We fastened the broad belts about our waists. The pouches each contained some small object. "Don't bother them now," Will objected, as I would have examined them. "Later, when we get--in there, will be time enough.... We're ready. What we are to do now is simple--I think there will be no mishap. We will seat ourselves on the mattress. You two may lie down; I shall sit up this time." "Why?" I demanded. * * * * * He smiled. "It is only the first time one feels the sensations that they are disturbing. I'm confident of that. We will have the batteries beside us--" Bee was already placing them on the mattress. "At my signal, we will each disconnect our own. Should either of you be unable--be overcome--I will do it for you." "But the coming back," I suggested. "We raised you up--" His smile held a faint ironic amusement. "Don't you think, Rob, we can leave that to its proper time?" He saw my look and added, with the ready apology which made him so lovable: "Naturally you are apprehensive. But I've planned for that, of course. There are many places where the level of this Borderland--as I call it--coincides exactly with the surface of our own realm. The back corner of the garden outside, for instance. I have remarked it--I can find it--when the time comes for us to return." Bee said, "Will, I've been wondering--you were gone five or six hours. Were you in there very long?" His smile was enigmatic. "You can have no conception of this experience--I cannot answer that, Bee--that's why I haven't told you anything--you are so soon to feel and see it for yourself." He was impatient for the start. "I think we're ready. There is so little to do--no chance to forget anything." With sudden irrelevant thought my heart leaped. That hostile watching spectre.... My anxious glance traveled the room. Bee said, "It's not here--I've been expecting--I'm so thankful it's not here." It was not to be seen. I was relieved for that, at least. With a last deliberation we all three seated ourselves on the mattress. Will was between Bee and me. We connected the batteries; I held mine at my side, my nerve-shaken fingers trembling, though inwardly I cursed them, fumbled at the switch to make sure I could control it. The pellets were in the palm of my other hand; the glass of water was within reach. Will said earnestly, "One last thing--and this is important--more important than you realize. Whatever comes, we must keep together. Remember that. You two--strive always to keep with me--close beside me. Whatever impulse you feel--fight it--do not yield to it. Remember you must stay by me." The words themselves were simple to grasp. Yet beneath them lay a vague import, a suggestion of what was to come, which seemed unutterably sinister. I heard Bee murmuring. "Yes, I understand." I said, and marveled at the steadiness of my voice, "Very well, Will--I'll remember."