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Doyle's lost world. Arthur Conan Doyle The Lost World(s). Arthur Conan DoyleThe Lost World

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Arthur Conan Doyle
The Lost World

* * *

Chapter I
Man is the creator of his own glory

Mr. Hungerton, my Gladys's father, was incredibly tactless and looked like an unkempt cockatoo with fluffy feathers, very good-natured, it is true, but preoccupied exclusively with his own person. If anything could push me away from Gladys, it would be my extreme reluctance to have a stupid father-in-law. I am convinced that Mr. Hungerton attributed my visits to the Chestnuts three times a week solely to the values of his society and especially to his speculations on bimetallism, a subject in which he considered himself a great expert.

That evening I listened for more than an hour to his monotonous chirping about the falling value of silver, the depreciation of money, the fall of the rupee, and the need for a proper monetary system.

“Imagine suddenly having to pay all the debts in the world immediately and simultaneously!” – he exclaimed in a weak but filled with horror voice. – What will happen then under the existing order of things?

I, as expected, said that in that case I was in danger of ruin, but Mr. Hungerton, dissatisfied with my answer, jumped up from his chair, scolded me for my constant frivolity, which deprived him of the opportunity to discuss serious issues with me, and ran out of the room to change his clothes. to the Masonic meeting.

Finally I was alone with Gladys! The minute on which my future fate depended had arrived. All that evening I felt like a soldier waiting for the signal to attack, when the hope of victory is replaced in his soul by the fear of defeat.

Gladys sat by the window, her proud, slender profile set off by a crimson curtain. How beautiful she was! And at the same time, how far from me! She and I were friends, great friends, but I could never get her to move beyond the kind of relationship I could maintain with any of my fellow Daily Gazette reporters—purely friendly, kind, and sex-neutral. I hate it when a woman treats me too freely, too boldly. This does not honor a man. If a feeling arises, it must be accompanied by modesty and wariness - a legacy of those harsh times when love and cruelty often went hand in hand. Not a bold look, but an evasive one, not glib answers, but a broken voice, a head hanging down - these are the true signs of passion. Despite my youth, I knew this, or maybe this knowledge was inherited from my distant ancestors and became what we call instinct.

Gladys was gifted with all the qualities that attract us so much in a woman. Some considered her cold and callous, but to me such thoughts seemed like betrayal. Delicate skin, dark, almost like that of oriental women, hair the color of a raven's wing, cloudy eyes, full but perfectly defined lips - all this spoke of a passionate nature. However, I sadly admitted to myself that so far I had not been able to win her love. But come what may, enough of the unknown! I'll get an answer from her this evening. Maybe she will refuse me, but it is better to be rejected by a fan than to be content with the role of a modest brother!

These were the thoughts wandering through my head, and I was about to break the prolonged awkward silence, when I suddenly felt the critical gaze of dark eyes on me and saw that Gladys was smiling, reproachfully shaking her proud head.

“I feel, Ned, that you are going to propose to me.” No need. Let everything be as before, it’s much better.

I moved closer to her.

- Why did you guess? – My surprise was genuine.

– As if we women don’t feel this in advance! Do you really think that we can be taken by surprise? Ah, Ned! I felt so good and pleased with you! Why spoil our friendship? You don’t appreciate at all that we, a young man and a young woman, can talk to each other so casually.

“Really, I don’t know, Gladys.” You see, what’s the matter... I could talk just as casually... well, say, with the head of the railway station. “I don’t understand where he came from, this boss, but the fact remains: this official suddenly stood up in front of us and made us both laugh.” – No, Gladys, I expect much more. I want to hug you, I want your head to press against my chest. Gladys, I want...

Seeing that I was about to put my words into action, Gladys quickly rose from her chair.

- Ned, you ruined everything! - she said. – How good and simple it can be until this happens! Can't you pull yourself together?

– But I wasn’t the first to come up with this! – I begged. - Such is human nature. That's how love is.

– Yes, if the love is mutual, then probably everything will be different. But I've never experienced this feeling.

– You with your beauty, with your heart! Gladys, you were made for love! You must love it!

“Then you have to wait for love to come on its own.”

– But why don’t you love me, Gladys? What bothers you - my appearance or something else?

And then Gladys softened a little. She extended her hand - how much grace and condescension there was in this gesture! – and pulled my head back. Then she looked into my face with a sad smile.

“No, that’s not the point,” she said. “You are not a vain boy, and I can safely admit that this is not the case.” It's much more serious than you think.

– My character?

She bowed her head sternly.

“I’ll fix it, just tell me what you need.” Sit down and let's discuss everything. Well, I won’t, I won’t, just sit down!

Gladys looked at me as if doubting the sincerity of my words, but to me her doubt was worth more than complete trust. How primitive and stupid all this looks on paper! However, maybe it’s just me who thinks so? Be that as it may, Gladys sat down in the chair.

- Now tell me, what are you unhappy with?

- I love someone else.

It was my turn to jump up.

“Don’t be alarmed, I’m talking about my ideal,” Gladys explained, looking at my changed face with a laugh. “I have never come across such a person in my life.”

- Tell me what he is like! What does he look like?

- He may be very similar to you.

- How kind you are! Then what am I missing? One word from you is enough! That he is a teetotaler, a vegetarian, an aeronaut, a theosophist, a superman? I agree to everything, Gladys, just tell me what you need!

Such pliability made her laugh.

– First of all, it’s unlikely that my ideal would say that. He is a much firmer, harsher nature and will not want to adapt so readily to stupid female whims. But what is most important is that he is a man of action, a man who will fearlessly look death in the eye, a man of great deeds, rich in experience and unusual experiences. I will not love him himself, but his glory, because its reflection will fall on me. Think Richard Burton. When I read the biography of this man written by his wife, it became clear to me why she loved him. And Lady Stanley? Do you remember the wonderful last chapter from her book about her husband? These are the kind of men a woman should bow to! This is love that does not diminish, but exalts, because the whole world will honor such a woman as the inspirer of great deeds!

Gladys was so beautiful at that moment that I almost broke the sublime tone of our conversation, but I controlled myself in time and continued the argument.

“We can’t all be Burtons and Stanleys,” I said. – Yes, and such a possibility does not seem possible. At least I didn’t imagine it, but I would have used it!

– No, such cases appear at every step. This is the essence of my ideal, that he himself goes towards achievement. No obstacles will stop him. I haven’t found such a hero yet, but I see him as if he were alive. Yes, man is the creator of his own glory. Men must perform heroic deeds, and women must reward heroes with love. Remember that young Frenchman who took off in a hot air balloon a few days ago. There was a hurricane that morning, but the rise had been announced in advance, and he never wanted to delay it. Over the course of a day, the balloon was carried one and a half thousand miles, somewhere to the very center of Russia, where this daredevil landed. This is the kind of person I'm talking about. Think about the woman who loves him. What envy she must arouse in others! Let them also envy me that my husband is a hero!

“I would do the same for you!”

- Just for me? No, that won't do! You must undertake a feat because you cannot do otherwise, because such is your nature, because the masculine principle in you requires its expression. For example, you wrote about an explosion in a coal mine in Vigan. Why didn’t you go down there yourself and help the people who were suffocating from the suffocating gas?

- I was going down.

– You didn’t say anything about this.

-What's special here?

– I didn’t know that. “She looked at me with interest. - A brave act!

“I had no choice.” If you want to write a good essay, you need to visit the scene of the incident yourself.

– What a prosaic motive! This ruins all the romance. But still, I’m very glad that you went down into the mine.

I could not help but kiss the hand extended to me - there was so much grace and dignity in this movement.

“You probably think I’m a crazy person who hasn’t given up her girlish dreams.” But they are so real to me! I cannot help but follow them - it has become part of my flesh and blood. If I ever marry, it will only be to a famous person.

- How could it be otherwise! – I exclaimed. – Who should inspire men if not such women! Let me just have a suitable opportunity, and then we’ll see if I can take advantage of it. You say that a person should create his own glory, and not wait for it to come into his hands. At least Clive! A modest clerk, but he conquered India! No, I swear to you, I will show the world what I am capable of!

Gladys laughed at my outburst of Irish temperament.

- Well, go ahead. You have everything for this - youth, health, strength, education, energy. I felt very sad when you started this conversation. And now I'm glad that he awakened such thoughts in you.

- What if I...

Her hand, like soft velvet, touched my lips.

- Say no more, sir! You're already half an hour late for the editorial office! I just didn't have the heart to remind you of this. But in time, if you have won your place in the world, we may perhaps resume our conversation today.

And that is why I, so happy, caught up with the Camberwell tram on that foggy November evening, determined not to waste a single day in search of a great deed that would be worthy of my fair lady. But who could have foreseen what incredible forms this act would take and what strange paths I would take to achieve it.

