G.K. Chesterton - The Man Who Was Thursday, A Nightmare

8/3/2019 G.K. Chesterton - The Man Who Was Thursday, A Nightmare

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THE MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY

A NIGHTMARE

by G. K. Chesterton

A WILD, MAD, HILARIOUS AND PROOUNDLY MO!ING TALE

It "s #ery $"%%"&'(t to &()ss"%y THE MAN WHO WASTHURSDAY. It "s

*oss"b(e to s)y th)t "t "s ) +r"**"n+ )$#ent're

story o% 'r$ero's

&r""n)(s )n$ br"((")nt *o("&een- b't "t )s to be

e/*e&te$ th)t the

)'thor o% the )ther 0ron stor"es sho'($ te(( )

$ete&t"#e story ("1e

no2one e(se. On th"s (e#e(, there%ore, THE MAN WHO

WAS THURSDAY

s'&&ee$s s'*erb(y- "% noth"n+ e(se, "t "s ) )+n"%"&ent to'r2$e2%or&e o%

s's*ense2r"t"n+.

Hoe#er, the re)$er "(( soon $"s&o#er th)t "t "s

'&h ore th)n th)t.

C)rr"e$ )(on+ on the bo"stero's r'sh o% the

n)rr)t"#e by Chesterton3s

on$er%'( h"+h2s*"r"te$ sty(e, he "(( soon see

th)t he "s be"n+

&)rr"e$ "nto '&h $ee*er )ters th)n he h)$ *()nne$

on- )n$ the tot)((y

'n%oresee)b(e $eno'eent "(( *ro#e %or the o$ern

re)$er, )s "t h)s

%or tho's)n$s o% others s"n&e 4567 hen the boo1

)s %"rst *'b("she$, )n

1



"ne#"t)b(e )n$ o#"n+ e/*er"en&e, )s the

"n#est"+)tors %"n)((y $"s&o#er

ho S'n$)y "s.

THE MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY

A NIGHTMARE

To E$'n$ C(er"he 0ent(ey

A &(o'$ )s on the "n$ o% en, )n$ )"("n+ entthe e)ther,

Ye), ) s"&1 &(o'$ '*on the so'( hen e ere boys

to+ether.

S&"en&e )nno'n&e$ nonent"ty )n$ )rt )$"re$

$e&)y-

The or($ )s o($ )n$ en$e$8 b't yo' )n$ I ere

+)y-

Ro'n$ 's "n )nt"& or$er the"r &r"**(e$ #"&es

&)e22

L'st th)t h)$ (ost "ts ()'+hter, %e)r th)t h)$(ost "ts sh)e.

L"1e the h"te (o&1 o% Wh"st(er, th)t ("t o'r

)"(ess +(oo,

Men shoe$ the"r on h"te %e)ther )s *ro'$(y )s

) *('e.

L"%e )s ) %(y th)t %)$e$, )n$ $e)th ) $rone th)t

st'n+-

The or($ )s #ery o($ "n$ee$ hen yo' )n$ I ere

yo'n+.

They t"ste$ e#en $e&ent s"n to sh)*es not to be

n)e$8

Men ere )sh)e$ o% hono'r- b't e ere not

)sh)e$.

We)1 "% e ere )n$ %oo("sh, not th's e %)"(e$,

not th's-

2



When th)t b()&1 0))( b(o&1e$ the he)#ens he h)$

no hyns %ro 's

Ch"($ren e ere22o'r %orts o% s)n$ ere e#en )s

e)1 )s e#e,

H"+h )s they ent e *"(e$ the '* to bre)1 th)t

b"tter se).

oo(s )s e ere "n ot(ey, )(( 9)n+("n+ )n$

)bs'r$,

When )(( &h'r&h be((s ere s"(ent o'r &)* )n$

be$s ere he)r$.

Not )(( 'nhe(*e$ e he($ the %ort, o'r t"ny %()+s

'n%'r(e$-

Soe +")nts ()bo're$ "n th)t &(o'$ to ("%t "t

%ro the or($. I %"n$ )+)"n the boo1 e %o'n$, I %ee( the ho'r

th)t %("n+s

)r o't o% %"sh2sh)*e$ P)')no1 soe &ry o%

&(e)ner th"n+s-

An$ the Green C)rn)t"on "there$, )s "n %orest

%"res th)t *)ss,

Ro)re$ "n the "n$ o% )(( the or($ ten "(("on

(e)#es o% +r)ss-

Or s)ne )n$ seet )n$ s'$$en )s ) b"r$ s"n+s "n

the r)"n22 Tr'th o't o% T's"t)() s*o1e )n$ *(e)s're o't o%

*)"n.

Ye), &oo( )n$ &(e)r )n$ s'$$en )s ) b"r$ s"n+s "n

the +rey,

D'ne$"n to S)o) s*o1e, )n$ $)r1ness 'nto $)y.

0't e ere yo'n+- e ("#e$ to see Go$ bre)1

the"r b"tter &h)rs.

Go$ )n$ the +oo$ Re*'b("& &oe r"$"n+ b)&1 "n

)rs8

We h)#e seen the C"ty o% M)nso'(, e#en )s "t

ro&1e$, re("e#e$22

0(esse$ )re they ho $"$ not see, b't be"n+

b("n$, be("e#e$.

3



Th"s "s ) t)(e o% those o($ %e)rs, e#en o% those

e*t"e$ he((s,

An$ none b't yo' sh)(( 'n$erst)n$ the tr'e th"n+

th)t "t te((s22

O% h)t &o(oss)( +o$s o% sh)e &o'($ &o en )n$

yet &r)sh,

O% h)t h'+e $e#"(s h"$ the st)rs, yet %e(( )t )

*"sto( %()sh.

The $o'bts th)t ere so *()"n to &h)se, so

$re)$%'( to "thst)n$22

Oh, ho sh)(( 'n$erst)n$ b't yo'- ye), ho sh)((

'n$erst)n$:

The $o'bts th)t $ro#e 's thro'+h the n"+ht )s e

to t)(1e$ ))"n,

An$ $)y h)$ bro1en on the streets e3er "t bro1e'*on the br)"n.

0eteen 's, by the *e)&e o% Go$, s'&h tr'th &)n

no be to($-

Ye), there "s stren+th "n str"1"n+ root )n$ +oo$

"n +ro"n+ o($.

We h)#e %o'n$ &oon th"n+s )t ()st )n$ )rr")+e

)n$ ) &ree$,

An$ I )y s)%e(y r"te "t no, )n$ yo' )y s)%e(y

re)$.

G. K. C.

CHAPTER I. THE TWO POETS O SARON PARK

THE s'b'rb o% S)%%ron P)r1 ()y on the s'nset s"$e

o% Lon$on, )s re$ )n$

r)++e$ )s ) &(o'$ o% s'nset. It )s b'"(t o% )

br"+ht br"&1 thro'+ho't-

"ts s1y2("ne )s %)nt)st"&, )n$ e#en "ts +ro'n$

*()n )s "($. It h)$

been the o'tb'rst o% ) s*e&'()t"#e b'"($er, %)"nt(y

t"n+e$ "th )rt, ho

4



&)((e$ "ts )r&h"te&t're soet"es E(";)beth)n )n$

soet"es <'een Anne,

)**)rent(y 'n$er the "*ress"on th)t the to

so#ere"+ns ere "$ent"&)(.

It )s $es&r"be$ "th soe 9'st"&e )s )n )rt"st"&

&o(ony, tho'+h

"t ne#er "n )ny $e%"n)b(e )y *ro$'&e$ )ny )rt. 0't

)(tho'+h "ts

*retens"ons to be )n "nte((e&t')( &entre ere )

("tt(e #)+'e, "ts

*retens"ons to be ) *(e)s)nt *()&e ere ='"te

"n$"s*'t)b(e. The str)n+er

ho (oo1e$ %or the %"rst t"e )t the =')"nt re$

ho'ses &o'($ on(y th"n1

ho #ery o$$(y sh)*e$ the *eo*(e 'st be ho &o'($%"t "n to the. Nor

hen he et the *eo*(e )s he $"s)**o"nte$ "n th"s

res*e&t. The *()&e

)s not on(y *(e)s)nt, b't *er%e&t, "% on&e he

&o'($ re+)r$ "t not )s )

$e&e*t"on b't r)ther )s ) $re). E#en "% the *eo*(e

ere not >)rt"sts,>

the ho(e )s ne#erthe(ess )rt"st"&. Th)t yo'n+ )n

"th the (on+,

)'b'rn h)"r )n$ the "*'$ent %)&e22th)t yo'n+ )n )s not re)((y ) *oet-

b't s're(y he )s ) *oe. Th)t o($ +ent(e)n "th

the "($, h"te

be)r$ )n$ the "($, h"te h)t22th)t #ener)b(e

h'b'+ )s not re)((y )

*h"(oso*her- b't )t (e)st he )s the &)'se o%

*h"(oso*hy "n others.

Th)t s&"ent"%"& +ent(e)n "th the b)($, e++2("1e

he)$ )n$ the b)re,

b"r$2("1e ne&1 h)$ no re)( r"+ht to the )"rs o%

s&"en&e th)t he )ss'e$.

He h)$ not $"s&o#ere$ )nyth"n+ ne "n b"o(o+y- b't

h)t b"o(o+"&)(

&re)t're &o'($ he h)#e $"s&o#ere$ ore s"n+'()r

th)n h"se(%: Th's, )n$

5



th's on(y, the ho(e *()&e h)$ *ro*er(y to be

re+)r$e$- "t h)$ to be

&ons"$ere$ not so '&h )s ) or1sho* %or )rt"sts,

b't )s ) %r)"( b't

%"n"she$ or1 o% )rt. A )n ho ste**e$ "nto "ts

so&")( )tos*here %e(t

)s "% he h)$ ste**e$ "nto ) r"tten &oe$y.

More es*e&")((y th"s )ttr)&t"#e 'nre)("ty %e(( '*on

"t )bo't n"+ht%)((,

hen the e/tr)#)+)nt roo%s ere $)r1 )+)"nst the

)%ter+(o )n$ the ho(e

"ns)ne #"(()+e seee$ )s se*)r)te )s ) $r"%t"n+

&(o'$. Th"s )+)"n )s

ore stron+(y tr'e o% the )ny n"+hts o% (o&)(%est"#"ty, hen the

("tt(e +)r$ens ere o%ten "(('"n)te$, )n$ the b"+

Ch"nese ()nterns

+(oe$ "n the $)r%"sh trees ("1e soe %"er&e )n$

onstro's %r'"t.

An$ th"s )s stron+est o% )(( on one *)rt"&'()r

e#en"n+, st"(( #)+'e(y

reebere$ "n the (o&)("ty, o% h"&h the )'b'rn2

h)"re$ *oet )s the

hero. It )s not by )ny e)ns the on(y e#en"n+ o% h"&h he )s the hero.

On )ny n"+hts those *)ss"n+ by h"s ("tt(e b)&1

+)r$en "+ht he)r h"s

h"+h, $"$)&t"& #o"&e ()y"n+ $on the () to en )n$

*)rt"&'()r(y

to oen. The )tt"t'$e o% oen "n s'&h &)ses )s

"n$ee$ one o% the

*)r)$o/es o% the *()&e. Most o% the oen ere o%

the 1"n$ #)+'e(y

&)((e$ e)n&"*)te$, )n$ *ro%esse$ soe *rotest

)+)"nst )(e s'*re)&y.

Yet these ne oen o'($ )()ys *)y to ) )n the

e/tr)#)+)nt &o*("ent

h"&h no or$"n)ry o)n e#er *)ys to h", th)t o%

("sten"n+ h"(e he

6



"s t)(1"n+. An$ Mr. L'&")n Gre+ory, the re$2h)"re$

*oet, )s re)((y ?"n

soe sense@ ) )n orth ("sten"n+ to, e#en "% one

on(y ()'+he$ )t the

en$ o% "t. He *'t the o($ &)nt o% the ()(essness

o% )rt )n$ the )rt

o% ()(essness "th ) &ert)"n "*'$ent %reshness

h"&h +)#e )t (e)st )

oent)ry *(e)s're. He )s he(*e$ "n soe $e+ree by

the )rrest"n+ o$$"ty

o% h"s )**e)r)n&e, h"&h he or1e$, )s the *hr)se

+oes, %or )(( "t

)s orth. H"s $)r1 re$ h)"r *)rte$ "n the "$$(e

)s ("ter)((y ("1e )

o)n3s, )n$ &'r#e$ "nto the s(o &'r(s o% ) #"r+"n"n ) *re2R)*h)e("te

*"&t're. ro "th"n th"s )(ost s)"nt(y o#)(,

hoe#er, h"s %)&e

*ro9e&te$ s'$$en(y bro)$ )n$ br't)(, the &h"n

&)rr"e$ %or)r$ "th )

(oo1 o% &o&1ney &onte*t. Th"s &ob"n)t"on )t on&e

t"&1(e$ )n$ terr"%"e$

the ner#es o% ) ne'rot"& *o*'()t"on. He seee$ ("1e

) )(1"n+ b()s*hey,

) b(en$ o% the )n+e( )n$ the )*e.

Th"s *)rt"&'()r e#en"n+, "% "t "s reebere$ %or

noth"n+ e(se, "(( be

reebere$ "n th)t *()&e %or "ts str)n+e s'nset. It

(oo1e$ ("1e the

en$ o% the or($. A(( the he)#en seee$ &o#ere$

"th ) ='"te #"#"$ )n$

*)(*)b(e *(')+e- yo' &o'($ on(y s)y th)t the s1y

)s %'(( o% %e)thers,

)n$ o% %e)thers th)t )(ost br'she$ the %)&e.

A&ross the +re)t *)rt o%

the $oe they ere +rey, "th the str)n+est t"nts

o% #"o(et )n$ )'#e

)n$ )n 'nn)t'r)( *"n1 or *)(e +reen- b't to)r$s

the est the ho(e

7



+re *)st $es&r"*t"on, tr)ns*)rent )n$ *)ss"on)te,

)n$ the ()st re$2hot

*('es o% "t &o#ere$ '* the s'n ("1e soeth"n+ too

+oo$ to be seen. The

ho(e )s so &(ose )bo't the e)rth, )s to e/*ress

noth"n+ b't ) #"o(ent

se&re&y. The #ery e*yre)n seee$ to be ) se&ret.

It e/*resse$ th)t

s*(en$"$ s)((ness h"&h "s the so'( o% (o&)(

*)tr"ot"s. The #ery s1y

seee$ s)((.

I s)y th)t there )re soe "nh)b"t)nts ho )y

reeber the e#en"n+

"% on(y by th)t o**ress"#e s1y. There )re others ho )y reeber "t

be&)'se "t )r1e$ the %"rst )**e)r)n&e "n the *()&e

o% the se&on$

*oet o% S)%%ron P)r1. or ) (on+ t"e the re$2

h)"re$ re#o('t"on)ry h)$

re"+ne$ "tho't ) r"#)(- "t )s '*on the n"+ht o%

the s'nset th)t h"s

so("t'$e s'$$en(y en$e$. The ne *oet, ho

"ntro$'&e$ h"se(% by the

n)e o% G)br"e( Sye )s ) #ery "($2(oo1"n+ ort)(, "th ) %)"r,

*o"nte$ be)r$ )n$ %)"nt, ye((o h)"r. 0't )n

"*ress"on +re th)t he )s

(ess ee1 th)n he (oo1e$. He s"+n)("se$ h"s

entr)n&e by $"%%er"n+ "th

the est)b("she$ *oet, Gre+ory, '*on the ho(e

n)t're o% *oetry. He s)"$

th)t he ?Sye@ )s *oet o% (), ) *oet o% or$er-

n)y, he s)"$ he )s )

*oet o% res*e&t)b"("ty. So )(( the S)%%ron P)r1ers

(oo1e$ )t h" )s "%

he h)$ th)t oent %)((en o't o% th)t "*oss"b(e

s1y.

8



In %)&t, Mr. L'&")n Gre+ory, the )n)r&h"& *oet,

&onne&te$ the to

e#ents.

>It )y e(( be,> he s)"$, "n h"s s'$$en (yr"&)(

)nner, >"t )y e(( be

on s'&h ) n"+ht o% &(o'$s )n$ &r'e( &o(o'rs th)t

there "s bro'+ht %orth

'*on the e)rth s'&h ) *ortent )s ) res*e&t)b(e

*oet. Yo' s)y yo' )re )

*oet o% ()- I s)y yo' )re ) &ontr)$"&t"on "n

ters. I on(y on$er

there ere not &oets )n$ e)rth=')1es on the n"+ht

yo' )**e)re$ "n th"s

+)r$en.>

The )n "th the ee1 b('e eyes )n$ the *)(e,

*o"nte$ be)r$ en$'re$

these th'n$ers "th ) &ert)"n s'b"ss"#e so(en"ty.

The th"r$ *)rty o%

the +ro'*, Gre+ory3s s"ster Ros)on$, ho h)$ her

brother3s br)"$s o%

re$ h)"r, b't ) 1"n$("er %)&e 'n$erne)th the,

()'+he$ "th s'&h "/t're

o% )$"r)t"on )n$ $"s)**ro#)( )s she +)#e &oon(yto the %)"(y or)&(e.

Gre+ory res'e$ "n h"+h or)tor"&)( +oo$ h'o'r.

>An )rt"st "s "$ent"&)( "th )n )n)r&h"st,> he

&r"e$. >Yo' "+ht

tr)ns*ose the or$s )nyhere. An )n)r&h"st "s )n

)rt"st. The )n

ho thros ) bob "s )n )rt"st, be&)'se he *re%ers

) +re)t oent to

e#eryth"n+. He sees ho '&h ore #)(')b(e "s one

b'rst o% b();"n+

("+ht, one *e)( o% *er%e&t th'n$er, th)n the ere

&oon bo$"es o% ) %e

9



sh)*e(ess *o("&een. An )rt"st $"sre+)r$s )((

+o#ernents, )bo("shes )((

&on#ent"ons. The *oet $e("+hts "n $"sor$er on(y. I%

"t ere not so, the

ost *oet"&)( th"n+ "n the or($ o'($ be the

Un$er+ro'n$ R)"()y.>

>So "t "s,> s)"$ Mr. Sye.

>Nonsense> s)"$ Gre+ory, ho )s #ery r)t"on)(

hen )nyone e(se

)tte*te$ *)r)$o/. >Why $o )(( the &(er1s )n$

n)##"es "n the r)"()y

tr)"ns (oo1 so s)$ )n$ t"re$, so #ery s)$ )n$

t"re$: I "(( te(( yo'. It"s be&)'se they 1no th)t the tr)"n "s +o"n+ r"+ht.

It "s be&)'se they

1no th)t h)te#er *()&e they h)#e t)1en ) t"&1et

%or th)t *()&e they

"(( re)&h. It "s be&)'se )%ter they h)#e *)sse$

S(o)ne S=')re they 1no

th)t the ne/t st)t"on 'st be !"&tor"), )n$ noth"n+

b't !"&tor"). Oh,

the"r "($ r)*t're oh, the"r eyes ("1e st)rs )n$

the"r so'(s )+)"n "nE$en, "% the ne/t st)t"on ere 'n)&&o'nt)b(y 0)1er

Street>

>It "s yo' ho )re 'n*oet"&)(,> re*("e$ the *oet

Sye. >I% h)t yo' s)y

o% &(er1s "s tr'e, they &)n on(y be )s *ros)"& )s

yo'r *oetry. The r)re,

str)n+e th"n+ "s to h"t the )r1- the +ross,

ob#"o's th"n+ "s to "ss

"t. We %ee( "t "s e*"&)( hen )n "th one "($

)rro str"1es ) $"st)nt

b"r$. Is "t not )(so e*"&)( hen )n "th one "($

en+"ne str"1es )

$"st)nt st)t"on: Ch)os "s $'((- be&)'se "n &h)os

the tr)"n "+ht "n$ee$

10



+o )nyhere, to 0)1er Street or to 0)+$)$. 0't )n

"s ) )+"&")n, )n$

h"s ho(e )+"& "s "n th"s, th)t he $oes s)y

!"&tor"), )n$ (o "t "s

!"&tor"). No, t)1e yo'r boo1s o% ere *oetry )n$

*rose- (et e re)$ )

t"e t)b(e, "th te)rs o% *r"$e. T)1e yo'r 0yron,

ho &oeor)tes the

$e%e)ts o% )n- +"#e e 0r)$sh), ho &oeor)tes

h"s #"&tor"es. G"#e

e 0r)$sh), I s)y>

>M'st yo' +o:> "n='"re$ Gre+ory s)r&)st"&)((y.

>I te(( yo',> ent on Sye "th *)ss"on, >th)te#ery t"e ) tr)"n &oes

"n I %ee( th)t "t h)s bro1en *)st b)tter"es o%

bes"e+ers, )n$ th)t )n

h)s on ) b)tt(e )+)"nst &h)os. Yo' s)y

&onte*t'o's(y th)t hen one h)s

(e%t S(o)ne S=')re one 'st &oe to !"&tor"). I s)y

th)t one "+ht $o

) tho's)n$ th"n+s "nste)$, )n$ th)t hene#er I

re)((y &oe there I h)#e

the sense o% h)"rbre)$th es&)*e. An$ hen I he)rthe +')r$ sho't o't the

or$ 3!"&tor"),3 "t "s not )n 'ne)n"n+ or$. It "s

to e the &ry o%

) her)($ )nno'n&"n+ &on='est. It "s to e "n$ee$

3!"&tor")3- "t "s the

#"&tory o% A$).>

Gre+ory )++e$ h"s he)#y, re$ he)$ "th ) s(o )n$

s)$ s"(e.

>An$ e#en then,> he s)"$, >e *oets )()ys )s1 the

='est"on, 3An$ h)t

"s !"&tor") no th)t yo' h)#e +ot there:3 Yo' th"n1

!"&tor") "s ("1e

11



the Ne Ber's)(e. We 1no th)t the Ne Ber's)(e

"(( on(y be ("1e

!"&tor"). Yes, the *oet "(( be $"s&ontente$ e#en

"n the streets o%

he)#en. The *oet "s )()ys "n re#o(t.>

>There )+)"n,> s)"$ Sye "rr"t)b(y, >h)t "s there

*oet"&)( )bo't be"n+

"n re#o(t: Yo' "+ht )s e(( s)y th)t "t "s

*oet"&)( to be se)2s"&1.

0e"n+ s"&1 "s ) re#o(t. 0oth be"n+ s"&1 )n$ be"n+

rebe(("o's )y be the

ho(esoe th"n+ on &ert)"n $es*er)te o&&)s"ons- b't

I3 h)n+e$ "% I &)n

see hy they )re *oet"&)(. Re#o(t "n the )bstr)&t"s22re#o(t"n+. It3s

ere #o"t"n+.>

The +"r( "n&e$ %or ) %()sh )t the 'n*(e)s)nt or$,

b't Sye )s too hot

to hee$ her.

>It "s th"n+s +o"n+ r"+ht,> he &r"e$, >th)t "s

*oet"&)( O'r $"+est"ons,

%or "nst)n&e, +o"n+ s)&re$(y )n$ s"(ent(y r"+ht,th)t "s the %o'n$)t"on

o% )(( *oetry. Yes, the ost *oet"&)( th"n+, ore

*oet"&)( th)n the

%(oers, ore *oet"&)( th)n the st)rs22the ost

*oet"&)( th"n+ "n the

or($ "s not be"n+ s"&1.>

>Re)((y,> s)"$ Gre+ory s'*er&"("o's(y, >the

e/)*(es yo' &hoose22>

>I be+ yo'r *)r$on,> s)"$ Sye +r"(y, >I %or+ot e

h)$ )bo("she$ )((

&on#ent"ons.>

12



or the %"rst t"e ) re$ *)t&h )**e)re$ on

Gre+ory3s %orehe)$.

>Yo' $on3t e/*e&t e,> he s)"$, >to re#o('t"on"se

so&"ety on th"s ()n:>

Sye (oo1e$ str)"+ht "nto h"s eyes )n$ s"(e$

seet(y.

>No, I $on3t,> he s)"$- >b't I s'**ose th)t "% yo'

ere ser"o's )bo't

yo'r )n)r&h"s, th)t "s e/)&t(y h)t yo' o'($ $o.>

Gre+ory3s b"+ b'((3s eyes b("n1e$ s'$$en(y ("1e

those o% )n )n+ry ("on,)n$ one &o'($ )(ost %)n&y th)t h"s re$ )ne rose.

>Don3t yo' th"n1, then,> he s)"$ "n ) $)n+ero's

#o"&e, >th)t I )

ser"o's )bo't y )n)r&h"s:>

>I be+ yo'r *)r$on:> s)"$ Sye.

>A I not ser"o's )bo't y )n)r&h"s:> &r"e$

Gre+ory, "th 1notte$ %"sts.

>My $e)r %e((o> s)"$ Sye, )n$ stro((e$ ))y.

W"th s'r*r"se, b't "th ) &'r"o's *(e)s're, he

%o'n$ Ros)on$ Gre+ory

st"(( "n h"s &o*)ny.

>Mr. Sye,> she s)"$, >$o the *eo*(e ho t)(1 ("1e

yo' )n$ y brother

o%ten e)n h)t they s)y: Do yo' e)n h)t yo' s)y

no:>

Sye s"(e$.

13



>Do yo':> he )s1e$.

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:> )s1e$ the +"r(, "th +r)#e

eyes.

>My $e)r M"ss Gre+ory,> s)"$ Sye +ent(y, >there

)re )ny 1"n$s o%

s"n&er"ty )n$ "ns"n&er"ty. When yo' s)y 3th)n1 yo'3

%or the s)(t, $o yo'

e)n h)t yo' s)y: No. When yo' s)y 3the or($ "s

ro'n$,3 $o yo' e)n

h)t yo' s)y: No. It "s tr'e, b't yo' $on3t e)n

"t. No, soet"es )

)n ("1e yo'r brother re)((y %"n$s ) th"n+ he $oes

e)n. It )y be on(y) h)(%2tr'th, =')rter2tr'th, tenth2tr'th- b't then

he s)ys ore th)n he

e)ns22%ro sheer %or&e o% e)n"n+ "t.>

She )s (oo1"n+ )t h" %ro 'n$er (e#e( bros- her

%)&e )s +r)#e

)n$ o*en, )n$ there h)$ %)((en '*on "t the sh)$o

o% th)t 'nre)son"n+

res*ons"b"("ty h"&h "s )t the botto o% the ost

%r"#o(o's o)n, the )tern)( )t&h h"&h "s )s o($ )s the or($.

>Is he re)((y )n )n)r&h"st, then:> she )s1e$.

>On(y "n th)t sense I s*e)1 o%,> re*("e$ Sye- >or

"% yo' *re%er "t, "n

th)t nonsense.>

She $re her bro)$ bros to+ether )n$ s)"$

)br'*t(y22

>He o'($n3t re)((y 'se22bobs or th)t sort o%

th"n+:>

14



Sye bro1e "nto ) +re)t ()'+h, th)t seee$ too

()r+e %or h"s s("+ht )n$

soeh)t $)n$"%"e$ %"+'re.

>Goo$ Lor$, no> he s)"$, >th)t h)s to be $one

)nonyo's(y.>

An$ )t th)t the &orners o% her on o'th bro1e "nto

) s"(e, )n$ she

tho'+ht "th ) s"'(t)neo's *(e)s're o% Gre+ory3s

)bs'r$"ty )n$ o% h"s

s)%ety.

Sye stro((e$ "th her to ) se)t "n the &orner o%

the +)r$en, )n$ &ont"n'e$ to *o'r o't h"s o*"n"ons. or he )s )

s"n&ere )n, )n$ "n

s*"te o% h"s s'*er%"&")( )"rs )n$ +r)&es, )t root )

h'b(e one. An$

"t "s )()ys the h'b(e )n ho t)(1s too '&h- the

*ro'$ )n )t&hes

h"se(% too &(ose(y. He $e%en$e$ res*e&t)b"("ty

"th #"o(en&e )n$

e/)++er)t"on. He +re *)ss"on)te "n h"s *r)"se o%

t"$"ness )n$ *ro*r"ety. A(( the t"e there )s ) se(( o% ("()&

)(( ro'n$ h". On&e

he he)r$ #ery %)"nt(y "n soe $"st)nt street )

b)rre(2or+)n be+"n to

*()y, )n$ "t seee$ to h" th)t h"s hero"& or$s

ere o#"n+ to ) t"ny

t'ne %ro 'n$er or beyon$ the or($.

He st)re$ )n$ t)(1e$ )t the +"r(3s re$ h)"r )n$

)'se$ %)&e %or h)t

seee$ to be ) %e "n'tes- )n$ then, %ee("n+ th)t

the +ro'*s "n s'&h )

*()&e sho'($ "/, rose to h"s %eet. To h"s

)ston"shent, he $"s&o#ere$

15



the ho(e +)r$en e*ty. E#eryone h)$ +one (on+ )+o,

)n$ he ent h"se(%

"th ) r)ther h'rr"e$ )*o(o+y. He (e%t "th ) sense

o% &h)*)+ne "n h"s

he)$, h"&h he &o'($ not )%ter)r$s e/*()"n. In the

"($ e#ents h"&h

ere to %o((o th"s +"r( h)$ no *)rt )t )((- he

ne#er s) her )+)"n

'nt"( )(( h"s t)(e )s o#er. An$ yet, "n soe

"n$es&r"b)b(e )y, she

1e*t re&'rr"n+ ("1e ) ot"#e "n 's"& thro'+h )((

h"s )$ )$#ent'res

)%ter)r$s, )n$ the +(ory o% her str)n+e h)"r r)n

("1e ) re$ thre)$

thro'+h those $)r1 )n$ "((2$r)n t)*estr"es o% then"+ht. or h)t

%o((oe$ )s so "*rob)b(e, th)t "t "+ht e(( h)#e

been ) $re).

When Sye ent o't "nto the st)r("t street, he

%o'n$ "t %or the oent

e*ty. Then he re)("se$ ?"n soe o$$ )y@ th)t the

s"(en&e )s r)ther )

("#"n+ s"(en&e th)n ) $e)$ one. D"re&t(y o'ts"$e

the $oor stoo$ ) street()*, hose +(e) +"($e$ the (e)#es o% the tree

th)t bent o't o#er the

%en&e beh"n$ h". Abo't ) %oot %ro the ()*2*ost

stoo$ ) %"+'re )(ost

)s r"+"$ )n$ ot"on(ess )s the ()*2*ost "tse(%.

The t)(( h)t )n$ (on+

%ro&1 &o)t ere b()&1- the %)&e, "n )n )br'*t

sh)$o, )s )(ost )s

$)r1. On(y ) %r"n+e o% %"ery h)"r )+)"nst the

("+ht, )n$ )(so soeth"n+

)++ress"#e "n the )tt"t'$e, *ro&()"e$ th)t "t )s

the *oet Gre+ory. He

h)$ soeth"n+ o% the (oo1 o% ) )s1e$ br)#o )"t"n+

sor$ "n h)n$ %or

h"s %oe.

16



He )$e ) sort o% $o'bt%'( s)('te, h"&h Sye

soeh)t ore %or)((y

ret'rne$.

>I )s )"t"n+ %or yo',> s)"$ Gre+ory. >M"+ht I

h)#e ) oent3s

&on#ers)t"on:>

>Cert)"n(y. Abo't h)t:> )s1e$ Sye "n ) sort o%

e)1 on$er.

Gre+ory str'&1 o't "th h"s st"&1 )t the ()*2*ost,

)n$ then )t the

tree. >Abo't th"s )n$ th"s,> he &r"e$- >)bo't or$er)n$ )n)r&hy. There

"s yo'r *re&"o's or$er, th)t (e)n, "ron ()*, '+(y

)n$ b)rren- )n$ there

"s )n)r&hy, r"&h, ("#"n+, re*ro$'&"n+ "tse(%22there

"s )n)r&hy, s*(en$"$

"n +reen )n$ +o($.>

>A(( the s)e,> re*("e$ Sye *)t"ent(y, >9'st )t

*resent yo' on(y see

the tree by the ("+ht o% the ()*. I on$er henyo' o'($ e#er see the

()* by the ("+ht o% the tree.> Then )%ter ) *)'se

he s)"$, >0't )y I

)s1 "% yo' h)#e been st)n$"n+ o't here "n the $)r1

on(y to res'e o'r

("tt(e )r+'ent:>

>No,> &r"e$ o't Gre+ory, "n ) #o"&e th)t r)n+ $on

the street, >I $"$

not st)n$ here to res'e o'r )r+'ent, b't to en$

"t %or e#er.>

The s"(en&e %e(( )+)"n, )n$ Sye, tho'+h he

'n$erstoo$ noth"n+, ("stene$

17



"nst"n&t"#e(y %or soeth"n+ ser"o's. Gre+ory be+)n

"n ) sooth #o"&e )n$

"th ) r)ther be"($er"n+ s"(e.

>Mr. Sye,> he s)"$, >th"s e#en"n+ yo' s'&&ee$e$ "n

$o"n+ soeth"n+

r)ther re)r1)b(e. Yo' $"$ soeth"n+ to e th)t no

)n born o% o)n h)s

e#er s'&&ee$e$ "n $o"n+ be%ore.>

>In$ee$>

>No I reeber,> res'e$ Gre+ory re%(e&t"#e(y,

>one other *erson

s'&&ee$e$ "n $o"n+ "t. The &)*t)"n o% ) *ennyste)er ?"% I reeber

&orre&t(y@ )t So'then$. Yo' h)#e "rr"t)te$ e.>

>I ) #ery sorry,> re*("e$ Sye "th +r)#"ty.

>I ) )%r)"$ y %'ry )n$ yo'r "ns'(t )re too

sho&1"n+ to be "*e$ o't

e#en "th )n )*o(o+y,> s)"$ Gre+ory #ery &)((y.

>No $'e( &o'($ "*e "t

o't. I% I str'&1 yo' $e)$ I &o'($ not "*e "t o't.There "s on(y one )y

by h"&h th)t "ns'(t &)n be er)se$, )n$ th)t )y I

&hoose. I ) +o"n+,

)t the *oss"b(e s)&r"%"&e o% y ("%e )n$ hono'r, to

*ro#e to yo' th)t

yo' ere ron+ "n h)t yo' s)"$.>

>In h)t I s)"$:>

>Yo' s)"$ I )s not ser"o's )bo't be"n+ )n

)n)r&h"st.>

>There )re $e+rees o% ser"o'sness,> re*("e$ Sye.

>I h)#e ne#er $o'bte$

18



th)t yo' ere *er%e&t(y s"n&ere "n th"s sense, th)t

yo' tho'+ht h)t yo'

s)"$ e(( orth s)y"n+, th)t yo' tho'+ht ) *)r)$o/

"+ht )1e en '* to

) ne+(e&te$ tr'th.>

Gre+ory st)re$ )t h" ste)$"(y )n$ *)"n%'((y.

>An$ "n no other sense,> he )s1e$, >yo' th"n1 e

ser"o's: Yo' th"n1 e

) %()ne'r ho (ets %)(( o&&)s"on)( tr'ths. Yo' $o

not th"n1 th)t "n )

$ee*er, ) ore $e)$(y sense, I ) ser"o's.>

Sye str'&1 h"s st"&1 #"o(ent(y on the stones o%the ro)$.

>Ser"o's> he &r"e$. >Goo$ Lor$ "s th"s street

ser"o's: Are these

$)ne$ Ch"nese ()nterns ser"o's: Is the ho(e

&)boo$(e ser"o's: One

&oes here )n$ t)(1s ) *)&1 o% bosh, )n$ *erh)*s

soe sense )s e((,

b't I sho'($ th"n1 #ery ("tt(e o% ) )n ho $"$n3t

1ee* soeth"n+ "nthe b)&1+ro'n$ o% h"s ("%e th)t )s ore ser"o's

th)n )(( th"s

t)(1"n+22soeth"n+ ore ser"o's, hether "t )s

re("+"on or on(y $r"n1.>

>!ery e((,> s)"$ Gre+ory, h"s %)&e $)r1en"n+, >yo'

sh)(( see soeth"n+

ore ser"o's th)n e"ther $r"n1 or re("+"on.>

Sye stoo$ )"t"n+ "th h"s 's')( )"r o% "($ness

'nt"( Gre+ory )+)"n

o*ene$ h"s ("*s.

>Yo' s*o1e 9'st no o% h)#"n+ ) re("+"on. Is "t

re)((y tr'e th)t yo'

19



h)#e one:>

>Oh,> s)"$ Sye "th ) be)"n+ s"(e, >e )re )((

C)tho("&s no.>

>Then )y I )s1 yo' to se)r by h)te#er +o$s or

s)"nts yo'r re("+"on

"n#o(#es th)t yo' "(( not re#e)( h)t I ) no

+o"n+ to te(( yo' to )ny

son o% A$), )n$ es*e&")((y not to the *o("&e: W"((

yo' se)r th)t I%

yo' "(( t)1e '*on yo'rse(% th"s )%'( )bne+)t"on

"% yo' "(( &onsent

to b'r$en yo'r so'( "th ) #o th)t yo' sho'($

ne#er )1e )n$ )1no(e$+e yo' sho'($ ne#er $re) )bo't, I "((

*ro"se yo' "n ret'rn22>

>Yo' "(( *ro"se e "n ret'rn:> "n='"re$ Sye, )s

the other *)'se$.

>I "(( *ro"se yo' ) #ery entert)"n"n+ e#en"n+.>

Sye s'$$en(y too1 o%%

h"s h)t.

>Yo'r o%%er,> he s)"$, >"s %)r too "$"ot"& to be

$e&("ne$. Yo' s)y th)t

) *oet "s )()ys )n )n)r&h"st. I $"s)+ree- b't I

ho*e )t (e)st th)t he

"s )()ys ) s*orts)n. Per"t e, here )n$ no, to

se)r )s ) Chr"st")n,

)n$ *ro"se )s ) +oo$ &or)$e )n$ ) %e((o2)rt"st,

th)t I "(( not

re*ort )nyth"n+ o% th"s, h)te#er "t "s, to the

*o("&e. An$ no, "n the

n)e o% Co(ney H)t&h, h)t "s "t:>

>I th"n1,> s)"$ Gre+ory, "th *()&"$ "rre(e#)n&y,

>th)t e "(( &)(( )

&)b.>

20



He +)#e to (on+ h"st(es, )n$ ) h)nso &)e

r)tt("n+ $on the ro)$. The

to +ot "nto "t "n s"(en&e. Gre+ory +)#e thro'+h

the tr)* the )$$ress

o% )n obs&'re *'b("&2ho'se on the Ch"s"&1 b)n1 o%

the r"#er. The &)b

h"s1e$ "tse(% ))y )+)"n, )n$ "n "t these to

%)nt)st"&s ='"tte$ the"r

%)nt)st"& ton.

