stake the entire reputation of the Gazette on this adventure until we can answer the chorus of criticism and skepticism these articles would surely provoke. So this wonderful incident, which would make such a headline for the old paper, must wait its turn in the editorial drawer.

And yet it was all over in a flash, and there was no sequel to it, save in our own convictions.

And yet it was all over in a flash. Nothing came of it, except that we were convinced.

What occurred was this. Lord John had shot an ajouti—which is a small, pig-like animal—and, half of it having been given to the Indians, we were cooking the other half upon our fire. There is a chill in the air after dark, and we had all drawn close to the blaze. The night was moonless, but there were some stars, and one could see for a little distance across the plain. Well, suddenly out of the darkness, out of the night, there swooped something with a swish like an aeroplane. The whole group of us were covered for an instant by a canopy of leathery wings, and I had a momentary vision of a long, snake-like neck, a fierce, red, greedy eye, and a great snapping beak, filled, to my amazement, with little, gleaming teeth. The next instant it was gone—and so was our dinner. A huge black shadow, twenty feet across, skimmed up into the air; for an instant the monster wings blotted out the stars, and then it vanished over the brow of the cliff above us. We all sat in amazed silence round the fire, like the heroes of Virgil when the Harpies came down upon them. It was Summerlee who was the first to speak.

This is what happened. Lord John had shot an ajouti, a small, pig-like animal. We gave half of it to the Indians and were cooking the other half over our fire. The air turns chilly after dark, and we had all drawn close to the blaze. The night was moonless, but there were some stars. We could see a short distance across the plain. Then, suddenly, something swooped out of the darkness with a swish like an airplane. For an instant, leathery wings spread over our whole group like a canopy. I caught a glimpse of a long, snake-like neck, a fierce, greedy red eye, and a great snapping beak. To my amazement, the beak was filled with small, gleaming teeth. The next instant the creature was gone, and so was our dinner. A huge black shadow, twenty feet across, swept up into the air. For an instant, the monster’s wings blocked out the stars. Then it vanished over the edge of the cliff above us. We all sat in stunned silence around the fire, like Virgil’s heroes when the Harpies swooped down on them. Summerlee was the first to speak.

"Professor Challenger," said he, in a solemn voice, which quavered with emotion, "I owe you an apology. Sir, I am very much in the wrong, and I beg that you will forget what is past."

"Professor Challenger," he said solemnly, his voice trembling with emotion, "I owe you an apology. Sir, I was very much in the wrong, and I ask you to forget the past."

It was handsomely said, and the two men for the first time shook hands. So much we have gained by this clear vision of our first pterodactyl. It was worth a stolen supper to bring two such men together.

It was graciously said, and the two men shook hands for the first time. That was what we gained from a clear view of our first pterodactyl. It was worth a stolen supper to bring two such men together.

But if prehistoric life existed upon the plateau it was not superabundant, for we had no further glimpse of it during the next three days. During this time we traversed a barren and forbidding country, which alternated between stony desert and desolate marshes full of many wild-fowl, upon the north and east of the cliffs. From that direction the place is really inaccessible, and, were it not for a hardish ledge which runs at the very base of the precipice, we should have had to turn back. Many times we were up to our waists in the slime and blubber of an old, semi-tropical swamp. To make matters worse, the place seemed to be a favorite breeding-place of the Jaracaca snake, the most venomous and aggressive in South America. Again and again these horrible creatures came writhing and springing towards us across the surface of this putrid bog, and it was only by keeping our shot-guns for ever ready that we could feel safe from them. One funnel-shaped depression in the morass, of a livid green in color from some lichen which festered in it, will always remain as a nightmare memory in my mind. It seems to have been a special nest of these vermins, and the slopes were alive with them, all writhing in our direction, for it is a peculiarity of the Jaracaca that he will always attack man at first sight. There were too many for us to shoot, so we fairly took to our heels and ran until we were exhausted. I shall always remember as we looked back how far behind we could see the heads and necks of our horrible pursuers rising and falling amid the reeds. Jaracaca Swamp we named it in the map which we are constructing.

But if prehistoric life existed on the plateau, it was not abundant. We saw no more of it over the next three days. During that time, we traveled through barren, forbidding country north and east of the cliffs. It alternated between stony desert and desolate marshes full of wildfowl. From that direction, the plateau is really inaccessible. If not for a fairly firm ledge running along the foot of the cliff, we would have had to turn back. Many times we were up to our waists in the slime and muck of an ancient, partly tropical swamp. To make matters worse, the swamp seemed to be a favorite breeding place for the Jaracaca snake. It is the most venomous and aggressive snake in South America. Again and again, these horrible creatures came writhing and springing toward us across the surface of the foul swamp. We could only feel safe by keeping our shotguns ready at all times. One funnel-shaped hollow in the swamp will always haunt my nightmares. It was a sickly green from a lichen that grew there. It seemed to be a special nest for these vermin. The slopes were alive with them, all writhing toward us. The Jaracaca has a peculiarity: it always attacks a person on sight. There were too many for us to shoot, so we took to our heels and ran until we were exhausted. When we looked back, we could see our horrible pursuers far behind us. I shall always remember their heads and necks rising and falling among the reeds. We named the place Jaracaca Swamp on the map we are making.

