Tales of Space and Time
Tales of Space
and Time
LONDON AND NEW YORK
1900
All rights reserved
Contents
| PAGE | |
| The Crystal Egg | 1 |
| The Star | 35 |
| A Story of the Stone Age | 59 |
| A Story of the Days to Come | 165 |
| The Man who could Work Miracles | 325 |
THE CRYSTAL EGG
There was, until a year ago, a little andvery grimy-looking shop near Seven Dials,over which, in weather-worn yellow lettering,the name of "C. Cave, Naturalist and Dealer inAntiquities," was inscribed. The contents ofits window were curiously variegated. Theycomprised some elephant tusks and an imperfectset of chessmen, beads and weapons, a boxof eyes, two skulls of tigers and one human,several moth-eaten stuffed monkeys (one holdinga lamp), an old-fashioned cabinet, a flyblownostrich egg or so, some fishing-tackle,and an extraordinarily dirty, empty glass fish-tank.There was also, at the moment the storybegins, a mass of crystal, worked into the shapeof an egg and brilliantly polished. And at thattwo people, who stood outside the window,were looking, one of them a tall, thin clergyman,the other a black-bearded young man ofdusky complexion and unobtrusive costume.[2]The dusky young man spoke with eager gesticulation,and seemed anxious for his companionto purchase the article.
While they were there, Mr. Cave came intohis shop, his beard still wagging with the breadand butter of his tea. When he saw these menand the object of their regard, his countenancefell. He glanced guiltily over his shoulder,and softly shut the door. He was a little oldman, with pale face and peculiar watery blueeyes; his hair was a dirty grey, and he wore ashabby blue frock coat, an ancient silk hat, andcarpet slippers very much down at heel. Heremained watching the two men as they talked.The clergyman went deep into his trouserpocket, examined a handful of money, andshowed his teeth in an agreeable smile. Mr.Cave seemed still more depressed when theycame into the shop.
The clergyman, without any ceremony,asked the price of the crystal egg. Mr. Caveglanced nervously towards the door leadinginto the p