There were several delicate instruments inside the box and these were connected by means of wires to recording instruments on the side, and these Ralph inspected twice each day. Throughout the three years the "dead" dog had never stirred a muscle. His temperature had not varied 1/100 of a degree and his respiratory functions had shown no signs of life. To all intents and purposes the dog was "dead." The time was close at hand for the final stages of what Ralph considered to be his greatest experiment. Three years ago when he faced his fellow scientists at the end of the first stage of this work, he electrified them by announcing that he expected to prove that this dog, which they had all pronounced "dead," could be restored to life, unharmed, unchanged, with no more effects upon the dog's spirits, habits, and nature, than had the animal taken but a short nap. For three years this experiment of Ralph 124C 41+ had been the subject of innumerable scientific papers, had been discussed intermittently in the newspapers and the date of the final phase of the great experiment was fixed in the mind of every human being on the planet. If the experiment succeeded it meant the prolongation of human life over greater periods of the earth's history than had ever been possible. It meant that premature death except through accident would be ended. Would he succeed? Had he attempted the impossible? Was he challenging Nature to a combat only to be worsted? These thoughts obtruded themselves into his consciousness as he began the preparations for the great test of the afternoon. He pumped out the Permagatol from the box until the green vapor had completely disappeared. With infinite care he then forced a small quantity of oxygen into the box. The instruments recording the action of the respiratory organs indicated that the oxygen reaching the dog's lungs had stimulated respiration. This being all he could do for the present, he pressed the button that raised the glass barrier, and summoned Peter by means of another button. That individual, looking a trifle more melancholy than usual, responded at once. "Well my boy," said Ralph good-humoredly, "the stage is all set for the experiment that will set the whole world by the ears.--But you don't look happy, Peter. What's troubling your dear old soul?" Peter, whose feelings had evidently been lacerated when the door had been lowered in his face, replied with heavy dignity. "Beg pardon, sir, but the young lady is still waiting." "What young lady?" asked Ralph. "The young lady from Switzerland, sir." "The--which?" "The young lady from Switzerland, sir, and her father, sir. They've been waiting half an hour." If a bomb had exploded that instant Ralph could not have been more astounded. "She's here--and you didn't call me? Peter, there are times when I am tempted to throw you out--"