The cliffs upon the farther side had lost their ruddy tint, being chocolate-brown in color; the vegetation was more scattered along the top of them, and they had sunk to three or four hundred feet in height, but in no place did we find any point where they could be ascended. If anything, they were more impossible than at the first point where we had met them. Their absolute steepness is indicated in the photograph which I took over the stony desert.

The cliffs on the far side had lost their reddish tint and were chocolate-brown. Vegetation was more scattered along their tops, and the cliffs had dropped to three or four hundred feet high. But we found no place where we could climb them. If anything, they were even more impossible to climb than where we had first encountered them. The photograph I took across the stony desert shows just how steep they were.

"Surely," said I, as we discussed the situation, "the rain must find its way down somehow. There are bound to be water-channels in the rocks."

"Surely," I said as we discussed the situation, "the rain must find a way down somehow. There must be water channels in the rocks."

"Our young friend has glimpses of lucidity," said Professor Challenger, patting me upon the shoulder.

"Our young friend has moments of clear thinking," said Professor Challenger, patting me on the shoulder.

"The rain must go somewhere," I repeated.

"The rain has to go somewhere," I repeated.

"He keeps a firm grip upon actuality. The only drawback is that we have conclusively proved by ocular demonstration that there are no water channels down the rocks."

"He has a firm grip on reality. The only drawback is that we have seen for ourselves and proved conclusively that no water channels run down the rocks."

"Where, then, does it go?" I persisted.

"Then where does it go?" I pressed.

"I think it may be fairly assumed that if it does not come outwards it must run inwards."

"I think it's reasonable to assume that if it doesn't run outward, it must run inward."

"Then there is a lake in the center."

"Then there is a lake in the center."

"So I should suppose."

"I suppose so."

"It is more than likely that the lake may be an old crater," said Summerlee. "The whole formation is, of course, highly volcanic. But, however that may be, I should expect to find the surface of the plateau slope inwards with a considerable sheet of water in the center, which may drain off, by some subterranean channel, into the marshes of the Jaracaca Swamp."

"The lake is very likely an old crater," said Summerlee. "The whole formation is, of course, highly volcanic. But whatever the lake may be, I would expect the plateau to slope inward, with a large lake at its center. The water may drain through an underground channel into the marshes of the Jaracaca Swamp."

"Or evaporation might preserve an equilibrium," remarked Challenger, and the two learned men wandered off into one of their usual scientific arguments, which were as comprehensible as Chinese to the layman.

"Or evaporation might maintain a balance," said Challenger. The two scholars drifted into one of their usual scientific arguments. To a nonexpert, it was as understandable as Chinese.

On the sixth day we completed our first circuit of the cliffs, and found ourselves back at the first camp, beside the isolated pinnacle of rock. We were a disconsolate party, for nothing could have been more minute than our investigation, and it was absolutely certain that there was no single point where the most active human being could possibly hope to scale the cliff. The place which Maple White's chalk-marks had indicated as his own means of access was now entirely impassable.

On the sixth day, we completed our first circuit of the cliffs. We found ourselves back at our first camp, beside the isolated rock pinnacle. We were a discouraged group. We had searched as thoroughly as possible, and it was absolutely certain that no one, however agile, could climb the cliffs. The place where Maple White's chalk marks showed he had climbed up was now completely impassable.

What were we to do now? Our stores of provisions, supplemented by our guns, were holding out well, but the day must come when they would need replenishment. In a couple of months the rains might be expected, and we should be washed out of our camp. The rock was harder than marble, and any attempt at cutting a path for so great a height was more than our time or resources would admit. No wonder that we looked gloomily at each other that night, and sought our blankets with hardly a word exchanged. I remember that as I dropped off to sleep my last recollection was that Challenger was squatting, like a monstrous bull-frog, by the fire, his huge head in his hands, sunk apparently in the deepest thought, and entirely oblivious to the good-night which I wished him.

What were we to do now? Our food supplies, supplemented by what we shot, were holding out well. But eventually we would need to restock them. In a couple of months, we could expect the rains to wash us out of our camp. The rock was harder than marble. Cutting a path up such a great height would take more time and resources than we had. No wonder we looked gloomily at each other that night and went to our blankets with hardly a word. I remember my last thought as I fell asleep. Challenger was squatting by the fire like a monstrous bullfrog, his huge head in his hands. He seemed lost in the deepest thought and took no notice when I wished him good night.

