Over the days and weeks, a sensation had developed that someone or something was watching from the dark recesses of the land. Something appeared to be lurking in the shadows or maybe avoiding the light. Also, the Eloi avoided entering areas where the sunlight did not filter through. Strange also; when darkness fell, the Eloi slept huddled together in great masses, as animals had done for protection against predators. There had to be a reason the Eloi feared venturing near any of the large circulars edifices with open mouths. It was logical to assume that the edifices led underground. The Time Traveler began to formulate hypothesizes to what was threatening the Eloi. What was clear; there was a connection between the darkness and the Eloi’s fear. He soon discovered the existence of another humanoid-like creature that preyed upon Eloi.

The Morlocks occupied the underworld. The demoniacal hideous looking Morlocks had apparently evolved to survive and even thrive in complete darkness. Over the ions, their eyes had developed to the point of allowing them free and secure movement in the harsh subterranean world that was their home. Their skin was covered with long hair for protection against the harsh elements. During brief skirmishes with the underworld dwellers, they displayed a sense a purpose to their actions. It was clear that the underworld held the answers to many of perplexing questions.

Using only matches to light the way, the Time Traveler descended into one of the large “ventilation shafts”. He soon met the Morlocks in their own world. As he walked around, the Time Traveler perceived the hum of machinery.Apparently, industrialization had not died out in the Morlocks’ world.

The Time Traveler ventured into a room and immediately smelled the distinct odor of blood. There were bits of flesh-looking pieces strewn about. Was this some kind of slaughter house? But, animal life had long ago gone extinct. Consequently, what could serve as meat for the Morlocks? It was now clear what the Eloi were afraid of; they had become the source of food for the carnivorous Morlocks. Humans had finally turned about themselves.

The Time Traveler escaped the underworld and eventually made his way back to the white sphinx. He was surprised to find the doors to the statue wide open. It was if he was being invited to enter and reclaim his machine. He had discovered days ago that it had been dragged inside. Throwing caution to the side, he entered the belly of the statue to check the machine. Except for some general wear and tear, the machine had not been tampered with. Suddenly, the Morlocks slammed the heavy doors shut, trapping the Time Traveler within. The Morlocks were eventually beaten back and the time machine mounted and activated. The Time Traveler initially traveled further into the distant future. As he jumped and crept along to even more distant futures, he saw the slow death of the earth. Having seen enough of the future, the Time Traveler returned to his time and world of 1895.

Now exhausted and having finished his narration, the Time Traveler said his goodbyes for the evening.

The following day, one of the guests returned to the Time Traveler’s home. The guest wanted to learn more about time travel. He wanted to know the Time Traveler’s plans for again using the time machine. The Time Traveler politely greeted the visitor but told him that he was too busy at the moment to chat with him. He invited the guest to take a seat, read a magazine and that he would return in a few minutes. The Time Traveler with his knapsack over his shoulder disappeared into his laboratory.

Upon realizing that the hour was late and that he had a previous engagement, the guest ran after the Time Traveler into the laboratory. He was amazed by what he saw. The Time Traveler was at the controls of the time machine that was power up. A moment later, it and the Time Traveler began to slowly fade away until both had disappeared.

Every so often, the guest returned to the Time Traveler’s home in hopes finding that he had return from whatever time he had traveled to. Yet, as time passed, the guest began to believe that he would never see the Time Traveler again. It had been three years since that day in the laboratory that Time Traveler disappeared.