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instinct
A curated path through fragments connected by a shared motif, atmosphere, or recurring literary concern.
2026-04-01
Then I thought of the Great Fear that was between the two species, and for the first time, with a sudden shiver, came the clear knowledge of what the meat I had seen might be. I looked at little Weena sleeping beside me, her face white and starlike under the s...
2026-03-24
However, I once caught a young male of three years old, and endeavoured, by all marks of tenderness, to make it quiet; but the little imp fell a squalling and scratching and biting with such violence, that I was forced to let it go; and it was high time, for a...
2026-03-16
Without noticing or speaking to us, he went to the panel, looked at the poulps, and said something to his lieutenant. Naturalist,” he replied; “and we are going to fight them, man to beast.” I looked at him.
2026-03-07
There was something so panther-like in the movement--something so unhuman, that it seemed to sober us all from the shock of his coming. The first to act was Harker, who, with a quick movement, threw himself before the door leading into the room in the front of...
2026-02-17
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2026-02-02
A man, knee-deep near the towing path, shouted inaudibly to me and pointed. Looking back, I saw the other Martians advancing with gigantic strides down the riverbank from the direction of Chertsey. At that I ducked at once under water, and, holding my breath u...
2026-01-31
The gorilla placed himself on the defensive, and clutching a bone some seven or eight feet in length, a perfect club, aimed a deadly blow at the hideous beast, which reared upwards and fell with all its weight upon its adversary. A terrible combat, the details...
2026-01-28
And I would sit in the darkness unable to keep my mind off him by reason of his importunities. He ate more than I did, and it was in vain I pointed out that our only chance of life was to stop in the house until the Martians had done with their pit, that in th...
2026-01-21
"A tremendous spurt of water rising out of the waves." "Some other marine monster," I cried, already alarmed. "Perhaps." "Then let us steer more to the westward, for we know what we have to expect from antediluvian animals," was my eager reply. Hans was at the...
2026-01-19
There is no safety from the Black Smoke but in instant flight.” That was all, but it was enough. The whole population of the great six-million city was stirring, slipping, running; presently it would be pouring _en masse_ northward. “Fire!” The bells of the ne...
2026-01-16
He looked very sad at this, so I said that he must clear out some of them, at all events. He cheerfully acquiesced in this, and I gave him the same time as before for reduction. He disgusted me much while with him, for when a horrid blow-fly, bloated with some...
2026-01-07
Sparks and burning twigs began to fall into the road, and single leaves like puffs of flame. There were shrieks and shouts, and suddenly a mounted policeman came galloping through the confusion with his hands clasped over his head, screaming. “They’re coming!”...
2026-01-03
Then a hoarse murmur and a movement of feet—a splashing from the water. A man, too frightened to drop the portmanteau he carried on his shoulder, swung round and sent me staggering with a blow from the corner of his burden. A woman thrust at me with her hand a...
2026-01-03
no, bread, indeed.” “I do not say that fish is not good; we must not abuse it; but a piece of fresh venison, grilled on live coals, will agreeably vary our ordinary course.” “Glutton!” said Conseil, “he makes my mouth water.” “It remains to be seen,” I said, “...
2025-11-25
Several times I passed my hand across the rock hoping to find some trace of humidity--of the slightest percolation. It now became evident that the hunter, during his absence, had not been able to carry his researches any farther. Guided by an instinct peculiar...