But it was a very different Challenger who greeted us in the morning—a Challenger with contentment and self-congratulation shining from his whole person. He faced us as we assembled for breakfast with a deprecating false modesty in his eyes, as who should say, "I know that I deserve all that you can say, but I pray you to spare my blushes by not saying it." His beard bristled exultantly, his chest was thrown out, and his hand was thrust into the front of his jacket. So, in his fancy, may he see himself sometimes, gracing the vacant pedestal in Trafalgar Square, and adding one more to the horrors of the London streets.

But a very different Challenger greeted us in the morning. He was clearly pleased with himself and proud of his success. As we gathered for breakfast, he faced us with false modesty in his eyes. He seemed to say, "I know I deserve all the praise you can give me, but please spare me the embarrassment of hearing it." His beard bristled with triumph, his chest was puffed out, and his hand was tucked into the front of his jacket. Perhaps he sometimes imagines himself like this, standing on the empty pedestal in Trafalgar Square and adding one more horror to the streets of London.

"Eureka!" he cried, his teeth shining through his beard. "Gentlemen, you may congratulate me and we may congratulate each other. The problem is solved."

"Eureka!" he cried, his teeth shining through his beard. "Gentlemen, you can congratulate me, and we can congratulate each other. The problem is solved."

"You have found a way up?"

"Have you found a way up?"

"I venture to think so."

"I think so."

"And where?"

"And where?"

For answer he pointed to the spire-like pinnacle upon our right.

In answer, he pointed to the spire-like peak on our right.

Our faces—or mine, at least—fell as we surveyed it. That it could be climbed we had our companion's assurance. But a horrible abyss lay between it and the plateau.

Our faces fell as we looked at it. Mine did, at least. Our companion had assured us it could be climbed. But a terrifying chasm lay between it and the plateau.

"We can never get across," I gasped.

"We can never get across," I gasped.

"We can at least all reach the summit," said he. "When we are up I may be able to show you that the resources of an inventive mind are not yet exhausted."

“At least we can all reach the top,” he said. “Once we’re up there, I may be able to show you that an inventive mind still has resources.”

After breakfast we unpacked the bundle in which our leader had brought his climbing accessories. From it he took a coil of the strongest and lightest rope, a hundred and fifty feet in length, with climbing irons, clamps, and other devices. Lord John was an experienced mountaineer, and Summerlee had done some rough climbing at various times, so that I was really the novice at rock-work of the party; but my strength and activity may have made up for my want of experience.

After breakfast we unpacked the bundle of climbing gear our leader had brought. He took out a coil of very strong, lightweight rope, 150 feet long, along with climbing irons, clamps, and other equipment. Lord John was an experienced mountaineer, and Summerlee had done some rough climbing at various times. So I was the only beginner at rock climbing in the party. But my strength and agility may have made up for my lack of experience.

It was not in reality a very stiff task, though there were moments which made my hair bristle upon my head. The first half was perfectly easy, but from there upwards it became continually steeper until, for the last fifty feet, we were literally clinging with our fingers and toes to tiny ledges and crevices in the rock. I could not have accomplished it, nor could Summerlee, if Challenger had not gained the summit (it was extraordinary to see such activity in so unwieldy a creature) and there fixed the rope round the trunk of the considerable tree which grew there. With this as our support, we were soon able to scramble up the jagged wall until we found ourselves upon the small grassy platform, some twenty-five feet each way, which formed the summit.

The climb was not really very difficult, though there were moments that made my hair stand on end. The first half was perfectly easy, but it grew steadily steeper after that. For the last fifty feet, we were literally clinging to tiny ledges and cracks with our fingers and toes. Neither Summerlee nor I could have made it if Challenger had not reached the top. It was extraordinary to see such agility in such a bulky creature. At the top, he tied the rope around the trunk of a large tree. With the rope to support us, we soon scrambled up the jagged wall. At the top, we found a small grassy platform, about twenty-five feet across in each direction.

The first impression which I received when I had recovered my breath was of the extraordinary view over the country which we had traversed. The whole Brazilian plain seemed to lie beneath us, extending away and away until it ended in dim blue mists upon the farthest sky-line. In the foreground was the long slope, strewn with rocks and dotted with tree-ferns; farther off in the middle distance, looking over the saddle-back hill, I could just see the yellow and green mass of bamboos through which we had passed; and then, gradually, the vegetation increased until it formed the huge forest which extended as far as the eyes could reach, and for a good two thousand miles beyond.