The reader will probably say that this introductory chapter has no connection with my story, but without it there would be no story itself, for who, if not a man, inspired by the thought that he himself is the creator of his own glory, and ready for any feat , is able to so decisively break with his usual way of life and set off at random into a country shrouded in mysterious twilight, where great adventures and a great reward await him!

Imagine how I, the fifth spoke in the Daily Gazette chariot, spent that evening in the editorial office, when an unshakable decision matured in my head: if possible, today I will find an opportunity to accomplish a feat that will be worthy of my Gladys. What drove this girl who forced me to risk my life for her glorification - heartlessness, selfishness? Such thoughts can be embarrassing in adulthood, but not at the age of twenty-three, when a person experiences the heat of first love.

Chapter II
Try your luck with Professor Challenger

I always liked our Breaking News editor, the red-haired curmudgeon McArdle, and I think he treated me well too. Our real ruler was, of course, Beaumont, but he usually lived in the rarefied atmosphere of the Olympian heights, from where only such events as international crises or the collapse of the cabinet were revealed to his gaze. Sometimes we saw him marching majestically into his sanctuary, his gaze fixed on space and his mind wandering somewhere in the Balkans or the Persian Gulf. Beaumont remained out of reach for us, and we usually dealt with McArdle, who was his right hand.

When I entered the editorial office, the old man nodded at me and pushed his glasses onto his bald head.

“Well, Mr. Malone, from everything I hear, you are making progress,” he said affably.

I thanked him.

– Your essay about the mine explosion is excellent. The same can be said about the correspondence about the fire in Southwark. You have all the credentials of a good journalist. Have you come on some business?

– I want to ask you for one favor.

McArdle's eyes darted around in fear.

- Hm! Hm! What's the matter?

“Could you, sir, send me on some errand for our newspaper?” I will do my best and bring you interesting material.

-What assignment do you have in mind, Mr. Malone?

“Anything, sir, as long as it involves adventure and danger.” I won't let the paper down, sir. And the harder it is for me, the better.

– You seem not averse to saying goodbye to life?

- No, I don't want it to go to waste, sir.

“My dear Mr. Malone, you are too... too soaring.” Times are not the same. The costs of special correspondents are no longer justified. And, in any case, such instructions are given to a person with a name who has already won the trust of the public. The blank spots on the map have long been filled, and for no reason at all you are dreaming of romantic adventures! However, wait…” he added and suddenly smiled. – By the way, about white spots. What if we debunk one charlatan, a modern-day Munchausen, and laugh at him? Why don't you expose his lies? It won't be bad. Well, how do you look at it?

– Anything, anywhere – I’m ready for anything!

McArdle was lost in thought.

“There is one person,” he finally said, “but I don’t know if you will be able to make an acquaintance with him or even get an interview.” However, you seem to have a gift for winning people over. I don’t understand what’s going on here - whether you’re such a handsome young man, or it’s animal magnetism, or your cheerfulness - but I experienced it myself.

-You are very kind to me, sir.

“So, why don’t you try your luck with Professor Challenger?” He lives in Enmore Park.

I must admit that I was somewhat taken aback by this proposal.

- Challenger? The famous zoologist Professor Challenger? Isn't this the one that crushed Blundell's skull from the Telegraph?

The editor of the Latest News section smiled grimly:

- What, don’t like it? You were ready for any adventure.

- No, why? “Anything can happen in our business, sir,” I replied.

- Absolutely right. However, I don’t think he was always in such a ferocious mood. Blundell obviously got to him at the wrong time or treated him wrong. Hope you have better luck. I also rely on your inherent tact. This is just your thing, and the newspaper will gladly publish such material.

“I know absolutely nothing about this Challenger.” I only remember his name in connection with the Blundell beating trial,” I said.

“I have some information, Mr. Malone.” At one time I was interested in this subject. “He took a sheet of paper out of the drawer. – Here is a brief summary of what is known about him: “Challenger George Edward. Born in Largs in 1863. Education: Largs School, University of Edinburgh. In 1892 - assistant at the British Museum. In 1893 - assistant curator of the department at the Museum of Comparative Anthropology. In the same year he left this place, exchanging poisonous letters with the director of the museum. Awarded a medal for scientific research in the field of zoology. Member of foreign societies...” Well, here follows a long list, about ten petite lines: Belgian Society, American Academy, La Plata and so on, ex-president of the Paleontological Society, British Association and the like. Printed works: “On the question of the structure of the skull of the Kalmyks”, “Essays on the evolution of vertebrates” and many articles, including “Weismann’s false theory”, which caused heated debate at the Vienna Zoological Congress. Favorite pastimes: hiking, mountaineering. Address: Enmore Park, Kensington." Here, take this with you. I can't help you anymore today.

I hid the piece of paper in my pocket and, seeing that instead of McArdle’s red-cheeked face, his pink bald head was looking at me, I said:

- Just a moment, sir. It is not entirely clear to me on what issue this gentleman should be interviewed. What did he do?

The red-cheeked face again appeared before my eyes.

-What did he do? Two years ago I went alone on an expedition to South America. I returned from there last year. He undoubtedly visited South America, but refuses to indicate exactly where. He began to describe his adventures very vaguely, but after the first quibble he became silent, like an oyster. Apparently, some miracles happened, unless he is telling us a huge lie, which, by the way, is more than likely. Refers to damaged photographs, allegedly falsified. He was driven to such a state that he began to literally attack everyone who approached him with questions, and already sent more than one reporter down the stairs. In my opinion, this is simply a layman, dabbling in science and, moreover, obsessed with a mania for murder. That's who you have to deal with, Mr. Malone. Now get out of here and try to get everything you can out of it. You are an adult and can stand up for yourself. After all, the risk is not that great, given employers' liability laws.

The grinning red face disappeared from my eyes again, and I saw a pink oval bordered with reddish fluff. Our conversation was over.

I went to my club "Savage", but on the way I stopped at the parapet of Adelphi Terrace and looked down thoughtfully for a long time at the dark river, covered with rainbow oil stains. In the fresh air, healthy, clear thoughts always come to my mind. I took out a piece of paper with a list of all the exploits of Professor Challenger and ran through it by the light of a street lamp. And then inspiration struck me, there’s no other way to describe it. Judging by everything I had already learned about this grumpy professor, it was clear that a reporter would not get through to him. But the scandals mentioned twice in his short biography showed that he was a science fanatic. So, is it possible to play on this weakness of his? Let's try!

I entered the club. It was just after eleven, and the living room was already crowded with people, although it was still far from complete gathering. A tall, thin man was sitting in a chair by the fireplace. He turned to face me the moment I moved my chair closer to the fire. I could only dream of such a meeting! It was an employee of the magazine "Nature" - skinny, all dried out Tharp Henry, the kindest creature in the world. I immediately got down to business.

– What do you know about Professor Challenger?

- About Challenger? – Tharp frowned with displeasure. – Challenger is the same man who told all sorts of tall tales about his trip to South America.

- What fables?

- Yes, he allegedly discovered some strange animals there. In general, incredible nonsense. Later, it seems, he was forced to recant his words. In any case, he fell silent. His latest attempt is an interview given to Reuters. But it caused such a storm that he immediately realized that things were bad. This whole story is scandalous. Some took his stories seriously, but he soon alienated even those few defenders.

- How?

– With his incredible rudeness and outrageous behavior. Poor Wedley from the Zoological Institute also ran into trouble. I sent him a letter with the following content: “ The President of the Zoological Institute expresses his respect to Professor Challenger and would consider it a courtesy on his part if he would do the Institute the honor of attending its next meeting" The answer was completely obscene.

- It can’t be!

– In a very softened form, it sounds like this: “ Professor Challenger expresses his respect to the President of the Zoological Institute and will consider it a courtesy on his part if he goes to hell».

- Lord God!

“Yes, old Wadley must have said the same thing.” I remember his cry at the meeting: “In fifty years of communication with scientists...” The old man completely lost his footing.

- Well, what else can you tell me about this Challenger?

- But, as you know, I am a bacteriologist. I live in a world that is visible through a microscope with a magnification of nine hundred times, and what is revealed to the naked eye is of little interest to me. I stand guard at the very limits of the Knowable, and when I have to leave my office and encounter people, clumsy and rude creatures, it always throws me off balance. I am an outsider, I have no time for gossip, but nevertheless, some of the gossip about Challenger reached me, because he is not one of those people who can simply be brushed aside. Challenger is smart. This is a bundle of human strength and vitality, but at the same time he is a rabid fanatic and, moreover, is not shy about the means to achieve his goals. This person went so far as to refer to some photographs that were obviously falsified, claiming that they were brought from South America.

– You called him a fanatic. How does his fanaticism manifest itself?

- Yes, in anything! His latest escapade is an attack on Weismann's theory of evolution. They say that in Vienna he created a huge scandal about this.

