them!--I say--I want more to eat than this, Kemp."

I'll see what there is to eat downstairs," said Kemp. "Not much,

I'm afraid."

After he had done eating, and he made a heavy meal, the Invisible

Man demanded a cigar. He bit the end savagely before Kemp could

find a knife, and cursed when the outer leaf loosened. It was

strange to see him smoking; his mouth, and throat, pharynx and

nares, became visible as a sort of whirling smoke cast.

This blessed gift of smoking!" he said, and puffed vigorously.

I'm lucky to have fallen upon you, Kemp. You must help me. Fancy

tumbling on you just now! I'm in a devilish scrape--I've been mad,

I think. The things I have been through! But we will do things yet.

Let me tell you--"

He helped himself to more whiskey and soda. Kemp got up, looked

about him, and fetched a glass from his spare room. "It's wild--but

I suppose I may drink."

"You haven't changed much, Kemp, these dozen years. You fair men

don't. Cool and methodical--after the first collapse. I must tell

you. We will work together!"

"But how was it all done?" said Kemp, "and how did you get like

132

The Invisible Man