Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/43

Rh could be transmitted all over London by a marvellous electric contrivance. There were hundreds of seats scattered about under the trees, and numerous restaurants in the open space, which was crowded with people who had come out to enjoy the fresh evening air and listen to the music.

The two lovers were making their way through the crowd, when they saw a tall pale man of about thirty years of age, apparently wrapped in thought, coming towards them.

'There is James Tarrant,' said Alec Brandon, as he nodded his head in the newcomer's direction. 'He is quite absorbed with his own thoughts, to judge from his appearance.'

The tall pale-faced man was about to pass by them without speaking, when Alec accosted him.

'Hullo, Dr. Tarrant?' he said. 'Still at it, then? Have you got any nearer to the solution than you were before?'