– Can you tell me in more detail what’s going on here?

– No, I can’t right now, but our editorial office has translations of the protocols of the Vienna Congress. If you want to check them out, come on, I'll show them to you.

- That would be very helpful. I have been tasked with interviewing this subject, so I need to find some kind of clue to him. Thank you very much for your help. If it's not too late, then let's go.

* * *

Half an hour later I was sitting in the editorial office of the magazine, and in front of me lay a voluminous volume, open to the article “Weissmann against Darwin” with the subtitle “Stormy protests in Vienna. Lively debate." My scientific knowledge is not fundamental, so I could not penetrate into the very essence of the dispute, however, it immediately became clear to me that the English professor conducted it in an extremely harsh manner, which greatly angered his continental colleagues. I noticed the first three notes in parentheses: “ Shouts of protest from the seats", "Noise in the hall", "General outrage" The rest of the report was a real Chinese letter for me. I knew so little about zoological issues that I didn’t understand anything.

– You could at least translate this into human language for me! – I begged pitifully, turning to my colleague.

- Yes, this is a translation!

“Then I’d better turn to the original.”

– Indeed, it is difficult for the uninitiated to understand what is going on here.

“I just wish I could extract from all this gobbledygook one single meaningful phrase that would contain some specific content!” Yeah, this one looks like it will do. I almost even understand her. Let's rewrite it now. Let her serve as a link between me and your formidable professor.

– Will you need anything more from me?

- No, no, wait! I want to address him with a letter. If you allow me to write it here and use your address, it will give a more impressive tone to my message.

“Then this guy will immediately come here with a scandal and break all our furniture.”

- No, what are you talking about! I'll show you the letter. I assure you there will be nothing offensive there.

- Well, sit down at my table. You will find the paper here. And before you send the letter, give it to me for censorship.

I had to work hard, but in the end the results were good. Proud of my work, I read it aloud to the skeptical bacteriologist:

- “Dear Professor Challenger! Being a modest natural scientist, I followed with the deepest interest the suggestions that you expressed regarding the contradictions between the theories of Darwin and Weismann. Recently I had the opportunity to refresh my memory of your..."

- Shameless liar! Tharp muttered to Henry.

– “...Your brilliant performance at the Vienna Congress. This report, extremely clear in terms of the thoughts expressed in it, should be considered the last word in science in the field of natural science. However, there is one place there, namely: “I categorically object to the unacceptable and overdogmatic assertion that each isolated individual is a microcosm, possessing a historically established structure of the organism, developed gradually over many generations.” Do you consider it necessary, in connection with recent research in this area, to make some amendments to your point of view? Is there some tension in it? Do not refuse the courtesy to receive me, since it is extremely important for me to resolve this issue, and some of the thoughts that have arisen in my mind can only be developed in a personal conversation. With your permission, I will have the honor to visit you the day after tomorrow (Wednesday) at eleven o'clock in the morning. I remain, sir, your humble servant

Respecting you

Edward D. Malone."

- Well, how? – I asked triumphantly.

- Well, if your conscience does not protest...

“She never let me down.”

- I'll go to him. I just need to get into his office, and then I’ll figure out how to act. You may even have to sincerely repent of everything. If he has a sporting streak in him, I will only please him with this.

- Will you please? Be careful lest he hits you with something heavy. I advise you to wear chain mail or an American football suit. Well, good luck. The answer will be waiting for you here on Wednesday morning, if only he deigns to answer. He is a ferocious, dangerous figure, the object of everyone's dislike and the laughingstock of the students, since they are not afraid to tease him. It would probably be better for you if you had never heard of him.

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Lost World(s)

Chapter I. Man is the creator of his own glory

Mr. Hungerton, my Gladys's father, was incredibly tactless and looked like a feathered old cockatoo, very good-natured, it is true, but preoccupied exclusively with his own person. If anything could push me away from Gladys, it would be my extreme reluctance to have such a father-in-law. I am convinced that Mr. Hungerton attributed my visits to the Chestnuts three times a week solely to the values of his society and especially to his speculations on bimetallism, a subject in which he considered himself a great expert.

That evening I listened for more than an hour to his monotonous chatter about the decline in the value of silver, the depreciation of money, the fall of the rupee, and the need for a proper monetary system.

Imagine suddenly having to pay all the debts in the world immediately and simultaneously! - he exclaimed in a weak but filled with horror voice. - What will happen then under the existing system?

I, as might have been expected, said that in that case I would be ruined, but Mr. Hungerton was not satisfied with this answer; he jumped up from his chair, scolded me for my constant frivolity, which deprived him of the opportunity to discuss serious issues with me, and ran out of the room to change clothes for the Masonic meeting.

Finally I was alone with Gladys! The minute on which my future fate depended had arrived. All that evening I felt like a soldier feels, waiting for the signal for a desperate attack, when the hope of victory is replaced in his soul by the fear of defeat.

Gladys was sitting by the window, and her proud, thin profile was clearly drawn against the background of the crimson curtain. How beautiful she was! And at the same time, how far from me! She and I were friends, great friends, but I could never get her to move beyond the purely comradely relations that I could maintain, say, with any of my fellow Daily Gazette reporters - purely comradely, kind and not knowing the differences between the sexes. I hate it when a woman treats me too freely, too boldly. This does not honor a man. If a feeling arises, it must be accompanied by modesty and wariness - a legacy of those harsh times when love and cruelty often went hand in hand. Not a bold look, but an evasive one, not glib answers, but a broken voice, a head hanging down - these are the true signs of passion. Despite my youth, I knew this, or maybe this knowledge was inherited from my distant ancestors and became what we call instinct.

Gladys was gifted with all the qualities that attract us to a woman. Some considered her cold and callous, but such thoughts seemed like betrayal to me. Delicate skin, dark, almost like that of oriental women, hair the color of a raven's wing, cloudy eyes, full but perfectly defined lips - all this spoke of a passionate nature. However, I sadly admitted to myself that until now I had not been able to win her love. But come what may - enough of the unknown! I'll get an answer from her this evening. Maybe she will refuse me, but it is better to be rejected by an admirer than to be content with the role of a virtuous brother imposed on you!

Having come to this conclusion, I was about to break the prolonged awkward silence, when I suddenly felt the critical gaze of dark eyes on me and saw that Gladys was smiling, reproachfully shaking her proud head.

I sense, Ned, that you are about to propose to me. No need. Let everything be as before, it’s much better.

I moved closer to her.

Why did you guess? - My surprise was genuine.

As if we women don't sense this beforehand! Do you really think that we can be taken by surprise? Ah, Ned! I felt so good and pleased with you! Why spoil our friendship? You don’t appreciate at all that we, a young man and a young woman, can talk to each other so naturally.

Really, I don’t know, Gladys. You see, what’s the matter... I could talk just as casually... well, say, with the head of the railway station. “I don’t understand where he came from, this boss, but the fact remains: this official suddenly stood up in front of us and made us both laugh.” - No, Gladys, I expect much more. I want to hug you, I want your head to press against my chest. Gladys, I want...

Seeing that I was about to put my words into action, Gladys quickly rose from her chair.

Ned, you ruined everything! - she said. - How good and simple it can be until this comes! Can't you pull yourself together?

But I wasn’t the first to come up with this! - I begged. - Such is human nature. That's how love is.

Yes, if the love is mutual, then things are probably different. But I've never experienced this feeling.

You with your beauty, with your heart! Gladys, you were made for love! You must love.

Then you have to wait for love to come on its own.

But why don't you love me, Gladys? What bothers you - my appearance or something else?

And then Gladys softened a little. She extended her hand - how much grace and condescension there was in this gesture! - and pulled my head back. Then she looked into my face with a sad smile.

No, that's not the point, she said. - You are not a vain boy, and I can safely admit that this is not the case. It's much more serious than you think.

My character?

She bowed her head sternly.

I'll fix it, just tell me what you need. Sit down and let's discuss everything. Well, I won’t, I won’t, just sit down!

Gladys looked at me, as if doubting the sincerity of my words, but to me her doubt was worth more than complete trust. How primitive and stupid all this looks on paper! However, maybe it’s just me who thinks so? Be that as it may, Gladys sat down in the chair.

Now tell me, what are you unhappy with?

I love someone else.

It was my turn to jump up.

Don’t be alarmed, I’m talking about my ideal,” Gladys explained, looking at my changed face with a laugh. - I have never come across such a person in my life.

Tell us what he is like! What does he look like?

He may be very similar to you.

How kind you are! Then what am I missing? One word from you is enough! That he is a teetotaler, a vegetarian, an aeronaut, a theosophist, a superman? I agree to everything, Gladys, just tell me what you need!

Such pliability made her laugh.

