The three friends were gathered about McKay when the latter regained consciousness after hours of quiet and restful sleep. McKay opened his eyes—shut them—then, with eyes wide open, hand on his forehead, he gazed in a glassy manner about the room. His whole body quivered for a few seconds, then relaxed, and then he spoke in a hoarse and mechanical tone.
“What—” His eyes wandered about and his words became inarticulate. Finally:
“What—what has happened?”
“Steady, old man,” said Barnard. “Everything is O. K. You came out fine.”
Again McKay stared. “Came out? Came out of what?”
“Don’t you realize—”
Barnard interrupted Kirk, and with a look warned McFadden to remain quiet.
“Never mind, old boy. Rest up a bit, and then we’ll explain.”
McKay was not satisfied. He asked: “Where is Jim—Jim McKay?”
“What!”