The great automatic shell itself had entirely disappeared.
For some moments no one said anything; all stood astounded, looking at the space where the shell had been.

Then Clewe hurried forward.

In the ground, amid the wreck of the scaffolding, was a circular hole about four feet in diameter.

Clasping the hand of a man near him, he cautiously peered over the edge and looked down.

It was dark and deep; he saw nothing.
Roland Clewe stepped back; he put his hands over his eyes and thought.
Now he comprehended everything clearly.