Chapter 8 Summary

Ransom continues to run through the wilderness. Behind him he hears more gunshots and voices, but then silence. His large meal and the fatigue from space travel slow him down, and he walks aimlessly, taking in the strange landscape. He sees several streams of the warm blue water, which seems to be fizzing like seltzer. He becomes very thirsty, but does not dare to drink it, not knowing if it safe or not. Small red creatures dart in and out among the enormous trees.

Ransom finally rests beside one of the streams, which offers warmth. He winds his wristwatch and thinks about Earth. Ransom is exhausted, but he knows he must keep moving, fearing another of the terrible, black sea creatures may be in the stream. Telling himself he will only rest for a few minutes and then get up, he relaxes and...