The Time Machine - International World History Project

The Time Machinethen I caught the same queer sound and voices I had heardin the Under-world. There were evidently several of theMorlocks, and they were closing in upon me. Indeed, inanother minute I felt a tug at my coat, then something atmy arm. And Weena shivered violently, and became quitestill.‘It was time for a match. But to get one I must put herdown. I did so, and, as I fumbled with my pocket, astruggle began in the darkness about my knees, perfectlysilent on her part and with the same peculiar cooingsounds from the Morlocks. Soft little hands, too, werecreeping over my coat and back, touching even my neck.Then the match scratched and fizzed. I held it flaring, andsaw the white backs of the Morlocks in flight amid thetrees. I hastily took a lump of camphor from my pocket,and prepared to light is as soon as the match should wane.Then I looked at Weena. She was lying clutching my feetand quite motionless, with her face to the ground. With asudden fright I stooped to her. She seemed scarcely tobreathe. I lit the block of camphor and flung it to theground, and as it split and flared up and drove back theMorlocks and the shadows, I knelt down and lifted her.The wood behind seemed full of the stir and murmur of agreat company!117 of 148