First of all, it’s unlikely that my ideal would say that. He has a much firmer, stern nature and will not want to adapt so readily to stupid female whims. But what is most important is that he is a man of action, a man who will fearlessly look death in the eye, a man of great deeds, rich in experience and unusual experiences. I will not love him himself, but his glory, because its reflection will fall on me. Think Richard Burton. When I read the biography of this man written by his wife, it became clear to me why she loved him. And Lady Stanley? Do you remember the wonderful last chapter from her book about her husband? These are the kind of men a woman should bow to! This is love that does not diminish, but exalts, because the whole world will honor such a woman as the inspirer of great deeds!

Gladys was so beautiful at that moment that I almost broke the sublime tone of our conversation, but I controlled myself in time and continued the argument.

“We can’t all be Burtons and Stanleys,” I said. - Yes, and there is no such possibility. At least I didn’t imagine it, but I would have used it!

No, such cases present themselves at every step. This is the essence of my ideal, that it itself goes towards achievement. No obstacles will stop him. I haven’t found such a hero yet, but I see him as if he were alive. Yes, man is the creator of his own glory. Men must perform heroic deeds, and women must reward heroes with love. Remember that young Frenchman who took off in a hot air balloon a few days ago. There was a hurricane that morning, but the rise had been announced in advance, and he never wanted to postpone it. Over the course of a day, the balloon was carried one and a half thousand miles, somewhere to the very center of Russia, where this daredevil landed. This is the kind of person I'm talking about. Think about the woman who loves him. What envy she must arouse in others! Let them also envy me that my husband is a hero!

I will do anything for you!

Just for me? No, that won't do! You must undertake a feat because you cannot do otherwise, because such is your nature, because the masculine principle in you requires its expression. For example, you wrote about an explosion in a coal mine in Vigan. Why didn’t you go down there yourself and help the people who were suffocating from the suffocating gas?

I don’t know about you, but I am always filled with admiration for the time when listening to a lecture about scientific discoveries and expeditions was as natural as for us going to the cinema. When educated people discussed among themselves not petty gossip, but the latest scientific achievements, scientific works sold like hot cakes, and not knowing about the latest discoveries was the height of ignorance and an act unworthy of a true gentleman. I continue to be fascinated by these people who are willing to go into the unknown, into danger, to prove that they are right.

That’s why I still love “The Lost World” - for this all-consuming faith in human capabilities. As in childhood, I re-experience this admiration for the courage and perseverance of Professor Challenger and his fellow opponent Summerlee, the thirst for adventure of Malone and John Roxton, who set off on a long journey not for gold or jewelry - for knowledge. To sail through the Amazon, make your way through the jungle, find a lost plateau, plunge into the magical and unique, enchanting and dangerous world of ancient monsters!

While reading these superbly written pages, descriptions of the wonders of distant countries, the skirmishes between two scientists, my passion for science, study, and reading was born in childhood, which remained for the rest of my life and helped me out so many times in difficult moments.

“You must undertake a feat because you cannot do otherwise, because such is your nature, because the masculine principle in you requires its expression!” What more can you say about a person who thirsts for knowledge, adventure and discovery? So, go ahead: find your “Lost World”!

Rating: 8

“This is not a fact yet!” - Professor George Edward Challenger

And my acquaintance with this story took place very early and it did not begin with a book or a movie, but the method of acquaintance was related to both of them. Just one day my father loaded a new filmstrip into the filmoscope. This time it was not a fairy tale, but something new. The pterodactyl depicted in the first frame was enough to capture my attention...

The book was read the very next day, leaving behind a vivid, indelible, or rather, indestructible impression. The amazing adventures of four brave Britons in the wilds of South America are firmly imprinted in my memory. Mystery, travel, unknown dangers, discoveries and exploration, the romance of the unknown, the desire for adventure, a good dose of humor and even Mrs. Irony, who at the end of the novel hits one of the characters on the head with a sack - that’s what this novel is all about. It’s impossible to tear yourself away from reading - this book is such that once it falls into your hands, it won’t allow you to let it out of them until you finish reading to the last point and only then, under the first rays of dawn, you can wearily lower your head onto the pillow.

It is impossible not to mention Professor Challenger, created by the author, who, along with Sherlock Holmes, from my point of view, is his most successful literary hero. A rock man, a science enthusiast, a colossus who will go where others turn back, a person with his own opinion who will not mince words, a genius and a good-natured man with a big heart. Scientists are frequent guests on the pages of books, especially in science fiction. But no one was able to surpass the scale of personality and charisma of Professor Challenger.

Since then, I have loved books about white spots on the map of the planet and about cryptozoology, and all thanks to this novel - the king of both of these disappearing subgenres - and I can’t help it. Thousands of satellites have been launched into Earth’s orbit, the area occupied by the jungles of South America is not only rapidly shrinking under human influence, scientists have long proven the absurdity of hopes of meeting extinct species, but I still want to believe. I still read with interest about Bigfoot, the monster from the Scottish Loch Ness, the Congolese Mokele-Mbembe, Olgoy-Khorkhoy from the Gobi Desert and others. With your mind you understand that the arguments of the skeptics are almost indestructible, but hope glimmers. However, there is still some chance - to the ocean depths. Once they already gave the world a sensation in the form of a coelacanth, maybe one day they will reveal another one of their secrets?

Rating: 10

Delight and a lot of positive emotions are the result of reading this novel. “The Lost World” is one of those works that can not only interest, but literally lure you into its world. How? First of all, a stunning plot; you don’t have time to really comprehend one event before it is replaced by another no less exciting. The novel also captivates with adventure romance and the desire for the unknown; this is so lacking in modern life. “No, give me a rifle in my hands, boundless space and the vast expanse of the horizon, and I will set out in search of what is worth looking for,” says Lord Roxton, and it is difficult to disagree with him. The worst thing when reading such works is all sorts of important and not so important things that force you to be distracted.

It is impressive that Arthur Conan Doyle seeks to explain the possibility of the survival of prehistoric creatures (and the fact that they were not discovered for many centuries) from a scientific point of view. It seems that if the author had simply written that dinosaurs survived only because not all corners of the earth had been explored, the work would have lost a lot. Although a number of questions, of course, arise. For example, why didn’t pterodactyls and other flying creatures try to immigrate, what prevented them from flying away? Or would a limited number of representatives of a biological species, in such a small space, be able to reproduce the population over many years? However, this is already nit-picking and tediousness.

It is curious that the heroes, almost without thinking, intervened in the life of the plateau and upset the balance, exterminating the monkeys. In twentieth-century fiction, the problem of first contact with new forms of life is often given a lot of attention, and the importance of not harming the lives of the aborigines is emphasized. However, I think no one felt sorry for the monkeys. There is no need to be tolerant again. You've got it, you'll get it. I was glad that Professor Challenger did not reveal the location of Maple-White Country. Otherwise, the fate of Saimakov’s Mastodonia would have awaited her, where tourists and hunters immediately came in large numbers.

Well, as for the ideas embedded in the novel, I liked the lesson Malone learned - there is no need to indulge the whims of narcissistic young ladies. You can be exposed to dangers in the name of science, to prove the limitless capabilities of man, or, at worst, for the sake of your own pleasure and adrenaline. If you decide to do a reckless act for the sake of a person of the opposite sex, you need to make sure that she deserves it.

Rating: 9

1912; the best about Holmes (the first three novels and the first three collections) has been published, but who said that the author, having changed his role, will not be able to rise again to such heights of writing? Here we have just such an example.

Amazing heroes. Completely wild (even in appearance) Challenger; constantly skeptical but strong-willed, Summerlee; the true hunter - as we imagine them - Roxton; even the goofy Malone - they all fell into the cohort of heroes who are never forgotten.

Narration. This is some kind of diamond (albeit not completely processed, but striking us with the radiance of its facets) - “The cranial index is a constant factor” - and a completely wild fight between Challenger and Malone; some internal “investigation” carried out by Challenger - and an explanation of it to Malone (reminiscent of Holmes, it must be said); “This is not a fact yet!” - and the verbal duel between Challenger and Summerlee, which ended with the organization of the expedition; "testing" of Malone by John Roxton, which revealed his suitability for the expedition. Everything is just fine; everything is remembered once and never leaves you. Journey to the Maple White Plateau - I used to (as a child) find this passage boring, but not anymore. If you read it carefully, everything looks extremely interesting - you, along with the characters, are moving towards an unknown secret. A strenuous climb to the tepui, ending with an episode that immediately makes the adventure extremely dangerous. And - further - and very organic humor appears: Challenger, Summerlee and the primeval tick; Malone and the Ape; and a perfect pearl - Challenger and Gorilloid!. And then They come - at first indistinguishable in the darkness, but Mighty. Terrible and Hungry; then - already obvious and visible; described quite decently; at the level of knowledge of that time. I can’t find anything superfluous in the story; absolutely nothing.

