He joined the Banker by the table. "I'll get some nitric acid," he added. "I don't know what else----" "We'll have to get that out of here, too," said the Big Business Man, pointing to the rug. "God knows how we'll explain it." The Doctor picked up one of the tin boxes of drugs and held it in his hand meditatively. Then he looked over towards the rug. From under one side a brownish liquid was oozing; the Doctor shuddered. "My friends," he said, holding up the box before them, "we can realize now something of the terrible power we have created and imprisoned here. We must guard it carefully, gentlemen, for if it escapes--it will destroy the world." CHAPTER XII THE START On the evening of November 4th, 1923, the four friends again assembled at the Scientific Club for the start of their momentous adventure. The Doctor was the last to arrive, and found the other three anxiously awaiting him. He brought with him the valise containing the ring and a suitcase with the drugs and equipment necessary for the journey. He greeted his friends gravely. "The time has come, gentlemen," he said, putting the suitcase on the table. The Big Business Man took out the ring and held it in his hand thoughtfully. "The scene of our new life," he said with emotion. "What does it hold in store for us?" "What time is it?" asked the Very Young Man. "We've got to hurry. We want to get started on time--we mustn't be late." "Everything's ready, isn't it?" asked the Banker. "Who has the belts?" "They're in my suitcase," answered the Very Young Man. "There it is." The Doctor laid the ring and handkerchief on the floor under the light and began unpacking from his bag the drugs and the few small articles they had decided to try and take with them. "You have the food and water," he said. The Big Business Man produced three small flasks of water and six flat, square tins containing compressed food. The Very Young Man opened one of them. "Chocolate soldiers we are," he said, and laughed. The Banker was visibly nervous and just a little frightened. "Are you sure you haven't forgotten something?" he asked, quaveringly. "It wouldn't make a great deal of difference if we had," said the Doctor, with a smile. "The belts may not contract with us at all; we may have to leave them behind." "Rogers didn't take anything," put in the Very Young Man. "Come on; let's get undressed." The Banker locked the doors and sat down to watch the men make their last preparations. They spoke little while they were disrobing; the solemnity of what they were about to do both awed and frightened them. Only the Very Young Man seemed exhilarated by the excitement of the coming adventure. In a few moments the three men were dressed in their white woolen bathing suits. The Very Young Man was the first to be fully equipped. "I'm ready," he announced. "All but the chemicals. Where are they?"