Around his waist he had strapped a broad cloth belt, with a number of pockets fastened to it. On his feet were felt-lined cloth shoes, with hard rubber soles; he wore a wrist watch. Under each armpit was fastened the pouch for carrying the drugs. "Left arm for red vials," said the Doctor. "Be sure of that--we mustn't get them mixed. Take two of each color." He handed the Very Young Man the tin boxes. All the men were ready in a moment more. "Five minutes of eight," said the Very Young Man, looking at his watch. "We're right on time; let's get started." The Banker stood up among them. "Tell me what I've got to do," he said helplessly. "You're going all but me; I'll be left behind alone." The Big Business Man laid his hand on the Banker's shoulder affectionately. "Don't look so sad, George," he said, with an attempt at levity. "We're not leaving you forever--we're coming back." The Banker pressed his friend's hand. His usual crusty manner was quite gone now; he seemed years older. The Doctor produced the same spoon he had used when the Chemist made his departure into the ring. "I've kept it all this time," he said, smiling. "Perhaps it will bring us luck." He handed it to the Banker. "What you have to do is this," he continued seriously. "We shall all take an equal amount of the drug at the same instant. I hope it will act upon each of us at the same rate, so that we may diminish uniformly in size, and thus keep together." "Gosh!" said the Very Young Man. "I never thought of that. Suppose it doesn't?" "Then we shall have to adjust the difference by taking other smaller amounts of the drug. But I think probably it will. "You must be ready," he went on to the Banker, "to help us on to the ring if necessary." "Or put us back if we fall off," said the Very Young Man. "I'm going to sit still until I'm pretty small. Gracious, it's going to feel funny." "After we have disappeared," continued the Doctor, "you will wait, say, until eleven o'clock. Watch the ring carefully--some of us may have to come back before that time. At eleven o'clock pack up everything"--he looked around the littered room with a smile--"and take the ring back to the Biological Society." "Keep your eye on it on the way back," warned the Very Young Man. "Suppose we decide to come out some time later to-night--you can't tell." "I'll watch it all night to-night, here and at the Museum," said the Banker, mopping his forehead. "Good scheme," said the Very Young Man approvingly. "Anything might happen." "Well, gentlemen," said the Doctor, "I believe we're all ready. Come on, Will." The Big Business Man was standing by the window, looking out intently. He evidently did not hear the remark addressed to him, for he paid no attention. The Doctor joined him.