The only complaint I have about this novel is that it seemed to me that, having started well, from the moment the Indians appeared, Conan Doyle seemed to “crumple up” the narrative. Then, however, it straightens out again. And excellent final episodes - the disgrace of unbelievers; discovering the fact that Malone is a loser; and the amazing sudden (but appropriate) enrichment of the heroes.

Who doesn't dream of something like this as a child? It is then that the understanding comes that this is the 21st century; that there are no unexplored places left on Earth; that you can, within a maximum of days, get to any point in such a huge (previously) world, and contact from this point with any person, anywhere on Earth; that dinosaurs became extinct; and that all the Romance of Far Wanderings is gone forever.

Only by reading and rereading such novels can you regain the Feeling of the Extraordinary; and childhood impressions. This is the greatest gift of the Author and the greatest pleasure of the reader.

Only 10 points.

Rating: 10

I believe this book has remained and will remain the best story about disappeared worlds. All subsequent books and films on this topic, especially the film adaptations of The Lost World itself, cannot be compared with it. Let there not be and cannot be such a plateau on Earth. Let it now be assumed that iguanodons walked on four legs, and stegosaurs tried to rise on two. It’s hard for me to imagine a bipedal stegosaurus, but experts know better. Still, the first and most impressive acquaintance with the disappeared world most often occurs through the book of Conan Doyle.

"The Lost World" is a kind of exemplary adventure story. The plot keeps you hooked from beginning to end, gripping you more and more with each chapter. There are no side lines to distract attention. There are no lengthy scientific or pseudo-scientific comments that would still be out of date in a few years. Instead, there are bright, very vivid pictures of what is happening, creating an almost cinematic effect. Easy clear language. Peculiar heroes who will forever be remembered. And the whole story is accompanied by a light, kind smile.

And one more secret of the author, perhaps the most important. He loved people. Well, what can happen if a tyrant, a pedant, an adventurer and a journalist get together? Sir Arthur has one of the nicest company in all of adventure literature.

Rating: 10

I absolutely loved the book and still love it, both in childhood and now! What do you think will happen if you take a journalist, an English aristocrat who is also an excellent hunter, two eccentric professors who have their own point of view on everything and a bunch of bold hypotheses? Throw this company to South America, to one secluded corner, to explore a cliff about which the local Indians have long had a bad reputation. Read and you will plunge into an unforgettable world of incredible adventures - fetid swamps, impenetrable thickets, unprecedented animals, dinosaurs, Indians, ape people - whatever you will meet on your way - there is room for your imagination to run wild!

I admit that films and TV series made on this topic (and, often, based on the same book) cannot be compared with a book, which is much more pleasant to read, because the author provides the reader with room for imagination, and what was not written is more than made up for own thoughts and stories. And this is much better than watching a rubber or computer-drawn dinosaur. Nice reading. An adventure that you want to experience again and again :)

Rating: 10

One of my favorite childhood books. However, re-reading it many years later, I couldn’t put it down. You know that this is a fairy tale, that it doesn’t happen, that the whole Earth has been surveyed from satellites! And yet! What if such a plateau exists in the Amazon!

The novel will be of interest to many more generations of children and teenagers, captivating them with adventures and future discoveries.

Conan Doyle's language and style are easy to read, bright and imaginative. And what unique main characters! Great descriptions of nature. When you read “how scary it was in the forest at night!”, you yourself experience these feelings.

A magical adventure novel.

Rating: 9

“Didn’t I notice signs of callousness in this woman’s nature before? Did you not feel, proudly obeying her command, that the love that sends a person to certain death or forces him to risk his life is worth little? Have you struggled with the thought that always returned to me that in this woman only her appearance is beautiful, that her soul is darkened by the shadow of selfishness and inconstancy? Why was she so captivated by everything heroic? Is it because the accomplishment of a noble deed could affect her without any effort, without any sacrifice on her part?”

The novel is read in one sitting. Thanks to Doyle’s skill, with just a few words you immediately forget and find yourself in the world invented by the author. All that remains from reality are your hands and fingers turning the pages and your eyes reading the lines.

If you don’t go strictly by the plot, then it all starts with the fact that four brave men are sent to a territory previously unexplored by man in South America in order to prove or disprove the theory about the life of prehistoric creatures on it. Someone is attracted by scientific interests and wants to show the whole world his majestic intellect. Someone wants to challenge this nonsense, and prove to everyone once and for all that his opponent is just an upstart and worthless. Some because of a thirst for adventure. And some because of love. But they all came together for one purpose - to go with strangers, or barely familiar people, to another continent in a hitherto unknown country, and spend an unforgettable weekend side by side)

It’s impossible to say that I really liked the novel. But it’s also impossible to say that you didn’t like it. Quite interesting. I blinked my eyes a couple of times and already read it. The manner of narration on behalf of the young journalist Malone is very simple and relaxed. There are no drawn-out scenes or a lot of “water” in speeches.

Everything that happens is so colorfully and masterfully described that you don’t doubt for a second the veracity of this story (at some moments it really seemed to me that these were notes from a journalist and this was all a real story), and you see everything with your own eyes in your imagination. Everything is so detailed, bright and clearly written. Perhaps one of the few adventure novels (even though it is fantasy) that I would like to re-read.

These are the manners of 20th century England, their style of communication, clothing, and so on. Every little detail in the novel is delightful. And every little detail is given due attention, so that these little things are put together into a certain puzzle, and not a blunder.

In general, the result was not a review, but some kind of set of words)))

Have a pleasant and exciting reading everyone.

Rating: 9

This is one of the few works in the fantasy genre that do not lose relevance even after a century. Maybe because the topic is still burning, or maybe because it was written by a Master! A plot that is captivating from the first pages - what could be better for a grateful reader who began his acquaintance with the Author’s texts with “A Study in Scarlet.” Exquisite style, humor, and most importantly - a more or less scientifically based plot. Minor inconsistencies, for example

Spoiler (plot reveal) (click on it to see)

the extraordinary survivability of ancient reptiles when fired from quite serious firearms

It can only be explained by some ignorance of the Author regarding the metabolism of reptiles, which is quite excusable to him. You should start studying biology with books like The Lost World, it will be much more interesting!

Rating: 10

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the novel “The Lost World” being written. And I’m glad that I still read this wonderful work. If I’m not mistaken, then Arthur Conan Doyle became the first to write a work of fiction about dinosaurs. Or rather, in which there are dinosaurs. I am falling more and more in love with the work of this author, he has a beautiful style of storytelling, a wonderful plot and of course great characters. Professor Challenger is the author’s find. In this novel he became a troublemaker in London society and the scientific community, declaring that that in South America he saw dinosaurs of the Jurassic period. He becomes the subject of ridicule and bullying. This man is not used to such treatment, he is impulsive, sharp-tongued, but he really is a scientific luminary and then, in order to dispel all doubts, an expedition is set up to confirm facts about the existence of dinosaurs. Its participants include the Daily Gazette reporter Edward Dun Malone - a young and ambitious guy, the great traveler and hunter John Roxton - a man without fear or reproach, the mediocre scientist Summerlee, and of course Professor Challenger. In the future we will see a huge number of adventures and a lot of action. The novel grabs you and doesn’t let go until the very end. My favorite moments in this book are when Challenger was confused with the leader of the anthropoid apes, only because of this our heroes remained alive, and at the end of the book, the disbelief of the scientific society of the pterodactel chick, when the scientists were frightened and “flowed down their thighs,” made me laugh cheerfully.

A magnificent work that will be read with pleasure even in a hundred years.

Rating: 9

A wonderful adventure novel. Only extinct animals give it a fantastic flavor, and this is a novel about travelers, distant countries, jungles and adventures. I read it as a teenager and really enjoyed it. I liked it for its spirit of adventurism, its heroes, so different in appearance, but kindred in spirit, and of course, dinosaurs. Who doesn’t want to look at them at least with one eye?

Before that, I had not read anything other than Holmes, fearing that I would be disappointed in the author’s lack of imagination for new colorful characters. Now, I understand how wrong I was, but I don’t blame myself for it. After all, a new world is opening up for me, in addition to the one that has shown itself in this novel. The world of adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle!

Rating: 10

I don’t like detective stories, and therefore I decided to start getting acquainted with the work of Arthur Conan Doyle with his most famous work (after the series about Sherlock Holmes, of course). And I enjoyed it immensely.

First of all, I would like to note the author’s talent as a storyteller. His detailed and very imaginative descriptions were simply built into the head, virtually leaving the imagination idle. They helped to present the main characters, the events, and the land of Maple-White itself with its inhabitants as best as possible. It is worth highlighting the heroes of the novel. They are real, bright, charismatic and not necessarily likable (as in the case of Professor Challenger). But it’s impossible not to admire them. There is a lot to learn from the heroes of the novel: honesty, courage, composure, mutual assistance, nobility, dedication, and so on.