CHAPTER II. THE SECRET O GA0RIEL SYME

THE &)b *'((e$ '* be%ore ) *)rt"&'()r(y $re)ry )n$

+re)sy beersho*, "nto

h"&h Gre+ory r)*"$(y &on$'&te$ h"s &o*)n"on. They

se)te$ these(#es "n

) &(ose )n$ $" sort o% b)r2*)r(o'r, )t ) st)"ne$

oo$en t)b(e "th one

oo$en (e+. The roo )s so s)(( )n$ $)r1, th)t

#ery ("tt(e &o'($

be seen o% the )tten$)nt ho )s s'one$, beyon$ )

#)+'e )n$ $)r1"*ress"on o% soeth"n+ b'(1y )n$ be)r$e$.

>W"(( yo' t)1e ) ("tt(e s'**er:> )s1e$ Gre+ory

*o("te(y. >The *)te $e

%o"e +r)s "s not +oo$ here, b't I &)n re&oen$ the

+)e.>

Sye re&e"#e$ the re)r1 "th sto("$"ty, ")+"n"n+

"t to be ) 9o1e.

A&&e*t"n+ the #e"n o% h'o'r, he s)"$, "th ) e((2

bre$ "n$"%%eren&e22

>Oh, br"n+ e soe (obster )yonn)"se.>

21



To h"s "n$es&r"b)b(e )ston"shent, the )n on(y

s)"$ >Cert)"n(y, s"r>

)n$ ent ))y )**)rent(y to +et "t.

>Wh)t "(( yo' $r"n1:> res'e$ Gre+ory, "th the

s)e &)re(ess yet

)*o(o+et"& )"r. >I sh)(( on(y h)#e ) &re*e $e

enthe yse(%- I h)#e

$"ne$. 0't the &h)*)+ne &)n re)((y be tr'ste$. Do

(et e st)rt yo' "th

) h)(%2bott(e o% Poery )t (e)st:>

>Th)n1 yo'> s)"$ the ot"on(ess Sye. >Yo' )re

#ery +oo$.>

H"s %'rther )tte*ts )t &on#ers)t"on, soeh)t

$"sor+)n"se$ "n

these(#es, ere &'t short %"n)((y )s by )

th'n$erbo(t by the )&t')(

)**e)r)n&e o% the (obster. Sye t)ste$ "t, )n$

%o'n$ "t *)rt"&'()r(y

+oo$. Then he s'$$en(y be+)n to e)t "th +re)t

r)*"$"ty )n$ )**et"te.

>E/&'se e "% I en9oy yse(% r)ther ob#"o's(y> hes)"$ to Gre+ory,

s"("n+. >I $on3t o%ten h)#e the ('&1 to h)#e )

$re) ("1e th"s. It "s

ne to e %or ) n"+ht)re to (e)$ to ) (obster. It

"s &oon(y the other

)y.>

>Yo' )re not )s(ee*, I )ss're yo',> s)"$ Gre+ory.

>Yo' )re, on the

&ontr)ry, &(ose to the ost )&t')( )n$ ro's"n+

oent o% yo'r e/"sten&e.

Ah, here &oes yo'r &h)*)+ne I )$"t th)t there

)y be ) s("+ht

$"s*ro*ort"on, (et 's s)y, beteen the "nner

)rr)n+eents o% th"s

22



e/&e((ent hote( )n$ "ts s"*(e )n$ 'n*retent"o's

e/ter"or. 0't th)t "s

)(( o'r o$esty. We )re the ost o$est en th)t

e#er ("#e$ on e)rth.>

>An$ ho )re e:> )s1e$ Sye, e*ty"n+ h"s

&h)*)+ne +()ss.

>It "s ='"te s"*(e,> re*("e$ Gre+ory. >We )re the

ser"o's )n)r&h"sts,

"n ho yo' $o not be("e#e.>

>Oh> s)"$ Sye short(y. >Yo' $o yo'rse(#es e(( "n

$r"n1s.>

>Yes, e )re ser"o's )bo't e#eryth"n+,> )nsere$

Gre+ory.

Then )%ter ) *)'se he )$$e$22

>I% "n ) %e oents th"s t)b(e be+"ns to t'rn

ro'n$ ) ("tt(e, $on3t

*'t "t $on to yo'r "nro)$s "nto the &h)*)+ne. I

$on3t "sh yo' to $o

yo'rse(% )n "n9'st"&e.>

>We((, "% I ) not $r'n1, I ) )$,> re*("e$ Sye

"th *er%e&t &)(-

>b't I tr'st I &)n beh)#e ("1e ) +ent(e)n "n

e"ther &on$"t"on. M)y I

so1e:>

>Cert)"n(y> s)"$ Gre+ory, *ro$'&"n+ ) &"+)r2&)se.

>Try one o% "ne.>

Sye too1 the &"+)r, &("**e$ the en$ o%% "th )

&"+)r2&'tter o't o% h"s

)"st&o)t *o&1et, *'t "t "n h"s o'th, ("t "t

s(o(y, )n$ (et o't ) (on+

23



&(o'$ o% so1e. It "s not ) ("tt(e to h"s &re$"t

th)t he *er%ore$ these

r"tes "th so '&h &o*os're, %or )(ost be%ore he

h)$ be+'n the the

t)b(e )t h"&h he s)t h)$ be+'n to re#o(#e, %"rst

s(o(y, )n$ then

r)*"$(y, )s "% )t )n "ns)ne se)n&e.

>Yo' 'st not "n$ "t,> s)"$ Gre+ory- >"t3s ) 1"n$

o% s&re.>

><'"te so,> s)"$ Sye *()&"$(y, >) 1"n$ o% s&re.

Ho s"*(e th)t "s>

The ne/t oent the so1e o% h"s &"+)r, h"&h h)$ been )#er"n+ )&ross

the roo "n sn)1y t"sts, ent str)"+ht '* )s "%

%ro ) %)&tory &h"ney,

)n$ the to, "th the"r &h)"rs )n$ t)b(e, shot $on

thro'+h the %(oor

)s "% the e)rth h)$ s)((oe$ the. They ent

r)tt("n+ $on ) 1"n$ o%

ro)r"n+ &h"ney )s r)*"$(y )s ) ("%t &'t (oose, )n$

they &)e "th )n

)br'*t b'* to the botto. 0't hen Gre+ory threo*en ) *)"r o% $oors

)n$ (et "n ) re$ s'bterr)ne)n ("+ht, Sye )s st"((

so1"n+ "th one (e+

thron o#er the other, )n$ h)$ not t'rne$ ) ye((o

h)"r.

Gre+ory (e$ h" $on ) (o, #)'(te$ *)ss)+e, )t the

en$ o% h"&h )s

the re$ ("+ht. It )s )n enoro's &r"son ()ntern,

ne)r(y )s b"+ )s )

%"re*()&e, %"/e$ o#er ) s)(( b't he)#y "ron $oor.

In the $oor there )s

) sort o% h)t&h)y or +r)t"n+, )n$ on th"s Gre+ory

str'&1 %"#e t"es. A

24



he)#y #o"&e "th ) %ore"+n )&&ent )s1e$ h" ho he

)s. To th"s he +)#e

the ore or (ess 'ne/*e&te$ re*(y, >Mr. Bose*h

Ch)ber()"n.> The he)#y

h"n+es be+)n to o#e- "t )s ob#"o's(y soe 1"n$ o%

*)ssor$.

Ins"$e the $oor)y the *)ss)+e +(e)e$ )s "% "t

ere ("ne$ "th )

netor1 o% stee(. On ) se&on$ +()n&e, Sye s) th)t

the +("tter"n+

*)ttern )s re)((y )$e '* o% r)n1s )n$ r)n1s o%

r"%(es )n$ re#o(#ers,

&(ose(y *)&1e$ or "nter(o&1e$.

>I 'st )s1 yo' to %or+"#e e )(( these

%or)("t"es,> s)"$ Gre+ory- >e

h)#e to be #ery str"&t here.>

>Oh, $on3t )*o(o+"se,> s)"$ Sye. >I 1no yo'r

*)ss"on %or () )n$

or$er,> )n$ he ste**e$ "nto the *)ss)+e ("ne$ "th

the stee( e)*ons.

W"th h"s (on+, %)"r h)"r )n$ r)ther %o**"sh %ro&12

&o)t, he (oo1e$ )s"n+'()r(y %r)"( )n$ %)n&"%'( %"+'re )s he )(1e$

$on th)t sh"n"n+

)#en'e o% $e)th.

They *)sse$ thro'+h se#er)( s'&h *)ss)+es, )n$ &)e

o't )t ()st "nto )

='eer stee( &h)ber "th &'r#e$ )((s, )(ost

s*her"&)( "n sh)*e, b't

*resent"n+, "th "ts t"ers o% ben&hes, soeth"n+ o%

the )**e)r)n&e o%

) s&"ent"%"& (e&t're2the)tre. There ere no r"%(es

or *"sto(s "n th"s

)*)rtent, b't ro'n$ the )((s o% "t ere h'n+ ore

$'b"o's )n$ $re)$%'(

25



sh)*es, th"n+s th)t (oo1e$ ("1e the b'(bs o% "ron

*()nts, or the e++s

o% "ron b"r$s. They ere bobs, )n$ the #ery roo

"tse(% seee$ ("1e the

"ns"$e o% ) bob. Sye 1no&1e$ h"s &"+)r )sh o%%

)+)"nst the )((, )n$

ent "n.

>An$ no, y $e)r Mr. Sye,> s)"$ Gre+ory, thro"n+

h"se(% "n )n

e/*)ns"#e )nner on the ben&h 'n$er the ()r+est

bob, >no e )re ='"te

&osy, so (et 's t)(1 *ro*er(y. No no h')n or$s

&)n +"#e yo' )ny

not"on o% hy I bro'+ht yo' here. It )s one o%those ='"te )rb"tr)ry

eot"ons, ("1e 9'*"n+ o%% ) &("%% or %)(("n+ "n

(o#e. S'%%"&e "t to

s)y th)t yo' ere )n "ne/*ress"b(y "rr"t)t"n+

%e((o, )n$, to $o yo'

9'st"&e, yo' )re st"((. I o'($ bre)1 tenty o)ths

o% se&re&y %or the

*(e)s're o% t)1"n+ yo' $on ) *e+. Th)t )y yo'

h)#e o% ("+ht"n+ ) &"+)r

o'($ )1e ) *r"est bre)1 the se)( o% &on%ess"on. We((, yo' s)"$ th)t

yo' ere ='"te &ert)"n I )s not ) ser"o's

)n)r&h"st. Does th"s *()&e

str"1e yo' )s be"n+ ser"o's:>

>It $oes see to h)#e ) or)( 'n$er )(( "ts

+)"ety,> )ssente$ Sye- >b't

)y I )s1 yo' to ='est"ons: Yo' nee$ not %e)r to

+"#e e "n%or)t"on,

be&)'se, )s yo' reeber, yo' #ery "se(y e/torte$

%ro e ) *ro"se not

to te(( the *o("&e, ) *ro"se I sh)(( &ert)"n(y

1ee*. So "t "s "n ere

&'r"os"ty th)t I )1e y ='er"es. "rst o% )((,

h)t "s "t re)((y )((

26



)bo't: Wh)t "s "t yo' ob9e&t to: Yo' )nt to

)bo("sh Go#ernent:>

>To )bo("sh Go$> s)"$ Gre+ory, o*en"n+ the eyes o%

) %)n)t"&. >We $o

not on(y )nt to '*set ) %e $es*ot"ss )n$ *o("&e

re+'()t"ons-

th)t sort o% )n)r&h"s $oes e/"st, b't "t "s ) ere

br)n&h o% the

Non&on%or"sts. We $"+ $ee*er )n$ e b(o yo'

h"+her. We "sh to

$eny )(( those )rb"tr)ry $"st"n&t"ons o% #"&e )n$

#"rt'e, hono'r

)n$ tre)&hery, '*on h"&h ere rebe(s b)se

these(#es. The s"((ysent"ent)("sts o% the ren&h Re#o('t"on t)(1e$ o%

the R"+hts o% M)n We

h)te R"+hts )s e h)te Wron+s. We h)#e )bo("she$

R"+ht )n$ Wron+.>

>An$ R"+ht )n$ Le%t,> s)"$ Sye "th ) s"*(e

e)+erness, >I ho*e yo'

"(( )bo("sh the too. They )re '&h ore

tro'b(esoe to e.>

>Yo' s*o1e o% ) se&on$ ='est"on,> sn)**e$ Gre+ory.

>W"th *(e)s're,> res'e$ Sye. >In )(( yo'r *resent

)&ts )n$

s'rro'n$"n+s there "s ) s&"ent"%"& )tte*t )t

se&re&y. I h)#e )n )'nt

ho ("#e$ o#er ) sho*, b't th"s "s the %"rst t"e I

h)#e %o'n$ *eo*(e

("#"n+ %ro *re%eren&e 'n$er ) *'b("&2ho'se. Yo'

h)#e ) he)#y "ron $oor.

Yo' &)nnot *)ss "t "tho't s'b"tt"n+ to the

h'"(")t"on o% &)(("n+

yo'rse(% Mr. Ch)ber()"n. Yo' s'rro'n$ yo'rse(%

"th stee( "nstr'ents

27



h"&h )1e the *()&e, "% I )y s)y so, ore

"*ress"#e th)n hoe("1e.

M)y I )s1 hy, )%ter t)1"n+ )(( th"s tro'b(e to

b)rr"&)$e yo'rse(#es "n

the boe(s o% the e)rth, yo' then *)r)$e yo'r ho(e

se&ret by t)(1"n+

)bo't )n)r&h"s to e#ery s"((y o)n "n S)%%ron

P)r1:>

Gre+ory s"(e$.

>The )nser "s s"*(e,> he s)"$. >I to($ yo' I )s

) ser"o's )n)r&h"st,

)n$ yo' $"$ not be("e#e e. Nor $o they be("e#e e.

Un(ess I too1 the "nto th"s "n%ern)( roo they o'($ not be("e#e e.>

Sye so1e$ tho'+ht%'((y, )n$ (oo1e$ )t h" "th

"nterest. Gre+ory ent

on.

>The h"story o% the th"n+ "+ht )'se yo',> he

s)"$. >When %"rst I

be&)e one o% the Ne An)r&h"sts I tr"e$ )(( 1"n$s

o% res*e&t)b(e$"s+'"ses. I $resse$ '* )s ) b"sho*. I re)$ '* )((

)bo't b"sho*s "n o'r

)n)r&h"st *)*h(ets, "n S'*erst"t"on the !)*"re

)n$ Pr"ests o% Prey. I

&ert)"n(y 'n$erstoo$ %ro the th)t b"sho*s )re

str)n+e )n$ terr"b(e o($

en 1ee*"n+ ) &r'e( se&ret %ro )n1"n$. I )s

"s"n%ore$. When on y

%"rst )**e)r"n+ "n e*"s&o*)( +)"ters "n ) $r)"n+2

roo I &r"e$ o't "n

) #o"&e o% th'n$er, 3Don $on *res'*t'o's h')n

re)son3 they %o'n$

o't "n soe )y th)t I )s not ) b"sho* )t )((. I

)s n)bbe$ )t on&e.

28



Then I )$e '* )s ) "(("on)"re- b't I $e%en$e$

C)*"t)( "th so '&h

"nte(("+en&e th)t ) %oo( &o'($ see th)t I )s ='"te

*oor. Then I tr"e$

be"n+ ) )9or. No I ) ) h')n"t)r")n yse(%, b't

I h)#e, I ho*e,

eno'+h "nte((e&t')( bre)$th to 'n$erst)n$ the

*os"t"on o% those ho,

("1e N"et;s&he, )$"re #"o(en&e22the *ro'$, )$ )r

o% N)t're )n$ )((

th)t, yo' 1no. I thre yse(% "nto the )9or. I

$re y sor$ )n$ )#e$

"t &onst)nt(y. I &)((e$ o't 30(oo$3 )bstr)&te$(y,

("1e ) )n &)(("n+

%or "ne. I o%ten s)"$, 3Let the e)1 *er"sh- "t "sthe L).3 We((,

e((, "t sees )9ors $on3t $o th"s. I )s n)bbe$

)+)"n. At ()st I ent

"n $es*)"r to the Pres"$ent o% the Centr)(

An)r&h"st Co'n&"(, ho "s the

+re)test )n "n E'ro*e.>

>Wh)t "s h"s n)e:> )s1e$ Sye.

>Yo' o'($ not 1no "t,> )nsere$ Gre+ory. >Th)t "sh"s +re)tness.

C)es)r )n$ N)*o(eon *'t )(( the"r +en"'s "nto be"n+

he)r$ o%, )n$ they

ere he)r$ o%. He *'ts )(( h"s +en"'s "nto not

be"n+ he)r$ o%, )n$ he

"s not he)r$ o%. 0't yo' &)nnot be %or %"#e "n'tes

"n the roo "th h"

"tho't %ee("n+ th)t C)es)r )n$ N)*o(eon o'($ h)#e

been &h"($ren "n h"s

h)n$s.>

He )s s"(ent )n$ e#en *)(e %or ) oent, )n$ then

res'e$22

29



>0't hene#er he +"#es )$#"&e "t "s )()ys

soeth"n+ )s st)rt("n+ )s

)n e*"+r), )n$ yet )s *r)&t"&)( )s the 0)n1 o%

En+()n$. I s)"$ to

h", 3Wh)t $"s+'"se "(( h"$e e %ro the or($:

Wh)t &)n I %"n$ ore

res*e&t)b(e th)n b"sho*s )n$ )9ors:3 He (oo1e$ )t

e "th h"s ()r+e b't

"n$e&"*her)b(e %)&e. 3Yo' )nt ) s)%e $"s+'"se, $o

yo': Yo' )nt ) $ress

h"&h "(( +')r)ntee yo' h)r(ess- ) $ress "n h"&h

no one o'($ e#er

(oo1 %or ) bob:3 I no$$e$. He s'$$en(y ("%te$ h"s

("on3s #o"&e. 3Why,

then, $ress '* )s )n )n)r&h"st, yo' %oo(3 hero)re$ so th)t the roo

shoo1. 3Nobo$y "(( e#er e/*e&t yo' to $o )nyth"n+

$)n+ero's then.3 An$

he t'rne$ h"s bro)$ b)&1 on e "tho't )nother

or$. I too1 h"s )$#"&e,

)n$ h)#e ne#er re+rette$ "t. I *re)&he$ b(oo$ )n$

'r$er to those

oen $)y )n$ n"+ht, )n$22by Go$22they o'($ (et

e hee( the"r

*er)b'()tors.>

Sye s)t )t&h"n+ h" "th soe res*e&t "n h"s

()r+e, b('e eyes.

>Yo' too1 e "n,> he s)"$. >It "s re)((y ) s)rt

$o$+e.>

Then )%ter ) *)'se he )$$e$22

>Wh)t $o yo' &)(( th"s treen$o's Pres"$ent o%

yo'rs:>

>We +ener)((y &)(( h" S'n$)y,> re*("e$ Gre+ory

"th s"*("&"ty. >Yo'

30



see, there )re se#en ebers o% the Centr)(

An)r&h"st Co'n&"(, )n$ they

)re n)e$ )%ter $)ys o% the ee1. He "s &)((e$

S'n$)y, by soe o% h"s

)$"rers 0(oo$y S'n$)y. It "s &'r"o's yo' sho'($

ent"on the )tter,

be&)'se the #ery n"+ht yo' h)#e $ro**e$ "n ?"% I

)y so e/*ress "t@ "s

the n"+ht on h"&h o'r Lon$on br)n&h, h"&h

)sseb(es "n th"s roo, h)s

to e(e&t "ts on $e*'ty to %"(( ) #)&)n&y "n the

Co'n&"(. The +ent(e)n

ho h)s %or soe t"e *)st *()ye$, "th *ro*r"ety

)n$ +ener)( )**()'se,

the $"%%"&'(t *)rt o% Th'rs$)y, h)s $"e$ ='"tes'$$en(y. Conse='ent(y,

e h)#e &)((e$ ) eet"n+ th"s #ery e#en"n+ to e(e&t

) s'&&essor.>

He +ot to h"s %eet )n$ stro((e$ )&ross the roo

"th ) sort o% s"("n+

eb)rr)ssent.

>I %ee( soeho )s "% yo' ere y other, Sye,> he

&ont"n'e$ &)s')((y.>I %ee( th)t I &)n &on%"$e )nyth"n+ to yo', )s yo'

h)#e *ro"se$ to te((

nobo$y. In %)&t, I "(( &on%"$e to yo' soeth"n+

th)t I o'($ not s)y "n

so )ny or$s to the )n)r&h"sts ho "(( be &o"n+

to the roo "n )bo't

ten "n'tes. We sh)((, o% &o'rse, +o thro'+h ) %or

o% e(e&t"on- b't I

$on3t "n$ te(("n+ yo' th)t "t "s *r)&t"&)((y

&ert)"n h)t the res'(t

"(( be.> He (oo1e$ $on %or ) oent o$est(y. >It

"s )(ost ) sett(e$

th"n+ th)t I ) to be Th'rs$)y.>

31



>My $e)r %e((o.> s)"$ Sye he)rt"(y, >I

&on+r)t'()te yo'. A +re)t

&)reer>

Gre+ory s"(e$ "n $e*re&)t"on, )n$ )(1e$ )&ross

the roo, t)(1"n+

r)*"$(y.

>As ) )tter o% %)&t, e#eryth"n+ "s re)$y %or e on

th"s t)b(e,> he

s)"$, >)n$ the &ereony "(( *rob)b(y be the

shortest *oss"b(e.>

Sye )(so stro((e$ )&ross to the t)b(e, )n$ %o'n$

(y"n+ )&ross "t ) )(1"n+2st"&1, h"&h t'rne$ o't on e/)"n)t"on to

be ) sor$2st"&1,

) ()r+e Co(t3s re#o(#er, ) s)n$"&h &)se, )n$ )

%or"$)b(e %()s1 o%

br)n$y. O#er the &h)"r, bes"$e the t)b(e, )s

thron ) he)#y2(oo1"n+

&)*e or &(o)1.

>I h)#e on(y to +et the %or o% e(e&t"on %"n"she$,>

&ont"n'e$ Gre+ory "th )n")t"on, >then I sn)t&h '* th"s &(o)1 )n$

st"&1, st'%% these

other th"n+s "nto y *o&1et, ste* o't o% ) $oor "n

th"s &)#ern, h"&h

o*ens on the r"#er, here there "s ) ste)2t'+

)(re)$y )"t"n+ %or e,

)n$ then22then22oh, the "($ 9oy o% be"n+

Th'rs$)y> An$ he &()s*e$ h"s

h)n$s.

Sye, ho h)$ s)t $on on&e ore "th h"s 's')(

"nso(ent ()n+'or, +ot to

h"s %eet "th )n 'n's')( )"r o% hes"t)t"on.

32



>Why "s "t,> he )s1e$ #)+'e(y, >th)t I th"n1 yo'

)re ='"te ) $e&ent

%e((o: Why $o I *os"t"#e(y ("1e yo', Gre+ory:> He

*)'se$ ) oent, )n$

then )$$e$ "th ) sort o% %resh &'r"os"ty, >Is "t

be&)'se yo' )re s'&h

)n )ss:>

There )s ) tho'+ht%'( s"(en&e )+)"n, )n$ then he

&r"e$ o't22

>We((, $)n "t )(( th"s "s the %'nn"est s"t')t"on

I h)#e e#er been "n

"n y ("%e, )n$ I ) +o"n+ to )&t )&&or$"n+(y.

Gre+ory, I +)#e yo' ) *ro"se be%ore I &)e "nto th"s *()&e. Th)t *ro"se

I o'($ 1ee* 'n$er

re$2hot *"n&ers. Wo'($ yo' +"#e e, %or y on

s)%ety, ) ("tt(e *ro"se

o% the s)e 1"n$:>

>A *ro"se:> )s1e$ Gre+ory, on$er"n+.

>Yes,> s)"$ Sye #ery ser"o's(y, >) *ro"se. I

sore be%ore Go$ th)t I o'($ not te(( yo'r se&ret to the *o("&e. W"(( yo'

se)r by H')n"ty, or

h)te#er be)st(y th"n+ yo' be("e#e "n, th)t yo'

"(( not te(( y se&ret

to the )n)r&h"sts:>

>Yo'r se&ret:> )s1e$ the st)r"n+ Gre+ory. >H)#e yo'

+ot ) se&ret:>

>Yes,> s)"$ Sye, >I h)#e ) se&ret.> Then )%ter )

*)'se, >W"(( yo'

se)r:>

Gre+ory +()re$ )t h" +r)#e(y %or ) %e oents,

)n$ then s)"$

33



)br'*t(y22

>Yo' 'st h)#e be"t&he$ e, b't I %ee( ) %'r"o's

&'r"os"ty )bo't yo'.

Yes, I "(( se)r not to te(( the )n)r&h"sts

)nyth"n+ yo' te(( e. 0't

(oo1 sh)r*, %or they "(( be here "n ) &o'*(e o%

"n'tes.>

Sye rose s(o(y to h"s %eet )n$ thr'st h"s (on+,

h"te h)n$s "nto h"s

(on+, +rey tro'sers3 *o&1ets. A(ost )s he $"$ so

there &)e %"#e

1no&1s on the o'ter +r)t"n+, *ro&()""n+ the

)rr"#)( o% the %"rst o% the&ons*"r)tors.

>We((,> s)"$ Sye s(o(y, >I $on3t 1no ho to te((

yo' the tr'th ore

short(y th)n by s)y"n+ th)t yo'r e/*e$"ent o%

$ress"n+ '* )s )n )"(ess

*oet "s not &on%"ne$ to yo' or yo'r Pres"$ent. We

h)#e 1non the $o$+e

%or soe t"e )t S&ot()n$ Y)r$.>

Gre+ory tr"e$ to s*r"n+ '* str)"+ht, b't he s)ye$

thr"&e.

>Wh)t $o yo' s)y:> he )s1e$ "n )n "nh')n #o"&e.

>Yes,> s)"$ Sye s"*(y, >I ) ) *o("&e $ete&t"#e.

0't I th"n1 I he)r

yo'r %r"en$s &o"n+.>

ro the $oor)y there &)e ) 'r'r o% >Mr. Bose*h

Ch)ber()"n.> It

)s re*e)te$ t"&e )n$ thr"&e, )n$ then th"rty

t"es, )n$ the &ro$ o%

Bose*h Ch)ber()"ns ?) so(en tho'+ht@ &o'($ be

he)r$ tr)*("n+ $on the

34



&orr"$or.

CHAPTER III. THE MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY

0EORE one o% the %resh %)&es &o'($ )**e)r )t the

$oor)y, Gre+ory3s

st'nne$ s'r*r"se h)$ %)((en %ro h". He )s bes"$e

the t)b(e "th )

bo'n$, )n$ ) no"se "n h"s thro)t ("1e ) "($ be)st.

He &)'+ht '* the

Co(t3s re#o(#er )n$ too1 )" )t Sye. Sye $"$ not

%("n&h, b't he *'t '*

) *)(e )n$ *o("te h)n$.

>Don3t be s'&h ) s"((y )n,> he s)"$, "th the

e%%e"n)te $"+n"ty o% )

&'r)te. >Don3t yo' see "t3s not ne&ess)ry: Don3t

yo' see th)t e3re both

"n the s)e bo)t: Yes, )n$ 9o((y se)2s"&1.>

Gre+ory &o'($ not s*e)1, b't he &o'($ not %"re

e"ther, )n$ he (oo1e$ h"s

='est"on.

>Don3t yo' see e3#e &he&1)te$ e)&h other:> &r"e$

Sye. >I &)n3t te((

the *o("&e yo' )re )n )n)r&h"st. Yo' &)n3t te(( the

)n)r&h"sts I3 )

*o("&e)n. I &)n on(y )t&h yo', 1no"n+ h)t yo'

)re- yo' &)n on(y

)t&h e, 1no"n+ h)t I ). In short, "t3s )

(one(y, "nte((e&t')(

$'e(, y he)$ )+)"nst yo'rs. I3 ) *o("&e)n

$e*r"#e$ o% the he(* o% the

*o("&e. Yo', y *oor %e((o, )re )n )n)r&h"st

$e*r"#e$ o% the he(* o%

th)t () )n$ or+)n"s)t"on h"&h "s so essent")( to

)n)r&hy. The one

35



so("t)ry $"%%eren&e "s "n yo'r %)#o'r. Yo' )re not

s'rro'n$e$ by

"n='"s"t"#e *o("&een- I ) s'rro'n$e$ by

"n='"s"t"#e )n)r&h"sts. I

&)nnot betr)y yo', b't I "+ht betr)y yse(%. Coe,

&oe )"t )n$ see

e betr)y yse(%. I sh)(( $o "t so n"&e(y.>

Gre+ory *'t the *"sto( s(o(y $on, st"(( st)r"n+

)t Sye )s "% he ere

) se)2onster.

>I $on3t be("e#e "n "ort)("ty,> he s)"$ )t ()st,

>b't "%, )%ter )((

th"s, yo' ere to bre)1 yo'r or$, Go$ o'($ )1e )he(( on(y %or yo',

to ho( "n %or e#er.>

>I sh)(( not bre)1 y or$,> s)"$ Sye stern(y,

>nor "(( yo' bre)1

yo'rs. Here )re yo'r %r"en$s.>

The )ss o% the )n)r&h"sts entere$ the roo

he)#"(y, "th ) s(o'&h"n+

)n$ soeh)t e)ry +)"t- b't one ("tt(e )n, "th ) b()&1 be)r$ )n$

+()sses22) )n soeh)t o% the ty*e o% Mr. T"

He)(y22$et)&he$ h"se(%,

)n$ b'st(e$ %or)r$ "th soe *)*ers "n h"s h)n$.

>Cor)$e Gre+ory,> he s)"$, >I s'**ose th"s )n "s

) $e(e+)te:>

Gre+ory, t)1en by s'r*r"se, (oo1e$ $on )n$

'ttere$ the n)e o% Sye-

b't Sye re*("e$ )(ost *ert(y22

>I ) +()$ to see th)t yo'r +)te "s e(( eno'+h

+')r$e$ to )1e "t h)r$

%or )nyone to be here ho )s not ) $e(e+)te.>

36



The bro o% the ("tt(e )n "th the b()&1 be)r$

)s, hoe#er, st"((

&ontr)&te$ "th soeth"n+ ("1e s's*"&"on.

>Wh)t br)n&h $o yo' re*resent:> he )s1e$ sh)r*(y.

>I sho'($ h)r$(y &)(( "t ) br)n&h,> s)"$ Sye,

()'+h"n+- >I sho'($ &)((

"t )t the #ery (e)st ) root.>

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:>

>The %)&t "s,> s)"$ Sye serene(y, >the tr'th "s I

) ) S)bb)t)r")n. Ih)#e been s*e&")((y sent here to see th)t yo' sho

) $'e obser#)n&e o%

S'n$)y.>

The ("tt(e )n $ro**e$ one o% h"s *)*ers, )n$ )

%("&1er o% %e)r ent

o#er )(( the %)&es o% the +ro'*. E#"$ent(y the

)%'( Pres"$ent, hose

n)e )s S'n$)y, $"$ soet"es sen$ $on s'&h

"rre+'()r )b)ss)$ors tos'&h br)n&h eet"n+s.

>We((, &or)$e,> s)"$ the )n "th the *)*ers )%ter

) *)'se, >I s'**ose

e3$ better +"#e yo' ) se)t "n the eet"n+:>

>I% yo' )s1 y )$#"&e )s ) %r"en$,> s)"$ Sye "th

se#ere bene#o(en&e,

>I th"n1 yo'3$ better.>

When Gre+ory he)r$ the $)n+ero's $")(o+'e en$, "th

) s'$$en s)%ety %or

h"s r"#)(, he rose )br'*t(y )n$ *)&e$ the %(oor "n

*)"n%'( tho'+ht. He

37



)s, "n$ee$, "n )n )+ony o% $"*(o)&y. It )s &(e)r

th)t Sye3s "ns*"re$

"*'$en&e )s ("1e(y to br"n+ h" o't o% )(( ere(y

)&&"$ent)( $"(e)s.

L"tt(e )s to be ho*e$ %ro the. He &o'($ not

h"se(% betr)y Sye,

*)rt(y %ro hono'r, b't *)rt(y )(so be&)'se, "% he

betr)ye$ h" )n$ %or

soe re)son %)"(e$ to $estroy h", the Sye ho

es&)*e$ o'($ be ) Sye

%ree$ %ro )(( ob("+)t"on o% se&re&y, ) Sye ho

o'($ s"*(y )(1

to the ne)rest *o("&e st)t"on. A%ter )((, "t )s

on(y one n"+ht3s

$"s&'ss"on, )n$ on(y one $ete&t"#e ho o'($ 1noo% "t. He o'($ (et

o't )s ("tt(e )s *oss"b(e o% the"r *()ns th)t

n"+ht, )n$ then (et Sye

+o, )n$ &h)n&e "t.

He stro$e )&ross to the +ro'* o% )n)r&h"sts, h"&h

)s )(re)$y

$"str"b't"n+ "tse(% )(on+ the ben&hes.

>I th"n1 "t "s t"e e be+)n,> he s)"$- >the ste)2t'+ "s )"t"n+ on the

r"#er )(re)$y. I o#e th)t Cor)$e 0'ttons t)1es

the &h)"r.>

Th"s be"n+ )**ro#e$ by ) sho o% h)n$s, the ("tt(e

)n "th the *)*ers

s("**e$ "nto the *res"$ent")( se)t.

>Cor)$es,> he be+)n, )s sh)r* )s ) *"sto(2shot,

>o'r eet"n+ ton"+ht

"s "*ort)nt, tho'+h "t nee$ not be (on+. Th"s

br)n&h h)s )()ys h)$ the

hono'r o% e(e&t"n+ Th'rs$)ys %or the Centr)(

E'ro*e)n Co'n&"(. We h)#e

38



e(e&te$ )ny )n$ s*(en$"$ Th'rs$)ys. We )(( ()ent

the s)$ $e&e)se o%

the hero"& or1er ho o&&'*"e$ the *ost 'nt"( ()st

ee1. As yo' 1no,

h"s ser#"&es to the &)'se ere &ons"$er)b(e. He

or+)n"se$ the +re)t

$yn)"te &o'* o% 0r"+hton h"&h, 'n$er h)**"er

&"r&'st)n&es, o'+ht to

h)#e 1"((e$ e#erybo$y on the *"er. As yo' )(so

1no, h"s $e)th )s )s

se(%2$eny"n+ )s h"s ("%e, %or he $"e$ thro'+h h"s

%)"th "n ) hy+"en"&

"/t're o% &h)(1 )n$ )ter )s ) s'bst"t'te %or

"(1, h"&h be#er)+e he

re+)r$e$ )s b)rb)r"&, )n$ )s "n#o(#"n+ &r'e(ty tothe &o. Cr'e(ty, or

)nyth"n+ )**ro)&h"n+ to &r'e(ty, re#o(te$ h"

)()ys. 0't "t "s not

to )&&()" h"s #"rt'es th)t e )re et, b't %or )

h)r$er t)s1. It "s

$"%%"&'(t *ro*er(y to *r)"se h"s =')("t"es, b't "t

"s ore $"%%"&'(t to

re*()&e the. U*on yo', &or)$es, "t $e#o(#es th"s

e#en"n+ to &hoose

o't o% the &o*)ny *resent the )n ho sh)(( beTh'rs$)y. I% )ny &or)$e

s'++ests ) n)e I "(( *'t "t to the #ote. I% no

&or)$e s'++ests )

n)e, I &)n on(y te(( yse(% th)t th)t $e)r

$yn)"ter, ho "s +one

%ro 's, h)s &)rr"e$ "nto the 'n1no)b(e )bysses

the ()st se&ret o% h"s

#"rt'e )n$ h"s "nno&en&e.>

There )s ) st"r o% )(ost "n)'$"b(e )**()'se, s'&h

)s "s soet"es

he)r$ "n &h'r&h. Then ) ()r+e o($ )n, "th ) (on+

)n$ #ener)b(e h"te

be)r$, *erh)*s the on(y re)( or1"n+2)n *resent,

rose ('ber"n+(y )n$

39



s)"$22

>I o#e th)t Cor)$e Gre+ory be e(e&te$ Th'rs$)y,>

)n$ s)t ('ber"n+(y

$on )+)"n.

>Does )nyone se&on$:> )s1e$ the &h)"r)n.

A ("tt(e )n "th ) #e(#et &o)t )n$ *o"nte$ be)r$

se&on$e$.