When I caught my breath, the first thing I noticed was the extraordinary view over the country we had crossed. The whole Brazilian plain seemed to lie below us, stretching into a faint blue mist on the distant horizon. In the foreground was a long slope, scattered with rocks and dotted with tree ferns. Farther away, beyond the saddleback hill, I could just see the yellow and green mass of bamboo we had passed through. Beyond that, the vegetation gradually grew thicker, forming a huge forest. It stretched as far as the eye could see, and for a good two thousand miles beyond.

I was still drinking in this wonderful panorama when the heavy hand of the Professor fell upon my shoulder.

I was still taking in the wonderful view when the Professor laid his heavy hand on my shoulder.

"This way, my young friend," said he; "vestigia nulla retrorsum. Never look rearwards, but always to our glorious goal."

"This way, my young friend," he said. "No footprints lead back. Never look back, but always toward our glorious goal."

The level of the plateau, when I turned, was exactly that on which we stood, and the green bank of bushes, with occasional trees, was so near that it was difficult to realize how inaccessible it remained. At a rough guess the gulf was forty feet across, but, so far as I could see, it might as well have been forty miles. I placed one arm round the trunk of the tree and leaned over the abyss. Far down were the small dark figures of our servants, looking up at us. The wall was absolutely precipitous, as was that which faced me.

When I turned, I saw that the plateau was exactly level with the ground where we stood. A green bank of bushes, with trees here and there, was so close that it was hard to believe it remained inaccessible. I guessed the gap was forty feet across. But as far as I could see, it might as well have been forty miles. I put one arm around the tree trunk and leaned over the edge. Far below, the small, dark figures of our servants looked up at us. The cliff wall was completely vertical, as was the wall facing me.

"This is indeed curious," said the creaking voice of Professor Summerlee.

"This is really strange," said Professor Summerlee in his creaking voice.

I turned, and found that he was examining with great interest the tree to which I clung. That smooth bark and those small, ribbed leaves seemed familiar to my eyes. "Why," I cried, "it's a beech!"

I turned and saw that he was studying the tree I was holding onto with great interest. Its smooth bark and small, ribbed leaves looked familiar. "Why," I cried, "it's a beech!"

"Exactly," said Summerlee. "A fellow-countryman in a far land."

"Exactly," said Summerlee. "A person from the same country in a distant land."

"Not only a fellow-countryman, my good sir," said Challenger, "but also, if I may be allowed to enlarge your simile, an ally of the first value. This beech tree will be our saviour."

"Not just a fellow countryman, my good sir," said Challenger. "If I may take your comparison further, he is also a very valuable ally. This beech tree will save us."

"By George!" cried Lord John, "a bridge!"

"Good grief!" cried Lord John, "a bridge!"

"Exactly, my friends, a bridge! It is not for nothing that I expended an hour last night in focusing my mind upon the situation. I have some recollection of once remarking to our young friend here that G. E. C. is at his best when his back is to the wall. Last night you will admit that all our backs were to the wall. But where will-power and intellect go together, there is always a way out. A drawbridge had to be found which could be dropped across the abyss. Behold it!"

“Exactly, my friends, a bridge! I spent an hour last night thinking hard about our situation, and it paid off. I remember telling our young friend here that G. E. C. is at his best when his back is to the wall. You will admit that last night all our backs were to the wall. But when willpower and intellect work together, there is always a way out. We had to find a drawbridge that could be lowered across the abyss. Here it is!”

It was certainly a brilliant idea. The tree was a good sixty feet in height, and if it only fell the right way it would easily cross the chasm. Challenger had slung the camp axe over his shoulder when he ascended. Now he handed it to me.

It was certainly a brilliant idea. The tree was at least sixty feet tall. If it fell the right way, it would easily reach across the chasm. Challenger had carried the camp axe over his shoulder when he climbed up. Now he handed it to me.

"Our young friend has the thews and sinews," said he. "I think he will be the most useful at this task. I must beg, however, that you will kindly refrain from thinking for yourself, and that you will do exactly what you are told."

"Our young friend has the strength," he said. "I think he will be the most useful for this task. However, I must ask you not to think for yourself. Please do exactly as you are told."

Under his direction I cut such gashes in the sides of the trees as would ensure that it should fall as we desired. It had already a strong, natural tilt in the direction of the plateau, so that the matter was not difficult. Finally I set to work in earnest upon the trunk, taking turn and turn with Lord John. In a little over an hour there was a loud crack, the tree swayed forward, and then crashed over, burying its branches among the bushes on the farther side. The severed trunk rolled to the very edge of our platform, and for one terrible second we all thought it was over. It balanced itself, however, a few inches from the edge, and there was our bridge to the unknown.

Under his direction, I cut notches in the sides of the tree to make sure it fell where we wanted. The tree already leaned sharply toward the plateau, so the task was not difficult. Finally, I began cutting through the trunk in earnest, taking turns with Lord John. After a little over an hour, there was a loud crack. The tree swayed forward, then crashed down, burying its branches among the bushes on the far side. The severed trunk rolled to the very edge of our platform. For one terrible second, we all thought it would fall off. But it came to rest a few inches from the edge, and there was our bridge to the unknown.

