"We have nearly five hours remaining. Our
test will come when we open the Spot. We must not only open it,
but we must close it at all costs."
They had reached the lower hall. At the front door Watson paused
and turned to the others.
"Just a moment. We may fail tonight. In case we do, I would like
one last look at my own world--at San Francisco."
He opened the door. The rest hung back; though they could not
understand, they could sense, vaguely, the emotion of this strange
man of brave adventure. The scene, the setting, the beauty, were
all akin to the moment. Watson, stood bareheaded, looking down at
the blinking lights of the city of the Argonauts. The moon in a
starlit sky was drifting through a ragged lace of cloud. And over
it all was a momentary hush, as though the man's emotion had
called for it.
No one spoke. At last Watson closed the door. And there was just
the trace of tears in his eyes as he spoke:
"Now my friends--" And led the way into the parlour.
XXIX
THE OCCULT WORLD
"In telling what I know," began Watson, "I shall use a bit of a
preface. It's necessary, in a way, if you are to understand me;
besides, it will give you the advantage of looking into the Blind
Spot with the clear eyes of reason. I intend to tell all, to omit
nothing. My purpose in doing this is that, in case we should fail
tonight, you will be able to give my account to the world.
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