>0e%ore I *'t the )tter to the #ote,> s)"$ the

&h)"r)n, >I "(( &)((

on Cor)$e Gre+ory to )1e ) st)teent.>

Gre+ory rose )"$ ) +re)t r'b(e o% )**()'se. H"s

%)&e )s $e)$(y *)(e,

so th)t by &ontr)st h"s ='eer re$ h)"r (oo1e$

)(ost s&)r(et. 0't he )s

s"("n+ )n$ )(to+ether )t e)se. He h)$ )$e '* h"s

"n$, )n$ he s)

h"s best *o("&y ='"te *()"n "n %ront o% h" ("1e )

h"te ro)$. H"s best

&h)n&e )s to )1e ) so%tene$ )n$ )b"+'o's s*ee&h,

s'&h )s o'($ (e)#eon the $ete&t"#e3s "n$ the "*ress"on th)t the

)n)r&h"st brotherhoo$

)s ) #ery "($ )%%)"r )%ter )((. He be("e#e$ "n

h"s on ("ter)ry *oer,

h"s &)*)&"ty %or s'++est"n+ %"ne sh)$es )n$ *"&1"n+

*er%e&t or$s. He

tho'+ht th)t "th &)re he &o'($ s'&&ee$, "n s*"te

o% )(( the *eo*(e

)ro'n$ h", "n &on#ey"n+ )n "*ress"on o% the

"nst"t't"on, s'bt(y )n$

$e("&)te(y %)(se. Sye h)$ on&e tho'+ht th)t

)n)r&h"sts, 'n$er )(( the"r

br)#)$o, ere on(y *()y"n+ the %oo(. Co'($ he not

no, "n the ho'r o%

*er"(, )1e Sye th"n1 so )+)"n:

40



>Cor)$es,> be+)n Gre+ory, "n ) (o b't *enetr)t"n+

#o"&e, >"t "s not

ne&ess)ry %or e to te(( yo' h)t "s y *o("&y, %or

"t "s yo'r *o("&y

)(so. O'r be("e% h)s been s()n$ere$, "t h)s been

$"s%"+'re$, "t h)s been

'tter(y &on%'se$ )n$ &on&e)(e$, b't "t h)s ne#er

been )(tere$. Those ho

t)(1 )bo't )n)r&h"s )n$ "ts $)n+ers +o e#eryhere

)n$ )nyhere to +et

the"r "n%or)t"on, e/&e*t to 's, e/&e*t to the

%o'nt)"n he)$. They (e)rn

)bo't )n)r&h"sts %ro s"/*enny no#e(s- they (e)rn

)bo't )n)r&h"sts %ro tr)$esen3s nes*)*ers- they (e)rn )bo't )n)r&h"sts

%ro A((y S(o*er3s

H)(%2Ho("$)y )n$ the S*ort"n+ T"es. They ne#er

(e)rn )bo't )n)r&h"sts

%ro )n)r&h"sts. We h)#e no &h)n&e o% $eny"n+ the

o'nt)"no's s()n$ers

h"&h )re he)*e$ '*on o'r he)$s %ro one en$ o%

E'ro*e to )nother. The

)n ho h)s )()ys he)r$ th)t e )re )(1"n+

*()+'es h)s ne#er he)r$ o'rre*(y. I 1no th)t he "(( not he)r "t ton"+ht,

tho'+h y *)ss"on

ere to ren$ the roo%. or "t "s $ee*, $ee* 'n$er

the e)rth th)t the

*erse&'te$ )re *er"tte$ to )sseb(e, )s the

Chr"st")ns )sseb(e$ "n the

C)t)&obs. 0't "%, by soe "n&re$"b(e )&&"$ent,

there ere here ton"+ht

) )n ho )(( h"s ("%e h)$ th's "ense(y

"s'n$erstoo$ 's, I o'($ *'t

th"s ='est"on to h"8 3When those Chr"st")ns et "n

those C)t)&obs,

h)t sort o% or)( re*'t)t"on h)$ they "n the

streets )bo#e: Wh)t t)(es

41



ere to($ o% the"r )tro&"t"es by one e$'&)te$ Ro)n

to )nother: S'**ose3

?I o'($ s)y to h"@, 3s'**ose th)t e )re on(y

re*e)t"n+ th)t st"((

yster"o's *)r)$o/ o% h"story. S'**ose e see )s

sho&1"n+ )s the

Chr"st")ns be&)'se e )re re)((y )s h)r(ess )s the

Chr"st")ns. S'**ose

e see )s )$ )s the Chr"st")ns be&)'se e )re

re)((y )s ee1.>3

The )**()'se th)t h)$ +reete$ the o*en"n+ senten&es

h)$ been +r)$')((y

+ro"n+ %)"nter, )n$ )t the ()st or$ "t sto**e$

s'$$en(y. In the )br'*ts"(en&e, the )n "th the #e(#et 9)&1et s)"$, "n )

h"+h, s='e)1y #o"&e22

>I3 not ee1>

>Cor)$e W"thers*oon te((s 's,> res'e$ Gre+ory,

>th)t he "s not ee1.

Ah, ho ("tt(e he 1nos h"se(% H"s or$s )re,

"n$ee$, e/tr)#)+)nt- h"s

)**e)r)n&e "s %ero&"o's, )n$ e#en ?to )n or$"n)ryt)ste@ 'n)ttr)&t"#e.

0't on(y the eye o% ) %r"en$sh"* )s $ee* )n$

$e("&)te )s "ne &)n

*er&e"#e the $ee* %o'n$)t"on o% so("$ ee1ness

h"&h ("es )t the b)se o%

h", too $ee* e#en %or h"se(% to see. I re*e)t, e

)re the tr'e e)r(y

Chr"st")ns, on(y th)t e &oe too ()te. We )re

s"*(e, )s they re#ere

s"*(e22(oo1 )t Cor)$e W"thers*oon. We )re o$est,

)s they ere

o$est22(oo1 )t e. We )re er&"%'(22>

>No, no> &)((e$ o't Mr. W"thers*oon "th the

#e(#et 9)&1et.

42



>I s)y e )re er&"%'(,> re*e)te$ Gre+ory

%'r"o's(y, >)s the e)r(y

Chr"st")ns ere er&"%'(. Yet th"s $"$ not *re#ent

the"r be"n+ )&&'se$

o% e)t"n+ h')n %(esh. We $o not e)t h')n %(esh22>

>Sh)e> &r"e$ W"thers*oon. >Why not:>

>Cor)$e W"thers*oon,> s)"$ Gre+ory, "th )

%e#er"sh +)"ety, >"s )n/"o's

to 1no hy nobo$y e)ts h" ?()'+hter@. In o'r

so&"ety, )t )ny r)te,

h"&h (o#es h" s"n&ere(y, h"&h "s %o'n$e$ '*on

(o#e22>

>No, no> s)"$ W"thers*oon, >$on "th (o#e.>

>Wh"&h "s %o'n$e$ '*on (o#e,> re*e)te$ Gre+ory,

+r"n$"n+ h"s teeth,

>there "(( be no $"%%"&'(ty )bo't the )"s h"&h

e sh)(( *'rs'e )s )

bo$y, or h"&h I sho'($ *'rs'e ere I &hosen )s the

re*resent)t"#e

o% th)t bo$y. S'*erb(y &)re(ess o% the s()n$ersth)t re*resent 's )s

)ss)ss"ns )n$ ene"es o% h')n so&"ety, e sh)((

*'rs'e "th or)(

&o'r)+e )n$ ='"et "nte((e&t')( *ress're, the

*er)nent "$e)(s o%

brotherhoo$ )n$ s"*("&"ty.>

Gre+ory res'e$ h"s se)t )n$ *)sse$ h"s h)n$ )&ross

h"s %orehe)$. The

s"(en&e )s s'$$en )n$ )1)r$, b't the &h)"r)n

rose ("1e )n )'to)ton,

)n$ s)"$ "n ) &o(o'r(ess #o"&e22

>Does )nyone o**ose the e(e&t"on o% Cor)$e

Gre+ory:>

43



The )sseb(y seee$ #)+'e )n$ s'b2&ons&"o's(y

$"s)**o"nte$, )n$ Cor)$e

W"thers*oon o#e$ rest(ess(y on h"s se)t )n$

'ttere$ "n h"s th"&1

be)r$. 0y the sheer r'sh o% ro't"ne, hoe#er, the

ot"on o'($ h)#e been

*'t )n$ &)rr"e$. 0't )s the &h)"r)n )s o*en"n+

h"s o'th to *'t "t,

Sye s*r)n+ to h"s %eet )n$ s)"$ "n ) s)(( )n$

='"et #o"&e22

>Yes, Mr. Ch)"r)n, I o**ose.>

The ost e%%e&t"#e %)&t "n or)tory "s )n 'ne/*e&te$&h)n+e "n the #o"&e.

Mr. G)br"e( Sye e#"$ent(y 'n$erstoo$ or)tory.

H)#"n+ s)"$ these %"rst

%or)( or$s "n ) o$er)te$ tone )n$ "th ) br"e%

s"*("&"ty, he )$e

h"s ne/t or$ r"n+ )n$ #o((ey "n the #)'(t )s "%

one o% the +'ns h)$

+one o%%.

>Cor)$es> he &r"e$, "n ) #o"&e th)t )$e e#ery )n 9'* o't o% h"s

boots, >h)#e e &oe here %or th"s: Do e ("#e

'n$er+ro'n$ ("1e r)ts "n

or$er to ("sten to t)(1 ("1e th"s: Th"s "s t)(1 e

"+ht ("sten to

h"(e e)t"n+ b'ns )t ) S'n$)y S&hoo( tre)t. Do e

("ne these )((s "th

e)*ons )n$ b)r th)t $oor "th $e)th (est )nyone

sho'($ &oe )n$ he)r

Cor)$e Gre+ory s)y"n+ to 's, 30e +oo$, )n$ yo'

"(( be h)**y,3 3Honesty

"s the best *o("&y,3 )n$ 3!"rt'e "s "ts on

re)r$3: There )s not

) or$ "n Cor)$e Gre+ory3s )$$ress to h"&h )

&'r)te &o'($ not h)#e

44



("stene$ "th *(e)s're ?he)r, he)r@. 0't I ) not )

&'r)te ?(o'$

&heers@, )n$ I $"$ not ("sten to "t "th *(e)s're

?renee$ &heers@.

The )n ho "s %"tte$ to )1e ) +oo$ &'r)te "s not

%"tte$ to )1e )

reso('te, %or&"b(e, )n$ e%%"&"ent Th'rs$)y ?he)r,

he)r@.>

>Cor)$e Gre+ory h)s to($ 's, "n on(y too

)*o(o+et"& ) tone, th)t e

)re not the ene"es o% so&"ety. 0't I s)y th)t e

)re the ene"es

o% so&"ety, )n$ so '&h the orse %or so&"ety. We

)re the ene"es o%so&"ety, %or so&"ety "s the eney o% h')n"ty, "ts

o($est )n$ "ts ost

*"t"(ess eney ?he)r, he)r@. Cor)$e Gre+ory h)s

to($ 's ?)*o(o+et"&)((y

)+)"n@ th)t e )re not 'r$erers. There I )+ree. We

)re not 'r$erers,

e )re e/e&'t"oners ?&heers@.>

E#er s"n&e Sye h)$ r"sen Gre+ory h)$ s)t st)r"n+

)t h", h"s %)&e"$"ot"& "th )ston"shent. No "n the *)'se h"s

("*s o% &()y *)rte$, )n$

he s)"$, "th )n )'to)t"& )n$ ("%e(ess

$"st"n&tness22

>Yo' $)n)b(e hy*o&r"te>

Sye (oo1e$ str)"+ht "nto those %r"+ht%'( eyes "th

h"s on *)(e b('e

ones, )n$ s)"$ "th $"+n"ty22

>Cor)$e Gre+ory )&&'ses e o% hy*o&r"sy. He 1nos

)s e(( )s I $o th)t

I ) 1ee*"n+ )(( y en+)+eents )n$ $o"n+ noth"n+

b't y $'ty. I $o not

45



"n&e or$s. I $o not *reten$ to. I s)y th)t

Cor)$e Gre+ory "s 'n%"t

to be Th'rs$)y %or )(( h"s )")b(e =')("t"es. He "s

'n%"t to be Th'rs$)y

be&)'se o% h"s )")b(e =')("t"es. We $o not )nt

the S'*ree Co'n&"( o%

An)r&hy "n%e&te$ "th ) )'$("n er&y ?he)r, he)r@.

Th"s "s no t"e %or

&ereon")( *o("teness, ne"ther "s "t ) t"e %or

&ereon")( o$esty. I

set yse(% )+)"nst Cor)$e Gre+ory )s I o'($ set

yse(% )+)"nst )(( the

Go#ernents o% E'ro*e, be&)'se the )n)r&h"st ho

h)s +"#en h"se(%

to )n)r&hy h)s %or+otten o$esty )s '&h )s he h)s%or+otten *r"$e

?&heers@. I ) not ) )n )t )((. I ) ) &)'se

?renee$ &heers@. I set

yse(% )+)"nst Cor)$e Gre+ory )s "*erson)((y )n$

)s &)((y )s I sho'($

&hoose one *"sto( r)ther th)n )nother o't o% th)t

r)&1 '*on the )((-

)n$ I s)y th)t r)ther th)n h)#e Gre+ory )n$ h"s

"(12)n$2)ter etho$s

on the S'*ree Co'n&"(, I o'($ o%%er yse(% %ore(e&t"on22>

H"s senten&e )s $rone$ "n ) $e)%en"n+ &)t)r)&t o%

)**()'se. The %)&es,

th)t h)$ +ron %"er&er )n$ %"er&er "th )**ro#)( )s

h"s t"r)$e +re ore

)n$ ore 'n&o*ro"s"n+, ere no $"storte$ "th

+r"ns o% )nt"&"*)t"on

or &(o#en "th $e("+hte$ &r"es. At the oent hen

he )nno'n&e$ h"se(%

)s re)$y to st)n$ %or the *ost o% Th'rs$)y, ) ro)r

o% e/&"teent )n$

)ssent bro1e %orth, )n$ be&)e 'n&ontro(()b(e, )n$

)t the s)e oent

46



Gre+ory s*r)n+ to h"s %eet, "th %o) '*on h"s

o'th, )n$ sho'te$

)+)"nst the sho't"n+.

>Sto*, yo' b()ste$ )$en> he &r"e$, )t the to* o%

) #o"&e th)t tore

h"s thro)t. >Sto*, yo'22>

0't (o'$er th)n Gre+ory3s sho't"n+ )n$ (o'$er th)n

the ro)r o% the roo

&)e the #o"&e o% Sye, st"(( s*e)1"n+ "n ) *e)( o%

*"t"(ess th'n$er22

>I $o not +o to the Co'n&"( to reb't th)t s()n$er

th)t &)((s 's 'r$erers- I +o to e)rn "t ?(o'$ )n$ *ro(on+e$

&heer"n+@. To the *r"est

ho s)ys these en )re the ene"es o% re("+"on, to

the 9'$+e ho s)ys

these en )re the ene"es o% (), to the %)t

*)r(")ent)r")n ho s)ys

these en )re the ene"es o% or$er )n$ *'b("&

$e&en&y, to )(( these I

"(( re*(y, 3Yo' )re %)(se 1"n+s, b't yo' )re tr'e

*ro*hets. I ) &oeto $estroy yo', )n$ to %'(%"( yo'r *ro*he&"es.3>

The he)#y &()o'r +r)$')((y $"e$ ))y, b't be%ore

"t h)$ &e)se$

W"thers*oon h)$ 9'*e$ to h"s %eet, h"s h)"r )n$

be)r$ )(( on en$, )n$

h)$ s)"$22

>I o#e, )s )n )en$ent, th)t Cor)$e Sye be

)**o"nte$ to the *ost.>

>Sto* )(( th"s, I te(( yo'> &r"e$ Gre+ory, "th

%r)nt"& %)&e )n$ h)n$s.

>Sto* "t, "t "s )((22>

47





>Cor)$es,> he &r"e$ o't, >I ) not ) )$)n.>

>Oh, oh> s)"$ Mr. W"thers*oon.

>I ) not ) )$)n,> re"ter)te$ Gre+ory, "th )

%r"+ht%'( s"n&er"ty

h"&h %or ) oent st)++ere$ the roo, >b't I +"#e

yo' ) &o'nse( h"&h

yo' &)n &)(( )$ "% yo' ("1e. No, I "(( not &)((

"t ) &o'nse(, %or I

&)n +"#e yo' no re)son %or "t. I "(( &)(( "t )

&o)n$. C)(( "t ) )$

&o)n$, b't )&t '*on "t. Str"1e, b't he)r e K"((

e, b't obey e Do

not e(e&t th"s )n.> Tr'th "s so terr"b(e, e#en "n%etters, th)t %or

) oent Sye3s s(en$er )n$ "ns)ne #"&tory s)ye$

("1e ) ree$. 0't yo'

&o'($ not h)#e +'esse$ "t %ro Sye3s b(e)1 b('e

eyes. He ere(y be+)n22

>Cor)$e Gre+ory &o)n$s22>

Then the s*e(( )s sn)**e$, )n$ one )n)r&h"st

&)((e$ o't to Gre+ory22

>Who )re yo': Yo' )re not S'n$)y-> )n$ )nother

)n)r&h"st )$$e$ "n )

he)#"er #o"&e, >An$ yo' )re not Th'rs$)y.>

>Cor)$es,> &r"e$ Gre+ory, "n ) #o"&e ("1e th)t o%

) )rtyr ho "n )n

e&st)&y o% *)"n h)s *)sse$ beyon$ *)"n, >"t "s

noth"n+ to e hether yo'

$etest e )s ) tyr)nt or $etest e )s ) s()#e. I%

yo' "(( not t)1e y

&o)n$, )&&e*t y $e+r)$)t"on. I 1nee( to yo'. I

thro yse(% )t yo'r

%eet. I "*(ore yo'. Do not e(e&t th"s )n.>

49



>Cor)$e Gre+ory,> s)"$ the &h)"r)n )%ter )

*)"n%'( *)'se, >th"s "s

re)((y not ='"te $"+n"%"e$.>

or the %"rst t"e "n the *ro&ee$"n+s there )s %or

) %e se&on$s ) re)(

s"(en&e. Then Gre+ory %e(( b)&1 "n h"s se)t, ) *)(e

re&1 o% ) )n,

)n$ the &h)"r)n re*e)te$, ("1e ) *"e&e o% &(o&12

or1 s'$$en(y st)rte$

)+)"n22

>The ='est"on "s th)t Cor)$e Sye be e(e&te$ to

the *ost o% Th'rs$)y on

the Gener)( Co'n&"(.>

The ro)r rose ("1e the se), the h)n$s rose ("1e )

%orest, )n$ three

"n'tes )%ter)r$s Mr. G)br"e( Sye, o% the Se&ret

Po("&e Ser#"&e, )s

e(e&te$ to the *ost o% Th'rs$)y on the Gener)(

Co'n&"( o% the An)r&h"sts

o% E'ro*e.

E#eryone "n the roo seee$ to %ee( the t'+ )"t"n+on the r"#er, the

sor$2st"&1 )n$ the re#o(#er, )"t"n+ on the t)b(e.

The "nst)nt the

e(e&t"on )s en$e$ )n$ "rre#o&)b(e, )n$ Sye h)$

re&e"#e$ the *)*er

*ro#"n+ h"s e(e&t"on, they )(( s*r)n+ to the"r

%eet, )n$ the %"ery

+ro'*s o#e$ )n$ "/e$ "n the roo. Sye %o'n$

h"se(%, soeho or

other, %)&e to %)&e "th Gre+ory, ho st"((

re+)r$e$ h" "th ) st)re o%

st'nne$ h)tre$. They ere s"(ent %or )ny "n'tes.

>Yo' )re ) $e#"(> s)"$ Gre+ory )t ()st.

50



>An$ yo' )re ) +ent(e)n,> s)"$ Sye "th +r)#"ty.

>It )s yo' th)t entr)**e$ e,> be+)n Gre+ory,

sh)1"n+ %ro he)$ to

%oot, >entr)**e$ e "nto22>

>T)(1 sense,> s)"$ Sye short(y. >Into h)t sort o%

$e#"(s3 *)r(")ent

h)#e yo' entr)**e$ e, "% "t &oes to th)t: Yo'

)$e e se)r be%ore

I )$e yo'. Perh)*s e )re both $o"n+ h)t e th"n1

r"+ht. 0't h)t e

th"n1 r"+ht "s so $)ne$ $"%%erent th)t there &)n

be noth"n+ beteen

's "n the )y o% &on&ess"on. There "s noth"n+ *oss"b(e beteen 's b't

hono'r )n$ $e)th,> )n$ he *'((e$ the +re)t &(o)1

)bo't h"s sho'($ers )n$

*"&1e$ '* the %()s1 %ro the t)b(e.

>The bo)t "s ='"te re)$y,> s)"$ Mr. 0'ttons,

b'st("n+ '*. >0e +oo$

eno'+h to ste* th"s )y.>

W"th ) +est're th)t re#e)(e$ the sho*2)(1er, he(e$ Sye $on ) short,

"ron2bo'n$ *)ss)+e, the st"(( )+on"se$ Gre+ory

%o((o"n+ %e#er"sh(y )t

the"r hee(s. At the en$ o% the *)ss)+e )s ) $oor,

h"&h 0'ttons o*ene$

sh)r*(y, sho"n+ ) s'$$en b('e )n$ s"(#er *"&t're

o% the oon("t r"#er,

th)t (oo1e$ ("1e ) s&ene "n ) the)tre. C(ose to the

o*en"n+ ()y ) $)r1,

$)r%"sh ste)2()'n&h, ("1e ) b)by $r)+on "th one

re$ eye.

A(ost "n the )&t o% ste**"n+ on bo)r$, G)br"e(

Sye t'rne$ to the

+)*"n+ Gre+ory.

51



>Yo' h)#e 1e*t yo'r or$,> he s)"$ +ent(y, "th h"s

%)&e "n sh)$o. >Yo'

)re ) )n o% hono'r, )n$ I th)n1 yo'. Yo' h)#e 1e*t

"t e#en $on to )

s)(( *)rt"&'()r. There )s one s*e&")( th"n+ yo'

*ro"se$ e )t the

be+"nn"n+ o% the )%%)"r, )n$ h"&h yo' h)#e

&ert)"n(y +"#en e by the

en$ o% "t.>

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:> &r"e$ the &h)ot"& Gre+ory.

>Wh)t $"$ I *ro"se yo':>

>A #ery entert)"n"n+ e#en"n+,> s)"$ Sye, )n$ he )$e ) "("t)ry s)('te

"th the sor$2st"&1 )s the ste)bo)t s("$ ))y.

CHAPTER I!. THE TALE O A DETECTI!E

GA0RIEL SYME )s not ere(y ) $ete&t"#e ho

*reten$e$ to be ) *oet-

he )s re)((y ) *oet ho h)$ be&oe ) $ete&t"#e. Nor )s h"s h)tre$ o%

)n)r&hy hy*o&r"t"&)(. He )s one o% those ho )re

$r"#en e)r(y "n ("%e

"nto too &onser#)t"#e )n )tt"t'$e by the

be"($er"n+ %o((y o% ost

re#o('t"on"sts. He h)$ not )tt)"ne$ "t by )ny t)e

tr)$"t"on. H"s

res*e&t)b"("ty )s s*ont)neo's )n$ s'$$en, )

rebe(("on )+)"nst

rebe(("on. He &)e o% ) %)"(y o% &r)n1s, "n h"&h

)(( the o($est

*eo*(e h)$ )(( the neest not"ons. One o% h"s

'n&(es )()ys )(1e$ )bo't

"tho't ) h)t, )n$ )nother h)$ )$e )n 'ns'&&ess%'(

)tte*t to )(1

52



)bo't "th ) h)t )n$ noth"n+ e(se. H"s %)ther

&'(t"#)te$ )rt )n$

se(%2re)("s)t"on- h"s other ent "n %or s"*("&"ty

)n$ hy+"ene. Hen&e

the &h"($, $'r"n+ h"s ten$erer ye)rs, )s ho((y

'n)&=')"nte$ "th )ny

$r"n1 beteen the e/trees o% )bs"nth )n$ &o&o), o%

both o% h"&h he

h)$ ) he)(thy $"s("1e. The ore h"s other *re)&he$

) ore th)n P'r"t)n

)bst"nen&e the ore $"$ h"s %)ther e/*)n$ "nto )

ore th)n

*)+)n ()t"t'$e- )n$ by the t"e the %orer h)$ &oe

to en%or&"n+

#e+et)r")n"s, the ()tter h)$ *retty e(( re)&he$the *o"nt o% $e%en$"n+

&)nn"b)("s.

0e"n+ s'rro'n$e$ "th e#ery &on&e"#)b(e 1"n$ o%

re#o(t %ro "n%)n&y,

G)br"e( h)$ to re#o(t "nto soeth"n+, so he

re#o(te$ "nto the on(y th"n+

(e%t22s)n"ty. 0't there )s 9'st eno'+h "n h" o%

the b(oo$ o% these

%)n)t"&s to )1e e#en h"s *rotest %or &oon sense) ("tt(e too %"er&e

to be sens"b(e. H"s h)tre$ o% o$ern ()(essness

h)$ been &rone$ )(so

by )n )&&"$ent. It h)**ene$ th)t he )s )(1"n+ "n

) s"$e street )t the

"nst)nt o% ) $yn)"te o'tr)+e. He h)$ been b("n$

)n$ $e)% %or ) oent,

)n$ then seen, the so1e &(e)r"n+, the bro1en

"n$os )n$ the b(ee$"n+

%)&es. A%ter th)t he ent )bo't )s 's')(22='"et,

&o'rteo's, r)ther

+ent(e- b't there )s ) s*ot on h"s "n$ th)t )s

not s)ne. He $"$

not re+)r$ )n)r&h"sts, )s ost o% 's $o, )s )

h)n$%'( o% orb"$ en,

53



&ob"n"n+ "+nor)n&e "th "nte((e&t')("s. He

re+)r$e$ the )s ) h'+e )n$

*"t"(ess *er"(, ("1e ) Ch"nese "n#)s"on.

He *o're$ *er*et')((y "nto nes*)*ers )n$ the"r

)ste2*)*er b)s1ets

) torrent o% t)(es, #erses )n$ #"o(ent )rt"&(es,

)rn"n+ en o% th"s

$e('+e o% b)rb)r"& $en")(. 0't he seee$ to be

+ett"n+ no ne)rer h"s

eney, )n$, h)t )s orse, no ne)rer ) ("#"n+. As

he *)&e$ the Th)es

eb)n1ent, b"tter(y b"t"n+ ) &he)* &"+)r )n$

broo$"n+ on the )$#)n&e o%

An)r&hy, there )s no )n)r&h"st "th ) bob "n h"s *o&1et so s)#)+e or

so so("t)ry )s he. In$ee$, he )()ys %e(t th)t

Go#ernent stoo$ )(one

)n$ $es*er)te, "th "ts b)&1 to the )((. He )s

too ='"/ot"& to h)#e

&)re$ %or "t other"se.

He )(1e$ on the Eb)n1ent on&e 'n$er ) $)r1 re$

s'nset. The re$ r"#er

re%(e&te$ the re$ s1y, )n$ they both re%(e&te$ h"s)n+er. The s1y,

"n$ee$, )s so s)rthy, )n$ the ("+ht on the r"#er

re()t"#e(y so

('r"$, th)t the )ter )(ost seee$ o% %"er&er

%()e th)n the s'nset "t

"rrore$. It (oo1e$ ("1e ) stre) o% ("ter)( %"re

"n$"n+ 'n$er the #)st

&)#erns o% ) s'bterr)ne)n &o'ntry.

Sye )s sh)bby "n those $)ys. He ore )n o($2

%)sh"one$ b()&1

&h"ney2*ot h)t- he )s r)**e$ "n ) yet ore o($2

%)sh"one$ &(o)1, b()&1

)n$ r)++e$- )n$ the &ob"n)t"on +)#e h" the (oo1

o% the e)r(y #"(()"ns

54



"n D"&1ens )n$ 0'(er Lytton. A(so h"s ye((o be)r$

)n$ h)"r ere ore

'n1e*t )n$ (eon"ne th)n hen they )**e)re$ (on+

)%ter)r$s, &'t )n$

*o"nte$, on the ()ns o% S)%%ron P)r1. A (on+,

(e)n, b()&1 &"+)r, bo'+ht

"n Soho %or to*en&e, stoo$ o't %ro beteen h"s

t"+htene$ teeth, )n$

)(to+ether he (oo1e$ ) #ery s)t"s%)&tory s*e&"en

o% the )n)r&h"sts '*on

ho he h)$ #oe$ ) ho(y )r. Perh)*s th"s )s hy

) *o("&e)n on the

Eb)n1ent s*o1e to h", )n$ s)"$ >Goo$ e#en"n+.>

Sye, )t ) &r"s"s o% h"s orb"$ %e)rs %or h')n"ty,seee$ st'n+ by the

ere sto("$"ty o% the )'to)t"& o%%"&")(, ) ere

b'(1 o% b('e "n the

t"("+ht.

>A +oo$ e#en"n+ "s "t:> he s)"$ sh)r*(y. >Yo'

%e((os o'($ &)(( the en$

o% the or($ ) +oo$ e#en"n+. Loo1 )t th)t b(oo$y

re$ s'n )n$ th)t b(oo$y

r"#er I te(( yo' th)t "% th)t ere ("ter)((y h')n b(oo$, s*"(t )n$

sh"n"n+, yo' o'($ st"(( be st)n$"n+ here )s so("$

)s e#er, (oo1"n+ o't

%or soe *oor h)r(ess tr)* ho yo' &o'($ o#e

on. Yo' *o("&een )re

&r'e( to the *oor, b't I &o'($ %or+"#e yo' e#en

yo'r &r'e(ty "% "t ere

not %or yo'r &)(.>

>I% e )re &)(,> re*("e$ the *o("&e)n, >"t "s the

&)( o% or+)n"se$

res"st)n&e.>

>Eh:> s)"$ Sye, st)r"n+.

55



>The so($"er 'st be &)( "n the th"&1 o% the

b)tt(e,> *'rs'e$ the

*o("&e)n. >The &o*os're o% )n )ry "s the )n+er

o% ) n)t"on.>

>Goo$ Go$, the 0o)r$ S&hoo(s> s)"$ Sye. >Is th"s

'n$eno"n)t"on)(

e$'&)t"on:>

>No,> s)"$ the *o("&e)n s)$(y, >I ne#er h)$ )ny o%

those )$#)nt)+es.

The 0o)r$ S&hoo(s &)e )%ter y t"e. Wh)t

e$'&)t"on I h)$ )s #ery

ro'+h )n$ o($2%)sh"one$, I ) )%r)"$.>

>Where $"$ yo' h)#e "t:> )s1e$ Sye, on$er"n+.

>Oh, )t H)rro,> s)"$ the *o("&e)n

The &()ss sy*)th"es h"&h, %)(se )s they )re, )re

the tr'est th"n+s "n

so )ny en, bro1e o't o% Sye be%ore he &o'($

&ontro( the.

>0't, +oo$ Lor$, )n,> he s)"$, >yo' o'+htn3t to be) *o("&e)n>

The *o("&e)n s"+he$ )n$ shoo1 h"s he)$.

>I 1no,> he s)"$ so(en(y, >I 1no I ) not

orthy.>

>0't hy $"$ yo' 9o"n the *o("&e:> )s1e$ Sye "th

r'$e &'r"os"ty.

>or '&h the s)e re)son th)t yo' )b'se$ the

*o("&e,> re*("e$ the

other. >I %o'n$ th)t there )s ) s*e&")( o*en"n+ "n

the ser#"&e

56



%or those hose %e)rs %or h')n"ty ere &on&erne$

r)ther "th the

)berr)t"ons o% the s&"ent"%"& "nte((e&t th)n "th

the nor)( )n$

e/&'s)b(e, tho'+h e/&ess"#e, o'tbre)1s o% the h')n

"((. I tr'st I )1e

yse(% &(e)r.>

>I% yo' e)n th)t yo' )1e yo'r o*"n"on &(e)r,>

s)"$ Sye, >I s'**ose

yo' $o. 0't )s %or )1"n+ yo'rse(% &(e)r, "t "s the

()st th"n+ yo' $o.

Ho &oes ) )n ("1e yo' to be t)(1"n+ *h"(oso*hy

"n ) b('e he(et on

the Th)es eb)n1ent:>

>Yo' h)#e e#"$ent(y not he)r$ o% the ()test

$e#e(o*ent "n o'r *o("&e

syste,> re*("e$ the other. >I ) not s'r*r"se$ )t

"t. We )re 1ee*"n+ "t

r)ther $)r1 %ro the e$'&)te$ &()ss, be&)'se th)t

&()ss &ont)"ns ost

o% o'r ene"es. 0't yo' see to be e/)&t(y "n the

r"+ht %r)e o% "n$. I

th"n1 yo' "+ht )(ost 9o"n 's.>

>Bo"n yo' "n h)t:> )s1e$ Sye.

>I "(( te(( yo',> s)"$ the *o("&e)n s(o(y. >Th"s

"s the s"t')t"on8

The he)$ o% one o% o'r $e*)rtents, one o% the ost

&e(ebr)te$

$ete&t"#es "n E'ro*e, h)s (on+ been o% o*"n"on th)t

) *'re(y

"nte((e&t')( &ons*"r)&y o'($ soon thre)ten the

#ery e/"sten&e o%

&"#"("s)t"on. He "s &ert)"n th)t the s&"ent"%"& )n$

)rt"st"& or($s )re

s"(ent(y bo'n$ "n ) &r's)$e )+)"nst the )"(y )n$

the St)te. He h)s,

57



there%ore, %ore$ ) s*e&")( &or*s o% *o("&een,

*o("&een ho )re )(so

*h"(oso*hers. It "s the"r b's"ness to )t&h the

be+"nn"n+s o% th"s

&ons*"r)&y, not ere(y "n ) &r""n)( b't "n )

&ontro#ers")( sense. I )

) $eo&r)t yse(%, )n$ I ) %'((y ))re o% the

#)('e o% the or$"n)ry

)n "n )tters o% or$"n)ry #)(o'r or #"rt'e. 0't "t

o'($ ob#"o's(y be

'n$es"r)b(e to e*(oy the &oon *o("&e)n "n )n

"n#est"+)t"on h"&h "s

)(so ) heresy h'nt.>

Sye3s eyes ere br"+ht "th ) sy*)thet"&&'r"os"ty.

>Wh)t $o yo' $o, then:> he s)"$.

>The or1 o% the *h"(oso*h"&)( *o("&e)n,> re*("e$

the )n "n b('e, >"s

)t on&e bo($er )n$ ore s'bt(e th)n th)t o% the

or$"n)ry $ete&t"#e.

The or$"n)ry $ete&t"#e +oes to *ot2ho'ses to )rrest

th"e#es- e +oto )rt"st"& te)2*)rt"es to $ete&t *ess""sts. The

or$"n)ry $ete&t"#e

$"s&o#ers %ro ) (e$+er or ) $")ry th)t ) &r"e h)s

been &o"tte$. We

$"s&o#er %ro ) boo1 o% sonnets th)t ) &r"e "((

be &o"tte$. We h)#e

to tr)&e the or"+"n o% those $re)$%'( tho'+hts th)t

$r"#e en on )t ()st

to "nte((e&t')( %)n)t"&"s )n$ "nte((e&t')( &r"e.

We ere on(y 9'st "n

t"e to *re#ent the )ss)ss"n)t"on )t H)rt(e *oo(,

)n$ th)t )s ent"re(y

$'e to the %)&t th)t o'r Mr. W"(1s ?) s)rt yo'n+

%e((o@ thoro'+h(y

'n$erstoo$ ) tr"o(et.>

58





%or)("ty o% b"+)y. 0't *h"(oso*hers $es*"se

)rr")+e )s )rr")+e.

M'r$erers res*e&t h')n ("%e- they ere(y "sh to

)tt)"n ) +re)ter

%'(ness o% h')n ("%e "n these(#es by the

s)&r"%"&e o% h)t sees to

the to be (esser ("#es. 0't *h"(oso*hers h)te ("%e

"tse(%, the"r on )s

'&h )s other *eo*(e3s.>

Sye str'&1 h"s h)n$s to+ether.

>Ho tr'e th)t "s,> he &r"e$. >I h)#e %e(t "t %ro

y boyhoo$, b't ne#er

&o'($ st)te the #erb)( )nt"thes"s. The &oon&r""n)( "s ) b)$ )n, b't

)t (e)st he "s, )s "t ere, ) &on$"t"on)( +oo$ )n.

He s)ys th)t "% on(y

) &ert)"n obst)&(e be reo#e$22s)y ) e)(thy

'n&(e22he "s then *re*)re$

to )&&e*t the 'n"#erse )n$ to *r)"se Go$. He "s )

re%orer, b't not )n

)n)r&h"st. He "shes to &(e)nse the e$"%"&e, b't

not to $estroy "t. 0't

the e#"( *h"(oso*her "s not try"n+ to )(ter th"n+s, b't to )nn"h"()te

the. Yes, the o$ern or($ h)s ret)"ne$ )(( those

*)rts o% *o("&e or1

h"&h )re re)((y o**ress"#e )n$ "+no"n"o's, the

h)rry"n+ o% the *oor,

the s*y"n+ '*on the 'n%ort'n)te. It h)s +"#en '*

"ts ore $"+n"%"e$

or1, the *'n"shent o% *oer%'( tr)"tors "n the

St)te )n$ *oer%'(

heres")r&hs "n the Ch'r&h. The o$erns s)y e 'st

not *'n"sh heret"&s.