All of us, without a word, shook hands with Professor Challenger, who raised his straw hat and bowed deeply to each in turn.

Without a word, we all shook hands with Professor Challenger. He raised his straw hat and bowed deeply to each of us.

"I claim the honor," said he, "to be the first to cross to the unknown land—a fitting subject, no doubt, for some future historical painting."

"I claim the honor of being the first to cross to the unknown land," he said. "No doubt that would make a fitting subject for a historical painting someday."

He had approached the bridge when Lord John laid his hand upon his coat.

He had approached the bridge when Lord John placed a hand on his coat.

"My dear chap," said he, "I really cannot allow it."

"My dear friend," he said, "I really can't allow it."

"Cannot allow it, sir!" The head went back and the beard forward.

"I can't allow it, sir!" His head went back and his beard jutted forward.

"When it is a matter of science, don't you know, I follow your lead because you are by way of bein' a man of science. But it's up to you to follow me when you come into my department."

"When it comes to science, you know, I follow your lead because you're a man of science. But you should follow me when it comes to my field."

"Your department, sir?"

"What department are you in, sir?"

"We all have our professions, and soldierin' is mine. We are, accordin' to my ideas, invadin' a new country, which may or may not be chock-full of enemies of sorts. To barge blindly into it for want of a little common sense and patience isn't my notion of management."

"We all have our professions, and soldiering is mine. As I see it, we're invading a new country. It may or may not be full of enemies of all sorts. Barging blindly into it for lack of common sense and patience isn't my idea of good management."

The remonstrance was too reasonable to be disregarded. Challenger tossed his head and shrugged his heavy shoulders.

The objection was too reasonable to ignore. Challenger tossed his head and shrugged his broad shoulders.

"Well, sir, what do you propose?"

"Well, sir, what do you suggest?"

"For all I know there may be a tribe of cannibals waitin' for lunch-time among those very bushes," said Lord John, looking across the bridge. "It's better to learn wisdom before you get into a cookin'-pot; so we will content ourselves with hopin' that there is no trouble waitin' for us, and at the same time we will act as if there were. Malone and I will go down again, therefore, and we will fetch up the four rifles, together with Gomez and the other. One man can then go across and the rest will cover him with guns, until he sees that it is safe for the whole crowd to come along."

"For all I know, there may be a tribe of cannibals waiting for lunchtime among those very bushes," said Lord John, looking across the bridge. "It's better to learn wisdom before you get into a cooking pot. So we will hope there is no trouble waiting for us, but act as if there were. Malone and I will go down again and bring up the four rifles, along with Gomez and the other. Then one man can cross while the rest cover him with their guns. Once he sees it is safe, the whole crowd can come across."

Challenger sat down upon the cut stump and groaned his impatience; but Summerlee and I were of one mind that Lord John was our leader when such practical details were in question. The climb was a more simple thing now that the rope dangled down the face of the worst part of the ascent. Within an hour we had brought up the rifles and a shot-gun. The half-breeds had ascended also, and under Lord John's orders they had carried up a bale of provisions in case our first exploration should be a long one. We had each bandoliers of cartridges.

Challenger sat down on the stump and groaned impatiently. But Summerlee and I agreed that Lord John was our leader in practical matters like these. The climb was easier now that the rope hung down the face of the hardest part. Within an hour, we had brought up the rifles and a shotgun. The half-breeds had climbed up too. On Lord John's orders, they had carried up a bundle of provisions, in case our first exploration took a long time. We each had a bandolier of cartridges.

"Now, Challenger, if you really insist upon being the first man in," said Lord John, when every preparation was complete.

"Now, Challenger, if you really insist on being the first man in," said Lord John, when everything was ready.

"I am much indebted to you for your gracious permission," said the angry Professor; for never was a man so intolerant of every form of authority. "Since you are good enough to allow it, I shall most certainly take it upon myself to act as pioneer upon this occasion."

"Thank you for your kind permission," said the angry Professor. No man was ever less tolerant of any form of authority. "Since you're kind enough to allow it, I will certainly take it upon myself to lead the way this time."

Seating himself with a leg overhanging the abyss on each side, and his hatchet slung upon his back, Challenger hopped his way across the trunk and was soon at the other side. He clambered up and waved his arms in the air.

Challenger sat on the trunk with one leg hanging over the abyss on each side. With his hatchet on his back, he hopped across the trunk and soon reached the other side. He climbed up and waved his arms in the air.

"At last!" he cried; "at last!"

"At last!" he cried. "At last!"

