"Very likely that is because I see beyond these withered fragments into the prehistoric worlds whence they came.

I sit here alone sometimes, and the curtain rolls up, and I find myself back in one of those far corners of South America, or even in a certain spot in East Africa, and I can almost fancy that time rolls back like an unwinding reel and there are no secrets into which I may not look.
And then the moment passes and I remember that this dry-as-dust world is shrieking always for proofs--this extraordinary conglomeration of human animals in weird attire, with monstrous tastes and extraordinary habits, who make up what they call the civilized world.

Civilized!" They reached the study and Quest produced his cigar case.
"Can't imagine any world that existed before tobacco," he remarked cheerfully.

"Help yourself, Professor.

It does me good to see you human enough to enjoy a cigar!" The Professor smiled.
"I never remember to buy any for myself," he said, "but one of yours is always a treat.