My on(y $o'bt "s hether e h)#e ) r"+ht to *'n"sh

)nybo$y e(se.>

60



>0't th"s "s )bs'r$> &r"e$ the *o("&e)n, &()s*"n+

h"s h)n$s "th )n

e/&"teent 'n&oon "n *ersons o% h"s %"+'re )n$

&ost'e, >b't "t "s

"nto(er)b(e I $on3t 1no h)t yo'3re $o"n+, b't

yo'3re )st"n+ yo'r

("%e. Yo' 'st, yo' sh)((, 9o"n o'r s*e&")( )ry

)+)"nst )n)r&hy. The"r

)r"es )re on o'r %ront"ers. The"r bo(t "s re)$y to

%)((. A oent ore,

)n$ yo' )y (ose the +(ory o% or1"n+ "th 's,

*erh)*s the +(ory o%

$y"n+ "th the ()st heroes o% the or($.>

>It "s ) &h)n&e not to be "sse$, &ert)"n(y,>)ssente$ Sye, >b't st"((

I $o not ='"te 'n$erst)n$. I 1no )s e(( )s

)nybo$y th)t the o$ern

or($ "s %'(( o% ()(ess ("tt(e en )n$ )$ ("tt(e

o#eents. 0't,

be)st(y )s they )re, they +ener)((y h)#e the one

er"t o% $"s)+ree"n+

"th e)&h other. Ho &)n yo' t)(1 o% the"r (e)$"n+

one )ry or h'r("n+

one bo(t. Wh)t "s th"s )n)r&hy:>

>Do not &on%'se "t,> re*("e$ the &onst)b(e, >"th

those &h)n&e $yn)"te

o'tbre)1s %ro R'ss") or %ro Ire()n$, h"&h )re

re)((y the o'tbre)1s

o% o**resse$, "% "st)1en, en. Th"s "s ) #)st

*h"(oso*h"& o#eent,

&ons"st"n+ o% )n o'ter )n$ )n "nner r"n+. Yo' "+ht

e#en &)(( the o'ter

r"n+ the ()"ty )n$ the "nner r"n+ the *r"esthoo$. I

*re%er to &)(( the

o'ter r"n+ the "nno&ent se&t"on, the "nner r"n+ the

s'*ree(y +'"(ty

se&t"on. The o'ter r"n+22the )"n )ss o% the"r

s'**orters22)re ere(y

61



)n)r&h"sts- th)t "s, en ho be("e#e th)t r'(es )n$

%or'()s h)#e

$estroye$ h')n h)**"ness. They be("e#e th)t )((

the e#"( res'(ts o%

h')n &r"e )re the res'(ts o% the syste th)t h)s

&)((e$ "t &r"e. They

$o not be("e#e th)t the &r"e &re)tes the

*'n"shent. They be("e#e th)t

the *'n"shent h)s &re)te$ the &r"e. They be("e#e

th)t "% ) )n se$'&e$

se#en oen he o'($ n)t'r)((y )(1 ))y )s

b()e(ess )s the %(oers o%

s*r"n+. They be("e#e th)t "% ) )n *"&1e$ ) *o&1et

he o'($ n)t'r)((y

%ee( e/='"s"te(y +oo$. These I &)(( the "nno&entse&t"on.>

>Oh> s)"$ Sye.

>N)t'r)((y, there%ore, these *eo*(e t)(1 )bo't 3)

h)**y t"e &o"n+3-

3the *)r)$"se o% the %'t're3- 3)n1"n$ %ree$ %ro

the bon$)+e o% #"&e

)n$ the bon$)+e o% #"rt'e,3 )n$ so on. An$ so )(so

the en o% the "nner&"r&(e s*e)122the s)&re$ *r"esthoo$. They )(so

s*e)1 to )**()'$"n+

&ro$s o% the h)**"ness o% the %'t're, )n$ o%

)n1"n$ %ree$ )t ()st. 0't

"n the"r o'ths>22)n$ the *o("&e)n (oere$ h"s

#o"&e22>"n the"r

o'ths these h)**y *hr)ses h)#e ) horr"b(e e)n"n+.

They )re 'n$er no

"(('s"ons- they )re too "nte((e&t')( to th"n1 th)t

)n '*on th"s e)rth

&)n e#er be ='"te %ree o% or"+"n)( s"n )n$ the

str'++(e. An$ they e)n

$e)th. When they s)y th)t )n1"n$ sh)(( be %ree )t

()st, they e)n th)t

62



)n1"n$ sh)(( &o"t s'"&"$e. When they t)(1 o% )

*)r)$"se "tho't r"+ht

or ron+, they e)n the +r)#e.

>They h)#e b't to ob9e&ts, to $estroy %"rst

h')n"ty )n$ then

these(#es. Th)t "s hy they thro bobs "nste)$ o%

%"r"n+ *"sto(s. The

"nno&ent r)n1 )n$ %"(e )re $"s)**o"nte$ be&)'se the

bob h)s not 1"((e$

the 1"n+- b't the h"+h2*r"esthoo$ )re h)**y be&)'se

"t h)s 1"((e$

soebo$y.>

>Ho &)n I 9o"n yo':> )s1e$ Sye, "th ) sort o% *)ss"on.

>I 1no %or ) %)&t th)t there "s ) #)&)n&y )t the

oent,> s)"$ the

*o("&e)n, >)s I h)#e the hono'r to be soeh)t "n

the &on%"$en&e o%

the &h"e% o% ho I h)#e s*o1en. Yo' sho'($ re)((y

&oe )n$ see h". Or

r)ther, I sho'($ not s)y see h", nobo$y e#er sees

h"- b't yo' &)n t)(1to h" "% yo' ("1e.>

>Te(e*hone:> "n='"re$ Sye, "th "nterest.

>No,> s)"$ the *o("&e)n *()&"$(y, >he h)s ) %)n&y

%or )()ys s"tt"n+

"n ) *"t&h2$)r1 roo. He s)ys "t )1es h"s tho'+hts

br"+hter. Do &oe

)(on+.>

Soeh)t $);e$ )n$ &ons"$er)b(y e/&"te$, Sye

)((oe$ h"se(% to be (e$

to ) s"$e2$oor "n the (on+ ro o% b'"($"n+s o%

S&ot()n$ Y)r$. A(ost

63



be%ore he 1ne h)t he )s $o"n+, he h)$ been

*)sse$ thro'+h the h)n$s

o% )bo't %o'r "ntere$")te o%%"&")(s, )n$ )s

s'$$en(y shon "nto )

roo, the )br'*t b()&1ness o% h"&h st)rt(e$ h"

("1e ) b();e o% ("+ht.

It )s not the or$"n)ry $)r1ness, "n h"&h %ors

&)n be %)"nt(y tr)&e$-

"t )s ("1e +o"n+ s'$$en(y stone2b("n$.

>Are yo' the ne re&r'"t:> )s1e$ ) he)#y #o"&e.

An$ "n soe str)n+e )y, tho'+h there )s not the

sh)$o o% ) sh)*e

"n the +(oo, Sye 1ne to th"n+s8 %"rst, th)t "t&)e %ro ) )n o%

)ss"#e st)t're- )n$ se&on$, th)t the )n h)$ h"s

b)&1 to h".

>Are yo' the ne re&r'"t:> s)"$ the "n#"s"b(e

&h"e%, ho seee$ to h)#e

he)r$ )(( )bo't "t. >A(( r"+ht. Yo' )re en+)+e$.>

Sye, ='"te se*t o%% h"s %eet, )$e ) %eeb(e %"+ht

)+)"nst th"s"rre#o&)b(e *hr)se.

>I re)((y h)#e no e/*er"en&e,> he be+)n.

>No one h)s )ny e/*er"en&e,> s)"$ the other, >o%

the 0)tt(e o%

Ar)+e$$on.>

>0't I ) re)((y 'n%"t22>

>Yo' )re "(("n+, th)t "s eno'+h,> s)"$ the

'n1non.

>We((, re)((y,> s)"$ Sye, >I $on3t 1no )ny

*ro%ess"on o% h"&h ere

64



"(("n+ness "s the %"n)( test.>

>I $o,> s)"$ the other22>)rtyrs. I ) &on$en"n+

yo' to $e)th. Goo$

$)y.>

Th's "t )s th)t hen G)br"e( Sye &)e o't )+)"n

"nto the &r"son ("+ht

o% e#en"n+, "n h"s sh)bby b()&1 h)t )n$ sh)bby,

()(ess &(o)1, he &)e

o't ) eber o% the Ne Dete&t"#e Cor*s %or the

%r'str)t"on o% the +re)t

&ons*"r)&y. A&t"n+ 'n$er the )$#"&e o% h"s %r"en$

the *o("&e)n ?ho

)s *ro%ess"on)((y "n&("ne$ to ne)tness@, hetr"e$ h"s h)"r )n$ be)r$,

bo'+ht ) +oo$ h)t, &()$ h"se(% "n )n e/='"s"te

s'er s'"t o% ("+ht

b('e2+rey, "th ) *)(e ye((o %(oer "n the b'tton2

ho(e, )n$, "n short,

be&)e th)t e(e+)nt )n$ r)ther "ns'**ort)b(e *erson

ho Gre+ory h)$

%"rst en&o'ntere$ "n the ("tt(e +)r$en o% S)%%ron

P)r1. 0e%ore he

%"n)((y (e%t the *o("&e *re"ses h"s %r"en$ *ro#"$e$ h" "th ) s)((

b('e &)r$, on h"&h )s r"tten, >The L)st

Cr's)$e,> )n$ ) n'ber,

the s"+n o% h"s o%%"&")( )'thor"ty. He *'t th"s

&)re%'((y "n h"s '**er

)"st&o)t *o&1et, ("t ) &"+)rette, )n$ ent %orth

to tr)&1 )n$ %"+ht the

eney "n )(( the $r)"n+2roos o% Lon$on. Where h"s

)$#ent're '(t")te(y

(e$ h" e h)#e )(re)$y seen. At )bo't h)(%2*)st

one on ) ebr')ry n"+ht

he %o'n$ h"se(% ste)"n+ "n ) s)(( t'+ '* the

s"(ent Th)es, )re$

"th sor$st"&1 )n$ re#o(#er, the $'(y e(e&te$

Th'rs$)y o% the Centr)(

65



Co'n&"( o% An)r&h"sts.

When Sye ste**e$ o't on to the ste)2t'+ he h)$ )

s"n+'()r sens)t"on o%

ste**"n+ o't "nto soeth"n+ ent"re(y ne- not

ere(y "nto the ()n$s&)*e

o% ) ne ()n$, b't e#en "nto the ()n$s&)*e o% ) ne

*()net. Th"s )s

)"n(y $'e to the "ns)ne yet so("$ $e&"s"on o% th)t

e#en"n+, tho'+h

*)rt(y )(so to )n ent"re &h)n+e "n the e)ther )n$

the s1y s"n&e he

entere$ the ("tt(e t)#ern soe to ho'rs be%ore.

E#ery tr)&e o% the

*)ss"on)te *(')+e o% the &(o'$y s'nset h)$ beense*t ))y, )n$ ) n)1e$

oon stoo$ "n ) n)1e$ s1y. The oon )s so stron+

)n$ %'(( th)t ?by )

*)r)$o/ o%ten to be not"&e$@ "t seee$ ("1e )

e)1er s'n. It +)#e, not

the sense o% br"+ht oonsh"ne, b't r)ther o% ) $e)$

$)y("+ht.

O#er the ho(e ()n$s&)*e ()y ) ('"no's )n$

'nn)t'r)( $"s&o(or)t"on, )so% th)t $"s)stro's t"("+ht h"&h M"(ton s*o1e o%

)s she$ by the s'n "n

e&("*se- so th)t Sye %e(( e)s"(y "nto h"s %"rst

tho'+ht, th)t he )s

)&t')((y on soe other )n$ e*t"er *()net, h"&h

&"r&(e$ ro'n$ soe

s)$$er st)r. 0't the ore he %e(t th"s +("tter"n+

$eso()t"on "n the

oon("t ()n$, the ore h"s on &h"#)(r"& %o((y

+(oe$ "n the n"+ht ("1e

) +re)t %"re. E#en the &oon th"n+s he &)rr"e$

"th h"22the %oo$ )n$

the br)n$y )n$ the (o)$e$ *"sto(22too1 on e/)&t(y

th)t &on&rete )n$

66



)ter")( *oetry h"&h ) &h"($ %ee(s hen he t)1es )

+'n '*on ) 9o'rney

or ) b'n "th h" to be$. The sor$2st"&1 )n$ the

br)n$y2%()s1,

tho'+h "n these(#es on(y the too(s o% orb"$

&ons*"r)tors, be&)e the

e/*ress"ons o% h"s on ore he)(thy ro)n&e. The

sor$2st"&1

be&)e )(ost the sor$ o% &h"#)(ry, )n$ the br)n$y

the "ne o% the

st"rr'*2&'*. or e#en the ost $eh')n"se$ o$ern

%)nt)s"es $e*en$

on soe o($er )n$ s"*(er %"+'re- the )$#ent'res

)y be )$, b't the

)$#ent'rer 'st be s)ne. The $r)+on "tho't St.Geor+e o'($ not e#en

be +rotes='e. So th"s "nh')n ()n$s&)*e )s on(y

")+"n)t"#e by the

*resen&e o% ) )n re)((y h')n. To Sye3s

e/)++er)t"#e "n$ the br"+ht,

b(e)1 ho'ses )n$ terr)&es by the Th)es (oo1e$ )s

e*ty )s the o'nt)"ns

o% the oon. 0't e#en the oon "s on(y *oet"&)(

be&)'se there "s ) )n

"n the oon.

The t'+ )s or1e$ by to en, )n$ "th '&h to"(

ent &o*)r)t"#e(y

s(o(y. The &(e)r oon th)t h)$ ("t '* Ch"s"&1 h)$

+one $on by the

t"e th)t they *)sse$ 0)tterse), )n$ hen they &)e

'n$er the enoro's

b'(1 o% West"nster $)y h)$ )(re)$y be+'n to bre)1.

It bro1e ("1e the

s*("tt"n+ o% +re)t b)rs o% (e)$, sho"n+ b)rs o%

s"(#er- )n$ these h)$

br"+htene$ ("1e h"te %"re hen the t'+, &h)n+"n+

"ts on)r$ &o'rse,

t'rne$ "n)r$ to ) ()r+e ()n$"n+ st)+e r)ther

beyon$ Ch)r"n+ Cross.

67



The +re)t stones o% the Eb)n1ent seee$ e=')((y

$)r1 )n$ +"+)nt"& )s

Sye (oo1e$ '* )t the. They ere b"+ )n$ b()&1

)+)"nst the h'+e h"te

$)n. They )$e h" %ee( th)t he )s ()n$"n+ on the

&o(oss)( ste*s o%

soe E+y*t")n *)()&e- )n$, "n$ee$, the th"n+ s'"te$

h"s oo$, %or he

)s, "n h"s on "n$, o'nt"n+ to )tt)&1 the so("$

thrones o% horr"b(e

)n$ he)then 1"n+s. He (e)*t o't o% the bo)t on to

one s("y ste*, )n$

stoo$, ) $)r1 )n$ s(en$er %"+'re, )"$ the enoro's

)sonry. The to en"n the t'+ *'t her o%% )+)"n )n$ t'rne$ '* stre).

They h)$ ne#er s*o1en

) or$.

CHAPTER !. THE EAST O EAR

AT %"rst the ()r+e stone st)"r seee$ to Sye )s

$eserte$ )s ) *yr)"$- b't be%ore he re)&he$ the to* he h)$ re)("se$ th)t

there )s ) )n

(e)n"n+ o#er the *)r)*et o% the Eb)n1ent )n$

(oo1"n+ o't )&ross the

r"#er. As ) %"+'re he )s ='"te &on#ent"on)(, &()$

"n ) s"(1 h)t )n$

%ro&12&o)t o% the ore %or)( ty*e o% %)sh"on- he

h)$ ) re$ %(oer "n

h"s b'ttonho(e. As Sye $re ne)rer to h" ste* by

ste*, he $"$ not e#en

o#e ) h)"r- )n$ Sye &o'($ &oe &(ose eno'+h to

not"&e e#en "n the $",

*)(e orn"n+ ("+ht th)t h"s %)&e )s (on+, *)(e )n$

"nte((e&t')(, )n$

68





e#en )ttr)&t"#e. 0't "n )(( Sye3s &"r&'st)n&es,

"th the $)r1 $)n )n$

the $e)$(y err)n$ )n$ the (one("ness on the +re)t

$r"**"n+ stones, there

)s soeth"n+ 'nner#"n+ "n "t.

There )s the s"(ent r"#er )n$ the s"(ent )n, )

)n o% e#en &()ss"&

%)&e. An$ there )s the ()st n"+ht)re to'&h th)t

h"s s"(e s'$$en(y

ent ron+.

The s*)s o% s"(e )s "nst)nt)neo's, )n$ the )n3s

%)&e $ro**e$ )t on&e

"nto "ts h)ron"o's e()n&ho(y. He s*o1e "tho't%'rther e/*()n)t"on or

"n='"ry, ("1e ) )n s*e)1"n+ to )n o($ &o((e)+'e.

>I% e )(1 '* to)r$s Le"&ester S=')re,> he s)"$,

>e sh)(( 9'st be "n

t"e %or bre)1%)st. S'n$)y )()ys "ns"sts on )n

e)r(y bre)1%)st. H)#e

yo' h)$ )ny s(ee*:>

>No,> s)"$ Sye.

>Nor h)#e I,> )nsere$ the )n "n )n or$"n)ry tone.

>I sh)(( try to +et

to be$ )%ter bre)1%)st.>

He s*o1e "th &)s')( &"#"("ty, b't "n )n 'tter(y

$e)$ #o"&e th)t

&ontr)$"&te$ the %)n)t"&"s o% h"s %)&e. It seee$

)(ost )s "% )((

%r"en$(y or$s ere to h" ("%e(ess &on#en"en&es,

)n$ th)t h"s on(y ("%e

)s h)te. A%ter ) *)'se the )n s*o1e )+)"n.

>O% &o'rse, the Se&ret)ry o% the br)n&h to($ yo'

e#eryth"n+ th)t &)n be

70



to($. 0't the one th"n+ th)t &)n ne#er be to($ "s

the ()st not"on o% the

Pres"$ent, %or h"s not"ons +ro ("1e ) tro*"&)(

%orest. So "n &)se yo'

$on3t 1no, I3$ better te(( yo' th)t he "s &)rry"n+

o't h"s not"on

o% &on&e)("n+ o'rse(#es by not &on&e)("n+ o'rse(#es

to the ost

e/tr)or$"n)ry (en+ths 9'st no. Or"+"n)((y, o%

&o'rse, e et "n )

&e(( 'n$er+ro'n$, 9'st )s yo'r br)n&h $oes. Then

S'n$)y )$e 's t)1e )

*r"#)te roo )t )n or$"n)ry rest)'r)nt. He s)"$

th)t "% yo' $"$n3t see

to be h"$"n+ nobo$y h'nte$ yo' o't. We((, he "s theon(y )n on e)rth, I

1no- b't soet"es I re)((y th"n1 th)t h"s h'+e

br)"n "s +o"n+ ) ("tt(e

)$ "n "ts o($ )+e. or no e %()'nt o'rse(#es

be%ore the *'b("&.

We h)#e o'r bre)1%)st on ) b)(&ony22on ) b)(&ony,

"% yo'

*(e)se22o#er(oo1"n+ Le"&ester S=')re.>

>An$ h)t $o the *eo*(e s)y:> )s1e$ Sye.

>It3s ='"te s"*(e h)t they s)y,> )nsere$ h"s

+'"$e.

>They s)y e )re ) (ot o% 9o((y +ent(een ho

*reten$ they )re

)n)r&h"sts.>

>It sees to e ) #ery &(e#er "$e),> s)"$ Sye.

>C(e#er Go$ b()st yo'r "*'$en&e C(e#er> &r"e$

o't the other "n

) s'$$en, shr"(( #o"&e h"&h )s )s st)rt("n+ )n$

$"s&or$)nt )s h"s

71



&roo1e$ s"(e. >When yo'3#e seen S'n$)y %or ) s*("t

se&on$ yo'3(( (e)#e

o%% &)(("n+ h" &(e#er.>

W"th th"s they eer+e$ o't o% ) n)rro street, )n$

s) the e)r(y

s'n("+ht %"(("n+ Le"&ester S=')re. It "(( ne#er be

1non, I s'**ose,

hy th"s s=')re "tse(% sho'($ (oo1 so )("en )n$ "n

soe )ys so

&ont"nent)(. It "(( ne#er be 1non hether "t )s

the %ore"+n (oo1 th)t

)ttr)&te$ the %ore"+ners or the %ore"+ners ho +)#e

"t the %ore"+n (oo1.

0't on th"s *)rt"&'()r orn"n+ the e%%e&t seee$s"n+'()r(y br"+ht )n$

&(e)r. 0eteen the o*en s=')re )n$ the s'n("t

(e)#es )n$ the st)t'e )n$

the S)r)&en"& o't("nes o% the A(h)br), "t (oo1e$

the re*("&) o% soe

ren&h or e#en S*)n"sh *'b("& *()&e. An$ th"s

e%%e&t "n&re)se$ "n

Sye the sens)t"on, h"&h "n )ny sh)*es he h)$ h)$

thro'+h the ho(e

)$#ent're, the eer"e sens)t"on o% h)#"n+ str)ye$"nto ) ne or($. As )

%)&t, he h)$ bo'+ht b)$ &"+)rs ro'n$ Le"&ester

S=')re e#er s"n&e he )s

) boy. 0't )s he t'rne$ th)t &orner, )n$ s) the

trees )n$ the Moor"sh

&'*o()s, he &o'($ h)#e sorn th)t he )s t'rn"n+

"nto )n 'n1non P()&e

$e soeth"n+ or other "n soe %ore"+n ton.

At one &orner o% the s=')re there *ro9e&te$ ) 1"n$

o% )n+(e o% )

*ros*ero's b't ='"et hote(, the b'(1 o% h"&h

be(on+e$ to ) street

beh"n$. In the )(( there )s one ()r+e ren&h

"n$o, *rob)b(y the

72



"n$o o% ) ()r+e &o%%ee2roo- )n$ o'ts"$e th"s

"n$o, )(ost ("ter)((y

o#erh)n+"n+ the s=')re, )s ) %or"$)b(y b'ttresse$

b)(&ony, b"+ eno'+h

to &ont)"n ) $"n"n+2t)b(e. In %)&t, "t $"$ &ont)"n

) $"n"n+2t)b(e, or

ore str"&t(y ) bre)1%)st2t)b(e- )n$ ro'n$ the

bre)1%)st2t)b(e, +(o"n+

"n the s'n("+ht )n$ e#"$ent to the street, ere )

+ro'* o% no"sy )n$

t)(1)t"#e en, )(( $resse$ "n the "nso(en&e o%

%)sh"on, "th h"te

)"st&o)ts )n$ e/*ens"#e b'tton2ho(es. Soe o%

the"r 9o1es &o'($ )(ost

be he)r$ )&ross the s=')re. Then the +r)#eSe&ret)ry +)#e h"s 'nn)t'r)(

s"(e, )n$ Sye 1ne th)t th"s bo"stero's bre)1%)st

*)rty )s the se&ret

&on&()#e o% the E'ro*e)n Dyn)"ters.

Then, )s Sye &ont"n'e$ to st)re )t the, he s)

soeth"n+ th)t he h)$

not seen be%ore. He h)$ not seen "t ("ter)((y

be&)'se "t )s too ()r+e

to see. At the ne)rest en$ o% the b)(&ony, b(o&1"n+'* ) +re)t *)rt o%

the *ers*e&t"#e, )s the b)&1 o% ) +re)t o'nt)"n

o% ) )n. When Sye

h)$ seen h", h"s %"rst tho'+ht )s th)t the e"+ht

o% h" 'st bre)1

$on the b)(&ony o% stone. H"s #)stness $"$ not ("e

on(y "n the %)&t

th)t he )s )bnor)((y t)(( )n$ ='"te "n&re$"b(y

%)t. Th"s )n )s

*()nne$ enoro's(y "n h"s or"+"n)( *ro*ort"ons,

("1e ) st)t'e &)r#e$

$e("ber)te(y )s &o(oss)(. H"s he)$, &rone$ "th

h"te h)"r, )s seen

%ro beh"n$ (oo1e$ b"++er th)n ) he)$ o'+ht to be.

The e)rs th)t stoo$

73



o't %ro "t (oo1e$ ()r+er th)n h')n e)rs. He )s

en()r+e$ terr"b(y to

s&)(e- )n$ th"s sense o% s";e )s so st)++er"n+,

th)t hen Sye s)

h" )(( the other %"+'res seee$ ='"te s'$$en(y to

$"n$(e )n$ be&oe

$)r%"sh. They ere st"(( s"tt"n+ there )s be%ore

"th the"r %(oers )n$

%ro&12&o)ts, b't no "t (oo1e$ )s "% the b"+ )n

)s entert)"n"n+ %"#e

&h"($ren to te).

As Sye )n$ the +'"$e )**ro)&he$ the s"$e $oor o%

the hote(, ) )"ter

&)e o't s"("n+ "th e#ery tooth "n h"s he)$.

>The +ent(een )re '* there, s)re,> he s)"$. >They

$o t)(1 )n$ they $o

()'+h )t h)t they t)(1. They $o s)y they "((

thro bobs )t ;e 1"n+.>

An$ the )"ter h'rr"e$ ))y "th ) n)*1"n o#er h"s

)r, '&h *(e)se$

"th the s"n+'()r %r"#o("ty o% the +ent(een

'*st)"rs.

The to en o'nte$ the st)"rs "n s"(en&e.

Sye h)$ ne#er tho'+ht o% )s1"n+ hether the

onstro's )n ho )(ost

%"((e$ )n$ bro1e the b)(&ony )s the +re)t

Pres"$ent o% ho the others

stoo$ "n )e. He 1ne "t )s so, "th )n

'n)&&o'nt)b(e b't "nst)nt)neo's

&ert)"nty. Sye, "n$ee$, )s one o% those en ho

)re o*en to )(( the

ore n)e(ess *sy&ho(o+"&)( "n%('en&es "n ) $e+ree

) ("tt(e $)n+ero's

to ent)( he)(th. Utter(y $e#o"$ o% %e)r "n

*hys"&)( $)n+ers, he )s )

74



+re)t $e)( too sens"t"#e to the se(( o% s*"r"t')(

e#"(. T"&e )(re)$y

th)t n"+ht ("tt(e 'ne)n"n+ th"n+s h)$ *ee*e$ o't

)t h" )(ost

*r'r"ent(y, )n$ +"#en h" ) sense o% $r)"n+ ne)rer

)n$ ne)rer to the

he)$2=')rters o% he((. An$ th"s sense be&)e

o#er*oer"n+ )s he $re

ne)rer to the +re)t Pres"$ent.

The %or "t too1 )s ) &h"($"sh )n$ yet h)te%'(

%)n&y. As he )(1e$

)&ross the "nner roo to)r$s the b)(&ony, the

()r+e %)&e o% S'n$)y +re

()r+er )n$ ()r+er- )n$ Sye )s +r"**e$ "th ) %e)rth)t hen he )s

='"te &(ose the %)&e o'($ be too b"+ to be

*oss"b(e, )n$ th)t he o'($

s&re) )(o'$. He reebere$ th)t )s ) &h"($ he

o'($ not (oo1 )t the

)s1 o% Menon "n the 0r"t"sh M'se', be&)'se "t

)s ) %)&e, )n$ so

()r+e.

0y )n e%%ort, br)#er th)n th)t o% (e)*"n+ o#er )&("%%, he ent to )n

e*ty se)t )t the bre)1%)st2t)b(e )n$ s)t $on. The

en +reete$ h"

"th +oo$2h'o're$ r)"((ery )s "% they h)$ )()ys

1non h". He sobere$

h"se(% ) ("tt(e by (oo1"n+ )t the"r &on#ent"on)(

&o)ts )n$ so("$,

sh"n"n+ &o%%ee2*ot- then he (oo1e$ )+)"n )t S'n$)y.

H"s %)&e )s #ery

()r+e, b't "t )s st"(( *oss"b(e to h')n"ty.

In the *resen&e o% the Pres"$ent the ho(e &o*)ny

(oo1e$ s'%%"&"ent(y

&oon*()&e- noth"n+ )bo't the &)'+ht the eye )t

%"rst, e/&e*t th)t

75



by the Pres"$ent3s &)*r"&e they h)$ been $resse$ '*

"th ) %est"#e

res*e&t)b"("ty, h"&h +)#e the e)( the (oo1 o% )

e$$"n+ bre)1%)st. One

)n "n$ee$ stoo$ o't )t e#en ) s'*er%"&")( +()n&e.

He )t (e)st )s the

&oon or +)r$en Dyn)"ter. He ore, "n$ee$, the

h"+h h"te &o(()r )n$

s)t"n t"e th)t ere the 'n"%or o% the o&&)s"on-

b't o't o% th"s

&o(()r there s*r)n+ ) he)$ ='"te 'n)n)+e)b(e )n$

='"te 'n"st)1)b(e, )

be"($er"n+ b'sh o% bron h)"r )n$ be)r$ th)t

)(ost obs&'re$ the eyes

("1e those o% ) S1ye terr"er. 0't the eyes $"$ (oo1o't o% the t)n+(e,

)n$ they ere the s)$ eyes o% soe R'ss")n ser%.

The e%%e&t o% th"s

%"+'re )s not terr"b(e ("1e th)t o% the Pres"$ent,

b't "t h)$ e#ery

$")b(er"e th)t &)n &oe %ro the 'tter(y +rotes='e.

I% o't o% th)t st"%%

t"e )n$ &o(()r there h)$ &oe )br'*t(y the he)$ o%

) &)t or ) $o+, "t

&o'($ not h)#e been ) ore "$"ot"& &ontr)st.

The )n3s n)e, "t seee$, )s Go+o(- he )s )

Po(e, )n$ "n th"s &"r&(e

o% $)ys he )s &)((e$ T'es$)y. H"s so'( )n$ s*ee&h

ere "n&'r)b(y

tr)+"&- he &o'($ not %or&e h"se(% to *()y the

*ros*ero's )n$ %r"#o(o's

*)rt $e)n$e$ o% h" by Pres"$ent S'n$)y. An$,

"n$ee$, hen Sye &)e "n

the Pres"$ent, "th th)t $)r"n+ $"sre+)r$ o% *'b("&

s's*"&"on h"&h )s

h"s *o("&y, )s )&t')((y &h)%%"n+ Go+o( '*on h"s

"n)b"("ty to )ss'e

&on#ent"on)( +r)&es.

76



>O'r %r"en$ T'es$)y,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent "n ) $ee*

#o"&e )t on&e o%

='"et'$e )n$ #o('e, >o'r %r"en$ T'es$)y $oesn3t

see to +r)s* the "$e).

He $resses '* ("1e ) +ent(e)n, b't he sees to be

too +re)t ) so'( to

beh)#e ("1e one. He "ns"sts on the )ys o% the

st)+e &ons*"r)tor. No "%

) +ent(e)n +oes )bo't Lon$on "n ) to* h)t )n$ )

%ro&12&o)t, no one nee$

1no th)t he "s )n )n)r&h"st. 0't "% ) +ent(e)n

*'ts on ) to* h)t )n$

) %ro&12&o)t, )n$ then +oes )bo't on h"s h)n$s )n$

1nees22e((, he )y

)ttr)&t )ttent"on. Th)t3s h)t 0rother Go+o( $oes.He +oes )bo't on h"s

h)n$s )n$ 1nees "th s'&h "ne/h)'st"b(e $"*(o)&y,

th)t by th"s t"e he

%"n$s "t ='"te $"%%"&'(t to )(1 '*r"+ht.>

>I ) not +oo$ )t +on&e)(ent,> s)"$ Go+o( s'(1"(y,

"th ) th"&1 %ore"+n

)&&ent- >I ) not )sh)e$ o% the &)'se.>

>Yes yo' )re, y boy, )n$ so "s the &)'se o% yo',>s)"$ the Pres"$ent

+oo$2n)t're$(y. >Yo' h"$e )s '&h )s )nybo$y- b't

yo' &)n3t $o "t, yo'

see, yo'3re s'&h )n )ss Yo' try to &ob"ne to

"n&ons"stent etho$s.

When ) ho'seho($er %"n$s ) )n 'n$er h"s be$, he

"(( *rob)b(y *)'se to

note the &"r&'st)n&e. 0't "% he %"n$s ) )n 'n$er

h"s be$ "n ) to* h)t,

yo' "(( )+ree "th e, y $e)r T'es$)y, th)t he "s

not ("1e(y e#en to

%or+et "t. No hen yo' ere %o'n$ 'n$er A$"r)(

0"%%"n3s be$22>

77



>I ) not +oo$ )t $e&e*t"on,> s)"$ T'es$)y

+(oo"(y, %('sh"n+.

>R"+ht, y boy, r"+ht,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent "th )

*on$ero's he)rt"ness,

>yo' )ren3t +oo$ )t )nyth"n+.>

Wh"(e th"s stre) o% &on#ers)t"on &ont"n'e$, Sye

)s (oo1"n+ ore

ste)$"(y )t the en )ro'n$ h". As he $"$ so, he

+r)$')((y %e(t )(( h"s

sense o% soeth"n+ s*"r"t')((y ='eer ret'rn.

He h)$ tho'+ht )t %"rst th)t they ere )(( o%

&oon st)t're )n$ &ost'e, "th the e#"$ent e/&e*t"on o% the h)"ry

Go+o(. 0't )s he (oo1e$

)t the others, he be+)n to see "n e)&h o% the

e/)&t(y h)t he h)$ seen

"n the )n by the r"#er, ) $eon")& $et)"(

soehere. Th)t (o*2s"$e$

()'+h, h"&h o'($ s'$$en(y $"s%"+'re the %"ne %)&e

o% h"s or"+"n)(

+'"$e, )s ty*"&)( o% )(( these ty*es. E)&h )n h)$

soeth"n+ )bo'th", *er&e"#e$ *erh)*s )t the tenth or tent"eth

+()n&e, h"&h )s not

nor)(, )n$ h"&h seee$ h)r$(y h')n. The on(y

et)*hor he &o'($ th"n1

o% )s th"s, th)t they )(( (oo1e$ )s en o% %)sh"on

)n$ *resen&e o'($

(oo1, "th the )$$"t"on)( t"st +"#en "n ) %)(se

)n$ &'r#e$ "rror.

On(y the "n$"#"$')( e/)*(es "(( e/*ress th"s

h)(%2&on&e)(e$

e&&entr"&"ty. Sye3s or"+"n)( &"&erone bore the

t"t(e o% Mon$)y- he )s

the Se&ret)ry o% the Co'n&"(, )n$ h"s t"ste$ s"(e

)s re+)r$e$ "th

78



ore terror th)n )nyth"n+, e/&e*t the Pres"$ent3s

horr"b(e, h)**y

()'+hter. 0't no th)t Sye h)$ ore s*)&e )n$

("+ht to obser#e h",

there ere other to'&hes. H"s %"ne %)&e )s so

e)&")te$, th)t Sye

tho'+ht "t 'st be )ste$ "th soe $"se)se- yet

soeho the #ery

$"stress o% h"s $)r1 eyes $en"e$ th"s. It )s no

*hys"&)( "(( th)t

tro'b(e$ h". H"s eyes ere )("#e "th "nte((e&t')(

tort're, )s "% *'re

tho'+ht )s *)"n.

He )s ty*"&)( o% e)&h o% the tr"be- e)&h )n )ss'bt(y )n$ $"%%erent(y

ron+. Ne/t to h" s)t T'es$)y, the to's(e2he)$e$

Go+o(, ) )n ore

ob#"o's(y )$. Ne/t )s We$nes$)y, ) &ert)"n

M)r='"s $e St. E'st)&he, )

s'%%"&"ent(y &h)r)&ter"st"& %"+'re. The %"rst %e

+()n&es %o'n$ noth"n+

'n's')( )bo't h", e/&e*t th)t he )s the on(y )n

)t t)b(e ho ore

the %)sh"on)b(e &(othes )s "% they ere re)((y h"son. He h)$ ) b()&1

ren&h be)r$ &'t s=')re )n$ ) b()&1 En+("sh %ro&12

&o)t &'t e#en s=')rer.

0't Sye, sens"t"#e to s'&h th"n+s, %e(t soeho

th)t the )n &)rr"e$ )

r"&h )tos*here "th h", ) r"&h )tos*here th)t

s'%%o&)te$. It re"n$e$

one "rr)t"on)((y o% $rosy o$o'rs )n$ o% $y"n+

()*s "n the $)r1er

*oes o% 0yron )n$ Poe. W"th th"s ent ) sense o%

h"s be"n+ &()$, not

"n ("+hter &o(o'rs, b't "n so%ter )ter")(s- h"s

b()&1 seee$ r"&her

)n$ )rer th)n the b()&1 sh)$es )bo't h", )s "%

"t ere &o*o'n$e$ o%

79



*ro%o'n$ &o(o'r. H"s b()&1 &o)t (oo1e$ )s "% "t

ere on(y b()&1 by be"n+

too $ense ) *'r*(e. H"s b()&1 be)r$ (oo1e$ )s "% "t

ere on(y b()&1 by

be"n+ too $ee* ) b('e. An$ "n the +(oo )n$

th"&1ness o% the be)r$ h"s

$)r1 re$ o'th shoe$ sens')( )n$ s&orn%'(.

Wh)te#er he )s he )s not

) ren&h)n- he "+ht be ) Be- he "+ht be

soeth"n+ $ee*er yet "n

the $)r1 he)rt o% the E)st. In the br"+ht &o(o're$

Pers")n t"(es )n$

*"&t'res sho"n+ tyr)nts h'nt"n+, yo' )y see 9'st

those )(on$ eyes,

those b('e2b()&1 be)r$s, those &r'e(, &r"son ("*s.

Then &)e Sye, )n$ ne/t ) #ery o($ )n, Pro%essor

$e Wors, ho st"((

1e*t the &h)"r o% r"$)y, tho'+h e#ery $)y "t )s

e/*e&te$ th)t h"s

$e)th o'($ (e)#e "t e*ty. S)#e %or h"s "nte((e&t,

he )s "n the ()st

$"sso('t"on o% sen"(e $e&)y. H"s %)&e )s )s +rey

)s h"s (on+ +rey

be)r$, h"s %orehe)$ )s ("%te$ )n$ %"/e$ %"n)((y "n) %'rro o% "($

$es*)"r. In no other &)se, not e#en th)t o% Go+o(,

$"$ the br"$e+roo

br"((")n&y o% the orn"n+ $ress e/*ress ) ore

*)"n%'( &ontr)st. or

the re$ %(oer "n h"s b'tton2ho(e shoe$ '* )+)"nst

) %)&e th)t )s

("ter)((y $"s&o(o're$ ("1e (e)$- the ho(e h"$eo's

e%%e&t )s )s "% soe

$r'n1en $)n$"es h)$ *'t the"r &(othes '*on )

&or*se. When he rose or

s)t $on, h"&h )s "th (on+ ()bo'r )n$ *er"(,

soeth"n+ orse )s

e/*resse$ th)n ere e)1ness, soeth"n+ "n$e%"n)b(y

&onne&te$ "th the

80



horror o% the ho(e s&ene. It $"$ not e/*ress

$e&re*"t'$e ere(y, b't

&orr'*t"on. Another h)te%'( %)n&y &rosse$ Sye3s

='"#er"n+ "n$. He

&o'($ not he(* th"n1"n+ th)t hene#er the )n o#e$

) (e+ or )r "+ht

%)(( o%%.