Of course, the theme of dinosaurs is an almost win-win option for attracting attention to the work. And in the hands of a master, this theme can turn an ordinary “adventure” into a real classic of adventure literature. If you wish, you can find fault with the author regarding his scientific nature, although on some issues he (in the person of his heroes) demonstrates impeccable awareness and encyclopedic knowledge. But the author does not focus on proving the existence of dinosaurs in our time (although the plot is based on this), but on the impressions and adventures of the heroes. And thus reveals the characters, showing them from different sides. In the end, the novel is written in the form of a diary report - and this is also a good move.

The undoubted advantage of the book is its humor. There is not much of it, just a little, but it is always appropriate and impeccable.

After reading The Lost World, I learned that for a time, Arthur Conan Doyle was the highest paid writer in the world. And, apparently, rightly so. If his works still cause pure delight among readers (already sophisticated, whom it is difficult to surprise), then I can imagine what a sensation they caused during the years of their writing. In other words, read The Lost World. This is a very exciting book. Classic of the genre!

Rating: 10

In works of this type there is always a danger that the main characters will turn out to be only an appendage to dinosaurs and other inhabitants of the world they discovered. This is what, it seems to me, ruined all the film adaptations of this novel, which very often for some reason deviated far from the original. And in vain. After all, there is complete order with the heroes, perhaps even more so than with the adventures.

The powerful charismatic Challenger, after meeting whom the word “professor” will never again be associated with a handsome old man. Skeptic Summerlee, who then nobly admits his mistake and sees nothing wrong with it. Classic adventurer Roxton. A somewhat naive journalist who dreams of becoming famous, Malone sets out on a journey to win the heart of the girl Gladys. They all turned out to be characteristic and lively, it was interesting to watch them even without any dinosaurs. And it is thanks to them that the novel remains interesting even a century after its publication.

Man is the creator of his own glory

Imagine suddenly having to pay all the debts in the world immediately and simultaneously! - he exclaimed in a weak but filled with horror voice. - What will happen then under the existing system?

I sense, Ned, that you are about to propose to me. No need. Let everything be as before, it’s much better.

I moved closer to her.

Why did you guess? - My surprise was genuine.

Seeing that I was about to put my words into action, Gladys quickly rose from her chair.

Ned, you ruined everything! - she said. - How good and simple it can be until this comes! Can't you pull yourself together? - But I wasn’t the first to come up with this! - I begged. - Such is human nature. That's how love is.

Yes, if the love is mutual, then things are probably different. But I've never experienced this feeling.

You with your beauty, with your heart! Gladys, you were made for love! You must love.

Then you have to wait for love to come on its own.

But why don't you love me, Gladys? What bothers you - my appearance or something else?

And then Gladys softened a little. She extended her hand - how much grace and condescension there was in this gesture! - and pulled my head back. Then she looked into my face with a sad smile.

No, that's not the point, she said. - You are not a vain boy, and I can safely admit that this is not the case. It's much more serious than you think.

My character?

She bowed her head sternly.

I'll fix it, just tell me what you need. Sit down and let's discuss everything. Well, I won’t, I won’t, just sit down!

Now tell me, what are you unhappy with?

I love someone else.

It was my turn to jump up.

Don’t be alarmed, I’m talking about my ideal,” Gladys explained, looking at my changed face with a laugh. - I have never come across such a person in my life.

Tell us what he is like! What does he look like?

He may be very similar to you.

Such pliability made her laugh.

Conan Doyle Arthur.

Lost World. Poisoned Belt. When the world screamed (collection)

Arthur Conan Doyle

"The Lost World. The Poison Belt. "When the World Screams"

© Book Club “Family Leisure Club”, edition in Russian, 2008, 2011

© Book Club “Family Leisure Club”, translation and artwork, 2008

The Lost World

I will guide my readers
The path of the plot, illusory and unsteady, -
A young man in whom the husband's voice is still quiet,
Or a man with a childish smile.

Preface

Mr. E. D. Malone hereby declares that all legal restraints and charges of libel are now irrevocably withdrawn by Professor J. E. Challenger, and the Professor, being satisfied that no criticism or comment in this book is offensive, guaranteed that he would not interfere with its publication and distribution.

Chapter I
There is always an opportunity to accomplish a feat

Mr. Hungerton, my beloved's father, was truly the most tactless man on earth. He resembled a slovenly parrot with feathers, quite good-natured, however, but completely concentrated on his own stupid person. If anything could make me give up my Gladys, it would be the thought of such a test. I am convinced that in his heart of hearts he sincerely believed that I came to Chestnuts three times a week solely for the pleasure of being in his company, and especially to listen to his discussions on bimetallism 1
A bimetallic standard is a monetary system based on two metals, usually gold and silver. (Note per.)

- an area in which Mr. Hungerton considered himself a major authority.

That evening I listened for an hour to his monotonous chatter about the symbolic value of silver, about the depreciation of the rupee 2
…rupees...– Rupee (from Sanskrit rupya - minted silver) is the monetary unit of India and other countries.

And about the fairness of exchange rates.

“Imagine,” he exclaimed in his weak voice, “that all the debts in the whole world were simultaneously presented for payment, insisting on their immediate repayment!” What would happen under the current monetary system?

I, of course, replied that I personally would be ruined by doing so, whereupon Mr. Hungerton jumped up from his chair, reproached me for my usual frivolity, which made it impossible for him to discuss any serious questions in my presence, and rushed out of the room to change his clothes. meeting of your Masonic lodge 3
...masonic lodge. – See t. 1 comment on p. 391–392. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

At last I found myself alone with Gladys, and the decisive moment had come on which our fate depended! All evening I felt like a soldier who was waiting for the signal to set out on a hopeless mission and in whose soul the hope of victory was constantly replaced by the fear of defeat.

What a proud, dignified posture, thin profile against the background of red curtains... How beautiful Gladys was! And yet so far from me! We were friends, just good friends; I could never get her to move beyond the usual friendship that I might have had with any of my fellow Gazette reporters—absolutely sincere, absolutely cordial, and absolutely devoid of gender divisions. I am outraged when a woman behaves too openly and freely towards me. It doesn't do a man any favors 4
I am outraged when a woman behaves too openly and freely towards me. This does not honor a man.– Here and further in this paragraph, Malone expresses the thoughts of A. Conan Doyle himself, a principled opponent of suffragism and extreme forms of women’s emancipation. J. D. Carr quotes the words spoken by A. Conan Doyle during the parliamentary elections of 1905 to voters: “When a man returns home after a whole day's work, I don’t think he dreams of meeting a politician in a skirt at his fireside” (Carr J. . D. The Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle... - P. 155). (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Where real attraction arises, it must be accompanied by timidity and doubt - relics of old, immoral times, when love and coercion often went hand in hand. A bowed head, eyes averted to the side, a trembling voice, an uncertain gait - these are the true signs of passion, and certainly not a firm gaze and open speech. In my short life, I have already learned this, or inherited it at the level of ancestral memory, which we call instinct.

Gladys was the embodiment of the best feminine qualities. Some might have considered her cold and stern, but this impression was deceptive. Dark skin with an almost oriental bronze tint, hair the color of a raven's wing, slightly plump but graceful lips, large clear eyes - all the signs of a passionate nature were present in her. But I sadly had to admit that until now I had not been able to discover the secret of how to give it all a way out. However, come what may, I must end this uncertainty and open up to Gladys tonight. She may reject me, but it is better to be rejected by her lover than to accept the role of a brother.

I was caught up in my thoughts and was about to break the long awkward silence when she looked at me with dark eyes and shook her proud head, smiling reproachfully.

“Ted, I guess you want to propose to me.” I wouldn't want that; let everything remain as it is, it will be much better.

I moved my chair a little closer to her.

- But how did you know that I was going to propose to you? – I asked with genuine surprise.

– Women always feel this. I assure you that no woman in the world can be taken by surprise by such things. But... Oh Ted, our friendship was so bright and joyful! What a shame it would be to ruin everything! Don't you feel how wonderful it is when a young woman and a young man, being alone, can calmly talk to each other, as you and I are doing now?

“Really, I don’t know, Gladys.” You see, I can calmly talk alone only with... with the head of the railway station. “I don’t know why this official came to mind, but it just so happened, and Gladys and I laughed.” – This does not suit me in any way. I would like to have my arms around you, to have your head pressed against my chest... Oh Gladys, I would like...

Noticing that I was ready to make some of my dreams come true, Gladys jumped up from her chair.

“You ruined everything, Ted,” she said. – Everything is so wonderful and natural until such conversations begin! What a pity! Why can't you control yourself?

“I wasn’t the first to come up with all this,” I justified myself. – Everything is very natural. This is love.

- Well, if two people love, it may happen differently. I have never experienced such feelings.

