"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.