R"+ht )t the en$ s)t the )n &)((e$ S)t'r$)y, the

s"*(est )n$ the ost

b)%%("n+ o% )((. He )s ) short, s=')re )n "th )

$)r1, s=')re %)&e

&(e)n2sh)#en, ) e$"&)( *r)&t"t"oner +o"n+ by the

n)e o% 0'((. He h)$

th)t &ob"n)t"on o% s)#o"r2%)"re "th ) sort o% e((2+rooe$ &o)rseness

h"&h "s not 'n&oon "n yo'n+ $o&tors. He &)rr"e$

h"s %"ne &(othes "th

&on%"$en&e r)ther th)n e)se, )n$ he ost(y ore )

set s"(e. There )s

noth"n+ h)te#er o$$ )bo't h", e/&e*t th)t he ore

) *)"r o% $)r1,

)(ost o*)='e s*e&t)&(es. It )y h)#e been ere(y )

&res&en$o o% ner#o's

%)n&y th)t h)$ +one be%ore, b't those b()&1 $"s&s ere $re)$%'( to Sye-

they re"n$e$ h" o% h)(%2reebere$ '+(y t)(es, o%

soe story )bo't

*enn"es be"n+ *'t on the eyes o% the $e)$. Sye3s

eye )()ys &)'+ht the

b()&1 +()sses )n$ the b("n$ +r"n. H)$ the $y"n+

Pro%essor orn the, or

e#en the *)(e Se&ret)ry, they o'($ h)#e been

)**ro*r")te. 0't on the

yo'n+er )n$ +rosser )n they seee$ on(y )n en"+).

They too1 ))y the

1ey o% the %)&e. Yo' &o'($ not te(( h)t h"s s"(e

or h"s +r)#"ty e)nt.

P)rt(y %ro th"s, )n$ *)rt(y be&)'se he h)$ )

#'(+)r #"r"("ty )nt"n+ "n

81



ost o% the others "t seee$ to Sye th)t he "+ht

be the "&1e$est o%

)(( those "&1e$ en. Sye e#en h)$ the tho'+ht

th)t h"s eyes "+ht be

&o#ere$ '* be&)'se they ere too %r"+ht%'( to see.

CHAPTER !I. THE EPOSURE

SUCH ere the s"/ en ho h)$ sorn to $estroy the

or($. A+)"n )n$

)+)"n Sye stro#e to *'(( to+ether h"s &oon sense

"n the"r *resen&e.

Soet"es he s) %or )n "nst)nt th)t these not"ons ere s'b9e&t"#e,

th)t he )s on(y (oo1"n+ )t or$"n)ry en, one o%

ho )s o($, )nother

ner#o's, )nother short2s"+hte$. The sense o% )n

'nn)t'r)( sybo("s

)()ys sett(e$ b)&1 on h" )+)"n. E)&h %"+'re

seee$ to be, soeho, on

the bor$er()n$ o% th"n+s, 9'st )s the"r theory )s

on the bor$er()n$ o%

tho'+ht. He 1ne th)t e)&h one o% these en stoo$)t the e/tree en$,

so to s*e)1, o% soe "($ ro)$ o% re)son"n+. He

&o'($ on(y %)n&y, )s

"n soe o($2or($ %)b(e, th)t "% ) )n ent

est)r$ to the en$ o% the

or($ he o'($ %"n$ soeth"n+22s)y ) tree22th)t )s

ore or (ess th)n )

tree, ) tree *ossesse$ by ) s*"r"t- )n$ th)t "% he

ent e)st to the en$

o% the or($ he o'($ %"n$ soeth"n+ e(se th)t )s

not ho((y "tse(%22)

toer, *erh)*s, o% h"&h the #ery sh)*e )s "&1e$.

So these %"+'res

seee$ to st)n$ '*, #"o(ent )n$ 'n)&&o'nt)b(e,

)+)"nst )n '(t")te

82



hor";on, #"s"ons %ro the #er+e. The en$s o% the

e)rth ere &(os"n+ "n.

T)(1 h)$ been +o"n+ on ste)$"(y )s he too1 "n the

s&ene- )n$ not the

(e)st o% the &ontr)sts o% th)t be"($er"n+

bre)1%)st2t)b(e )s the

&ontr)st beteen the e)sy )n$ 'nobtr's"#e tone o%

t)(1 )n$ "ts terr"b(e

*'r*ort. They ere $ee* "n the $"s&'ss"on o% )n

)&t')( )n$ "e$")te

*(ot. The )"ter $onst)"rs h)$ s*o1en ='"te

&orre&t(y hen he s)"$ th)t

they ere t)(1"n+ )bo't bobs )n$ 1"n+s. On(y three

$)ys )%ter)r$s theC;)r )s to eet the Pres"$ent o% the ren&h

Re*'b("& "n P)r"s, )n$ o#er

the"r b)&on )n$ e++s '*on the"r s'nny b)(&ony these

be)"n+ +ent(een

h)$ $e&"$e$ ho both sho'($ $"e. E#en the

"nstr'ent )s &hosen- the

b()&12be)r$e$ M)r='"s, "t )**e)re$, )s to &)rry

the bob.

Or$"n)r"(y s*e)1"n+, the *ro/""ty o% th"s *os"t"#e)n$ ob9e&t"#e

&r"e o'($ h)#e sobere$ Sye, )n$ &'re$ h" o% )((

h"s ere(y yst"&)(

treors. He o'($ h)#e tho'+ht o% noth"n+ b't the

nee$ o% s)#"n+ )t

(e)st to h')n bo$"es %ro be"n+ r"**e$ "n *"e&es

"th "ron )n$ ro)r"n+

+)s. 0't the tr'th )s th)t by th"s t"e he h)$

be+'n to %ee( )

th"r$ 1"n$ o% %e)r, ore *"er&"n+ )n$ *r)&t"&)(

th)n e"ther h"s or)(

re#'(s"on or h"s so&")( res*ons"b"("ty. !ery

s"*(y, he h)$ no %e)r to

s*)re %or the ren&h Pres"$ent or the C;)r- he h)$

be+'n to %e)r %or

83





to+ether hen &h"($ren. 0't he reebere$ th)t he

)s st"(( t"e$ to

Gre+ory by ) +re)t *ro"se. He h)$ *ro"se$ ne#er

to $o the #ery th"n+

th)t he no %e(t h"se(% )(ost "n the )&t o%

$o"n+. He h)$ *ro"se$ not

to 9'* o#er th)t b)(&ony )n$ s*e)1 to th)t

*o("&e)n. He too1 h"s &o($

h)n$ o%% the &o($ stone b)('str)$e. H"s so'( s)ye$

"n ) #ert"+o o%

or)( "n$e&"s"on. He h)$ on(y to sn)* the thre)$ o%

) r)sh #o )$e to

) #"(()"no's so&"ety, )n$ )(( h"s ("%e &o'($ be )s

o*en )n$ s'nny )s

the s=')re bene)th h". He h)$, on the other h)n$,on(y to 1ee* h"s

)nt"=')te$ hono'r, )n$ be $e("#ere$ "n&h by "n&h

"nto the *oer o% th"s

+re)t eney o% )n1"n$, hose #ery "nte((e&t )s )

tort're2&h)ber.

Whene#er he (oo1e$ $on "nto the s=')re he s) the

&o%ort)b(e

*o("&e)n, ) *"(()r o% &oon sense )n$ &oon

or$er. Whene#er he (oo1e$

b)&1 )t the bre)1%)st2t)b(e he s) the Pres"$entst"(( ='"et(y st'$y"n+

h" "th b"+, 'nbe)r)b(e eyes.

In )(( the torrent o% h"s tho'+ht there ere to

tho'+hts th)t ne#er

&rosse$ h"s "n$. "rst, "t ne#er o&&'rre$ to h"

to $o'bt th)t the

Pres"$ent )n$ h"s Co'n&"( &o'($ &r'sh h" "% he

&ont"n'e$ to st)n$

)(one. The *()&e "+ht be *'b("&, the *ro9e&t "+ht

see "*oss"b(e.

0't S'n$)y )s not the )n ho o'($ &)rry h"se(%

th's e)s"(y "tho't

h)#"n+, soeho or soehere, set o*en h"s "ron

tr)*. E"ther by

85



)nonyo's *o"son or s'$$en street )&&"$ent, by

hy*not"s or by %"re %ro

he((, S'n$)y &o'($ &ert)"n(y str"1e h". I% he

$e%"e$ the )n he )s

*rob)b(y $e)$, e"ther str'&1 st"%% there "n h"s

&h)"r or (on+ )%ter)r$s

)s by )n "nno&ent )"(ent. I% he &)((e$ "n the

*o("&e *ro*t(y, )rreste$

e#eryone, to($ )((, )n$ set )+)"nst the the ho(e

ener+y o% En+()n$, he

o'($ *rob)b(y es&)*e- &ert)"n(y not other"se.

They ere ) b)(&ony%'(

o% +ent(een o#er(oo1"n+ ) br"+ht )n$ b'sy s=')re-

b't he %e(t no

ore s)%e "th the th)n "% they h)$ been ) bo)t%'(o% )re$ *"r)tes

o#er(oo1"n+ )n e*ty se).

There )s ) se&on$ tho'+ht th)t ne#er &)e to h".

It ne#er o&&'rre$ to

h" to be s*"r"t')((y on o#er to the eney. M)ny

o$erns, "n're$ to

) e)1 orsh"* o% "nte((e&t )n$ %or&e, "+ht h)#e

)#ere$ "n the"r

)((e+")n&e 'n$er th"s o**ress"on o% ) +re)t *erson)("ty. They "+ht h)#e

&)((e$ S'n$)y the s'*er2)n. I% )ny s'&h &re)t're

be &on&e"#)b(e, he

(oo1e$, "n$ee$, soeh)t ("1e "t, "th h"s e)rth2

sh)1"n+ )bstr)&t"on,

)s o% ) stone st)t'e )(1"n+. He "+ht h)#e been

&)((e$ soeth"n+ )bo#e

)n, "th h"s ()r+e *()ns, h"&h ere too ob#"o's

to be $ete&te$, "th

h"s ()r+e %)&e, h"&h )s too %r)n1 to be

'n$erstoo$. 0't th"s )s )

1"n$ o% o$ern e)nness to h"&h Sye &o'($ not

s"n1 e#en "n h"s e/tree

orb"$"ty. L"1e )ny )n, he )s &o)r$ eno'+h to

%e)r +re)t %or&e- b't

86



he )s not ='"te &o)r$ eno'+h to )$"re "t.

The en ere e)t"n+ )s they t)(1e$, )n$ e#en "n

th"s they ere ty*"&)(.

Dr. 0'(( )n$ the M)r='"s )te &)s')((y )n$

&on#ent"on)((y o% the best

th"n+s on the t)b(e22&o($ *he)s)nt or Str)sbo'r+

*"e. 0't the Se&ret)ry

)s ) #e+et)r")n, )n$ he s*o1e e)rnest(y o% the

*ro9e&te$ 'r$er o#er

h)(% ) r) to)to )n$ three =')rters o% ) +()ss o%

te*"$ )ter. The o($

Pro%essor h)$ s'&h s(o*s )s s'++este$ ) s"&1en"n+

se&on$ &h"($hoo$. An$

e#en "n th"s Pres"$ent S'n$)y *reser#e$ h"s &'r"o's *re$o"n)n&e o% ere

)ss. or he )te ("1e tenty en- he )te

"n&re$"b(y, "th ) %r"+ht%'(

%reshness o% )**et"te, so th)t "t )s ("1e )t&h"n+

) s)'s)+e %)&tory.

Yet &ont"n')((y, hen he h)$ s)((oe$ ) $o;en

&r'*ets or $r'n1 ) =')rt

o% &o%%ee, he o'($ be %o'n$ "th h"s +re)t he)$ on

one s"$e st)r"n+ )t

Sye.

>I h)#e o%ten on$ere$,> s)"$ the M)r='"s, t)1"n+ )

+re)t b"te o't o% )

s("&e o% bre)$ )n$ 9), >hether "t o'($n3t be

better %or e to $o

"t "th ) 1n"%e. Most o% the best th"n+s h)#e been

bro'+ht o%% "th

) 1n"%e. An$ "t o'($ be ) ne eot"on to +et )

1n"%e "nto ) ren&h

Pres"$ent )n$ r"++(e "t ro'n$.>

>Yo' )re ron+,> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry, $r)"n+ h"s

b()&1 bros to+ether.

>The 1n"%e )s ere(y the e/*ress"on o% the o($

*erson)( =')rre( "th

87



) *erson)( tyr)nt. Dyn)"te "s not on(y o'r best

too(, b't o'r best

sybo(. It "s )s *er%e&t ) sybo( o% 's )s "s

"n&ense o% the *r)yers o%

the Chr"st")ns. It e/*)n$s- "t on(y $estroys

be&)'se "t bro)$ens- e#en

so, tho'+ht on(y $estroys be&)'se "t bro)$ens. A

)n3s br)"n "s ) bob,>

he &r"e$ o't, (oosen"n+ s'$$en(y h"s str)n+e

*)ss"on )n$ str"1"n+ h"s

on s1'(( "th #"o(en&e. >My br)"n %ee(s ("1e )

bob, n"+ht )n$ $)y. It

'st e/*)n$ It 'st e/*)n$ A )n3s br)"n 'st

e/*)n$, "% "t bre)1s '*

the 'n"#erse.>

>I $on3t )nt the 'n"#erse bro1en '* 9'st yet,>

$r)(e$ the M)r='"s.

>I )nt to $o ) (ot o% be)st(y th"n+s be%ore I $"e.

I tho'+ht o% one

yester$)y "n be$.>

>No, "% the on(y en$ o% the th"n+ "s noth"n+,> s)"$

Dr. 0'(( "th h"s

s*h"n/2("1e s"(e, >"t h)r$(y sees orth $o"n+.>

The o($ Pro%essor )s st)r"n+ )t the &e"("n+ "th

$'(( eyes.

>E#ery )n 1nos "n h"s he)rt,> he s)"$, >th)t

noth"n+ "s orth $o"n+.>

There )s ) s"n+'()r s"(en&e, )n$ then the

Se&ret)ry s)"$22

>We )re )n$er"n+, hoe#er, %ro the *o"nt. The

on(y ='est"on "s ho

We$nes$)y "s to str"1e the b(o. I t)1e "t e

sho'($ )(( )+ree "th

88





"nto %)n&y &onst)b(es, or o% the o($ e&&entr"& ho

("#e$ "n the $)r1

roo. 0't he $"$ %ee( h"se(% )s the )b)ss)$or o%

)(( these &oon )n$

1"n$(y *eo*(e "n the street, ho e#ery $)y )r&he$

"nto b)tt(e to the

's"& o% the b)rre(2or+)n. An$ th"s h"+h *r"$e "n

be"n+ h')n h)$ ("%te$

h" 'n)&&o'nt)b(y to )n "n%"n"te he"+ht )bo#e the

onstro's en )ro'n$

h". or )n "nst)nt, )t (e)st, he (oo1e$ $on '*on

)(( the"r s*r)("n+

e&&entr"&"t"es %ro the st)rry *"nn)&(e o% the

&oon*()&e. He %e(t

to)r$s the )(( th)t 'n&ons&"o's )n$ e(eent)rys'*er"or"ty th)t )

br)#e )n %ee(s o#er *oer%'( be)sts or ) "se )n

o#er *oer%'( errors.

He 1ne th)t he h)$ ne"ther the "nte((e&t')( nor

the *hys"&)( stren+th

o% Pres"$ent S'n$)y- b't "n th)t oent he "n$e$

"t no ore th)n the

%)&t th)t he h)$ not the 's&(es o% ) t"+er or )

horn on h"s nose ("1e

) rh"no&eros. A(( )s s)((oe$ '* "n )n '(t")te&ert)"nty th)t the

Pres"$ent )s ron+ )n$ th)t the b)rre(2or+)n )s

r"+ht. There &()n+e$

"n h"s "n$ th)t 'n)nser)b(e )n$ terr"b(e tr'"s

"n the son+ o%

Ro()n$22

>P)+ens ont tort et Chret"ens ont $ro"t.>

h"&h "n the o($ n)s)( ren&h h)s the &()n+ )n$

+ro)n o% +re)t "ron.

Th"s ("ber)t"on o% h"s s*"r"t %ro the (o)$ o% h"s

e)1ness ent "th )

='"te &(e)r $e&"s"on to ebr)&e $e)th. I% the

*eo*(e o% the b)rre(2or+)n

90



&o'($ 1ee* the"r o($2or($ ob("+)t"ons, so &o'($

he. Th"s #ery *r"$e "n

1ee*"n+ h"s or$ )s th)t he )s 1ee*"n+ "t to

"s&re)nts. It )s h"s

()st tr"'*h o#er these ('n)t"&s to +o $on "nto

the"r $)r1 roo )n$

$"e %or soeth"n+ th)t they &o'($ not e#en

'n$erst)n$. The b)rre(2or+)n

seee$ to +"#e the )r&h"n+ t'ne "th the ener+y

)n$ the "n+(e$ no"ses

o% ) ho(e or&hestr)- )n$ he &o'($ he)r $ee* )n$

ro(("n+, 'n$er )(( the

tr'*ets o% the *r"$e o% ("%e, the $r's o% the

*r"$e o% $e)th.

The &ons*"r)tors ere )(re)$y %"("n+ thro'+h the

o*en "n$o )n$ "nto

the roos beh"n$. Sye ent ()st, o't)r$(y &)(,

b't "th )(( h"s br)"n

)n$ bo$y throbb"n+ "th ro)nt"& rhyth. The

Pres"$ent (e$ the $on )n

"rre+'()r s"$e st)"r, s'&h )s "+ht be 'se$ by

ser#)nts, )n$ "nto ) $",

&o($, e*ty roo, "th ) t)b(e )n$ ben&hes, ("1e )n

)b)n$one$ bo)r$roo. When they ere )(( "n, he &(ose$ )n$ (o&1e$ the

$oor.

The %"rst to s*e)1 )s Go+o(, the "rre&on&"()b(e,

ho seee$ b'rst"n+

"th "n)rt"&'()te +r"e#)n&e.

>so so> he &r"e$, "th )n obs&'re e/&"teent,

h"s he)#y Po("sh

)&&ent be&o"n+ )(ost "*enetr)b(e. >Yo' ;)y yo'

no$ 3"$e. Yo' ;)y yo'

sho h"se(#es. It "s )(( n';;"n1s. !en yo' #)nt

t)(1 "*ort)n&e yo' r'n

yo'rse(#es "n ) $)r1 bo/>

91



The Pres"$ent seee$ to t)1e the %ore"+ner3s

"n&oherent s)t"re "th

ent"re +oo$ h'o'r.

>Yo' &)n3t +et ho($ o% "t yet, Go+o(,> he s)"$ "n )

%)ther(y )y. >When

on&e they h)#e he)r$ 's t)(1"n+ nonsense on th)t

b)(&ony they "(( not

&)re here e +o )%ter)r$s. I% e h)$ &oe here

%"rst, e sho'($ h)#e

h)$ the ho(e st)%% )t the 1eyho(e. Yo' $on3t see

to 1no )nyth"n+

)bo't )n1"n$.>

>I $"e %or ;e,> &r"e$ the Po(e "n th"&1e/&"teent, >)n$ I s()y ;)re

o**ressors. I &)re not %or these +)es o%

+on;e)(ent. I o'($ ;"te ;e

tyr)nt "n ;e o*en s=')re.>

>I see, I see,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent, no$$"n+ 1"n$(y

)s he se)te$ h"se(%

)t the to* o% ) (on+ t)b(e. >Yo' $"e %or )n1"n$

%"rst, )n$ then yo' +et

'* )n$ s"te the"r o**ressors. So th)t3s )(( r"+ht. An$ no )y I )s1

yo' to &ontro( yo'r be)'t"%'( sent"ents, )n$ s"t

$on "th the other

+ent(een )t th"s t)b(e. or the %"rst t"e th"s

orn"n+ soeth"n+

"nte(("+ent "s +o"n+ to be s)"$.>

Sye, "th the *ert'rbe$ *ro*t"t'$e he h)$ shon

s"n&e the or"+"n)(

s'ons, s)t $on %"rst. Go+o( s)t $on ()st,

+r'b("n+ "n h"s bron

be)r$ )bo't +obro"se. No one e/&e*t Sye seee$

to h)#e )ny not"on o%

the b(o th)t )s )bo't to %)((. As %or h", he h)$

ere(y the %ee("n+

92



o% ) )n o'nt"n+ the s&)%%o($ "th the "ntent"on,

)t )ny r)te, o%

)1"n+ ) +oo$ s*ee&h.

>Cor)$es,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent, s'$$en(y r"s"n+,

>e h)#e s*'n o't th"s

%)r&e (on+ eno'+h. I h)#e &)((e$ yo' $on here to

te(( yo' soeth"n+ so

s"*(e )n$ sho&1"n+ th)t e#en the )"ters '*st)"rs

?(on+ "n're$ to o'r

(e#"t"es@ "+ht he)r soe ne ser"o'sness "n y

#o"&e. Cor)$es, e ere

$"s&'ss"n+ *()ns )n$ n)"n+ *()&es. I *ro*ose,

be%ore s)y"n+ )nyth"n+

e(se, th)t those *()ns )n$ *()&es sho'($ not be#ote$ by th"s eet"n+,

b't sho'($ be (e%t ho((y "n the &ontro( o% soe

one re(")b(e eber. I

s'++est Cor)$e S)t'r$)y, Dr. 0'((.>

They )(( st)re$ )t h"- then they )(( st)rte$ "n

the"r se)ts, %or the

ne/t or$s, tho'+h not (o'$, h)$ ) ("#"n+ )n$

sens)t"on)( e*h)s"s.

S'n$)y str'&1 the t)b(e.

>Not one or$ ore )bo't the *()ns )n$ *()&es 'st

be s)"$ )t th"s

eet"n+. Not one t"ny $et)"( ore )bo't h)t e

e)n to $o 'st be

ent"one$ "n th"s &o*)ny.>

S'n$)y h)$ s*ent h"s ("%e "n )ston"sh"n+ h"s

%o((oers- b't "t seee$

)s "% he h)$ ne#er re)((y )ston"she$ the 'nt"(

no. They )(( o#e$

%e#er"sh(y "n the"r se)ts, e/&e*t Sye. He s)t

st"%% "n h"s, "th h"s

h)n$ "n h"s *o&1et, )n$ on the h)n$(e o% h"s (o)$e$

re#o(#er. When the

93





three en s*r)n+ )t h"s thro)t. E#en the Pro%essor

)$e )n e%%ort

to r"se. 0't Sye s) ("tt(e o% the s&ene, %or he

)s b("n$e$ "th )

bene%"&ent $)r1ness- he h)$ s'n1 $on "nto h"s se)t

sh'$$er"n+, "n )

*)(sy o% *)ss"on)te re("e%.

CHAPTER !II. THE UNACCOUNTA0LE CONDUCT O PROESSOR

DE WORMS

>SIT $on> s)"$ S'n$)y "n ) #o"&e th)t he 'se$

on&e or t"&e "n h"s("%e, ) #o"&e th)t )$e en $ro* $r)n sor$s.

The three ho h)$ r"sen %e(( ))y %ro Go+o(, )n$

th)t e='"#o&)( *erson

h"se(% res'e$ h"s se)t.

>We((, y )n,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent br"s1(y,

)$$ress"n+ h" )s one

)$$resses ) tot)( str)n+er, >"(( yo' ob("+e e by

*'tt"n+ yo'r h)n$ "nyo'r '**er )"st&o)t *o&1et )n$ sho"n+ e h)t yo'

h)#e there:>

The )((e+e$ Po(e )s ) ("tt(e *)(e 'n$er h"s t)n+(e

o% $)r1 h)"r, b't he

*'t to %"n+ers "nto the *o&1et "th )**)rent

&oo(ness )n$ *'((e$ o't

) b('e str"* o% &)r$. When Sye s) "t (y"n+ on the

t)b(e, he o1e '*

)+)"n to the or($ o'ts"$e h". or )(tho'+h the

&)r$ ()y )t the other

e/tree o% the t)b(e, )n$ he &o'($ re)$ noth"n+ o%

the "ns&r"*t"on on

"t, "t bore ) st)rt("n+ reseb()n&e to the b('e

&)r$ "n h"s on *o&1et,

95



the &)r$ h"&h h)$ been +"#en to h" hen he 9o"ne$

the )nt"2)n)r&h"st

&onst)b'()ry.

>P)thet"& S()#,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent, >tr)+"& &h"($

o% Po()n$, )re yo'

*re*)re$ "n the *resen&e o% th)t &)r$ to $eny th)t

yo' )re "n th"s

&o*)ny22sh)(( e s)y $e tro*:>

>R"+ht oh> s)"$ the ()te Go+o(. It )$e e#eryone

9'* to he)r ) &(e)r,

&oer&")( )n$ soeh)t &o&1ney #o"&e &o"n+ o't o%

th)t %orest o%

%ore"+n h)"r. It )s "rr)t"on)(, )s "% ) Ch"n))nh)$ s'$$en(y s*o1en

"th ) S&ot&h )&&ent.

>I +)ther th)t yo' %'((y 'n$erst)n$ yo'r *os"t"on,>

s)"$ S'n$)y.

>Yo' bet,> )nsere$ the Po(e. >I see "t3s ) %)"r

&o*. A(( I s)y "s, I

$on3t be("e#e )ny Po(e &o'($ h)#e ""t)te$ y

)&&ent ("1e I $"$ h"s.>

>I &on&e$e the *o"nt,> s)"$ S'n$)y. >I be("e#e yo'r

on )&&ent to be

"n""t)b(e, tho'+h I sh)(( *r)&t"se "t "n y b)th.

Do yo' "n$ (e)#"n+

yo'r be)r$ "th yo'r &)r$:>

>Not ) b"t,> )nsere$ Go+o(- )n$ "th one %"n+er he

r"**e$ o%% the ho(e

o% h"s sh)++y he)$2&o#er"n+, eer+"n+ "th th"n re$

h)"r )n$ ) *)(e,

*ert %)&e. >It )s hot,> he )$$e$.

>I "(( $o yo' the 9'st"&e to s)y,> s)"$ S'n$)y,

not "tho't ) sort o%

96



br't)( )$"r)t"on, >th)t yo' see to h)#e 1e*t

*retty &oo( 'n$er "t. No

("sten to e. I ("1e yo'. The &onse='en&e "s th)t

"t o'($ )nnoy e

%or 9'st )bo't to )n$ ) h)(% "n'tes "% I he)r$

th)t yo' h)$ $"e$ "n

torents. We((, "% yo' e#er te(( the *o("&e or )ny

h')n so'( )bo't

's, I sh)(( h)#e th)t to )n$ ) h)(% "n'tes o%

$"s&o%ort. On yo'r

$"s&o%ort I "(( not $e((. Goo$ $)y. M"n$ the

ste*.>

The re$2h)"re$ $ete&t"#e ho h)$ )s='er)$e$ )s

Go+o( rose to h"s%eet "tho't ) or$, )n$ )(1e$ o't o% the roo

"th )n )"r o% *er%e&t

non&h)()n&e. Yet the )ston"she$ Sye )s )b(e to

re)("se th)t th"s e)se

)s s'$$en(y )ss'e$- %or there )s ) s("+ht

st'b(e o'ts"$e the $oor,

h"&h shoe$ th)t the $e*)rt"n+ $ete&t"#e h)$ not

"n$e$ the ste*.

>T"e "s %(y"n+,> s)"$ the Pres"$ent "n h"s +)yest )nner, )%ter

+()n&"n+ )t h"s )t&h, h"&h ("1e e#eryth"n+ )bo't

h" seee$ b"++er

th)n "t o'+ht to be. >I 'st +o o%% )t on&e- I h)#e

to t)1e the &h)"r )t

) H')n"t)r")n eet"n+.>

The Se&ret)ry t'rne$ to h" "th or1"n+ eyebros.

>Wo'($ "t not be better,> he s)"$ ) ("tt(e sh)r*(y,

>to $"s&'ss %'rther

the $et)"(s o% o'r *ro9e&t, no th)t the s*y h)s

(e%t 's:>

97





An$ "th these or$s he sho'($ere$ h"s )y o't o%

the roo, sh)1"n+ "th

"n&o*rehens"b(e s&orn.

o'r o% the en (e%t beh"n$ +)*e$ )%ter h" "tho't

)ny )**)rent

+("er"n+ o% h"s e)n"n+. Sye )(one h)$ e#en )

+("er"n+, )n$ s'&h

)s "t )s "t %ro;e h" to the bone. I% the ()st

or$s o% the Pres"$ent

e)nt )nyth"n+, they e)nt th)t he h)$ not )%ter

)(( *)sse$ 'ns's*e&te$.

They e)nt th)t h"(e S'n$)y &o'($ not $eno'n&e h"

("1e Go+o(, he st"((

&o'($ not tr'st h" ("1e the others.

The other %o'r +ot to the"r %eet +r'b("n+ ore or

(ess, )n$ betoo1

these(#es e(sehere to %"n$ ('n&h, %or "t )s

)(re)$y e(( *)st "$$)y.

The Pro%essor ent ()st, #ery s(o(y )n$ *)"n%'((y.

Sye s)t (on+ )%ter

the rest h)$ +one, re#o(#"n+ h"s str)n+e *os"t"on.

He h)$ es&)*e$ )

th'n$erbo(t, b't he )s st"(( 'n$er ) &(o'$. At()st he rose )n$ )$e

h"s )y o't o% the hote( "nto Le"&ester S=')re. The

br"+ht, &o($ $)y h)$

+ron "n&re)s"n+(y &o($er, )n$ hen he &)e o't

"nto the street he

)s s'r*r"se$ by ) %e %()1es o% sno. Wh"(e he

st"(( &)rr"e$ the

sor$2st"&1 )n$ the rest o% Gre+ory3s *ort)b(e

('++)+e, he h)$ thron

the &(o)1 $on )n$ (e%t "t soehere, *erh)*s on

the ste)2t'+, *erh)*s

on the b)(&ony. Ho*"n+, there%ore, th)t the sno2

shoer "+ht be s("+ht,

he ste**e$ b)&1 o't o% the street %or ) oent )n$

stoo$ '* 'n$er the

99



$oor)y o% ) s)(( )n$ +re)sy h)"r2$resser3s sho*,

the %ront "n$o o%

h"&h )s e*ty, e/&e*t %or ) s"&1(y )/ ()$y "n

e#en"n+ $ress.

Sno, hoe#er, be+)n to th"&1en )n$ %)(( %)st- )n$

Sye, h)#"n+ %o'n$

one +()n&e )t the )/ ()$y ='"te s'%%"&"ent to

$e*ress h"s s*"r"ts,

st)re$ o't "nste)$ "nto the h"te )n$ e*ty street.

He )s &ons"$er)b(y

)ston"she$ to see, st)n$"n+ ='"te st"(( o'ts"$e the

sho* )n$ st)r"n+

"nto the "n$o, ) )n. H"s to* h)t )s (o)$e$ "th

sno ("1e the h)t o%)ther Chr"st)s, the h"te $r"%t )s r"s"n+ ro'n$

h"s boots )n$ )n1(es-

b't "t seee$ )s "% noth"n+ &o'($ te)r h" ))y

%ro the &onte*()t"on

o% the &o(o'r(ess )/ $o(( "n $"rty e#en"n+ $ress.

Th)t )ny h')n be"n+

sho'($ st)n$ "n s'&h e)ther (oo1"n+ "nto s'&h )

sho* )s ) )tter o%

s'%%"&"ent on$er to Sye- b't h"s "$(e on$er

t'rne$ s'$$en(y "nto) *erson)( sho&1- %or he re)("se$ th)t the )n

st)n$"n+ there )s the

*)r)(yt"& o($ Pro%essor $e Wors. It s&)r&e(y

seee$ the *()&e %or )

*erson o% h"s ye)rs )n$ "n%"r"t"es.

Sye )s re)$y to be("e#e )nyth"n+ )bo't the

*er#ers"ons o% th"s

$eh')n";e$ brotherhoo$- b't e#en he &o'($ not

be("e#e th)t the

Pro%essor h)$ %)((en "n (o#e "th th)t *)rt"&'()r

)/ ()$y. He &o'($

on(y s'**ose th)t the )n3s )()$y ?h)te#er "t

)s@ "n#o(#e$ soe

100



oent)ry %"ts o% r"+"$"ty or tr)n&e. He )s not

"n&("ne$, hoe#er, to

%ee( "n th"s &)se )ny #ery &o*)ss"on)te &on&ern.

On the &ontr)ry,

he r)ther &on+r)t'()te$ h"se(% th)t the

Pro%essor3s stro1e )n$ h"s

e()bor)te )n$ ("*"n+ )(1 o'($ )1e "t e)sy to

es&)*e %ro h" )n$

(e)#e h" "(es beh"n$. or Sye th"rste$ %"rst )n$

()st to +et &(e)r

o% the ho(e *o"sono's )tos*here, "% on(y %or )n

ho'r. Then he &o'($

&o((e&t h"s tho'+hts, %or'()te h"s *o("&y, )n$

$e&"$e %"n)((y hether

he sho'($ or sho'($ not 1ee* %)"th "th Gre+ory.

He stro((e$ ))y thro'+h the $)n&"n+ sno, t'rne$

'* to or three

streets, $on thro'+h to or three others, )n$

entere$ ) s)(( Soho

rest)'r)nt %or ('n&h. He *)rtoo1 re%(e&t"#e(y o%

%o'r s)(( )n$ =')"nt

&o'rses, $r)n1 h)(% ) bott(e o% re$ "ne, )n$ en$e$

'* o#er b()&1 &o%%ee

)n$ ) b()&1 &"+)r, st"(( th"n1"n+. He h)$ t)1en h"sse)t "n the '**er

roo o% the rest)'r)nt, h"&h )s %'(( o% the &h"n1

o% 1n"#es )n$ the

&h)tter o% %ore"+ners. He reebere$ th)t "n o($

$)ys he h)$ ")+"ne$

th)t )(( these h)r(ess )n$ 1"n$(y )("ens ere

)n)r&h"sts. He sh'$$ere$,

reeber"n+ the re)( th"n+. 0't e#en the sh'$$er

h)$ the $e("+ht%'(

sh)e o% es&)*e. The "ne, the &oon %oo$, the

%)"(")r *()&e, the

%)&es o% n)t'r)( )n$ t)(1)t"#e en, )$e h" )(ost

%ee( )s "% the

Co'n&"( o% the Se#en D)ys h)$ been ) b)$ $re)- )n$

)(tho'+h he 1ne "t

101



)s ne#erthe(ess )n ob9e&t"#e re)("ty, "t )s )t

(e)st ) $"st)nt one.

T)(( ho'ses )n$ *o*'(o's streets ()y beteen h"

)n$ h"s ()st s"+ht o%

the sh)e%'( se#en- he )s %ree "n %ree Lon$on, )n$

$r"n1"n+ "ne )on+

the %ree. W"th ) soeh)t e)s"er )&t"on, he too1

h"s h)t )n$ st"&1 )n$

stro((e$ $on the st)"r "nto the sho* be(o.

When he entere$ th)t (oer roo he stoo$ str"&1en

)n$ roote$ to the

s*ot. At ) s)(( t)b(e, &(ose '* to the b()n1

"n$o )n$ the h"te

street o% sno, s)t the o($ )n)r&h"st Pro%essoro#er ) +()ss o% "(1,

"th h"s ("%te$ ("#"$ %)&e )n$ *en$ent eye("$s. or

)n "nst)nt Sye

stoo$ )s r"+"$ )s the st"&1 he (e)nt '*on. Then

"th ) +est're )s o%

b("n$ h'rry, he br'she$ *)st the Pro%essor, $)sh"n+

o*en the $oor )n$

s()"n+ "t beh"n$ h", )n$ stoo$ o'ts"$e "n the

sno.

>C)n th)t o($ &or*se be %o((o"n+ e:> he )s1e$

h"se(%, b"t"n+ h"s

ye((o o'st)&he. >I sto**e$ too (on+ '* "n th)t

roo, so th)t e#en

s'&h (e)$en %eet &o'($ &)t&h e '*. One &o%ort "s,

"th ) ("tt(e br"s1

)(1"n+ I &)n *'t ) )n ("1e th)t )s %)r ))y )s

T"b'&too. Or ) I too

%)n&"%'(: W)s he re)((y %o((o"n+ e: S're(y S'n$)y

o'($ not be s'&h )

%oo( )s to sen$ ) ()e )n:>

He set o%% )t ) s)rt *)&e, t"st"n+ )n$ h"r("n+

h"s st"&1, "n the

102



$"re&t"on o% Co#ent G)r$en. As he &rosse$ the +re)t

)r1et the sno

"n&re)se$, +ro"n+ b("n$"n+ )n$ be"($er"n+ )s the

)%ternoon be+)n

to $)r1en. The sno2%()1es torente$ h" ("1e )

s)r o% s"(#er bees.

Gett"n+ "nto h"s eyes )n$ be)r$, they )$$e$ the"r

'nre"tt"n+ %'t"("ty

to h"s )(re)$y "rr"t)te$ ner#es- )n$ by the t"e

th)t he h)$ &oe )t )

s"n+"n+ *)&e to the be+"nn"n+ o% (eet Street, he

(ost *)t"en&e, )n$

%"n$"n+ ) S'n$)y te)sho*, t'rne$ "nto "t to t)1e

she(ter. He or$ere$

)nother &'* o% b()&1 &o%%ee )s )n e/&'se. S&)r&e(yh)$ he $one so,

hen Pro%essor $e Wors hobb(e$ he)#"(y "nto the

sho*, s)t $on "th

$"%%"&'(ty )n$ or$ere$ ) +()ss o% "(1.

Sye3s )(1"n+2st"&1 h)$ %)((en %ro h"s h)n$ "th

) +re)t &()n+, h"&h

&on%esse$ the &on&e)(e$ stee(. 0't the Pro%essor

$"$ not (oo1 ro'n$.