- But you must experience them - with your beauty, with your beautiful soul! Oh Gladys, you were made for love! You simply have to love!

“You just need to wait for this feeling to come.”

“But why can’t you love me, Gladys?” Is it my appearance or something else?

Having softened a little, she reached out her hand and pulled my head back with a graceful and condescending gesture. Then she looked into my eyes with a thoughtful smile.

“That’s not the point,” Gladys finally said. “You are not a self-confident young man by nature, so I can calmly tell you this.” Everything is much more complicated.

– My character?

She nodded seriously.

“I’ll fix it, just tell me what I have to do for this!” Sit down and let's discuss everything. Okay, we won't discuss it, just sit down!

She looked at me with surprise and doubt, which was more valuable to me than her complete trust. When you put our conversation on paper, everything seems primitive and crude, although perhaps it just seems so to me. One way or another, Gladys sat down again.

- Now tell me what you don’t like about me?

“I love another person,” she said.

It was my turn to jump out of my chair.

“This is not a specific person,” she explained, laughing at the expression on my face. – This is still ideal. I haven't met the man I have in mind yet.

- Tell me about him. What does he look like?

“Oh, he might even look a lot like you.”

- How kind of you! Okay, what does he have that I don't? At least hint - he is a teetotaler, a vegetarian, an aeronaut, a theosophist 5
…theosophist…– Here: a mystic endowed with special, “suprahuman” wisdom. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Superman 6
…superman... – One of the central concepts of the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), formulated by him in the works “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” (1883–1884), “Beyond Good and Evil” (1886), “The Will to Power” (1889) etc. According to F. Nietzsche, a superman is a strong personality whose will, desires and actions are not subject to the “slave morality” of the masses. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

I will definitely try to change, Gladys, just tell me what you would like.

My unusual amenability made her laugh.

“Well, first of all, I don’t think my ideal would talk like that,” Gladys said. “He should be a firmer, more decisive man and not so readily indulge stupid girlish whims.” But above all he must be a man capable of making decisions, capable of acting, capable of facing death fearlessly; a person ready for great deeds and unusual events. I could fall in love not even with the person himself, but with the glory he won, because its reflection would fall on me too. Think Richard Burton! 7
Burton, Richard Francis (1821–1890) - British traveler, writer, poet, translator, ethnographer, linguist, hypnotist, swordsman and diplomat. He became famous for his explorations of Asia and Africa, as well as his exceptional knowledge of various languages and cultures. (Note per.)

When I read his biography written by his wife, I understand her love so much! And Lady Stanley! 8
…Lady Stanley... - The wife of the English journalist and explorer of Africa Henry Morton Stanley (1841–1904), in 1871–1872, as a correspondent for the New York Herald newspaper, he participated in the search for the missing English traveler D. Livingston and found him. In addition, G. M. Stanley discovered the source of the Congo River, Lake Edward, the Rwenzori massif, the upper reaches of the Nile River, etc. Author of the books “How I Found Livingstone”, “In the Wilds of Africa”, etc. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Have you read the wonderful last chapter of her book about her husband? These are the kind of men women are ready to idolize with all their souls. Such love does not humiliate a woman, but exalts her even more and brings her the veneration of the whole world as an inspirer of great deeds.

In her outburst Gladys was so beautiful that I again almost ruined our sublime conversation; however, I managed to pull myself together and continued the argument.

“But everyone can’t be a Burton or a Stanley,” I objected, “and besides, not everyone has the opportunity to somehow distinguish themselves - I, for example, never had such a chance.” And if there was, I would not fail to use it.

“But such chances are always around. This is precisely what distinguishes a real man; I mean he's looking for them. It is impossible to contain him. I have never met such a gentleman, but, nevertheless, it seems to me that I know him well. There is always an opportunity to accomplish a feat 9
There is always an opportunity to accomplish a feat. – In the original: “There are heroisms all round us.” A probable paraphrase from “The Old Woman Izergil” (1895) by M. Gorky, where the title character tells the narrator: “And when a person loves feats, he always knows how to do them and will find where it is possible. In life, you know, there is always room for exploits. And those who do not find them for themselves are simply lazy or cowards, or do not understand life, because if people understood life, everyone would want to leave behind their shadow in it” (Gorky M. Collected Works: B 16 t. – M.: Pravda, 1979. – T. 1: Stories 1892–1897 – P. 79). // In A. Conan Doyle, this phrase is also spoken by a woman, and also addressing a man: “But such chances are always around. This is precisely what distinguishes a real man; I mean he's looking for them. It is impossible to contain him. I have never met such a gentleman, but, nevertheless, it seems to me that I know him well. There is always the opportunity to accomplish a feat that is just waiting for its hero. A man’s destiny is to perform heroic deeds ‹…›.” And a little further: “This should happen by itself, because you simply cannot restrain yourself, because it is in your blood, because the person inside you longs to prove himself in a heroic act.” // And between these two monologues - the author seems to strengthen the allusion - Gladys mentions Russia, where the balloon of a certain French hero landed. \\ It is known that the early works of M. Gorky, including “The Old Woman Izergil,” became extremely popular in the Old and New Worlds in the 1900s: they were translated into all major European languages, and A. Conan Doyle could well have been with them familiar. In addition, the heroic-romantic aspiration of the early M. Gorky should have been close to the neo-romanticist A. Conan Doyle. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Which is simply waiting for its hero. It is the destiny of men to perform heroic deeds, and of women to reward them for this with their love. Just remember the young Frenchman who took off in a hot air balloon last week! A gale was blowing, but since the launch had been announced in advance, he insisted on this flight. In twenty-four hours he was thrown by a hurricane one and a half thousand miles, and he fell somewhere in the middle of the expanses of Russia. This is the kind of man I have in mind. Just think about his beloved and how other women must envy her! I, too, would really like all the ladies to envy me, because I have such a husband.

“For your sake, I could do the same.”

“But you shouldn’t have done this just for my sake.” It has to happen naturally, because you simply cannot restrain yourself, because it is in your blood, because the person inside you longs to prove himself in a heroic act. Now tell me: when last month you wrote about the Wigan mine explosion 10
…in Wigan... – Wigan is a city in Lancashire, a large coal-mining region in the west of England. (Here and below, in some cases not specifically specified, substantive linguistic and cultural comments by I.M. Vlader from the publication: Conan Doyle A. The Lost World are used. A book for reading in English for second-year students of pedagogical institutes / Edited text, afterword . and commentary by I. M. Vlader. - L.: Education, 1974.) (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Could you go down there yourself to help these people, despite the choking smoke?

- I went down anyway.

– You didn’t tell me about this.

– What was there to talk about here, exactly?

– I didn’t know this. – Gladys looked at me with interest. - It was a brave act.

- I had to do it. If you want to write a good report, you definitely need to visit the scene of the event.

– What a prosaic motive! There is no trace of romance left. And yet, whatever your motivation, I'm glad you went down the mine. – Gladys extended her hand to me with such dignity and grace that I could not resist kissing her. “Maybe I’m just a stupid woman with romantic fantasies in my head.” And yet for me they are very real, they are part of me, and therefore I cannot resist them. If I ever marry, it will only be to a famous person!

- Why not?! – I exclaimed. – Men are inspired by women like you. Just give me a chance and you will see how I will take advantage of it! In addition, you yourself said that men should look for an opportunity to accomplish a feat, and not wait until it presents itself to them. Take Clive, for example, a simple official who conquered India! 11
General Robert Clive (1725–1774) - conqueror of India and the first British governor of Bengal. (Note per.)

Damn it, the world will hear about me!

My Irish ardor made Gladys laugh again.

- And what? - she said. – You have everything you need for this – youth, health, strength, education, energy. I already regretted starting this conversation, but now I’m glad, very glad, because it awakened such thoughts in you!

- And if I can...

Her soft hand, like warm velvet, touched my lips.

- Say no more, sir! You should have reported for evening duty at your editorial office half an hour ago; I still didn’t dare remind you of this. Maybe someday, when you have won your place in the world, we will return to this conversation.

So I found myself outside again on this foggy November evening; when I was chasing my tram to Camberwell 12
...Camberwell... – See vol. 1 present. ed., commentary on p. 396. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

My heart was burning. I firmly decided that I must, without wasting a single day, find for myself a noble deed worthy of my beloved. But who, who in this vast world could then imagine what incredible form this act would take and what unusual steps would lead me to this?

After all, the reader may feel that the first chapter has nothing to do with my story; nevertheless, without it there would be no story at all, because only when a person goes out to meet the world with the thought that there is always the opportunity to accomplish a feat, and with an ardent desire in his heart to find his way, only then he will not regret changes his established life, as I did, and rushes in search of an unknown country, illusory and mystical, where great adventures and great rewards await him.