I gazed anxiously at him, with a vague expectation that some terrible fate would dart at him from the curtain of green behind him. But all was quiet, save that a strange, many-colored bird flew up from under his feet and vanished among the trees.

I watched him anxiously. I half expected some terrible fate to dart at him from the curtain of green behind him. But all was quiet. Only a strange, multicolored bird flew up from under his feet and disappeared among the trees.

Summerlee was the second. His wiry energy is wonderful in so frail a frame. He insisted upon having two rifles slung upon his back, so that both Professors were armed when he had made his transit. I came next, and tried hard not to look down into the horrible gulf over which I was passing. Summerlee held out the butt-end of his rifle, and an instant later I was able to grasp his hand. As to Lord John, he walked across—actually walked without support! He must have nerves of iron.

Summerlee was second. His energy is remarkable for someone so thin and frail. He insisted on carrying two rifles slung over his back. So when he had crossed, both Professors were armed. I came next and tried hard not to look down into the horrible gulf beneath me. Summerlee held out the butt of his rifle, and a moment later I was able to grasp his hand. Lord John walked across, actually walked without support! He must have nerves of iron.

And there we were, the four of us, upon the dreamland, the lost world, of Maple White. To all of us it seemed the moment of our supreme triumph. Who could have guessed that it was the prelude to our supreme disaster? Let me say in a few words how the crushing blow fell upon us.

And there we were, the four of us, in Maple White’s dreamland, the lost world. To all of us, it seemed like the moment of our greatest triumph. Who could have guessed it was the beginning of our greatest disaster? Let me briefly explain how the crushing blow fell upon us.

We had turned away from the edge, and had penetrated about fifty yards of close brushwood, when there came a frightful rending crash from behind us. With one impulse we rushed back the way that we had come. The bridge was gone!

We had turned away from the edge and made our way about fifty yards through thick brush. Then a terrifying, splitting crash came from behind us. We all rushed back the way we had come. The bridge was gone!

Far down at the base of the cliff I saw, as I looked over, a tangled mass of branches and splintered trunk. It was our beech tree. Had the edge of the platform crumbled and let it through? For a moment this explanation was in all our minds. The next, from the farther side of the rocky pinnacle before us a swarthy face, the face of Gomez the half-breed, was slowly protruded. Yes, it was Gomez, but no longer the Gomez of the demure smile and the mask-like expression. Here was a face with flashing eyes and distorted features, a face convulsed with hatred and with the mad joy of gratified revenge.

Looking over the cliff, I saw a tangled mass of branches and splintered trunk far below. It was our beech tree. Had the edge of the platform crumbled and let it fall through? For a moment, we all thought this might explain it. Then a dark face slowly emerged from the far side of the rocky pinnacle before us. It was the face of Gomez, the mixed-race man. Yes, it was Gomez, but no longer the Gomez with the modest smile and mask-like expression. His eyes flashed, and his features were twisted with hatred and the mad joy of revenge fulfilled.

"Lord Roxton!" he shouted. "Lord John Roxton!"

"Lord Roxton!" he shouted. "Lord John Roxton!"

"Well," said our companion, "here I am."

"Well," said our companion, "here I am."

A shriek of laughter came across the abyss.

A shriek of laughter came from across the deep chasm.

"Yes, there you are, you English dog, and there you will remain! I have waited and waited, and now has come my chance. You found it hard to get up; you will find it harder to get down. You cursed fools, you are trapped, every one of you!"

"Yes, there you are, you English dog, and that's where you'll stay! I've waited and waited, and now my chance has come. You found it hard to get up. You'll find it even harder to get down. You cursed fools, you're all trapped, every one of you!"

We were too astounded to speak. We could only stand there staring in amazement. A great broken bough upon the grass showed whence he had gained his leverage to tilt over our bridge. The face had vanished, but presently it was up again, more frantic than before.

We were too stunned to speak. We could only stand there, staring in amazement. A large broken branch on the grass showed what he had used for leverage to tip over our bridge. The face had disappeared, but soon it reappeared, more frantic than before.

"We nearly killed you with a stone at the cave," he cried; "but this is better. It is slower and more terrible. Your bones will whiten up there, and none will know where you lie or come to cover them. As you lie dying, think of Lopez, whom you shot five years ago on the Putomayo River. I am his brother, and, come what will I will die happy now, for his memory has been avenged." A furious hand was shaken at us, and then all was quiet.

"We nearly killed you with a stone at the cave," he cried. "But this is better. It is slower and more terrible. Your bones will turn white up there. No one will know where you lie or come to bury them. As you lie dying, think of Lopez, whom you shot five years ago on the Putomayo River. I am his brother. Whatever happens, I will die happy now, because his memory has been avenged." He shook his hand furiously at us, and then all was quiet.

