Awaiting the Hardships

Dr. Marbury sat at the large wooden dining table, a cup of lukewarm tea in front of him. He had neglected the beverage for nearly half an hour now, and the room was dark aside from a single electric chandelier hanging from the ceiling above the table, giving off a faint yellow glow. It illuminated the lavish carpeting of the room and the fully-stocked bookshelves along either wall. And, of course, the light reflected in the dark window panes that looked out over the city of Hyderabad.

It was late, yes, but Dr. Marbury could not go to sleep. He was in constant thought over what the next day might bring. A year prior, in 1887, while in London, he had been offered the chance to accompany an expedition deep within Southern India as the head biologist. Now, he was wondering why he had ever accepted the offer.

The pay would be very good, indeed. And there was also the prospect of discovering new specimen that had never before been known to mankind. Then there was the fact that Dr. Marbury had scarcely ever left Europe in his life, and now was the chance for adventure. However, as the day of the expedition neared, the poor professor began wondering how he would ever survive seven months in the dense jungles of India.

Dr. Marbury had always lived in luxury. In London, his family owned a grand estate with the finest modifications and commodities to make living comfortable. Even now, in Hyderabad, he had rented a room in the finest, most expensive and modern residence money could afford.

Dr. Marbury was troubled because he knew that in twelve hours he would be trading his comfortable study and fine tea for the ruggedness of the jungle. He would be giving up his warm bed for the roots and vines of the forest floor. And, of course, he would be trading his fine suit for the informal wear of an explorer.

Now, he lived in ease. Within less than half a day from this moment in time, Dr. Marbury knew that he would be staggering through the sweltering heat, his hips and shoulders growing weary as he hauled his heavy gear and biological journals through the dense wilderness. There, he would be at risk of disease, wild animals, and incessantly-biting insects. Not to mention the poisonous plants that would surely be along the route.

Then another thought crossed his mind. ‘I am worried for what is to be when now I am comfortable,’ he thought. ‘So, surely, the thought that I will be back safe and comfortable in London some eight or nine months from now will be enough to get me through this.’ Dr. Marbury smiled at himself as he took his first sip of tea. ‘I will have quite the story to tell.’