The spears, the green umbrella, and the cavalry sword hung in parallels on the wall.

The sealed jar of strange wine was on the mantelpiece, the enormous rifle in the corner.

In the middle of the table was a magnum of champagne.
Glasses were already set for us.
The wind of the night roared far below us, like an ocean at the foot of a light-house.

The room stirred slightly, as a cabin might in a mild sea.
Our glasses were filled, and we still sat there dazed and dumb.

Then Basil spoke.
"You seem still a little doubtful, Rupert.