Had the half-breed simply wrought his vengeance and then escaped, all might have been well with him. It was that foolish, irresistible Latin impulse to be dramatic which brought his own downfall. Roxton, the man who had earned himself the name of the Flail of the Lord through three countries, was not one who could be safely taunted. The half-breed was descending on the farther side of the pinnacle; but before he could reach the ground Lord John had run along the edge of the plateau and gained a point from which he could see his man. There was a single crack of his rifle, and, though we saw nothing, we heard the scream and then the distant thud of the falling body. Roxton came back to us with a face of granite.

If the half-breed had simply taken his revenge and escaped, all might have been well for him. But his foolish, irresistible Latin impulse to be dramatic brought about his downfall. Roxton had earned the name of the Flail of the Lord in three countries. He was not a man anyone could safely taunt. The half-breed was climbing down the far side of the pinnacle. But before he could reach the ground, Lord John ran along the edge of the plateau. He reached a point where he could see his man. His rifle cracked once. Though we saw nothing, we heard a scream and then the distant thud of the falling body. Roxton came back to us with a face like granite.

"I have been a blind simpleton," said he, bitterly, "It's my folly that has brought you all into this trouble. I should have remembered that these people have long memories for blood-feuds, and have been more upon my guard."

"I've been a blind fool," he said bitterly. "My foolishness has brought you all into this trouble. I should have remembered that these people have long memories when it comes to blood feuds. I should have been more careful."

"What about the other one? It took two of them to lever that tree over the edge."

"What about the other one? It took two of them to push that tree over the edge."

"I could have shot him, but I let him go. He may have had no part in it. Perhaps it would have been better if I had killed him, for he must, as you say, have lent a hand."

"I could have shot him, but I let him go. He may not have been involved. Perhaps it would have been better if I had killed him. As you say, he must have helped."

Now that we had the clue to his action, each of us could cast back and remember some sinister act upon the part of the half-breed—his constant desire to know our plans, his arrest outside our tent when he was over-hearing them, the furtive looks of hatred which from time to time one or other of us had surprised. We were still discussing it, endeavoring to adjust our minds to these new conditions, when a singular scene in the plain below arrested our attention.

Now that we understood why he had acted, each of us could recall something sinister the half-breed had done. He had constantly wanted to know our plans. He had been caught outside our tent listening to them. From time to time, one of us had noticed his furtive looks of hatred. We were still discussing this and trying to adjust to the new situation when a strange scene on the plain below caught our attention.

A man in white clothes, who could only be the surviving half-breed, was running as one does run when Death is the pacemaker. Behind him, only a few yards in his rear, bounded the huge ebony figure of Zambo, our devoted negro. Even as we looked, he sprang upon the back of the fugitive and flung his arms round his neck. They rolled on the ground together. An instant afterwards Zambo rose, looked at the prostrate man, and then, waving his hand joyously to us, came running in our direction. The white figure lay motionless in the middle of the great plain.

A man in white clothes was running as if Death were setting the pace. He could only be the surviving mixed-race man. Just a few yards behind him, our devoted Black companion Zambo bounded along, his huge figure dark as ebony. As we watched, Zambo leaped onto the fleeing man's back and wrapped his arms around his neck. They rolled on the ground together. A moment later, Zambo stood up and looked at the man lying on the ground. Then he waved joyfully to us and came running toward us. The white figure lay motionless in the middle of the great plain.

Our two traitors had been destroyed, but the mischief that they had done lived after them. By no possible means could we get back to the pinnacle. We had been natives of the world; now we were natives of the plateau. The two things were separate and apart. There was the plain which led to the canoes. Yonder, beyond the violet, hazy horizon, was the stream which led back to civilization. But the link between was missing. No human ingenuity could suggest a means of bridging the chasm which yawned between ourselves and our past lives. One instant had altered the whole conditions of our existence.

Our two traitors were dead, but the harm they had done lived on. There was no way we could get back to the pinnacle. We had belonged to the world. Now we belonged to the plateau. The two were entirely separate. There was the plain that led to the canoes. Beyond the hazy, violet horizon was the stream that led back to civilization. But the link between us and the plain was missing. No human ingenuity could find a way across the chasm that separated us from our past lives. In an instant, the entire course of our lives had changed.

It was at such a moment that I learned the stuff of which my three comrades were composed. They were grave, it is true, and thoughtful, but of an invincible serenity. For the moment we could only sit among the bushes in patience and wait the coming of Zambo. Presently his honest black face topped the rocks and his Herculean figure emerged upon the top of the pinnacle.

At that moment, I learned what my three companions were made of. They were serious and thoughtful, but their calm could not be shaken. For the moment, we could only sit patiently among the bushes and wait for Zambo. Soon his honest Black face appeared above the rocks, and his powerful figure emerged at the top of the pinnacle.