Sye, ho )s &oon(y ) &oo( &h)r)&ter, )s("ter)((y +)*"n+ )s )

r'st"& +)*es )t ) &on9'r"n+ tr"&1. He h)$ seen no

&)b %o((o"n+- he h)$

he)r$ no hee(s o'ts"$e the sho*- to )(( ort)(

)**e)r)n&es the )n h)$

&oe on %oot. 0't the o($ )n &o'($ on(y )(1 ("1e

) sn)"(, )n$ Sye h)$

)(1e$ ("1e the "n$. He st)rte$ '* )n$ sn)t&he$

h"s st"&1, h)(% &r);y

"th the &ontr)$"&t"on "n ere )r"thet"&, )n$

s'n+ o't o% the s"n+"n+

$oors, (e)#"n+ h"s &o%%ee 'nt)ste$. An on"b's

+o"n+ to the 0)n1 ent

r)tt("n+ by "th )n 'n's')( r)*"$"ty. He h)$ )

#"o(ent r'n o% )

103



h'n$re$ y)r$s to re)&h "t- b't he )n)+e$ to

s*r"n+, s)y"n+ '*on the

s*()sh2bo)r$ )n$, *)'s"n+ %or )n "nst)nt to *)nt,

he &("be$ on to the

to*. When he h)$ been se)te$ %or )bo't h)(% )

"n'te, he he)r$ beh"n$

h" ) sort o% he)#y )n$ )sth)t"& bre)th"n+.

T'rn"n+ sh)r*(y, he s) r"s"n+ +r)$')((y h"+her )n$

h"+her '* the

on"b's ste*s ) to* h)t so"(e$ )n$ $r"**"n+ "th

sno, )n$ 'n$er

the sh)$o o% "ts br" the short2s"+hte$ %)&e )n$

sh)1y sho'($ers o%

Pro%essor $e Wors. He (et h"se(% "nto ) se)t "th&h)r)&ter"st"& &)re,

)n$ r)**e$ h"se(% '* to the &h"n "n the

)&1"ntosh r'+.

E#ery o#eent o% the o($ )n3s totter"n+ %"+'re

)n$ #)+'e h)n$s, e#ery

'n&ert)"n +est're )n$ *)n"&2str"&1en *)'se, seee$

to *'t "t beyon$

='est"on th)t he )s he(*(ess, th)t he )s "n the

()st "be&"("ty o%the bo$y. He o#e$ by "n&hes, he (et h"se(% $on

"th ("tt(e +)s*s

o% &)'t"on. An$ yet, 'n(ess the *h"(oso*h"&)(

ent"t"es &)((e$ t"e )n$

s*)&e h)#e no #est"+e e#en o% ) *r)&t"&)(

e/"sten&e, "t )**e)re$ ='"te

'n='est"on)b(e th)t he h)$ r'n )%ter the on"b's.

Sye s*r)n+ ere&t '*on the ro&1"n+ &)r, )n$ )%ter

st)r"n+ "($(y )t the

"ntry s1y, th)t +re +(oo"er e#ery oent, he r)n

$on the ste*s. He

h)$ re*resse$ )n e(eent)( "*'(se to (e)* o#er the

s"$e.

104



Too be"($ere$ to (oo1 b)&1 or to re)son, he r'she$

"nto one o% the

("tt(e &o'rts )t the s"$e o% (eet Street )s )

r)bb"t r'shes "nto )

ho(e. He h)$ ) #)+'e "$e), "% th"s "n&o*rehens"b(e

o($ B)&12"n2the2bo/

)s re)((y *'rs'"n+ h", th)t "n th)t ()byr"nth o%

("tt(e streets he

&o'($ soon thro h" o%% the s&ent. He $"#e$ "n )n$

o't o% those &roo1e$

()nes, h"&h ere ore ("1e &r)&1s th)n

thoro'+h%)res- )n$ by the t"e

th)t he h)$ &o*(ete$ )bo't tenty )(tern)te )n+(es

)n$ $es&r"be$ )n

'nth"n1)b(e *o(y+on, he *)'se$ to ("sten %or )nyso'n$ o% *'rs'"t. There

)s none- there &o'($ not "n )ny &)se h)#e been

'&h, %or the ("tt(e

streets ere th"&1 "th the so'n$(ess sno.

Soehere beh"n$ Re$ L"on

Co'rt, hoe#er, he not"&e$ ) *()&e here soe

ener+et"& &"t";en h)$

&(e)re$ ))y the sno %or ) s*)&e o% )bo't tenty

y)r$s, (e)#"n+ the

et, +("sten"n+ &obb(e2stones. He tho'+ht ("tt(e o%th"s )s he *)sse$

"t, on(y *('n+"n+ "nto yet )nother )r o% the );e.

0't hen ) %e

h'n$re$ y)r$s %)rther on he stoo$ st"(( )+)"n to

("sten, h"s he)rt stoo$

st"(( )(so, %or he he)r$ %ro th)t s*)&e o% r'++e$

stones the &("n1"n+

&r't&h )n$ ()bo'r"n+ %eet o% the "n%ern)( &r"**(e.

The s1y )bo#e )s (o)$e$ "th the &(o'$s o% sno,

(e)#"n+ Lon$on "n )

$)r1ness )n$ o**ress"on *re)t're %or th)t ho'r o%

the e#en"n+. On e)&h

s"$e o% Sye the )((s o% the )((ey ere b("n$ )n$

%e)t're(ess- there

105



)s no ("tt(e "n$o or )ny 1"n$ o% e#e. He %e(t )

ne "*'(se to bre)1

o't o% th"s h"#e o% ho'ses, )n$ to +et on&e ore

"nto the o*en )n$

()*2("t street. Yet he r)b(e$ )n$ $o$+e$ %or )

(on+ t"e be%ore he

str'&1 the )"n thoro'+h%)re. When he $"$ so, he

str'&1 "t '&h %)rther

'* th)n he h)$ %)n&"e$. He &)e o't "nto h)t

seee$ the #)st )n$ #o"$

o% L'$+)te C"r&'s, )n$ s) St. P)'(3s C)the$r)(

s"tt"n+ "n the s1y.

At %"rst he )s st)rt(e$ to %"n$ these +re)t ro)$s

so e*ty, )s "% ) *est"(en&e h)$ se*t thro'+h the &"ty. Then he to($

h"se(% th)t soe

$e+ree o% e*t"ness )s n)t'r)(- %"rst be&)'se the

sno2stor )s e#en

$)n+ero's(y $ee*, )n$ se&on$(y be&)'se "t )s

S'n$)y. An$ )t the #ery

or$ S'n$)y he b"t h"s ("*- the or$ )s hen&e%orth

%or h"re ("1e soe

"n$e&ent *'n. Un$er the h"te %o+ o% sno h"+h '*

"n the he)#en the ho(e )tos*here o% the &"ty )s t'rne$ to ) #ery

='eer 1"n$ o% +reen

t"("+ht, )s o% en 'n$er the se). The se)(e$ )n$

s'((en s'nset

beh"n$ the $)r1 $oe o% St. P)'(3s h)$ "n "t so1y

)n$ s"n"ster

&o(o'rs22&o(o'rs o% s"&1(y +reen, $e)$ re$ or

$e&)y"n+ bron;e, th)t ere

9'st br"+ht eno'+h to e*h)s"se the so("$ h"teness

o% the sno.

0't r"+ht '* )+)"nst these $re)ry &o(o'rs rose the

b()&1 b'(1 o% the

&)the$r)(- )n$ '*on the to* o% the &)the$r)( )s )

r)n$o s*()sh )n$

106



+re)t st)"n o% sno, st"(( &("n+"n+ )s to )n A(*"ne

*e)1. It h)$ %)((en

)&&"$ent)((y, b't 9'st so %)((en )s to h)(% $r)*e

the $oe %ro "ts #ery

to*ost *o"nt, )n$ to *"&1 o't "n *er%e&t s"(#er

the +re)t orb )n$ the

&ross. When Sye s) "t he s'$$en(y str)"+htene$

h"se(%, )n$ )$e "th

h"s sor$2st"&1 )n "n#o('nt)ry s)('te.

He 1ne th)t th)t e#"( %"+'re, h"s sh)$o, )s

&ree*"n+ ='"&1(y or

s(o(y beh"n$ h", )n$ he $"$ not &)re.

It seee$ ) sybo( o% h')n %)"th )n$ #)(o'r th)t h"(e the s1"es ere

$)r1en"n+ th)t h"+h *()&e o% the e)rth )s br"+ht.

The $e#"(s "+ht h)#e

&)*t're$ he)#en, b't they h)$ not yet &)*t're$ the

&ross. He h)$ ) ne

"*'(se to te)r o't the se&ret o% th"s $)n&"n+,

9'*"n+ )n$ *'rs'"n+

*)r)(yt"&- )n$ )t the entr)n&e o% the &o'rt )s "t

o*ene$ '*on the C"r&'s

he t'rne$, st"&1 "n h)n$, to %)&e h"s *'rs'er.

Pro%essor $e Wors &)e s(o(y ro'n$ the &orner o%

the "rre+'()r )((ey

beh"n$ h", h"s 'nn)t'r)( %or o't("ne$ )+)"nst )

(one(y +)s2()*,

"rres"st"b(y re&)(("n+ th)t #ery ")+"n)t"#e %"+'re

"n the n'rsery

rhyes, >the &roo1e$ )n ho ent ) &roo1e$ "(e.>

He re)((y (oo1e$ )s

"% he h)$ been t"ste$ o't o% sh)*e by the tort'o's

streets he h)$

been thre)$"n+. He &)e ne)rer )n$ ne)rer, the

()*("+ht sh"n"n+ on h"s

("%te$ s*e&t)&(es, h"s ("%te$, *)t"ent %)&e. Sye

)"te$ %or h" )s St.

107



Geor+e )"te$ %or the $r)+on, )s ) )n )"ts %or )

%"n)( e/*()n)t"on

or %or $e)th. An$ the o($ Pro%essor &)e r"+ht '*

to h" )n$ *)sse$ h"

("1e ) tot)( str)n+er, "tho't e#en ) b("n1 o% h"s

o'rn%'( eye("$s.

There )s soeth"n+ "n th"s s"(ent )n$ 'ne/*e&te$

"nno&en&e th)t (e%t

Sye "n ) %"n)( %'ry. The )n3s &o(o'r(ess %)&e )n$

)nner seee$

to )ssert th)t the ho(e %o((o"n+ h)$ been )n

)&&"$ent. Sye )s

+)(#)n"se$ "th )n ener+y th)t )s soeth"n+

beteen b"tterness )n$ ) b'rst o% boy"sh $er"s"on. He )$e ) "($ +est're )s

"% to 1no&1 the o($

)n3s h)t o%%, &)((e$ o't soeth"n+ ("1e >C)t&h e

"% yo' &)n,> )n$ ent

r)&"n+ ))y )&ross the h"te, o*en C"r&'s.

Con&e)(ent )s "*oss"b(e

no- )n$ (oo1"n+ b)&1 o#er h"s sho'($er, he &o'($

see the b()&1 %"+'re

o% the o($ +ent(e)n &o"n+ )%ter h" "th (on+,

s"n+"n+ str"$es ("1e ) )n "nn"n+ ) "(e r)&e. 0't the he)$ '*on th)t

bo'n$"n+ bo$y )s st"((

*)(e, +r)#e )n$ *ro%ess"on)(, ("1e the he)$ o% )

(e&t'rer '*on the bo$y

o% ) h)r(e='"n.

Th"s o'tr)+eo's &h)se s*e$ )&ross L'$+)te C"r&'s,

'* L'$+)te H"((,

ro'n$ St. P)'(3s C)the$r)(, )(on+ Che)*s"$e, Sye

reeber"n+ )(( the

n"+ht)res he h)$ e#er 1non. Then Sye bro1e ))y

to)r$s the r"#er,

)n$ en$e$ )(ost $on by the $o&1s. He s) the

ye((o *)nes o% ) (o,

108



("+hte$ *'b("&2ho'se, %('n+ h"se(% "nto "t )n$

or$ere$ beer. It )s )

%o'( t)#ern, s*r"n1(e$ "th %ore"+n s)"(ors, )

*()&e here o*"' "+ht

be so1e$ or 1n"#es $r)n.

A oent ()ter Pro%essor $e Wors entere$ the

*()&e, s)t $on &)re%'((y,

)n$ )s1e$ %or ) +()ss o% "(1.

CHAPTER !III. THE PROESSOR EPLAINS

WHEN G)br"e( Sye %o'n$ h"se(% %"n)((y est)b("she$"n ) &h)"r, )n$

o**os"te to h", %"/e$ )n$ %"n)( )(so, the ("%te$

eyebros )n$

(e)$en eye("$s o% the Pro%essor, h"s %e)rs %'((y

ret'rne$. Th"s

"n&o*rehens"b(e )n %ro the %"er&e &o'n&"(, )%ter

)((, h)$ &ert)"n(y

*'rs'e$ h". I% the )n h)$ one &h)r)&ter )s )

*)r)(yt"& )n$ )nother

&h)r)&ter )s ) *'rs'er, the )nt"thes"s "+ht )1eh" ore "nterest"n+,

b't s&)r&e(y ore sooth"n+. It o'($ be ) #ery

s)(( &o%ort th)t

he &o'($ not %"n$ the Pro%essor o't, "% by soe

ser"o's )&&"$ent the

Pro%essor sho'($ %"n$ h" o't. He e*t"e$ ) ho(e

*eter *ot o% )(e

be%ore the *ro%essor h)$ to'&he$ h"s "(1.

One *oss"b"("ty, hoe#er, 1e*t h" ho*e%'( )n$ yet

he(*(ess. It )s 9'st

*oss"b(e th)t th"s es&)*)$e s"+n"%"e$ soeth"n+

other th)n e#en ) s("+ht

s's*"&"on o% h". Perh)*s "t )s soe re+'()r %or

or s"+n. Perh)*s the

109



%oo("sh s&)*er )s soe sort o% %r"en$(y s"+n)(

th)t he o'+ht to h)#e

'n$erstoo$. Perh)*s "t )s ) r"t')(. Perh)*s the

ne Th'rs$)y )s )()ys

&h)se$ )(on+ Che)*s"$e, )s the ne Lor$ M)yor "s

)()ys es&orte$ )(on+

"t. He )s 9'st se(e&t"n+ ) tent)t"#e "n='"ry, hen

the o($ Pro%essor

o**os"te s'$$en(y )n$ s"*(y &'t h" short. 0e%ore

Sye &o'($ )s1 the

%"rst $"*(o)t"& ='est"on, the o($ )n)r&h"st h)$

)s1e$ s'$$en(y, "tho't

)ny sort o% *re*)r)t"on22

>Are yo' ) *o("&e)n:>

Wh)te#er e(se Sye h)$ e/*e&te$, he h)$ ne#er

e/*e&te$ )nyth"n+ so

br't)( )n$ )&t')( )s th"s. E#en h"s +re)t *resen&e

o% "n$ &o'($ on(y

)n)+e ) re*(y "th )n )"r o% r)ther b('n$er"n+

9o&'()r"ty.

>A *o("&e)n:> he s)"$, ()'+h"n+ #)+'e(y. >Wh)te#er

)$e yo' th"n1 o% ) *o("&e)n "n &onne&t"on "th e:>

>The *ro&ess )s s"*(e eno'+h,> )nsere$ the

Pro%essor *)t"ent(y. >I

tho'+ht yo' (oo1e$ ("1e ) *o("&e)n. I th"n1 so

no.>

>D"$ I t)1e ) *o("&e)n3s h)t by "st)1e o't o% the

rest)'r)nt:> )s1e$

Sye, s"("n+ "($(y. >H)#e I by )ny &h)n&e +ot )

n'ber st'&1 on to

e soehere: H)#e y boots +ot th)t )t&h%'( (oo1:

Why 'st I be )

*o("&e)n: Do, $o (et e be ) *ost)n.>

110



The o($ Pro%essor shoo1 h"s he)$ "th ) +r)#"ty

th)t +)#e no ho*e, b't

Sye r)n on "th ) %e#er"sh "rony.

>0't *erh)*s I "s'n$erstoo$ the $e("&)&"es o% yo'r

Ger)n *h"(oso*hy.

Perh)*s *o("&e)n "s ) re()t"#e ter. In )n

e#o('t"on)ry sense, s"r,

the )*e %)$es so +r)$')((y "nto the *o("&e)n, th)t

I yse(% &)n ne#er

$ete&t the sh)$e. The on1ey "s on(y the *o("&e)n

th)t )y be. Perh)*s

) )"$en ()$y on C()*h) Coon "s on(y the

*o("&e)n th)t "+ht h)#e

been. I $on3t "n$ be"n+ the *o("&e)n th)t "+hth)#e been. I $on3t

"n$ be"n+ )nyth"n+ "n Ger)n tho'+ht.>

>Are yo' "n the *o("&e ser#"&e:> s)"$ the o($ )n,

"+nor"n+ )(( Sye3s

"*ro#"se$ )n$ $es*er)te r)"((ery. >Are yo' )

$ete&t"#e:>

Sye3s he)rt t'rne$ to stone, b't h"s %)&e ne#er

&h)n+e$.

>Yo'r s'++est"on "s r"$"&'(o's,> he be+)n. >Why on

e)rth22>

The o($ )n str'&1 h"s *)(s"e$ h)n$ *)ss"on)te(y on

the r"&1ety t)b(e,

ne)r(y bre)1"n+ "t.

>D"$ yo' he)r e )s1 ) *()"n ='est"on, yo'

*)tter"n+ s*y:> he shr"e1e$

"n ) h"+h, &r);y #o"&e. >Are yo', or )re yo' not, )

*o("&e $ete&t"#e:>

>No> )nsere$ Sye, ("1e ) )n st)n$"n+ on the

h)n+)n3s $ro*.

111



>Yo' se)r "t,> s)"$ the o($ )n, (e)n"n+ )&ross to

h", h"s $e)$ %)&e

be&o"n+ )s "t ere (o)thsoe(y )("#e. >Yo' se)r

"t Yo' se)r "t I%

yo' se)r %)(se(y, "(( yo' be $)ne$: W"(( yo' be

s're th)t the $e#"(

$)n&es )t yo'r %'ner)(: W"(( yo' see th)t the

n"+ht)re s"ts on yo'r

+r)#e: W"(( there re)((y be no "st)1e: Yo' )re )n

)n)r&h"st, yo' )re )

$yn)"ter Abo#e )((, yo' )re not "n )ny sense )

$ete&t"#e: Yo' )re not

"n the 0r"t"sh *o("&e:>

He (e)nt h"s )n+'()r e(bo %)r )&ross the t)b(e,

)n$ *'t '* h"s ()r+e

(oose h)n$ ("1e ) %()* to h"s e)r.

>I ) not "n the 0r"t"sh *o("&e,> s)"$ Sye "th

"ns)ne &)(.

Pro%essor $e Wors %e(( b)&1 "n h"s &h)"r "th )

&'r"o's )"r o% 1"n$(y

&o(()*se.

>Th)t3s ) *"ty,> he s)"$, >be&)'se I ).>

Sye s*r)n+ '* str)"+ht, sen$"n+ b)&1 the ben&h

beh"n$ h" "th ) &r)sh.

>0e&)'se yo' )re h)t:> he s)"$ th"&1(y. >Yo' )re

h)t:>

>I ) ) *o("&e)n,> s)"$ the Pro%essor "th h"s

%"rst bro)$ s"(e.

)n$ be)"n+ thro'+h h"s s*e&t)&(es. >0't )s yo'

th"n1 *o("&e)n on(y

) re()t"#e ter, o% &o'rse I h)#e noth"n+ to $o

"th yo'. I ) "n the

112





se&on$(y te)rs, )n$ th"r$ ()'+hter. Sye3s e+ot"s

he($ h)r$ to the

%"rst &o'rse %or ) %e se&on$s, )n$ then s'$$en(y

)$o*te$ the th"r$.

T)1"n+ h"s on b('e *o("&e t"&1et %ro h"s on

)"st &o)t *o&1et, he

tosse$ "t on to the t)b(e- then he %('n+ h"s he)$

b)&1 'nt"( h"s s*"1e

o% ye((o be)r$ )(ost *o"nte$ )t the &e"("n+, )n$

sho'te$ "th )

b)rb)r"& ()'+hter.

E#en "n th)t &(ose $en, *er*et')((y %"((e$ "th the

$"n o% 1n"#es,

*()tes, &)ns, &()oro's #o"&es, s'$$en str'++(es)n$ st)*e$es, there

)s soeth"n+ Hoer"& "n Sye3s "rth h"&h )$e

)ny h)(%2$r'n1en en

(oo1 ro'n$.

>Wh)t yer ()'+h"n+ )t, +'#3nor:> )s1e$ one

on$er"n+ ()bo'rer %ro the

$o&1s.

>At yse(%,> )nsere$ Sye, )n$ ent o%% )+)"n "ntothe )+ony o% h"s

e&st)t"& re)&t"on.

>P'(( yo'rse(% to+ether,> s)"$ the Pro%essor, >or

yo'3(( +et hyster"&)(.

H)#e soe ore beer. I3(( 9o"n yo'.>

>Yo' h)#en3t $r'n1 yo'r "(1,> s)"$ Sye.

>My "(1> s)"$ the other, "n tones o% "ther"n+

)n$ 'n%)tho)b(e

&onte*t, >y "(1 Do yo' th"n1 I3$ (oo1 )t the

be)st(y st'%% hen

I3 o't o% s"+ht o% the b(oo$y )n)r&h"sts: We3re

)(( Chr"st")ns "n th"s

114



roo, tho'+h *erh)*s,> he )$$e$, +()n&"n+ )ro'n$ )t

the ree("n+ &ro$,

>not str"&t ones. "n"sh y "(1: Gre)t b();es

yes, I3(( %"n"sh "t

r"+ht eno'+h> )n$ he 1no&1e$ the t'b(er o%% the

t)b(e, )1"n+ ) &r)sh

o% +()ss )n$ ) s*()sh o% s"(#er %('"$.

Sye )s st)r"n+ )t h" "th ) h)**y &'r"os"ty.

>I 'n$erst)n$ no,> he &r"e$- >o% &o'rse, yo'3re

not )n o($ )n )t )((.>

>I &)n3t t)1e y %)&e o%% here,> re*("e$ Pro%essor

$e Wors. >It3sr)ther )n e()bor)te )1e2'*. As to hether I3 )n

o($ )n, th)t3s not

%or e to s)y. I )s th"rty2e"+ht ()st b"rth$)y.>

>Yes, b't I e)n,> s)"$ Sye "*)t"ent(y, >there3s

noth"n+ the )tter

"th yo'.>

>Yes,> )nsere$ the other $"s*)ss"on)te(y. >I )

s'b9e&t to &o($s.>

Sye3s ()'+hter )t )(( th"s h)$ )bo't "t ) "($

e)1ness o% re("e%.

He ()'+he$ )t the "$e) o% the *)r)(yt"& Pro%essor

be"n+ re)((y ) yo'n+

)&tor $resse$ '* )s "% %or the %oot2("+hts. 0't he

%e(t th)t he o'($

h)#e ()'+he$ )s (o'$(y "% ) *e**er*ot h)$ %)((en

o#er.

The %)(se Pro%essor $r)n1 )n$ "*e$ h"s %)(se

be)r$.

>D"$ yo' 1no,> he )s1e$, >th)t th)t )n Go+o( )s

one o% 's:>

115



>I: No, I $"$n3t 1no "t,> )nsere$ Sye "n soe

s'r*r"se. >0't $"$n3t

yo':>

>I 1ne no ore th)n the $e)$,> re*("e$ the )n ho

&)((e$ h"se(% $e

Wors. >I tho'+ht the Pres"$ent )s t)(1"n+ )bo't

e, )n$ I r)tt(e$ "n

y boots.>

>An$ I tho'+ht he )s t)(1"n+ )bo't e,> s)"$ Sye,

"th h"s r)ther

re&1(ess ()'+hter. >I h)$ y h)n$ on y re#o(#er

)(( the t"e.>

>So h)$ I,> s)"$ the Pro%essor +r"(y- >so h)$

Go+o( e#"$ent(y.>

Sye str'&1 the t)b(e "th )n e/&())t"on.

>Why, there ere three o% 's there> he &r"e$.

>Three o't o% se#en "s )

%"+ht"n+ n'ber. I% e h)$ on(y 1non th)t e ere

three>

The %)&e o% Pro%essor $e Wors $)r1ene$, )n$ he $"$

not (oo1 '*.

>We ere three,> he s)"$. >I% e h)$ been three

h'n$re$ e &o'($ st"((

h)#e $one noth"n+.>

>Not "% e ere three h'n$re$ )+)"nst %o'r:> )s1e$

Sye, 9eer"n+ r)ther

bo"stero's(y.

>No,> s)"$ the Pro%essor "th sobr"ety, >not "% e

ere three h'n$re$

)+)"nst S'n$)y.>

116





'nt"( I %"n$ h", )n$ str"1e h" on the o'th. I%

he)#en ere h"s throne

)n$ the e)rth h"s %ootstoo(, I se)r th)t I o'($

*'(( h" $on.>

>Ho:> )s1e$ the st)r"n+ Pro%essor. >Why:>

>0e&)'se I ) )%r)"$ o% h",> s)"$ Sye- >)n$ no

)n sho'($ (e)#e "n the

'n"#erse )nyth"n+ o% h"&h he "s )%r)"$.>

De Wors b("n1e$ )t h" "th ) sort o% b("n$

on$er. He )$e )n e%%ort

to s*e)1, b't Sye ent on "n ) (o #o"&e, b't "th

)n 'n$er&'rrent o%"nh')n e/)(t)t"on22

>Who o'($ &on$es&en$ to str"1e $on the ere

th"n+s th)t he $oes not

%e)r: Who o'($ $eb)se h"se(% to be ere(y br)#e,

("1e )ny &oon

*r";e%"+hter: Who o'($ stoo* to be %e)r(ess22("1e

) tree: "+ht the

th"n+ th)t yo' %e)r. Yo' reeber the o($ t)(e o%

the En+("sh &(er+y)n ho +)#e the ()st r"tes to the br"+)n$ o% S"&"(y,

)n$ ho on h"s

$e)th2be$ the +re)t robber s)"$, 3I &)n +"#e yo' no

oney, b't I &)n

+"#e yo' )$#"&e %or ) ("%et"e8 yo'r th'b on the

b()$e, )n$ str"1e

'*)r$s.3 So I s)y to yo', str"1e '*)r$s, "% yo'

str"1e )t the st)rs.>

The other (oo1e$ )t the &e"("n+, one o% the tr"&1s

o% h"s *ose.

>S'n$)y "s ) %"/e$ st)r,> he s)"$.

118



>Yo' sh)(( see h" ) %)(("n+ st)r,> s)"$ Sye, )n$

*'t on h"s h)t.

The $e&"s"on o% h"s +est're $re the Pro%essor

#)+'e(y to h"s %eet.

>H)#e yo' )ny "$e),> he )s1e$, "th ) sort o%

bene#o(ent be"($erent,

>e/)&t(y here yo' )re +o"n+:>

>Yes,> re*("e$ Sye short(y, >I ) +o"n+ to *re#ent

th"s bob be"n+

thron "n P)r"s.>

>H)#e yo' )ny &on&e*t"on ho:> "n='"re$ the other.

>No,> s)"$ Sye "th e=')( $e&"s"on.

>Yo' reeber, o% &o'rse,> res'e$ the so"2$"s)nt

$e Wors, *'(("n+

h"s be)r$ )n$ (oo1"n+ o't o% the "n$o, >th)t hen

e bro1e '* r)ther

h'rr"e$(y the ho(e )rr)n+eents %or the )tro&"ty

ere (e%t "n the

*r"#)te h)n$s o% the M)r='"s )n$ Dr. 0'((. The M)r='"s "s by th"s t"e

*rob)b(y &ross"n+ the Ch)nne(. 0't here he "(( +o

)n$ h)t he "((

$o "t "s $o'bt%'( hether e#en the Pres"$ent 1nos-

&ert)"n(y e $on3t

1no. The on(y )n ho $oes 1no "s Dr. 0'((.>

>Con%o'n$ "t> &r"e$ Sye. >An$ e $on3t 1no here

he "s.>

>Yes,> s)"$ the other "n h"s &'r"o's, )bsent2"n$e$

)y, >I 1no here

he "s yse(%.>

>W"(( yo' te(( e:> )s1e$ Sye "th e)+er eyes.

119



>I "(( t)1e yo' there,> s)"$ the Pro%essor, )n$

too1 $on h"s on h)t

%ro ) *e+.

Sye stoo$ (oo1"n+ )t h" "th ) sort o% r"+"$

e/&"teent.

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:> he )s1e$ sh)r*(y. >W"(( yo'

9o"n e: W"(( yo' t)1e

the r"s1:>

>Yo'n+ )n,> s)"$ the Pro%essor *(e)s)nt(y, >I )

)'se$ to obser#e th)t

yo' th"n1 I ) ) &o)r$. As to th)t I "(( s)y on(yone or$, )n$ th)t

sh)(( be ent"re(y "n the )nner o% yo'r on

*h"(oso*h"&)( rhetor"&. Yo'

th"n1 th)t "t "s *oss"b(e to *'(( $on the

Pres"$ent. I 1no th)t "t

"s "*oss"b(e, )n$ I ) +o"n+ to try "t,> )n$

o*en"n+ the t)#ern $oor,

h"&h (et "n ) b()st o% b"tter )"r, they ent o't

to+ether "nto the $)r1

streets by the $o&1s.

Most o% the sno )s e(te$ or tr)*(e$ to '$, b't

here )n$ there )

&(ot o% "t st"(( shoe$ +rey r)ther th)n h"te "n

the +(oo. The s)((

streets ere s(o**y )n$ %'(( o% *oo(s, h"&h

re%(e&te$ the %()"n+ ()*s

"rre+'()r(y, )n$ by )&&"$ent, ("1e %r)+ents o%

soe other )n$ %)((en

or($. Sye %e(t )(ost $);e$ )s he ste**e$ thro'+h

th"s +ro"n+

&on%'s"on o% ("+hts )n$ sh)$os- b't h"s &o*)n"on

)(1e$ on "th )

&ert)"n br"s1ness, to)r$s here, )t the en$ o% the

street, )n "n&h or

120



to o% the ()*("t r"#er (oo1e$ ("1e ) b)r o%

%()e.

>Where )re yo' +o"n+:> Sye "n='"re$.

>B'st no,> )nsere$ the Pro%essor, >I ) +o"n+

9'st ro'n$ the &orner

to see hether Dr. 0'(( h)s +one to be$. He "s

hy+"en"&, )n$ ret"res

e)r(y.>

>Dr. 0'((> e/&()"e$ Sye. >Does he ("#e ro'n$ the

&orner:>

>No,> )nsere$ h"s %r"en$. >As ) )tter o% %)&t he("#es soe )y o%%,

on the other s"$e o% the r"#er, b't e &)n te((

%ro here hether he h)s

+one to be$.>

T'rn"n+ the &orner )s he s*o1e, )n$ %)&"n+ the $"

r"#er, %(e&1e$ "th

%()e, he *o"nte$ "th h"s st"&1 to the other b)n1.

On the S'rrey s"$e

)t th"s *o"nt there r)n o't "nto the Th)es,see"n+ )(ost to o#erh)n+

"t, ) b'(1 )n$ &('ster o% those t)(( teneents,

$otte$ "th ("+hte$

"n$os, )n$ r"s"n+ ("1e %)&tory &h"neys to )n

)(ost "ns)ne he"+ht.

The"r s*e&")( *o"se )n$ *os"t"on )$e one b(o&1 o%

b'"($"n+s es*e&")((y

(oo1 ("1e ) Toer o% 0)be( "th ) h'n$re$ eyes.

Sye h)$ ne#er seen )ny

o% the s1y2s&r)*"n+ b'"($"n+s "n Aer"&), so he

&o'($ on(y th"n1 o% the

b'"($"n+s "n ) $re).

E#en )s he st)re$, the h"+hest ("+ht "n th"s

"nn'er)b(y ("+hte$ t'rret

121



)br'*t(y ent o't, )s "% th"s b()&1 Ar+'s h)$

"n1e$ )t h" "th one o%

h"s "nn'er)b(e eyes.

Pro%essor $e Wors s'n+ ro'n$ on h"s hee(, )n$

str'&1 h"s st"&1 )+)"nst

h"s boot.

>We )re too ()te,> he s)"$, >the hy+"en"& Do&tor

h)s +one to be$.>

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:> )s1e$ Sye. >Does he ("#e o#er

there, then:>

>Yes,> s)"$ $e Wors, >beh"n$ th)t *)rt"&'()r "n$o h"&h yo' &)n3t

see. Coe )(on+ )n$ +et soe $"nner. We 'st &)((

on h" toorro

orn"n+.>

W"tho't %'rther *)r(ey, he (e$ the )y thro'+h

se#er)( by2)ys 'nt"(

they &)e o't "nto the %()re )n$ &()o'r o% the

E)st In$") Do&1 Ro)$.

The Pro%essor, ho seee$ to 1no h"s )y )bo't thene"+hbo'rhoo$,

*ro&ee$e$ to ) *()&e here the ("ne o% ("+hte$

sho*s %e(( b)&1 "nto )

sort o% )br'*t t"("+ht )n$ ='"et, "n h"&h )n o($

h"te "nn, )(( o't o%

re*)"r, stoo$ b)&1 soe tenty %eet %ro the ro)$.

>Yo' &)n %"n$ +oo$ En+("sh "nns (e%t by )&&"$ent

e#eryhere, ("1e

%oss"(s,> e/*()"ne$ the Pro%essor. >I on&e %o'n$ )

$e&ent *()&e "n the

West En$.>

>I s'**ose,> s)"$ Sye, s"("n+, >th)t th"s "s the

&orres*on$"n+ $e&ent

122



*()&e "n the E)st En$:>

>It "s,> s)"$ the Pro%essor re#erent(y, )n$ ent

"n.

In th)t *()&e they $"ne$ )n$ s(e*t, both #ery

thoro'+h(y. The be)ns )n$

b)&on, h"&h these 'n)&&o'nt)b(e *eo*(e &oo1e$

e((, the )ston"sh"n+

eer+en&e o% 0'r+'n$y %ro the"r &e(()rs, &rone$

Sye3s sense o% ) ne

&or)$esh"* )n$ &o%ort. Thro'+h )(( th"s or$e)(

h"s root horror h)$

been "so()t"on, )n$ there )re no or$s to e/*ress

the )byss beteen"so()t"on )n$ h)#"n+ one )((y. It )y be &on&e$e$

to the )the)t"&")ns

th)t %o'r "s t"&e to. 0't to "s not t"&e one-

to "s to tho's)n$

t"es one. Th)t "s hy, "n s*"te o% ) h'n$re$

$"s)$#)nt)+es, the or($

"(( )()ys ret'rn to ono+)y.

Sye )s )b(e to *o'r o't %or the %"rst t"e the

ho(e o% h"s o'tr)+eo'st)(e, %ro the t"e hen Gre+ory h)$ t)1en h" to

the ("tt(e t)#ern by

the r"#er. He $"$ "t "$(y )n$ )*(y, "n ) ('/'r")nt

ono(o+'e, )s )

)n s*e)1s "th #ery o($ %r"en$s. On h"s s"$e,

)(so, the )n ho h)$

"*erson)te$ Pro%essor $e Wors )s not (ess

&o'n"&)t"#e. H"s on

story )s )(ost )s s"((y )s Sye3s.

>Th)t3s ) +oo$ +et2'* o% yo'rs,> s)"$ Sye,

$r)"n"n+ ) +()ss o% M)&on-

>) (ot better th)n o($ Go+o(3s. E#en )t the st)rt I

tho'+ht he )s ) b"t

too h)"ry.>

123



>A $"%%eren&e o% )rt"st"& theory,> re*("e$ the

Pro%essor *ens"#e(y.

>Go+o( )s )n "$e)("st. He )$e '* )s the )bstr)&t

or *()ton"& "$e)( o%

)n )n)r&h"st. 0't I ) ) re)("st. I ) ) *ortr)"t

*)"nter. 0't, "n$ee$,

to s)y th)t I ) ) *ortr)"t *)"nter "s )n

"n)$e=')te e/*ress"on. I ) )

*ortr)"t.>

>I $on3t 'n$erst)n$ yo',> s)"$ Sye.

>I ) ) *ortr)"t,> re*e)te$ the Pro%essor. >I ) )

*ortr)"t o% the&e(ebr)te$ Pro%essor $e Wors, ho "s, I be("e#e,

"n N)*(es.>

>Yo' e)n yo' )re )$e '* ("1e h",> s)"$ Sye.

>0't $oesn3t he 1no

th)t yo' )re t)1"n+ h"s nose "n #)"n:>

>He 1nos "t r"+ht eno'+h,> re*("e$ h"s %r"en$

&heer%'((y.

>Then hy $oesn3t he $eno'n&e yo':>

>I h)#e $eno'n&e$ h",> )nsere$ the Pro%essor.

>Do e/*()"n yo'rse(%,> s)"$ Sye.

>W"th *(e)s're, "% yo' $on3t "n$ he)r"n+ y

story,> re*("e$ the e"nent

%ore"+n *h"(oso*her. >I ) by *ro%ess"on )n )&tor,

)n$ y n)e "s

W"(1s. When I )s on the st)+e I "/e$ "th )((

sorts o% 0ohe")n )n$

b()&1+')r$ &o*)ny. Soet"es I to'&he$ the e$+e o%

the t'r%, soet"es

124



the r"%%2r)%% o% the )rts, )n$ o&&)s"on)((y the

*o("t"&)( re%'+ee.

In soe $en o% e/"(e$ $re)ers I )s "ntro$'&e$ to

the +re)t Ger)n

N"h"("st *h"(oso*her, Pro%essor $e Wors. I $"$ not

+)ther '&h )bo't

h" beyon$ h"s )**e)r)n&e, h"&h )s #ery

$"s+'st"n+, )n$ h"&h I

st'$"e$ &)re%'((y. I 'n$erstoo$ th)t he h)$ *ro#e$

th)t the $estr'&t"#e

*r"n&"*(e "n the 'n"#erse )s Go$- hen&e he

"ns"ste$ on the nee$ %or )

%'r"o's )n$ "n&ess)nt ener+y, ren$"n+ )(( th"n+s "n

*"e&es. Ener+y, he

s)"$, )s the A((. He )s ()e, shorts"+hte$, )n$ *)rt")((y *)r)(yt"&.

