It ain't nat'ral when there ain't nothing but maps 'n' things in it." If the cloth had not been about his mouth, it is possible that Philip would not have restrained audible expression of his astonishment at what happened an instant later.

The card was torn off, and a ray of light shot into his eyes.

Through a narrow slit not more than a quarter of an inch wide, and six inches long, he found himself staring out into the room.

The Fingy was close behind him.

And in the rear of these two, as if eager for their departure, was Hodges, chief of construction.
No sooner had the men gone than Hodges turned back to the table in the center of the office.