Our having been born once, he used to say, is the strongest possible presumption in favour of our being born again; and probably, as nature always works upward and develops higher forms, in some higher state.

Indeed, for aught he knew, the old ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs might be alive now, as lions--or as men.

He himself, indeed, he had said, ere now, had been probably a pterodactyle of the Lias, neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring, but crocodile and bat in one, able alike to swim, or run, or fly, eat anything, and live in any element.

Still it was no concern of his.

He was here; and here was his business.