When I et h" I )s "n ) %r"#o(o's oo$, )n$ I

$"s("1e$ h" so '&h

th)t I reso(#e$ to ""t)te h". I% I h)$ been )

$r)'+hts)n I o'($ h)#e

$r)n ) &)r"&)t're. I )s on(y )n )&tor, I &o'($

on(y )&t ) &)r"&)t're.

I )$e yse(% '* "nto h)t )s e)nt %or ) "($

e/)++er)t"on o% the

o($ Pro%essor3s $"rty o($ se(%. When I ent "ntothe roo %'(( o% h"s

s'**orters I e/*e&te$ to be re&e"#e$ "th ) ro)r o%

()'+hter, or ?"%

they ere too %)r +one@ "th ) ro)r o% "n$"+n)t"on

)t the "ns'(t. I

&)nnot $es&r"be the s'r*r"se I %e(t hen y

entr)n&e )s re&e"#e$ "th

) res*e&t%'( s"(en&e, %o((oe$ ?hen I h)$ %"rst

o*ene$ y ("*s@ "th

) 'r'r o% )$"r)t"on. The &'rse o% the *er%e&t

)rt"st h)$ %)((en '*on

e. I h)$ been too s'bt(e, I h)$ been too tr'e.

They tho'+ht I re)((y

)s the +re)t N"h"("st Pro%essor. I )s ) he)(thy2

"n$e$ yo'n+ )n

125



)t the t"e, )n$ I &on%ess th)t "t )s ) b(o.

0e%ore I &o'($ %'((y

re&o#er, hoe#er, to or three o% these )$"rers

r)n '* to e r)$")t"n+

"n$"+n)t"on, )n$ to($ e th)t ) *'b("& "ns'(t h)$

been *'t '*on e "n

the ne/t roo. I "n='"re$ "ts n)t're. It seee$

th)t )n "*ert"nent

%e((o h)$ $resse$ h"se(% '* )s ) *re*ostero's

*)ro$y o% yse(%. I h)$

$r'n1 ore &h)*)+ne th)n )s +oo$ %or e, )n$ "n )

%()sh o% %o((y I

$e&"$e$ to see the s"t')t"on thro'+h. Conse='ent(y

"t )s to eet the

+()re o% the &o*)ny )n$ y on ("%te$ eyebros )n$%ree;"n+ eyes th)t

the re)( Pro%essor &)e "nto the roo.

>I nee$ h)r$(y s)y there )s ) &o(("s"on. The

*ess""sts )(( ro'n$ e

(oo1e$ )n/"o's(y %ro one Pro%essor to the other

Pro%essor to see h"&h

)s re)((y the ore %eeb(e. 0't I on. An o($ )n

"n *oor he)(th, ("1e

y r"#)(, &o'($ not be e/*e&te$ to be so"*ress"#e(y %eeb(e )s )

yo'n+ )&tor "n the *r"e o% ("%e. Yo' see, he

re)((y h)$ *)r)(ys"s,

)n$ or1"n+ "th"n th"s $e%"n"te (""t)t"on, he

&o'($n3t be so 9o((y

*)r)(yt"& )s I )s. Then he tr"e$ to b()st y

&()"s "nte((e&t')((y. I

&o'ntere$ th)t by ) #ery s"*(e $o$+e. Whene#er he

s)"$ soeth"n+ th)t

nobo$y b't he &o'($ 'n$erst)n$, I re*("e$ "th

soeth"n+ h"&h I &o'($

not e#en 'n$erst)n$ yse(%. 3I $on3t %)n&y,3 he

s)"$, 3th)t yo' &o'($

h)#e or1e$ o't the *r"n&"*(e th)t e#o('t"on "s

on(y ne+)t"on, s"n&e

126



there "nheres "n "t the "ntro$'&t"on o% ()&'n),

h"&h )re )n essent")(

o% $"%%erent")t"on.3 I re*("e$ ='"te s&orn%'((y,

3Yo' re)$ )(( th)t '*

"n P"n&1erts- the not"on th)t "n#o('t"on

%'n&t"one$ e'+en"&)((y )s

e/*ose$ (on+ )+o by G('*e.3 It "s 'nne&ess)ry %or

e to s)y th)t there

ne#er ere s'&h *eo*(e )s P"n&1erts )n$ G('*e.

0't the *eo*(e )((

ro'n$ ?r)ther to y s'r*r"se@ seee$ to reeber

the ='"te e((, )n$

the Pro%essor, %"n$"n+ th)t the (e)rne$ )n$

yster"o's etho$ (e%t h"

r)ther )t the er&y o% )n eney s("+ht(y $e%"&"ent"n s&r'*(es, %e((

b)&1 '*on ) ore *o*'()r %or o% "t. 3I see,3 he

sneere$, 3yo' *re#)"(

("1e the %)(se *"+ "n Aeso*.3 3An$ yo' %)"(,3 I

)nsere$, s"("n+, 3("1e

the he$+eho+ "n Mont)"+ne.3 Nee$ I s)y th)t there

"s no he$+eho+ "n

Mont)"+ne: 3Yo'r &()*tr)* &oes o%%,3 he s)"$- 3so

o'($ yo'r be)r$.3

I h)$ no "nte(("+ent )nser to th"s, h"&h )s='"te tr'e )n$ r)ther

"tty. 0't I ()'+he$ he)rt"(y, )nsere$, 3L"1e the

P)nthe"st3s boots,3

)t r)n$o, )n$ t'rne$ on y hee( "th )(( the

hono'rs o% #"&tory. The

re)( Pro%essor )s thron o't, b't not "th

#"o(en&e, tho'+h one

)n tr"e$ #ery *)t"ent(y to *'(( o%% h"s nose. He

"s no, I be("e#e,

re&e"#e$ e#eryhere "n E'ro*e )s ) $e("+ht%'(

"*ostor. H"s )**)rent

e)rnestness )n$ )n+er, yo' see, )1e h" )(( the

ore entert)"n"n+.>

127



>We((,> s)"$ Sye, >I &)n 'n$erst)n$ yo'r *'tt"n+

on h"s $"rty o($ be)r$

%or ) n"+ht3s *r)&t"&)( 9o1e, b't I $on3t

'n$erst)n$ yo'r ne#er t)1"n+

"t o%% )+)"n.>

>Th)t "s the rest o% the story,> s)"$ the

"*erson)tor. >When I yse(%

(e%t the &o*)ny, %o((oe$ by re#erent )**()'se, I

ent ("*"n+ $on the

$)r1 street, ho*"n+ th)t I sho'($ soon be %)r

eno'+h ))y to be )b(e

to )(1 ("1e ) h')n be"n+. To y )ston"shent, )s

I )s t'rn"n+ the

&orner, I %e(t ) to'&h on the sho'($er, )n$t'rn"n+, %o'n$ yse(% 'n$er

the sh)$o o% )n enoro's *o("&e)n. He to($ e I

)s )nte$. I str'&1

) sort o% *)r)(yt"& )tt"t'$e, )n$ &r"e$ "n ) h"+h

Ger)n )&&ent, 3Yes,

I ) )nte$22by the o**resse$ o% the or($. Yo' )re

)rrest"n+ e on the

&h)r+e o% be"n+ the +re)t )n)r&h"st, Pro%essor $e

Wors.3 The *o("&e)n

"*)ss"#e(y &ons'(te$ ) *)*er "n h"s h)n$, 3No,s"r,3 he s)"$ &"#"((y,

3)t (e)st, not e/)&t(y, s"r. I ) )rrest"n+ yo' on

the &h)r+e o% not

be"n+ the &e(ebr)te$ )n)r&h"st, Pro%essor $e

Wors.3 Th"s &h)r+e, "% "t

)s &r""n)( )t )((, )s &ert)"n(y the ("+hter o%

the to, )n$ I ent

)(on+ "th the )n, $o'bt%'(, b't not +re)t(y

$"s)ye$. I )s shon "nto

) n'ber o% roos, )n$ e#ent')((y "nto the *resen&e

o% ) *o("&e o%%"&er,

ho e/*()"ne$ th)t ) ser"o's &)*)"+n h)$ been

o*ene$ )+)"nst the

&entres o% )n)r&hy, )n$ th)t th"s, y s'&&ess%'(

)s='er)$e, "+ht be o%

128





'n$erst)n$, b't on(y "n ) *)r)(yt"& sort o% )y.

The ost b'oy)nt

e/&())t"ons (e)* '* "n y he)rt, b't they &oe o't

o% y o'th ='"te

$"%%erent. Yo' sho'($ he)r e s)y, 30'&1 '*, o($

&o&13 It o'($ br"n+

te)rs to yo'r eyes.>

>It $oes,> s)"$ Sye- >b't I &)nnot he(* th"n1"n+

th)t )*)rt %ro )((

th)t yo' )re re)((y ) b"t orr"e$.>

The Pro%essor st)rte$ ) ("tt(e )n$ (oo1e$ )t h"

ste)$"(y.

>Yo' )re ) #ery &(e#er %e((o,> he s)"$, >"t "s )

*(e)s're to or1

"th yo'. Yes, I h)#e r)ther ) he)#y &(o'$ "n y

he)$. There "s ) +re)t

*rob(e to %)&e,> )n$ he s)n1 h"s b)($ bro "n h"s

to h)n$s.

Then he s)"$ "n ) (o #o"&e22

>C)n yo' *()y the *")no:>

>Yes,> s)"$ Sye "n s"*(e on$er, >I3 s'**ose$ to

h)#e ) +oo$ to'&h.>

Then, )s the other $"$ not s*e)1, he )$$e$22

>I tr'st the +re)t &(o'$ "s ("%te$.>

A%ter ) (on+ s"(en&e, the Pro%essor s)"$ o't o% the

&)#erno's sh)$o o%

h"s h)n$s22

>It o'($ h)#e $one 9'st )s e(( "% yo' &o'($ or1

) ty*er"ter.>

130



>Th)n1 yo',> s)"$ Sye, >yo' %()tter e.>

>L"sten to e,> s)"$ the other, >)n$ reeber ho

e h)#e to see

toorro. Yo' )n$ I )re +o"n+ toorro to )tte*t

soeth"n+ h"&h "s

#ery '&h ore $)n+ero's th)n try"n+ to ste)( the

Cron Bee(s o't

o% the Toer. We )re try"n+ to ste)( ) se&ret %ro

) #ery sh)r*, #ery

stron+, )n$ #ery "&1e$ )n. I be("e#e there "s no

)n, e/&e*t the

Pres"$ent, o% &o'rse, ho "s so ser"o's(y st)rt("n+

)n$ %or"$)b(e )s

th)t ("tt(e +r"nn"n+ %e((o "n +o++(es. He h)s not *erh)*s the h"te2hot

enth's")s 'nto $e)th, the )$ )rtyr$o %or

)n)r&hy, h"&h )r1s the

Se&ret)ry. 0't then th)t #ery %)n)t"&"s "n the

Se&ret)ry h)s ) h')n

*)thos, )n$ "s )(ost ) re$ee"n+ tr)"t. 0't the

("tt(e Do&tor h)s )

br't)( s)n"ty th)t "s ore sho&1"n+ th)n the

Se&ret)ry3s $"se)se. Don3t

yo' not"&e h"s $etest)b(e #"r"("ty )n$ #"t)("ty. He bo'n&es ("1e )n

"n$")2r'bber b)((. De*en$ on "t, S'n$)y )s not

)s(ee* ?I on$er "% he

e#er s(ee*s:@ hen he (o&1e$ '* )(( the *()ns o%

th"s o'tr)+e "n the

ro'n$, b()&1 he)$ o% Dr. 0'((.>

>An$ yo' th"n1,> s)"$ Sye, >th)t th"s 'n"='e

onster "(( be soothe$ "%

I *()y the *")no to h":>

>Don3t be )n )ss,> s)"$ h"s entor. >I ent"one$

the *")no be&)'se "t

+"#es one ='"&1 )n$ "n$e*en$ent %"n+ers. Sye, "%

e )re to +o thro'+h

131



th"s "nter#"e )n$ &oe o't s)ne or )("#e, e 'st

h)#e soe &o$e o%

s"+n)(s beteen 's th)t th"s br'te "(( not see. I

h)#e )$e ) ro'+h

)(*h)bet"&)( &y*her &orres*on$"n+ to the %"#e

%"n+ers22("1e th"s, see,>

)n$ he r"**(e$ "th h"s %"n+ers on the oo$en

t)b(e22>0 A D, b)$, ) or$

e )y %re='ent(y re='"re.>

Sye *o're$ h"se(% o't )nother +()ss o% "ne, )n$

be+)n to st'$y the

s&hee. He )s )bnor)((y ='"&1 "th h"s br)"ns )t

*';;(es, )n$ "th h"s

h)n$s )t &on9'r"n+, )n$ "t $"$ not t)1e h" (on+ to(e)rn ho he "+ht

&on#ey s"*(e ess)+es by h)t o'($ see to be

"$(e t)*s '*on ) t)b(e

or 1nee. 0't "ne )n$ &o*)n"onsh"* h)$ )()ys the

e%%e&t o% "ns*"r"n+

h" to ) %)r&"&)( "n+en'"ty, )n$ the Pro%essor soon

%o'n$ h"se(%

str'++("n+ "th the too #)st ener+y o% the ne

()n+')+e, )s "t *)sse$

thro'+h the he)te$ br)"n o% Sye.

>We 'st h)#e se#er)( or$2s"+ns,> s)"$ Sye

ser"o's(y22>or$s th)t

e )re ("1e(y to )nt, %"ne sh)$es o% e)n"n+. My

%)#o'r"te or$ "s

3&oe#)(3. Wh)t3s yo'rs:>

>Do sto* *()y"n+ the +o)t,> s)"$ the Pro%essor

*()"nt"#e(y. >Yo' $on3t

1no ho ser"o's th"s "s.>

>3L'sh3 too,> s)"$ Sye, sh)1"n+ h"s he)$

s)+)&"o's(y, >e 'st h)#e

3('sh322or$ )**("e$ to +r)ss, $on3t yo' 1no:>

132





o%% the be$2&(othes, )n$ stoo$ '*. It seee$ to h"

"n soe &'r"o's )y

th)t )(( the s)%ety )n$ so&")b"("ty o% the n"+ht

be%ore %e(( "th the

be$&(othes o%% h", )n$ he stoo$ '* "n )n )"r o%

&o($ $)n+er. He st"((

%e(t )n ent"re tr'st )n$ (oy)(ty to)r$s h"s

&o*)n"on- b't "t )s the

tr'st beteen to en +o"n+ to the s&)%%o($.

>We((,> s)"$ Sye "th ) %or&e$ &heer%'(ness )s he

*'((e$ on h"s

tro'sers, >I $re)t o% th)t )(*h)bet o% yo'rs. D"$

"t t)1e yo' (on+ to

)1e "t '*:>

The Pro%essor )$e no )nser, b't +);e$ "n %ront o%

h" "th eyes the

&o(o'r o% ) "ntry se)- so Sye re*e)te$ h"s

='est"on.

>I s)y, $"$ "t t)1e yo' (on+ to "n#ent )(( th"s:

I3 &ons"$ere$ +oo$ )t

these th"n+s, )n$ "t )s ) +oo$ ho'r3s +r"n$. D"$

yo' (e)rn "t )(( onthe s*ot:>

The Pro%essor )s s"(ent- h"s eyes ere "$e o*en,

)n$ he ore ) %"/e$

b't #ery s)(( s"(e.

>Ho (on+ $"$ "t t)1e yo':>

The Pro%essor $"$ not o#e.

>Con%o'n$ yo', &)n3t yo' )nser:> &)((e$ o't Sye,

"n ) s'$$en )n+er

th)t h)$ soeth"n+ ("1e %e)r 'n$erne)th. Whether or

no the Pro%essor

&o'($ )nser, he $"$ not.

134



Sye stoo$ st)r"n+ b)&1 )t the st"%% %)&e ("1e

*)r&hent )n$ the b()n1,

b('e eyes. H"s %"rst tho'+ht )s th)t the Pro%essor

h)$ +one )$, b't

h"s se&on$ tho'+ht )s ore %r"+ht%'(. A%ter )((,

h)t $"$ he 1no )bo't

th"s ='eer &re)t're ho he h)$ hee$(ess(y )&&e*te$

)s ) %r"en$: Wh)t

$"$ he 1no, e/&e*t th)t the )n h)$ been )t the

)n)r&h"st bre)1%)st )n$

h)$ to($ h" ) r"$"&'(o's t)(e: Ho "*rob)b(e "t

)s th)t there

sho'($ be )nother %r"en$ there bes"$e Go+o( W)s

th"s )n3s s"(en&e )sens)t"on)( )y o% $e&()r"n+ )r: W)s th"s

)$))nt"ne st)re )%ter )((

on(y the )%'( sneer o% soe three%o($ tr)"tor, ho

h)$ t'rne$ %or the

()st t"e: He stoo$ )n$ str)"ne$ h"s e)rs "n th"s

he)rt(ess s"(en&e.

He )(ost %)n&"e$ he &o'($ he)r $yn)"ters &oe to

&)*t're h" sh"%t"n+

so%t(y "n the &orr"$or o'ts"$e.

Then h"s eye str)ye$ $on)r$s, )n$ he b'rst o't

()'+h"n+. Tho'+h the

Pro%essor h"se(% stoo$ there )s #o"&e(ess )s )

st)t'e, h"s %"#e

$'b %"n+ers ere $)n&"n+ )("#e '*on the $e)$

t)b(e. Sye )t&he$ the

t"n1("n+ o#eents o% the t)(1"n+ h)n$, )n$ re)$

&(e)r(y the ess)+e22

>I "(( on(y t)(1 ("1e th"s. We 'st +et 'se$ to

"t.>

He r)**e$ o't the )nser "th the "*)t"en&e o%

re("e%22

135



>A(( r"+ht. Let3s +et o't to bre)1%)st.>

They too1 the"r h)ts )n$ st"&1s "n s"(en&e- b't )s

Sye too1 h"s

sor$2st"&1, he he($ "t h)r$.

They *)'se$ %or ) %e "n'tes on(y to st'%% $on

&o%%ee )n$ &o)rse th"&1

s)n$"&hes )t ) &o%%ee st)((, )n$ then )$e the"r

)y )&ross the r"#er,

h"&h 'n$er the +rey )n$ +ro"n+ ("+ht (oo1e$ )s

$eso()te )s A&heron.

They re)&he$ the botto o% the h'+e b(o&1 o%

b'"($"n+s h"&h they h)$

seen %ro )&ross the r"#er, )n$ be+)n "n s"(en&e to o'nt the n)1e$ )n$

n'ber(ess stone ste*s, on(y *)'s"n+ no )n$ then

to )1e short re)r1s

on the r)"( o% the b)n"sters. At )bo't e#ery other

%("+ht they *)sse$

) "n$o- e)&h "n$o shoe$ the ) *)(e )n$ tr)+"&

$)n ("%t"n+ "tse(%

()bor"o's(y o#er Lon$on. ro e)&h the "nn'er)b(e

roo%s o% s()te (oo1e$

("1e the (e)$en s'r+es o% ) +rey, tro'b(e$ se))%ter r)"n. Sye )s

"n&re)s"n+(y &ons&"o's th)t h"s ne )$#ent're h)$

soeho ) =')("ty o%

&o($ s)n"ty orse th)n the "($ )$#ent'res o% the

*)st. L)st n"+ht, %or

"nst)n&e, the t)(( teneents h)$ seee$ to h" ("1e

) toer "n ) $re).

As he no ent '* the e)ry )n$ *er*et')( ste*s, he

)s $)'nte$ )n$

be"($ere$ by the"r )(ost "n%"n"te ser"es. 0't "t

)s not the hot

horror o% ) $re) or o% )nyth"n+ th)t "+ht be

e/)++er)t"on or $e('s"on.

The"r "n%"n"ty )s ore ("1e the e*ty "n%"n"ty o%

)r"thet"&, soeth"n+

136



'nth"n1)b(e, yet ne&ess)ry to tho'+ht. Or "t )s

("1e the st'nn"n+

st)teents o% )stronoy )bo't the $"st)n&e o% the

%"/e$ st)rs. He

)s )s&en$"n+ the ho'se o% re)son, ) th"n+ ore

h"$eo's th)n 'nre)son

"tse(%.

0y the t"e they re)&he$ Dr. 0'((3s ()n$"n+, ) ()st

"n$o shoe$ the

) h)rsh, h"te $)n e$+e$ "th b)n1s o% ) 1"n$ o%

&o)rse re$, ore ("1e

re$ &()y th)n re$ &(o'$. An$ hen they entere$ Dr.

0'((3s b)re +)rret "t

)s %'(( o% ("+ht.

Sye h)$ been h)'nte$ by ) h)(% h"stor"& eory "n

&onne&t"on "th these

e*ty roos )n$ th)t )'stere $)ybre)1. The oent

he s) the +)rret

)n$ Dr. 0'(( s"tt"n+ r"t"n+ )t ) t)b(e, he

reebere$ h)t the eory

)s22the ren&h Re#o('t"on. There sho'($ h)#e been

the b()&1 o't("ne o%

) +'"((ot"ne )+)"nst th)t he)#y re$ )n$ h"te o%the orn"n+. Dr. 0'((

)s "n h"s h"te sh"rt )n$ b()&1 bree&hes on(y- h"s

&ro**e$, $)r1 he)$

"+ht e(( h)#e 9'st &oe o't o% "ts "+- he "+ht

h)#e been M)r)t or )

ore s("*sho$ Robes*"erre.

Yet hen he )s seen *ro*er(y, the ren&h %)n&y

%e(( ))y. The B)&ob"ns

ere "$e)("sts- there )s )bo't th"s )n )

'r$ero's )ter")("s. H"s

*os"t"on +)#e h" ) soeh)t ne )**e)r)n&e. The

stron+, h"te ("+ht o%

orn"n+ &o"n+ %ro one s"$e &re)t"n+ sh)r*

sh)$os, )$e h" see both

137



ore *)(e )n$ ore )n+'()r th)n he h)$ (oo1e$ )t

the bre)1%)st on the

b)(&ony. Th's the to b()&1 +()sses th)t en&)se$

h"s eyes "+ht

re)((y h)#e been b()&1 &)#"t"es "n h"s s1'((,

)1"n+ h" (oo1 ("1e )

$e)th3s2he)$. An$, "n$ee$, "% e#er De)th h"se(%

s)t r"t"n+ )t ) oo$en

t)b(e, "t "+ht h)#e been he.

He (oo1e$ '* )n$ s"(e$ br"+ht(y eno'+h )s the en

&)e "n, )n$ rose

"th the res"("ent r)*"$"ty o% h"&h the Pro%essor

h)$ s*o1en. He set

&h)"rs %or both o% the, )n$ +o"n+ to ) *e+ beh"n$the $oor, *ro&ee$e$

to *'t on ) &o)t )n$ )"st&o)t o% ro'+h, $)r1

tee$- he b'ttone$ "t '*

ne)t(y, )n$ &)e b)&1 to s"t $on )t h"s t)b(e.

The ='"et +oo$ h'o'r o% h"s )nner (e%t h"s to

o**onents he(*(ess. It

)s "th soe oent)ry $"%%"&'(ty th)t the

Pro%essor bro1e s"(en&e )n$

be+)n, >I3 sorry to $"st'rb yo' so e)r(y,&or)$e,> s)"$ he, "th )

&)re%'( res'*t"on o% the s(o $e Wors )nner.

>Yo' h)#e no $o'bt )$e

)(( the )rr)n+eents %or the P)r"s )%%)"r:> Then he

)$$e$ "th "n%"n"te

s(oness, >We h)#e "n%or)t"on h"&h ren$ers

"nto(er)b(e )nyth"n+ "n the

n)t're o% ) oent3s $e()y.>

Dr. 0'(( s"(e$ )+)"n, b't &ont"n'e$ to +);e on

the "tho't s*e)1"n+.

The Pro%essor res'e$, ) *)'se be%ore e)&h e)ry

or$22

138



>P(e)se $o not th"n1 e e/&ess"#e(y )br'*t- b't I

)$#"se yo' to )(ter

those *()ns, or "% "t "s too ()te %or th)t, to

%o((o yo'r )+ent "th

)(( the s'**ort yo' &)n +et %or h". Cor)$e Sye

)n$ I h)#e h)$ )n

e/*er"en&e h"&h "t o'($ t)1e ore t"e to re&o'nt

th)n e &)n )%%or$,

"% e )re to )&t on "t. I "((, hoe#er, re()te the

o&&'rren&e "n

$et)"(, e#en )t the r"s1 o% (os"n+ t"e, "% yo'

re)((y %ee( th)t "t "s

essent")( to the 'n$erst)n$"n+ o% the *rob(e e

h)#e to $"s&'ss.>

He )s s*"nn"n+ o't h"s senten&es, )1"n+ the

"nto(er)b(y (on+ )n$

("n+er"n+, "n the ho*e o% )$$en"n+ the *r)&t"&)(

("tt(e Do&tor "nto )n

e/*(os"on o% "*)t"en&e h"&h "+ht sho h"s h)n$.

0't the ("tt(e Do&tor

&ont"n'e$ on(y to st)re )n$ s"(e, )n$ the

ono(o+'e )s '*h"(( or1.

Sye be+)n to %ee( ) ne s"&1ness )n$ $es*)"r. The

Do&tor3s s"(e )n$ s"(en&e ere not )t )(( ("1e the &)t)(e*t"& st)re

)n$ horr"b(e s"(en&e

h"&h he h)$ &on%ronte$ "n the Pro%essor h)(% )n

ho'r be%ore. Abo't the

Pro%essor3s )1e'* )n$ )(( h"s )nt"&s there )s

)()ys soeth"n+ ere(y

+rotes='e, ("1e ) +o((yo+. Sye reebere$ those

"($ oes o% yester$)y

)s one reebers be"n+ )%r)"$ o% 0o+y "n &h"($hoo$.

0't here )s

$)y("+ht- here )s ) he)(thy, s=')re2sho'($ere$ )n

"n tee$s, not o$$

s)#e %or the )&&"$ent o% h"s '+(y s*e&t)&(es, not

+()r"n+ or +r"nn"n+ )t

139



)((, b't s"("n+ ste)$"(y )n$ not s)y"n+ ) or$.

The ho(e h)$ ) sense

o% 'nbe)r)b(e re)("ty. Un$er the "n&re)s"n+

s'n("+ht the &o(o'rs o%

the Do&tor3s &o*(e/"on, the *)ttern o% h"s tee$s,

+re )n$ e/*)n$e$

o'tr)+eo's(y, )s s'&h th"n+s +ro too "*ort)nt "n

) re)("st"& no#e(.

0't h"s s"(e )s ='"te s("+ht, the *ose o% h"s

he)$ *o("te- the on(y

'n&)nny th"n+ )s h"s s"(en&e.

>As I s)y,> res'e$ the Pro%essor, ("1e ) )n

to"("n+ thro'+h he)#y

s)n$, >the "n&"$ent th)t h)s o&&'rre$ to 's )n$ h)s(e$ 's to )s1 %or

"n%or)t"on )bo't the M)r='"s, "s one h"&h yo' )y

th"n1 "t better to

h)#e n)rr)te$- b't )s "t &)e "n the )y o% Cor)$e

Sye r)ther th)n

e22>

H"s or$s he seee$ to be $r)++"n+ o't ("1e or$s

"n )n )nthe- b't

Sye, ho )s )t&h"n+, s) h"s (on+ %"n+ers r)tt(e='"&1(y on the e$+e

o% the &r);y t)b(e. He re)$ the ess)+e, >Yo' 'st

+o on. Th"s $e#"( h)s

s'&1e$ e $ry>

Sye *('n+e$ "nto the bre)&h "th th)t br)#)$o o%

"*ro#"s)t"on h"&h

)()ys &)e to h" hen he )s )()re$.

>Yes, the th"n+ re)((y h)**ene$ to e,> he s)"$

h)st"(y. >I h)$ the +oo$

%ort'ne to %)(( "nto &on#ers)t"on "th ) $ete&t"#e

ho too1 e, th)n1s

to y h)t, %or ) res*e&t)b(e *erson. W"sh"n+ to

&("n&h y re*'t)t"on %or

140





The other )nsere$, >E/tr)or$"n)ry rot>

Sye s)"$, >I ) ) *oet.>

The other retorte$, >Yo' )re ) $e)$ )n.>

Sye h)$ +one ='"te re$ '* to h"s ye((o h)"r, )n$

h"s eyes ere b'rn"n+

%e#er"sh(y. As he s)"$ he h)$ )n "nt'"t"on, )n$ "t

h)$ r"sen to ) sort

o% ("+hthe)$e$ &ert)"nty. Res'"n+ h"s sybo("&

t)*s, he s"+n)((e$ to

h"s %r"en$, >Yo' s&)r&e(y re)("se ho *oet"& y

"nt'"t"on "s. It h)sth)t s'$$en =')("ty e soet"es %ee( "n the &o"n+

o% s*r"n+.>

He then st'$"e$ the )nser on h"s %r"en$3s %"n+ers.

The )nser )s, >Go

to he((>

The Pro%essor then res'e$ h"s ere(y #erb)(

ono(o+'e )$$resse$ to the

Do&tor.

>Perh)*s I sho'($ r)ther s)y,> s)"$ Sye on h"s

%"n+ers, >th)t "t

reseb(es th)t s'$$en se(( o% the se) h"&h )y be

%o'n$ "n the he)rt

o% ('sh oo$s.>

H"s &o*)n"on $"s$)"ne$ to re*(y.

>Or yet )+)"n,> t)**e$ Sye, >"t "s *os"t"#e, )s "s

the *)ss"on)te re$

h)"r o% ) be)'t"%'( o)n.>

The Pro%essor )s &ont"n'"n+ h"s s*ee&h, b't "n the

"$$(e o% "t Sye

142





*)r)(ys"s. He (e)nt on the b)&1 o% the &h)"r )n$

st)re$ $o'bt%'((y )t

Dr. 0'((, )s "% the Do&tor h)$ been t'rne$ "nto )

to)$ be%ore h"s eyes.

An$ "n$ee$ "t )s )(ost )s +re)t ) tr)ns%or)t"on

s&ene.

The to $ete&t"#es s) s"tt"n+ "n the &h)"r be%ore

the ) #ery

boy"sh2(oo1"n+ yo'n+ )n, "th #ery %r)n1 )n$ h)**y

h);e( eyes, )n

o*en e/*ress"on, &o&1ney &(othes ("1e those o% )

&"ty &(er1, )n$

)n 'n='est"on)b(e bre)th )bo't h" o% be"n+ #ery

+oo$ )n$ r)ther&oon*()&e. The s"(e )s st"(( there, b't "t

"+ht h)#e been the %"rst

s"(e o% ) b)by.

>I 1ne I )s ) *oet,> &r"e$ Sye "n ) sort o%

e&st)sy. >I 1ne y

"nt'"t"on )s )s "n%)(("b(e )s the Po*e. It )s the

s*e&t)&(es th)t $"$

"t It )s )(( the s*e&t)&(es. G"#en those be)st(y

b()&1 eyes, )n$ )((the rest o% h" h"s he)(th )n$ h"s 9o((y (oo1s,

)$e h" ) ("#e $e#"(

)on+ $e)$ ones.>

>It &ert)"n(y $oes )1e ) ='eer $"%%eren&e,> s)"$

the Pro%essor sh)1"(y.

>0't )s re+)r$s the *ro9e&t o% Dr. 0'((22>

>Pro9e&t be $)ne$> ro)re$ Sye, bes"$e h"se(%.

>Loo1 )t h" Loo1

)t h"s %)&e, (oo1 )t h"s &o(()r, (oo1 )t h"s

b(esse$ boots Yo' $on3t

s'**ose, $o yo', th)t th)t th"n+3s )n )n)r&h"st:>

>Sye> &r"e$ the other "n )n )**rehens"#e )+ony.

144



>Why, by Go$,> s)"$ Sye, >I3(( t)1e the r"s1 o%

th)t yse(% Dr. 0'((,

I ) ) *o("&e o%%"&er. There3s y &)r$,> )n$ he

%('n+ $on the b('e &)r$

'*on the t)b(e.

The Pro%essor st"(( %e)re$ th)t )(( )s (ost- b't

he )s (oy)(. He

*'((e$ o't h"s on o%%"&")( &)r$ )n$ *'t "t bes"$e

h"s %r"en$3s. Then

the th"r$ )n b'rst o't ()'+h"n+, )n$ %or the %"rst

t"e th)t orn"n+

they he)r$ h"s #o"&e.

>I3 )%'((y +()$ yo' &h)*s h)#e &oe so e)r(y,> he

s)"$, "th ) sort o%

s&hoo(boy %("**)n&y, >%or e &)n )(( st)rt %or

r)n&e to+ether. Yes,

I3 "n the %or&e r"+ht eno'+h,> )n$ he %("&1e$ )

b('e &)r$ to)r$s the

("+ht(y )s ) )tter o% %or.

C()**"n+ ) br"s1 bo(er on h"s he)$ )n$ res'"n+

h"s +ob("n +()sses, theDo&tor o#e$ so ='"&1(y to)r$s the $oor, th)t the

others "nst"n&t"#e(y

%o((oe$ h". Sye seee$ ) ("tt(e $"str)"t, )n$ )s

he *)sse$ 'n$er the

$oor)y he s'$$en(y str'&1 h"s st"&1 on the stone

*)ss)+e so th)t "t

r)n+.

>0't Lor$ Go$ A("+hty,> he &r"e$ o't, >"% th"s "s

)(( r"+ht, there ere

ore $)ne$ $ete&t"#es th)n there ere $)ne$

$yn)"ters )t the $)ne$

Co'n&"(>

145



>We "+ht h)#e %o'+ht e)s"(y,> s)"$ 0'((- >e ere

%o'r )+)"nst three.>

The Pro%essor )s $es&en$"n+ the st)"rs, b't h"s

#o"&e &)e '* %ro

be(o.

>No,> s)"$ the #o"&e, >e ere not %o'r )+)"nst

three22e ere not so

('&1y. We ere %o'r )+)"nst One.>

The others ent $on the st)"rs "n s"(en&e.

The yo'n+ )n &)((e$ 0'((, "th )n "nno&ent

&o'rtesy &h)r)&ter"st"& o%h", "ns"ste$ on +o"n+ ()st 'nt"( they re)&he$ the

street- b't there h"s

on rob'st r)*"$"ty )sserte$ "tse(% 'n&ons&"o's(y,

)n$ he )(1e$ ='"&1(y

on )he)$ to)r$s ) r)"()y "n='"ry o%%"&e, t)(1"n+

to the others o#er

h"s sho'($er.

>It "s 9o((y to +et soe *)(s,> he s)"$. >I3#e been

h)(% $e)$ "ththe 9'*s, be"n+ ='"te )(one. I ne)r(y %('n+ y

)rs ro'n$ Go+o( )n$

ebr)&e$ h", h"&h o'($ h)#e been "*r'$ent. I

ho*e yo' on3t $es*"se

e %or h)#"n+ been "n ) b('e %'n1.>

>A(( the b('e $e#"(s "n b('e he((,> s)"$ Sye,

>&ontr"b'te$ to y b('e

%'n1 0't the orst $e#"( )s yo' )n$ yo'r "n%ern)(

+o++(es.>

The yo'n+ )n ()'+he$ $e("+hte$(y.

>W)sn3t "t ) r)+:> he s)"$. >S'&h ) s"*(e "$e)22

not y on. I h)#en3t

146



+ot the br)"ns. Yo' see, I )nte$ to +o "nto the

$ete&t"#e ser#"&e,

es*e&")((y the )nt"2$yn)"te b's"ness. 0't %or th)t

*'r*ose they )nte$

soeone to $ress '* )s ) $yn)"ter- )n$ they )((

sore by b();es th)t

I &o'($ ne#er (oo1 ("1e ) $yn)"ter. They s)"$ y

#ery )(1 )s

res*e&t)b(e, )n$ th)t seen %ro beh"n$ I (oo1e$

("1e the 0r"t"sh

Const"t't"on. They s)"$ I (oo1e$ too he)(thy )n$

too o*t""st"&, )n$ too

re(")b(e )n$ bene#o(ent- they &)((e$ e )(( sorts

o% n)es )t S&ot()n$

Y)r$. They s)"$ th)t "% I h)$ been ) &r""n)(, I "+ht h)#e )$e y

%ort'ne by (oo1"n+ so ("1e )n honest )n- b't )s I

h)$ the "s%ort'ne to

be )n honest )n, there )s not e#en the reotest

&h)n&e o% y )ss"st"n+

the by e#er (oo1"n+ ("1e ) &r""n)(. 0't )s ()st I

)s bro'+ht be%ore

soe o($ 9osser ho )s h"+h '* "n the %or&e, )n$

ho seee$ to h)#e

no en$ o% ) he)$ on h"s sho'($ers. An$ there theothers )(( t)(1e$

ho*e(ess(y. One )s1e$ hether ) b'shy be)r$ o'($

h"$e y n"&e s"(e-

)nother s)"$ th)t "% they b()&1e$ y %)&e I "+ht

(oo1 ("1e ) ne+ro

)n)r&h"st- b't th"s o($ &h)* &h"**e$ "n "th ) ost

e/tr)or$"n)ry

re)r1. 3A *)"r o% so1e$ s*e&t)&(es "(( $o "t,3

he s)"$ *os"t"#e(y.

3Loo1 )t h" no- he (oo1s ("1e )n )n+e("& o%%"&e

boy. P't h" on ) *)"r

o% so1e$ s*e&t)&(es, )n$ &h"($ren "(( s&re) )t

the s"+ht o% h".3

An$ so "t )s, by Geor+e When on&e y eyes ere

&o#ere$, )(( the rest,

147



s"(e )n$ b"+ sho'($ers )n$ short h)"r, )$e e

(oo1 ) *er%e&t ("tt(e

$e#"(. As I s)y, "t )s s"*(e eno'+h hen "t )s

$one, ("1e "r)&(es-

b't th)t )sn3t the re)((y "r)&'(o's *)rt o% "t.

