These weeds must be
well rinsed first; and when the prescribed amount of each has been
carefully cut off and weighed, it must be boiled in the distilled
water, and the compound, thus formed, allowed to cool before being
drunk. This mixture renders the lungs immune to the action of fluid,
and will enable you to breathe as easily in water as in air. There is
still, however, the action of gravity to be considered, and this must
be counteracted by sound. Before experimenting, these Atlantean words
must be repeated aloud in the following order: Karma--nardka--rapto--
nooman--K--arma--oola--piskooskte.'"
"It's all very well to write all these directions," Curtis said, "but
how am I to obtain the weeds? I can't go and fish for them."
"You must engage the services of Mr. John Waley, formerly employed by
the Brazilian Government in repairing marine cables. He will do all
you want for the sum of L200."
Kelson left off writing, and, wishing Curtis good-night, walked out of
the room.
"You'll be deuced cold without an overcoat," Curtis called out after
him. "Won't you have mine?"
But there was no reply, and though Curtis strained his ears to listen,
he could catch no sound of a vehicle.
Kelson left Curtis at twenty minutes past two. At half-past two,
Hamar, who had been sound asleep, was awakened by a loud rap.
"Kelson!" he gasped. "How on earth did you get here? Are you a
projection?"
"Don't worry me with questions," Kelson replied.
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