XVI

Passing, then, both the photographs and the entomological collection, I come to the varied and accurate information which we bring with us upon points which have never before been elucidated. For example, upon the domestic habits of the pterodactyl⁠—’ (A voice: ‘Bosh,’ and uproar)⁠—‘I say, that upon the domestic habits of the pterodactyl we can throw a flood of light. I can exhibit to you from my portfolio a picture of that creature taken from life which would convince your⁠—’ > > “ Dr. Illingworth : ‘No picture could convince us of anything.’ > > “ Professor Challenger : ‘You would require to see the thing itself?’ > > “ Dr. Illingworth : ‘Undoubtedly.’ > > “ Professor Challenger : ‘And you would accept that?’ > > “ Dr. Illingworth (laughing): ‘Beyond a doubt.’ > > “It was at this point that the sensation of the evening arose⁠—a sensation so dramatic that it can never have been paralleled in the history of scientific gatherings. Professor Challenger raised his hand in the air as a signal, and at once our colleague, Mr. E. D. Malone, was observed to rise and to make his way to the back of the platform. An instant later he reappeared in company of a gigantic negro, the two of them bearing between them a large square packing-case. It was evidently of great weight, and was slowly carried forward and placed in front of the Professor’s chair. All sound had hushed in the audience and everyone was absorbed in the spectacle