You can imagine how I, an unremarkable employee of the Daily Gazette, suffered in my office, overwhelmed by a passionate desire right now, if possible, to accomplish a feat worthy of my Gladys! What motivated her when she invited me to risk my life for her glory? Heartless? Or maybe selfishness? Such a thought could have occurred to a mature person, but not to an ardent twenty-three-year-old youth burning in the flames of first love.

Chapter II
Try your luck with Professor Challenger

I've always liked McArdle, our news editor - a grumpy, hunched red-haired old man; I hope that he liked me too. Of course, Beaumont was the real boss; but he lived in a rarefied atmosphere of some transcendental Olympian heights, from where it was impossible to discern events less significant than an international crisis or a split in the cabinet. Sometimes we saw him walking alone and majestically into the holy of holies - to his office; his gaze was foggy, and his thoughts were hovering somewhere over the Balkans or the Persian Gulf. For us, he was someone unearthly, while McArdle was his first deputy, with whom we had to deal. When I entered the room, the old man nodded at me and pushed his glasses up onto his bald head.

“So, Mr. Malone, from what I hear, things are looking up for you,” he said affably in a Scottish accent.

I thanked him.

– The report on the coal mine explosion was simply magnificent. Like the Southwark fire 13
Southwark is an administrative borough in South London. (Note per.)

There is real insight in your descriptions. So why do you need me?

“I wanted to ask you a favor.”

His eyes darted around in fear, avoiding meeting mine.

- Hmm, what do you mean?

- Do you think, sir, that you could send me from our newspaper on some task or special assignment? I would do my best to successfully deal with it and bring you good material.

“What kind of assignment are you talking about, Mr. Malone?”

“Something, sir, that involves adventure and danger.” I'm really ready to do everything that depends on me. The more difficult the task, the more it will suit me.

“It seems like you just can’t wait to give up your own life.”

– More precisely, to find a worthy use for it, sir.

“My dear Mr. Malone, this is all very... very sublime. But I'm afraid that the days of this kind of assignment are already over. The expenses for a “special assignment,” as you deigned to put it, are unlikely to be repaid by its results. And, of course, only an experienced person with a name who enjoys the trust of the public can handle such a matter. Large white spots on the map have long been developed, and there is no room left for romance on earth. However... wait a minute! – he suddenly added, and a smile crossed his face. – The mention of white spots on the map gave me an idea. How about exposing one fraudster - a modern-day Munchausen - and making him a laughing stock? You could publicly call him out for lying because he deserves it! Eh, that would be great! How do you like this proposal?

– Anywhere, for anything – I’m ready for anything.

McArdle thought for a few minutes.

“I just don’t know if you can establish contact or at least talk to this person,” he finally said. – Although, it seems that you have some kind of talent for establishing relationships with people - I think it’s a matter of mutual understanding, some kind of animal magnetism 14
…animal magnetism... – According to some scientific, but mostly pseudo-scientific ideas of the 19th century, a special vital force that causes in a person the ability to influence people hypnotically or telepathically. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

The vitality of youth or something like that. I feel this myself.

-You are very kind to me, sir.

“Then why don’t you try your luck with Professor Challenger of Enmore Park?”

I have to say that this left me a little overwhelmed.

- With Challenger?! – I exclaimed. – With Professor Challenger, the famous zoologist? The same one that broke the head of Blundell from the Telegraph. 15
...from “Telegraph”... – “Daily Telegraph” – see vol. 1st present. ed. comment on p. 393. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

The news editor smiled grimly.

- So you refuse? Didn't you just say that adventure beckons you?

“But only in the interests of business, sir,” I replied.

- That's it. I don't think Challenger is always so hot-tempered. It seems to me that Blundell approached him at the wrong time, or perhaps in an inappropriate manner. Maybe you will be lucky and show more tact when communicating with the professor. I'm sure there's definitely something here that you're looking for, and the Gazette would be happy to print it.

“I actually know almost nothing about Challenger,” I said. “I only remember his name because of the trial over the Blundell incident.”

“I have some sketches, Mr. Malone, that might help you.” I've been following the professor for some time now. - McArdle took out a sheet of paper from the desk drawer. - Here is the general information I collected about him. I will briefly give you only the most important things.

"Challenger, George Edward. Born in Largs, Scotland in 1863. He graduated from school in Largs, then from the University of Edinburgh. In 1892 - assistant at the British Museum. In 1893 - Assistant Curator of the Department of Comparative Anthropology 16
…anthropology... - Anthropology (from the Greek ?nthr?pos - man and logos - word, concept, doctrine) - the doctrine of the origin and evolution of man. It emerged as an independent science in the middle of the 19th century. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

That same year, he resigned from this position as a result of acrimonious exchanges with management. Awarded the Creyston Medal for scientific works in the field of zoology. He is a member of a number of foreign scientific societies - there is a whole paragraph in small print: Belgian Scientific Society, American Academy of Sciences in La Plata 17
…in La Plata...– La Plata is a city in Argentina, the administrative center of the province of Buenos Aires. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

And so on and so forth. Former President of the Society of Paleontologists 18
…British Association... – That is, the British Association for the Diffusion of Scientific Knowledge. Founded in 1831, it holds annual forums of scientists with reports on the latest scientific achievements. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

H Section of the British Association 19
…paleontologists... - Paleontology (from the Greek palaiуs - ancient, ontos - being - and logos - word, concept, doctrine) is the science of extinct plants and animals preserved only in the form of fossil remains. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

...and the like. Publications: “Some Observations on the Structure of the Kalmyk Skull,” “Notes on the Evolution of Vertebrates,” and numerous articles, including “Weisman’s Fundamental Error” 20
…Weisman's error... – According to the theory of the German neo-Darwinist biologist August Weismann (1834–1914), the transmission of hereditary characteristics occurs thanks to special carriers of genetic information contained in the germ plasm. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

“, which caused a heated debate at the Zoological Congress in Vienna. Hobbies: hiking, mountaineering. Address: Enmore Park, Kensington, West London 21
Address: Enmore Park, Kensington, West London. – English addresses often do not contain either the street name or house number. Instead, the name of the house (here: Enmore Park), area (here: Kensington) and part of the city (here: West London) are given. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

Here, take this for now, I have nothing else for you today.

I put the piece of paper in my pocket.

“Just a minute, sir,” I blurted out hastily when I realized that I was no longer seeing McArdle’s red face, but his pink bald head. “I still don’t understand why I should interview this gentleman.” What did he do?

The editor's red face appeared before my eyes again.

“Two years ago, Challenger went alone on an expedition to South America. Came back last year. He has undoubtedly been to South America, but refuses to say where. The professor began to talk about his adventures very vaguely, and when someone began to find fault with the details, he completely closed himself off like an oyster. Either something amazing really happened to this person, or he breaks all records of lies, which is much more likely. Challenger has several damaged photographs that are said to be fakes. He is so hot-tempered that he immediately attacks those who start asking him questions, and simply sends reporters down the stairs. From my point of view, due to his passion for science, he is obsessed with murder and delusions of grandeur. Just the man you need, Mr. Malone. Now go ahead and see what you can squeeze out of it. You are old enough boy to stand up for yourself. In any case, you are protected by the Employers' Liability Act.

His grinning red face again turned into a pink oval of a bald spot, bordered by a reddish fuzz of hair. Our conversation ended here.

Leaving the editorial office, I headed to the Savage club. 22
London Club of Actors, Painters, Variety Artists, etc.; founded in 1857. (Note per.)

But instead of going there, he leaned on the parapet on the Adelphi terrace 23
Sadelphi... - Variety Theater in London. (Commentary by Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor A.P. Krasnyashchikh)

And he began to look thoughtfully at the leisurely dark waters of the river. I always thought better in the fresh air. I took out a sheet of paper with a list of Professor Challenger's achievements and re-read it by the light of an electric torch. After this, what I could only call inspiration awakened in me. As a newspaperman, based on what I heard, I understood that I had no chance of establishing contact with this absurd professor. But the legal proceedings, mentioned twice in his short biography, could only mean one thing - Challenger was fanatically devoted to science. So maybe this is a vulnerable spot through which I can get close to him? Anyway, I had to try.

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Doyle's lost world. Arthur Conan Doyle The Lost World(s). Arthur Conan DoyleThe Lost World

Arthur Conan Doyle The Lost World

* * *

Chapter I Man is the creator of his own glory

Chapter II Try your luck with Professor Challenger

* * *

Lost World. Poisoned Belt. When the world screamed (collection)

The Lost World

Preface

Chapter I There is always an opportunity to accomplish a feat

Chapter II Try your luck with Professor Challenger

Arthur Conan Doyle
The Lost World

Chapter I
Man is the creator of his own glory

Chapter II
Try your luck with Professor Challenger

Chapter I
There is always an opportunity to accomplish a feat

Chapter II
Try your luck with Professor Challenger