"What I do now?" he cried. "You tell me and I do it."

"What I do now?" he cried. "You tell me and I do it."

It was a question which it was easier to ask than to answer. One thing only was clear. He was our one trusty link with the outside world. On no account must he leave us.

It was easier to ask the question than to answer it. Only one thing was clear. He was our only reliable link to the outside world. We could not let him leave us under any circumstances.

"No no!" he cried. "I not leave you. Whatever come, you always find me here. But no able to keep Indians. Already they say too much Curupuri live on this place, and they go home. Now you leave them me no able to keep them."

"No, no!" he cried. "I not leave you. Whatever come, you always find me here. But I not able to keep the Indians. Already they say too much Curupuri live in this place, and they go home. Now you leave them, I not able to keep them."

It was a fact that our Indians had shown in many ways of late that they were weary of their journey and anxious to return. We realized that Zambo spoke the truth, and that it would be impossible for him to keep them.

Our Indians had recently shown in many ways that they were tired of the journey and eager to return. We realized that Zambo was telling the truth and that he could not keep them from leaving.

"Make them wait till to-morrow, Zambo," I shouted; "then I can send letter back by them."

"Make them wait until tomorrow, Zambo," I shouted. "Then I can send a letter back with them."

"Very good, sarr! I promise they wait till to-morrow," said the negro. "But what I do for you now?"

"Very good, sir! I promise they wait till tomorrow," said the Black man. "But what I do for you now?"

There was plenty for him to do, and admirably the faithful fellow did it. First of all, under our directions, he undid the rope from the tree-stump and threw one end of it across to us. It was not thicker than a clothes-line, but it was of great strength, and though we could not make a bridge of it, we might well find it invaluable if we had any climbing to do. He then fastened his end of the rope to the package of supplies which had been carried up, and we were able to drag it across. This gave us the means of life for at least a week, even if we found nothing else. Finally he descended and carried up two other packets of mixed goods—a box of ammunition and a number of other things, all of which we got across by throwing our rope to him and hauling it back. It was evening when he at last climbed down, with a final assurance that he would keep the Indians till next morning.

There was plenty for him to do, and the faithful fellow did it admirably. First, following our directions, he untied the rope from the tree stump and threw one end across to us. It was no thicker than a clothesline, but it was very strong. Though we could not make a bridge with it, it might prove invaluable if we had to climb. He then tied his end of the rope to the package of supplies that had been carried up. We were able to drag it across. This gave us enough to live on for at least a week, even if we found nothing else. Finally, he climbed down and brought up two more packages of assorted goods. These included a box of ammunition and many other things. We got them all across by throwing him our rope and hauling it back. It was evening when he finally climbed down. Before leaving, he assured us once more that he would keep the Indians there until the next morning.

And so it is that I have spent nearly the whole of this our first night upon the plateau writing up our experiences by the light of a single candle-lantern.

And so I have spent nearly all our first night on the plateau writing about our experiences by the light of a single candle lantern.

We supped and camped at the very edge of the cliff, quenching our thirst with two bottles of Apollinaris which were in one of the cases. It is vital to us to find water, but I think even Lord John himself had had adventures enough for one day, and none of us felt inclined to make the first push into the unknown. We forbore to light a fire or to make any unnecessary sound.

We ate supper and camped at the very edge of the cliff. We quenched our thirst with two bottles of Apollinaris from one of the cases. Finding water was vital to us. But I think even Lord John himself had had enough adventures for one day. None of us felt ready to take the first step into the unknown. We did not light a fire or make any unnecessary noise.

To-morrow (or to-day, rather, for it is already dawn as I write) we shall make our first venture into this strange land. When I shall be able to write again—or if I ever shall write again—I know not. Meanwhile, I can see that the Indians are still in their place, and I am sure that the faithful Zambo will be here presently to get my letter. I only trust that it will come to hand.

Tomorrow we will make our first venture into this strange land. Or rather, today, since dawn has already come as I write. I don't know when I will be able to write again, or even if I ever will. Meanwhile, I can see that the Indians are still in place. I'm sure the faithful Zambo will be here soon to collect my letter. I only hope it reaches its destination.

P.S.—The more I think the more desperate does our position seem. I see no possible hope of our return. If there were a high tree near the edge of the plateau we might drop a return bridge across, but there is none within fifty yards. Our united strength could not carry a trunk which would serve our purpose. The rope, of course, is far too short that we could descend by it. No, our position is hopeless—hopeless!

P.S. The more I think about it, the more desperate our situation seems. I see no hope at all of returning. If a tall tree stood near the edge of the plateau, we might drop it across as a bridge back. But there is no tree within fifty yards. Even together, we could not carry a trunk that would serve as a bridge. The rope, of course, is far too short for us to climb down. No, our situation is hopeless. Hopeless!