undertones, glancing at him ever and again. He became uneasy. His

appearance of disregard cost him an increasing effort. He tried to think

of the levers of his new press.

Presently one, a man shorter but much broader and stouter than Denton,

came forward to him. Denton turned to him as unconcernedly as possible.

Here!" said the delegate--as Denton judged him to be--extending a cube

of bread in a not too clean hand. He had a swart, broad-nosed face, and

his mouth hung down towards one corner.

Denton felt doubtful for the instant whether this was meant for civility

or insult. His impulse was to decline. "No, thanks," he said; and, at

the man's change of expression, "I'm not hungry."

There came a laugh from the group behind. "Told you so," said the man

who had offered Denton the loan of an oil can. "He's top side, he is.

You ain't good enough for 'im."

The swart face grew a shade darker.

Here," said its owner, still extending the bread, and speaking in a

lower tone; "you got to eat this. See?"

Denton looked into the threatening face before him, and odd little

currents of energy seemed to be running through his limbs and body.

221

Tales of Space and Time-1