Page:The Invisible Man - A Grotesque Romance.djvu/131

 All this time Mr. Marvel had been glancing about him intently, listening for faint footfalls, trying to detect imperceptible movements. He seemed on the point of some great resolution. He coughed behind his hand.

He looked about him again, listened, bent towards the Mariner, and lowered his voice:

"The fact of it is—I happen—to know just a thing or two about this Invisible Man. From private sources."

"Oh!" said the Mariner, interested. "You?"

"Yes," said Mr. Marvel. "Me."

"Indeed!" said the Mariner. "And may I ask—"

"You'll be astonished," said Mr. Marvel behind his hand. "It 's tremenjous."

"Indeed!" said the Mariner.

"The fact is," began Mr. Marvel eagerly in a confidential undertone. Suddenly his expression changed marvellously. "Ow!" he said. He rose stiffly in his seat. His face was eloquent of physical suffering. "Wow!" he said.

"What's up? " said the Mariner, concerned.

"Toothache," said Mr. Marvel, and put his hand to his ear. He caught hold of his books.