The Poison Belt is a gripping, Victorian-era science fiction tale from one of England's best story-tellers. All around the world people are acting strangely, and Professor Challenger thinks he has the explanation. Summoning three companions to his home, and instructing them to bring canisters of oxygen, he reveals that the earth is beginning to pass through a belt of poisonous ether. Their only chance of survival is to lock themselves in a sealed room and hope their oxygen holds out long enough. But what will become of the rest of the world? Whether you are a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, early science fiction, or just an exciting story, The Poison Belt will keep you turning the pages. Excerpted from The Poison Belt by Arthur Conan Doyle All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.