"Herbert George Wells. When the Sleeper Wakes" - читать интересную книгу автора

himself on an iron-railed gallery of metal that passed round the side of
the great hall he had already seen through the curtains. He entered the
place at the corner, so that he received the fullest impression of its huge
proportions. The black in the wasp uniform stood aside like a well-trained
servant, and closed the valve behind him.

Compared with any of the places Graham had see thus far, this second hall
appeared to be decorate with extreme richness. On a pedestal at the remote
end, and more brilliantly lit than any other object, was a gigantic white
figure of Atlas, strong and strenuous, the globe upon his bowed shoulders.
It was the first thing to strike his attention, it was so vast, so
patiently and painfully real, so white and simple. Save for this figure and
for a dais in the centre, the wide floor of the place was a shining
vacancy. The dais was remote in the greatness of the area; it would have
looked a mere slab of metal had it not been for the group of seven men who
stood about a table on it, and gave an inkling of its proportions. They
were all dressed in white robes, they seemed to have arisen that moment
from their seats, and they were regarding Graham steadfastly. At the end of
the table he perceived the glitter of some mechanical appliances.

Howard led him along the end gallery until they were opposite this mighty
labouring figure. Then he stopped. The two men in red who had followed them
into the gallery came and stood on either hand of Graham.

"You must remain here," murmured Howard, "for a few moments," and, without
waiting for a reply, hurried away along the gallery.

"But, __why?"__ began Graham.

He moved as if to follow Howard, and found his path obstructed by one of
the men in red. "You have to wait here, Sire," said the man in red.

__"Why?"__

"Orders, Sire."

"Whose orders? "

"Our orders, Sire."

Graham looked his exasperation.

"What place is this?" he said presently. "Who are those men? "

"They are the lords of the Council, Sire."

"What Council? "

"__The__ Council."