There )s one re)((y

st)++er"n+ th"n+ )bo't the b's"ness, )n$ y he)$

st"(( t'rns )t "t.>

>Wh)t )s th)t:> )s1e$ Sye.

>I3(( te(( yo',> )nsere$ the )n "n s*e&t)&(es.

>Th"s b"+ *ot "n the

*o("&e ho s";e$ e '* so th)t he 1ne ho the

+o++(es o'($ +o "th yh)"r )n$ so&1s22by Go$, he ne#er s) e )t )((>

Sye3s eyes s'$$en(y %()she$ on h".

>Ho )s th)t:> he )s1e$. >I tho'+ht yo' t)(1e$ to

h".>

>So I $"$,> s)"$ 0'(( br"+ht(y- >b't e t)(1e$ "n )

*"t&h2$)r1 roo ("1e

) &o)(&e(()r. There, yo' o'($ ne#er h)#e +'esse$th)t.>

>I &o'($ not h)#e &on&e"#e$ "t,> s)"$ Sye +r)#e(y.

>It "s "n$ee$ ) ne "$e),> s)"$ the Pro%essor.

The"r ne )((y )s "n *r)&t"&)( )tters )

h"r("n$. At the "n='"ry

o%%"&e he )s1e$ "th b's"ness("1e bre#"ty )bo't the

tr)"ns %or Do#er.

H)#"n+ +ot h"s "n%or)t"on, he b'n$(e$ the &o*)ny

"nto ) &)b, )n$ *'t

the )n$ h"se(% "ns"$e ) r)"()y &)rr")+e be%ore

they h)$ *ro*er(y

148



re)("se$ the bre)th(ess *ro&ess. They ere )(re)$y

on the C)()"s bo)t

be%ore &on#ers)t"on %(oe$ %ree(y.

>I h)$ )(re)$y )rr)n+e$,> he e/*()"ne$, >to +o to

r)n&e %or y ('n&h-

b't I ) $e("+hte$ to h)#e soeone to ('n&h "th

e. Yo' see, I h)$ to

sen$ th)t be)st, the M)r='"s, o#er "th h"s bob,

be&)'se the Pres"$ent

h)$ h"s eye on e, tho'+h Go$ 1nos ho. I3(( te((

yo' the story soe

$)y. It )s *er%e&t(y &ho1"n+. Whene#er I tr"e$ to

s("* o't o% "t I s)

the Pres"$ent soehere, s"("n+ o't o% the bo2 "n$o o% ) &('b, or

t)1"n+ o%% h"s h)t to e %ro the to* o% )n

on"b's. I te(( yo', yo' &)n

s)y h)t yo' ("1e, th)t %e((o so($ h"se(% to the

$e#"(- he &)n be "n

s"/ *()&es )t on&e.>

>So yo' sent the M)r='"s o%%, I 'n$erst)n$,> )s1e$

the Pro%essor. >W)s

"t (on+ )+o: Sh)(( e be "n t"e to &)t&h h":>

>Yes,> )nsere$ the ne +'"$e, >I3#e t"e$ "t )((.

He3(( st"(( be )t

C)()"s hen e )rr"#e.>

>0't hen e $o &)t&h h" )t C)()"s,> s)"$ the

Pro%essor, >h)t )re e

+o"n+ to $o:>

At th"s ='est"on the &o'nten)n&e o% Dr. 0'(( %e((

%or the %"rst t"e. He

re%(e&te$ ) ("tt(e, )n$ then s)"$22

>Theoret"&)((y, I s'**ose, e o'+ht to &)(( the

*o("&e.>

149



>Not I,> s)"$ Sye. >Theoret"&)((y I o'+ht to $ron

yse(% %"rst. I

*ro"se$ ) *oor %e((o, ho )s ) re)( o$ern

*ess""st, on y or$ o%

hono'r not to te(( the *o("&e. I3 no h)n$ )t

&)s'"stry, b't I &)n3t

bre)1 y or$ to ) o$ern *ess""st. It3s ("1e

bre)1"n+ one3s or$ to )

&h"($.>

>I3 "n the s)e bo)t,> s)"$ the Pro%essor. >I

tr"e$ to te(( the *o("&e

)n$ I &o'($n3t, be&)'se o% soe s"((y o)th I too1.

Yo' see, hen I )s)n )&tor I )s ) sort o% )((2ro'n$ be)st. Per9'ry

or tre)son "s the on(y

&r"e I h)#en3t &o"tte$. I% I $"$ th)t I

sho'($n3t 1no the $"%%eren&e

beteen r"+ht )n$ ron+.>

>I3#e been thro'+h )(( th)t,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, >)n$

I3#e )$e '* y "n$.

I +)#e y *ro"se to the Se&ret)ry22yo' 1no h",

)n ho s"(es '*s"$e$on. My %r"en$s, th)t )n "s the ost 'tter(y

'nh)**y )n th)t )s e#er

h')n. It )y be h"s $"+est"on, or h"s &ons&"en&e,

or h"s ner#es, or h"s

*h"(oso*hy o% the 'n"#erse, b't he3s $)ne$, he3s

"n he(( We((, I &)n3t

t'rn on ) )n ("1e th)t, )n$ h'nt h" $on. It3s

("1e h"**"n+ ) (e*er.

I )y be )$, b't th)t3s ho I %ee(- )n$ there3s

9o((y e(( the en$ o%

"t.>

>I $on3t th"n1 yo'3re )$,> s)"$ Sye. >I 1ne yo'

o'($ $e&"$e ("1e

th)t hen %"rst yo'22>

150



>Eh:> s)"$ Dr. 0'((.

>When %"rst yo' too1 o%% yo'r s*e&t)&(es.>

Dr. 0'(( s"(e$ ) ("tt(e, )n$ stro((e$ )&ross the

$e&1 to (oo1 )t the

s'n("t se). Then he stro((e$ b)&1 )+)"n, 1"&1"n+

h"s hee(s &)re(ess(y,

)n$ ) &o*)n"on)b(e s"(en&e %e(( beteen the three

en.

>We((,> s)"$ Sye, >"t sees th)t e h)#e )(( the

s)e 1"n$ o% or)("ty

or "or)("ty, so e h)$ better %)&e the %)&t th)t&oes o% "t.>

>Yes,> )ssente$ the Pro%essor, >yo'3re ='"te r"+ht-

)n$ e 'st h'rry

'*, %or I &)n see the Grey Nose st)n$"n+ o't %ro

r)n&e.>

>The %)&t th)t &oes o% "t,> s)"$ Sye ser"o's(y,

>"s th"s, th)t e

three )re )(one on th"s *()net. Go+o( h)s +one, Go$1nos here- *erh)*s

the Pres"$ent h)s s)she$ h" ("1e ) %(y. On the

Co'n&"( e )re three

en )+)"nst three, ("1e the Ro)ns ho he($ the

br"$+e. 0't e )re orse

o%% th)n th)t, %"rst be&)'se they &)n )**e)( to

the"r or+)n";)t"on )n$

e &)nnot )**e)( to o'rs, )n$ se&on$ be&)'se22>

>0e&)'se one o% those other three en,> s)"$ the

Pro%essor, >"s not )

)n.>

Sye no$$e$ )n$ )s s"(ent %or ) se&on$ or to,

then he s)"$22

151



>My "$e) "s th"s. We 'st $o soeth"n+ to 1ee* the

M)r='"s "n C)()"s

t"(( toorro "$$)y. I h)#e t'rne$ o#er tenty

s&hees "n y he)$. We

&)nnot $eno'n&e h" )s ) $yn)"ter- th)t "s )+ree$.

We &)nnot +et h"

$et)"ne$ on soe tr"#")( &h)r+e, %or e sho'($ h)#e

to )**e)r- he 1nos

's, )n$ he o'($ se(( ) r)t. We &)nnot *reten$ to

1ee* h" on )n)r&h"st

b's"ness- he "+ht s)((o '&h "n th)t )y, b't

not the not"on o%

sto**"n+ "n C)()"s h"(e the C;)r ent s)%e(y

thro'+h P)r"s. We "+httry to 1"$n)* h", )n$ (o&1 h" '* o'rse(#es- b't

he "s ) e((21non )n

here. He h)s ) ho(e bo$y+')r$ o% %r"en$s- he "s

#ery stron+ )n$ br)#e,

)n$ the e#ent "s $o'bt%'(. The on(y th"n+ I &)n see

to $o "s )&t')((y to

t)1e )$#)nt)+e o% the #ery th"n+s th)t )re "n the

M)r='"s3s %)#o'r. I )

+o"n+ to *ro%"t by the %)&t th)t he "s ) h"+h(y

res*e&te$ nob(e)n. I) +o"n+ to *ro%"t by the %)&t th)t he h)s )ny

%r"en$s )n$ o#es "n the

best so&"ety.>

>Wh)t the $e#"( )re yo' t)(1"n+ )bo't:> )s1e$ the

Pro%essor.

>The Syes )re %"rst ent"one$ "n the %o'rteenth

&ent'ry,> s)"$

Sye- >b't there "s ) tr)$"t"on th)t one o% the

ro$e beh"n$ 0r'&e )t

0)nno&1b'rn. S"n&e 4F6 the tree "s ='"te &(e)r.>

>He3s +one o%% h"s he)$,> s)"$ the ("tt(e Do&tor,

st)r"n+.

152



>O'r be)r"n+s,> &ont"n'e$ Sye &)((y, >)re 3)r+ent

) &he#ron +'(es

&h)r+e$ "th three &ross &ross(ets o% the %"e($.3

The otto #)r"es.>

The Pro%essor se";e$ Sye ro'+h(y by the )"st&o)t.

>We )re 9'st "nshore,> he s)"$. >Are yo' se)s"&1 or

9o1"n+ "n the ron+

*()&e:>

>My re)r1s )re )(ost *)"n%'((y *r)&t"&)(,>

)nsere$ Sye, "n )n

'nh'rr"e$ )nner. >The ho'se o% St. E'st)&he )(so"s #ery )n&"ent. The

M)r='"s &)nnot $eny th)t he "s ) +ent(e)n. He

&)nnot $eny th)t I ) )

+ent(e)n. An$ "n or$er to *'t the )tter o% y

so&")( *os"t"on ='"te

beyon$ ) $o'bt, I *ro*ose )t the e)r("est

o**ort'n"ty to 1no&1 h"s h)t

o%%. 0't here e )re "n the h)rbo'r.>

They ent on shore 'n$er the stron+ s'n "n ) sorto% $);e. Sye, ho h)$

no t)1en the (e)$ )s 0'(( h)$ t)1en "t "n Lon$on,

(e$ the )(on+ ) 1"n$

o% )r"ne *)r)$e 'nt"( he &)e to soe &)%es,

eboere$ "n ) b'(1 o%

+reenery )n$ o#er(oo1"n+ the se). As he ent be%ore

the h"s ste* )s

s("+ht(y s)++er"n+, )n$ he s'n+ h"s st"&1 ("1e )

sor$. He )s )1"n+

)**)rent(y %or the e/tree en$ o% the ("ne o%

&)%es, b't he sto**e$

)br'*t(y. W"th ) sh)r* +est're he ot"one$ the to

s"(en&e, b't he

*o"nte$ "th one +(o#e$ %"n+er to ) &)%e t)b(e

'n$er ) b)n1 o% %(oer"n+

153



%o(")+e )t h"&h s)t the M)r='"s $e St. E'st)&he,

h"s teeth sh"n"n+ "n

h"s th"&1, b()&1 be)r$, )n$ h"s bo($, bron %)&e

sh)$oe$ by ) ("+ht

ye((o str) h)t )n$ o't("ne$ )+)"nst the #"o(et

se).

CHAPTER . THE DUEL

SYME s)t $on )t ) &)%e t)b(e "th h"s &o*)n"ons,

h"s b('e eyes

s*)r1("n+ ("1e the br"+ht se) be(o, )n$ or$ere$ )

bott(e o% S)''r "th) *(e)se$ "*)t"en&e. He )s %or soe re)son "n )

&on$"t"on o% &'r"o's

h"()r"ty. H"s s*"r"ts ere )(re)$y 'nn)t'r)((y

h"+h- they rose )s the

S)''r s)n1, )n$ "n h)(% )n ho'r h"s t)(1 )s )

torrent o% nonsense. He

*ro%esse$ to be )1"n+ o't ) *()n o% the

&on#ers)t"on h"&h )s +o"n+ to

ens'e beteen h"se(% )n$ the $e)$(y M)r='"s. He

9otte$ "t $on "($(y "th ) *en&"(. It )s )rr)n+e$ ("1e ) *r"nte$

&)te&h"s, "th ='est"ons

)n$ )nsers, )n$ )s $e("#ere$ "th )n

e/tr)or$"n)ry r)*"$"ty o%

'tter)n&e.

>I sh)(( )**ro)&h. 0e%ore t)1"n+ o%% h"s h)t, I

sh)(( t)1e o%% y on. I

sh)(( s)y, 3The M)r='"s $e S)"nt E'st)&he, I

be("e#e.3 He "(( s)y,

3The &e(ebr)te$ Mr. Sye, I *res'e.3 He "(( s)y

"n the ost e/='"s"te

ren&h, 3Ho )re yo':3 I sh)(( re*(y "n the ost

e/='"s"te Co&1ney, 3Oh,

9'st the Sye223>

154



>Oh, sh't "t,> s)"$ the )n "n s*e&t)&(es. >P'((

yo'rse(% to+ether, )n$

&h'&1 ))y th)t b"t o% *)*er. Wh)t )re yo' re)((y

+o"n+ to $o:>

>0't "t )s ) (o#e(y &)te&h"s,> s)"$ Sye

*)thet"&)((y. >Do (et e re)$

"t yo'. It h)s on(y %orty2three ='est"ons )n$

)nsers, )n$ soe o% the

M)r='"s3s )nsers )re on$er%'((y "tty. I ("1e to

be 9'st to y eney.>

>0't h)t3s the +oo$ o% "t )((:> )s1e$ Dr. 0'(( "n

e/)s*er)t"on.

>It (e)$s '* to y &h)((en+e, $on3t yo' see,> s)"$

Sye, be)"n+. >When

the M)r='"s h)s +"#en the th"rty2n"nth re*(y, h"&h

r'ns22>

>H)s "t by )ny &h)n&e o&&'rre$ to yo',> )s1e$ the

Pro%essor, "th )

*on$ero's s"*("&"ty, >th)t the M)r='"s )y not s)y

)(( the %orty2threeth"n+s yo' h)#e *'t $on %or h": In th)t &)se, I

'n$erst)n$, yo'r on

e*"+r)s )y )**e)r soeh)t ore %or&e$.>

Sye str'&1 the t)b(e "th ) r)$")nt %)&e.

>Why, ho tr'e th)t "s,> he s)"$, >)n$ I ne#er

tho'+ht o% "t. S"r, yo'

h)#e )n "nte((e&t beyon$ the &oon. Yo' "(( )1e

) n)e.>

>Oh, yo'3re )s $r'n1 )s )n o(> s)"$ the Do&tor.

>It on(y re)"ns,> &ont"n'e$ Sye ='"te

'n*ert'rbe$, >to )$o*t soe

155



other etho$ o% bre)1"n+ the "&e ?"% I )y so

e/*ress "t@ beteen yse(%

)n$ the )n I "sh to 1"((. An$ s"n&e the &o'rse o%

) $")(o+'e &)nnot be

*re$"&te$ by one o% "ts *)rt"es )(one ?)s yo' h)#e

*o"nte$ o't "th s'&h

re&on$"te )&'en@, the on(y th"n+ to be $one, I

s'**ose, "s %or the one

*)rty, )s %)r )s *oss"b(e, to $o )(( the $")(o+'e

by h"se(%. An$ so I

"((, by Geor+e> An$ he stoo$ '* s'$$en(y, h"s

ye((o h)"r b(o"n+ "n

the s("+ht se) bree;e.

A b)n$ )s *()y"n+ "n ) &)%e &h)nt)nt h"$$ensoehere )on+ the trees,

)n$ ) o)n h)$ 9'st sto**e$ s"n+"n+. On Sye3s

he)te$ he)$ the br)y o%

the br)ss b)n$ seee$ ("1e the 9)r )n$ 9"n+(e o%

th)t b)rre(2or+)n "n

Le"&ester S=')re, to the t'ne o% h"&h he h)$ on&e

stoo$ '* to $"e. He

(oo1e$ )&ross to the ("tt(e t)b(e here the M)r='"s

s)t. The )n h)$ to

&o*)n"ons no, so(en ren&hen "n %ro&12&o)ts )n$s"(1 h)ts, one o%

the "th the re$ rosette o% the Le+"on o% Hono'r,

e#"$ent(y *eo*(e o%

) so("$ so&")( *os"t"on. 0es"$es these b()&1,

&y("n$r"&)( &ost'es,

the M)r='"s, "n h"s (oose str) h)t )n$ ("+ht

s*r"n+ &(othes, (oo1e$

0ohe")n )n$ e#en b)rb)r"&- b't he (oo1e$ the

M)r='"s. In$ee$, one "+ht

s)y th)t he (oo1e$ the 1"n+, "th h"s )n")(

e(e+)n&e, h"s s&orn%'(

eyes, )n$ h"s *ro'$ he)$ ("%te$ )+)"nst the *'r*(e

se). 0't he )s no

Chr"st")n 1"n+, )t )ny r)te- he )s, r)ther, soe

s)rthy $es*ot, h)(%

156



Gree1, h)(% As")t"&, ho "n the $)ys hen s()#ery

seee$ n)t'r)( (oo1e$

$on on the Me$"terr)ne)n, on h"s +)((ey )n$ h"s

+ro)n"n+ s()#es. B'st

so, Sye tho'+ht, o'($ the bron2+o($ %)&e o% s'&h

) tyr)nt h)#e shon

)+)"nst the $)r1 +reen o("#es )n$ the b'rn"n+ b('e.

>Are yo' +o"n+ to )$$ress the eet"n+:> )s1e$ the

Pro%essor *ee#"sh(y,

see"n+ th)t Sye st"(( stoo$ '* "tho't o#"n+.

Sye $r)"ne$ h"s ()st +()ss o% s*)r1("n+ "ne.

>I ),> he s)"$, *o"nt"n+ )&ross to the M)r='"s )n$h"s &o*)n"ons,

>th)t eet"n+. Th)t eet"n+ $"s*(e)ses e. I )

+o"n+ to *'(( th)t

eet"n+3s +re)t '+(y, )ho+)ny2&o(o're$ nose.>

He ste**e$ )&ross s"%t(y, "% not ='"te ste)$"(y.

The M)r='"s, see"n+

h", )r&he$ h"s b()&1 Assyr")n eyebros "n

s'r*r"se, b't s"(e$

*o("te(y.

>Yo' )re Mr. Sye, I th"n1,> he s)"$.

Sye boe$.

>An$ yo' )re the M)r='"s $e S)"nt E'st)&he,> he

s)"$ +r)&e%'((y. >Per"t

e to *'(( yo'r nose.>

He (e)nt o#er to $o so, b't the M)r='"s st)rte$

b)&1)r$s, '*sett"n+ h"s

&h)"r, )n$ the to en "n to* h)ts he($ Sye b)&1

by the sho'($ers.

157



>Th"s )n h)s "ns'(te$ e> s)"$ Sye, "th

+est'res o% e/*()n)t"on.

>Ins'(te$ yo':> &r"e$ the +ent(e)n "th the re$

rosette, >hen:>

>Oh, 9'st no,> s)"$ Sye re&1(ess(y. >He "ns'(te$

y other.>

>Ins'(te$ yo'r other> e/&()"e$ the +ent(e)n

"n&re$'(o's(y.

>We((, )nyho,> s)"$ Sye, &on&e$"n+ ) *o"nt, >y

)'nt.>

>0't ho &)n the M)r='"s h)#e "ns'(te$ yo'r )'nt

9'st no:> s)"$ the

se&on$ +ent(e)n "th soe (e+"t")te on$er. >He

h)s been s"tt"n+ here

)(( the t"e.>

>Ah, "t )s h)t he s)"$> s)"$ Sye $)r1(y.

>I s)"$ noth"n+ )t )((,> s)"$ the M)r='"s, >e/&e*t

soeth"n+ )bo't the b)n$. I on(y s)"$ th)t I ("1e$ W)+ner *()ye$ e((.>

>It )s )n )(('s"on to y %)"(y,> s)"$ Sye

%"r(y. >My )'nt *()ye$

W)+ner b)$(y. It )s ) *)"n%'( s'b9e&t. We )re

)()ys be"n+ "ns'(te$

)bo't "t.>

>Th"s sees ost e/tr)or$"n)ry,> s)"$ the +ent(e)n

ho )s $e&ore,

(oo1"n+ $o'bt%'((y )t the M)r='"s.

>Oh, I )ss're yo',> s)"$ Sye e)rnest(y, >the ho(e

o% yo'r &on#ers)t"on

158



)s s"*(y *)&1e$ "th s"n"ster )(('s"ons to y

)'nt3s e)1nesses.>

>Th"s "s nonsense> s)"$ the se&on$ +ent(e)n. >I

%or one h)#e s)"$

noth"n+ %or h)(% )n ho'r e/&e*t th)t I ("1e$ the

s"n+"n+ o% th)t +"r(

"th b()&1 h)"r.>

>We((, there yo' )re )+)"n> s)"$ Sye "n$"+n)nt(y.

>My )'nt3s )s re$.>

>It sees to e,> s)"$ the other, >th)t yo' )re

s"*(y see1"n+ ) *rete/t

to "ns'(t the M)r='"s.>

>0y Geor+e> s)"$ Sye, %)&"n+ ro'n$ )n$ (oo1"n+ )t

h", >h)t ) &(e#er

&h)* yo' )re>

The M)r='"s st)rte$ '* "th eyes %()"n+ ("1e )

t"+er3s.

>See1"n+ ) =')rre( "th e> he &r"e$. >See1"n+ )

%"+ht "th e 0y Go$there )s ne#er ) )n ho h)$ to see1 (on+. These

+ent(een "(( *erh)*s

)&t %or e. There )re st"(( %o'r ho'rs o% $)y("+ht.

Let 's %"+ht th"s

e#en"n+.>

Sye boe$ "th ) ='"te be)'t"%'( +r)&"o'sness.

>M)r='"s,> he s)"$, >yo'r )&t"on "s orthy o% yo'r

%)e )n$ b(oo$.

Per"t e to &ons'(t %or ) oent "th the

+ent(een "n hose h)n$s I

sh)(( *()&e yse(%.>

159



In three (on+ str"$es he re9o"ne$ h"s &o*)n"ons,

)n$ they, ho h)$ seen

h"s &h)*)+ne2"ns*"re$ )tt)&1 )n$ ("stene$ to h"s

"$"ot"& e/*()n)t"ons,

ere ='"te st)rt(e$ )t the (oo1 o% h". or no

th)t he &)e b)&1 to

the he )s ='"te sober, ) ("tt(e *)(e, )n$ he

s*o1e "n ) (o #o"&e o%

*)ss"on)te *r)&t"&)("ty.

>I h)#e $one "t,> he s)"$ ho)rse(y. >I h)#e %"/e$ )

%"+ht on the be)st.

0't (oo1 here, )n$ ("sten &)re%'((y. There "s no

t"e %or t)(1. Yo' )re

y se&on$s, )n$ e#eryth"n+ 'st &oe %ro yo'. Noyo' 'st "ns"st, )n$

"ns"st )bso('te(y, on the $'e( &o"n+ o%% )%ter

se#en toorro, so )s to

+"#e e the &h)n&e o% *re#ent"n+ h" %ro &)t&h"n+

the .F %or P)r"s.

I% he "sses th)t he "sses h"s &r"e. He &)n3t

re%'se to eet yo' on

s'&h ) s)(( *o"nt o% t"e )n$ *()&e. 0't th"s "s

h)t he "(( $o. He

"(( &hoose ) %"e($ soehere ne)r ) )ys"$est)t"on, here he &)n *"&1

'* the tr)"n. He "s ) #ery +oo$ sor$s)n, )n$ he

"(( tr'st to 1"(("n+

e "n t"e to &)t&h "t. 0't I &)n %en&e e(( too,

)n$ I th"n1 I &)n 1ee*

h" "n *()y, )t )ny r)te, 'nt"( the tr)"n "s (ost.

Then *erh)*s he )y

1"(( e to &onso(e h"s %ee("n+s. Yo' 'n$erst)n$:

!ery e(( then, (et

e "ntro$'&e yo' to soe &h)r"n+ %r"en$s o% "ne,>

)n$ (e)$"n+ the

='"&1(y )&ross the *)r)$e, he *resente$ the to the

M)r='"s3s se&on$s by

to #ery )r"sto&r)t"& n)es o% h"&h they h)$ not

*re#"o's(y he)r$.

160



Sye )s s'b9e&t to s*)ss o% s"n+'()r &oon

sense, not other"se )

*)rt o% h"s &h)r)&ter. They ere ?)s he s)"$ o% h"s

"*'(se )bo't the

s*e&t)&(es@ *oet"& "nt'"t"ons, )n$ they soet"es

rose to the e/)(t)t"on

o% *ro*he&y.

He h)$ &orre&t(y &)(&'()te$ "n th"s &)se the *o("&y

o% h"s o**onent.

When the M)r='"s )s "n%ore$ by h"s se&on$s th)t

Sye &o'($ on(y

%"+ht "n the orn"n+, he 'st %'((y h)#e re)("se$

th)t )n obst)&(eh)$ s'$$en(y )r"sen beteen h" )n$ h"s bob2

thro"n+ b's"ness "n the

&)*"t)(. N)t'r)((y he &o'($ not e/*()"n th"s

ob9e&t"on to h"s %r"en$s,

so he &hose the &o'rse h"&h Sye h)$ *re$"&te$. He

"n$'&e$ h"s se&on$s

to sett(e on ) s)(( e)$o not %)r %ro the

r)"()y, )n$ he tr'ste$ to

the %)t)("ty o% the %"rst en+)+eent.

When he &)e $on #ery &oo((y to the %"e($ o%

hono'r, no one &o'($ h)#e

+'esse$ th)t he h)$ )ny )n/"ety )bo't ) 9o'rney-

h"s h)n$s ere "n h"s

*o&1ets, h"s str) h)t on the b)&1 o% h"s he)$, h"s

h)n$soe %)&e

br);en "n the s'n. 0't "t "+ht h)#e str'&1 )

str)n+er )s o$$ th)t there

)**e)re$ "n h"s tr)"n, not on(y h"s se&on$s

&)rry"n+ the sor$2&)se, b't

to o% h"s ser#)nts &)rry"n+ ) *ort)nte)' )n$ )

('n&heon b)s1et.

E)r(y )s )s the ho'r, the s'n so)1e$ e#eryth"n+ "n

)rth, )n$ Sye )s

161



#)+'e(y s'r*r"se$ to see so )ny s*r"n+ %(oers

b'rn"n+ +o($ )n$ s"(#er

"n the t)(( +r)ss "n h"&h the ho(e &o*)ny stoo$

)(ost 1nee2$ee*.

W"th the e/&e*t"on o% the M)r='"s, )(( the en ere

"n sobre )n$ so(en

orn"n+2$ress, "th h)ts ("1e b()&1 &h"ney2*ots-

the ("tt(e Do&tor

es*e&")((y, "th the )$$"t"on o% h"s b()&1

s*e&t)&(es, (oo1e$ ("1e )n

'n$ert)1er "n ) %)r&e. Sye &o'($ not he(* %ee("n+

) &o"& &ontr)st

beteen th"s %'nere)( &h'r&h *)r)$e o% )**)re( )n$

the r"&h )n$ +("sten"n+ e)$o, +ro"n+ "($ %(oers e#eryhere.

0't, "n$ee$, th"s

&o"& &ontr)st beteen the ye((o b(ossos )n$ the

b()&1 h)ts )s b't )

sybo( o% the tr)+"& &ontr)st beteen the ye((o

b(ossos )n$ the b()&1

b's"ness. On h"s r"+ht )s ) ("tt(e oo$- %)r ))y

to h"s (e%t ()y the

(on+ &'r#e o% the r)"()y ("ne, h"&h he )s, so to

s*e)1, +')r$"n+ %ro the M)r='"s, hose +o)( )n$ es&)*e "t )s. In %ront

o% h", beh"n$ the

b()&1 +ro'* o% h"s o**onents, he &o'($ see, ("1e )

t"nte$ &(o'$, ) s)((

)(on$ b'sh "n %(oer )+)"nst the %)"nt ("ne o% the

se).

The eber o% the Le+"on o% Hono'r, hose n)e "t

seee$ )s Co(one(

D'&ro"/, )**ro)&he$ the Pro%essor )n$ Dr. 0'(( "th

+re)t *o("teness,

)n$ s'++este$ th)t the *()y sho'($ ter"n)te "th

the %"rst &ons"$er)b(e

h'rt.

162



Dr. 0'((, hoe#er, h)#"n+ been &)re%'((y &o)&he$ by

Sye '*on th"s *o"nt

o% *o("&y, "ns"ste$, "th +re)t $"+n"ty )n$ "n #ery

b)$ ren&h, th)t "t

sho'($ &ont"n'e 'nt"( one o% the &ob)t)nts )s

$"s)b(e$. Sye h)$ )$e

'* h"s "n$ th)t he &o'($ )#o"$ $"s)b("n+ the

M)r='"s )n$ *re#ent

the M)r='"s %ro $"s)b("n+ h" %or )t (e)st tenty

"n'tes. In tenty

"n'tes the P)r"s tr)"n o'($ h)#e +one by.

>To ) )n o% the e((21non s1"(( )n$ #)(o'r o%

Mons"e'r $e St.

E'st)&he,> s)"$ the Pro%essor so(en(y, >"t 'st be) )tter o%

"n$"%%eren&e h"&h etho$ "s )$o*te$, )n$ o'r

*r"n&"*)( h)s stron+

re)sons %or $e)n$"n+ the (on+er en&o'nter, re)sons

the $e("&)&y o%

h"&h *re#ent e %ro be"n+ e/*("&"t, b't %or the

9'st )n$ hono'r)b(e

n)t're o% h"&h I &)n22>

>Peste> bro1e %ro the M)r='"s beh"n$, hose %)&eh)$ s'$$en(y

$)r1ene$, >(et 's sto* t)(1"n+ )n$ be+"n,> )n$ he

s()she$ o%% the he)$

o% ) t)(( %(oer "th h"s st"&1.

Sye 'n$erstoo$ h"s r'$e "*)t"en&e )n$

"nst"n&t"#e(y (oo1e$ o#er h"s

sho'($er to see hether the tr)"n )s &o"n+ "n

s"+ht. 0't there )s no

so1e on the hor";on.

Co(one( D'&ro"/ 1ne(t $on )n$ 'n(o&1e$ the &)se,

t)1"n+ o't ) *)"r o%

t"n sor$s, h"&h too1 the s'n("+ht )n$ t'rne$ to

to stre)1s o% h"te

163





the %e)r o% $e)th, "th "ts &o)rse )n$ *"t"(ess

&oon sense. He %e(t

("1e ) )n ho h)$ $re)e$ )(( n"+ht o% %)(("n+

o#er *re&"*"&es, )n$ h)$

o1e '* on the orn"n+ hen he )s to be h)n+e$.

or )s soon )s he h)$

seen the s'n("+ht r'n $on the &h)nne( o% h"s %oe3s

%oreshortene$ b()$e,

)n$ )s soon )s he h)$ %e(t the to ton+'es o% stee(

to'&h, #"br)t"n+

("1e to ("#"n+ th"n+s, he 1ne th)t h"s eney )s

) terr"b(e %"+hter,

)n$ th)t *rob)b(y h"s ()st ho'r h)$ &oe.

He %e(t ) str)n+e )n$ #"#"$ #)('e "n )(( the e)rth)ro'n$ h", "n the

+r)ss 'n$er h"s %eet- he %e(t the (o#e o% ("%e "n

)(( ("#"n+ th"n+s.

He &o'($ )(ost %)n&y th)t he he)r$ the +r)ss

+ro"n+- he &o'($ )(ost

%)n&y th)t e#en )s he stoo$ %resh %(oers ere

s*r"n+"n+ '* )n$ bre)1"n+

"nto b(osso "n the e)$o22%(oers b(oo$ re$ )n$

b'rn"n+ +o($ )n$

b('e, %'(%"(("n+ the ho(e *)+e)nt o% the s*r"n+. An$ hene#er h"s

eyes str)ye$ %or ) %()sh %ro the &)(, st)r"n+,

hy*not"& eyes o% the

M)r='"s, they s) the ("tt(e t'%t o% )(on$ tree

)+)"nst the s1y2("ne.

He h)$ the %ee("n+ th)t "% by soe "r)&(e he

es&)*e$ he o'($ be re)$y

to s"t %or e#er be%ore th)t )(on$ tree, $es"r"n+

noth"n+ e(se "n the

or($.

0't h"(e e)rth )n$ s1y )n$ e#eryth"n+ h)$ the

("#"n+ be)'ty o% ) th"n+

(ost, the other h)(% o% h"s he)$ )s )s &(e)r )s

+()ss, )n$ he )s

165



*)rry"n+ h"s eney3s *o"nt "th ) 1"n$ o% &(o&1or1

s1"(( o% h"&h he

h)$ h)r$(y s'**ose$ h"se(% &)*)b(e. On&e h"s

eney3s *o"nt r)n )(on+

h"s r"st, (e)#"n+ ) s("+ht stre)1 o% b(oo$, b't "t

e"ther )s not

not"&e$ or )s t)&"t(y "+nore$. E#ery no )n$ then

he r"*oste$, )n$ on&e

or t"&e he &o'($ )(ost %)n&y th)t he %e(t h"s

*o"nt +o hoe, b't )s

there )s no b(oo$ on b()$e or sh"rt he s'**ose$ he

)s "st)1en. Then

&)e )n "nterr'*t"on )n$ ) &h)n+e.

At the r"s1 o% (os"n+ )((, the M)r='"s,"nterr'*t"n+ h"s ='"et st)re,

%()she$ one +()n&e o#er h"s sho'($er )t the ("ne o%

r)"()y on h"s

r"+ht. Then he t'rne$ on Sye ) %)&e tr)ns%"+'re$

to th)t o% ) %"en$,

)n$ be+)n to %"+ht )s "% "th tenty e)*ons. The

)tt)&1 &)e so %)st

)n$ %'r"o's, th)t the one sh"n"n+ sor$ seee$ )

shoer o% sh"n"n+

)rros. Sye h)$ no &h)n&e to (oo1 )t the r)"()y- b't )(so he h)$

no nee$. He &o'($ +'ess the re)son o% the M)r='"s3s

s'$$en )$ness o%

b)tt(e22the P)r"s tr)"n )s "n s"+ht.

0't the M)r='"s3s orb"$ ener+y o#er2re)&he$

"tse(%. T"&e Sye,

*)rry"n+, 1no&1e$ h"s o**onent3s *o"nt %)r o't o%

the %"+ht"n+ &"r&(e-

)n$ the th"r$ t"e h"s r"*oste )s so r)*"$, th)t

there )s no $o'bt

)bo't the h"t th"s t"e. Sye3s sor$ )&t')((y bent

'n$er the e"+ht o%

the M)r='"s3s bo$y, h"&h "t h)$ *"er&e$.

166



Sye )s )s &ert)"n th)t he h)$ st'&1 h"s b()$e

"nto h"s eney )s )

+)r$ener th)t he h)s st'&1 h"s s*)$e "nto the

+ro'n$. Yet the M)r='"s

s*r)n+ b)&1 %ro the stro1e "tho't ) st)++er, )n$

Sye stoo$ st)r"n+ )t

h"s on sor$2*o"nt ("1e )n "$"ot. There )s no

b(oo$ on "t )t )((.

There )s )n "nst)nt o% r"+"$ s"(en&e, )n$ then

Sye "n h"s t'rn %e((

%'r"o's(y on the other, %"((e$ "th ) %()"n+

&'r"os"ty. The M)r='"s

)s *rob)b(y, "n ) +ener)( sense, ) better %en&er

th)n he, )s heh)$ s'r"se$ )t the be+"nn"n+, b't )t the oent

the M)r='"s seee$

$"str)'+ht )n$ )t ) $"s)$#)nt)+e. He %o'+ht "($(y

)n$ e#en e)1(y, )n$

he &onst)nt(y (oo1e$ ))y )t the r)"()y ("ne,

)(ost )s "% he %e)re$

the tr)"n ore th)n the *o"nte$ stee(. Sye, on the

other h)n$, %o'+ht

%"er&e(y b't st"(( &)re%'((y, "n )n "nte((e&t')(

%'ry, e)+er to so(#ethe r"$$(e o% h"s on b(oo$(ess sor$. or th"s

*'r*ose, he )"e$ (ess

)t the M)r='"s3s bo$y, )n$ ore )t h"s thro)t )n$

he)$. A "n'te )n$ )

h)(% )%ter)r$s he %e(t h"s *o"nt enter the )n3s

ne&1 be(o the 9).

It &)e o't &(e)n. H)(% )$, he thr'st )+)"n, )n$

)$e h)t sho'($ h)#e

been ) b(oo$y s&)r on the M)r='"s3s &hee1. 0't

there )s no s&)r.

or one oent the he)#en o% Sye )+)"n +re b()&1

"th s'*ern)t'r)(

terrors. S're(y the )n h)$ ) &h)re$ ("%e. 0't

th"s ne s*"r"t')( $re)$

167





the r"s"n+ ro)r o% the tr)"n, h"&h en$e$, )s "%

*ro'$(y, "n ) (on+ )n$

*"er&"n+ h"st(e. The tr)"n sto**e$.

S'$$en(y, to the )ston"shent o% e#eryone the

M)r='"s s*r)n+ b)&1 ='"te

o't o% sor$ re)&h )n$ thre $on h"s sor$. The

(e)* )s on$er%'(,

)n$ not the (ess on$er%'( be&)'se Sye h)$ *('n+e$

h"s sor$ ) oent

be%ore "nto the )n3s th"+h.

>Sto*> s)"$ the M)r='"s "n ) #o"&e th)t &o*e((e$

) oent)ry

obe$"en&e. >I )nt to s)y soeth"n+.>

>Wh)t "s the )tter:> )s1e$ Co(one( D'&ro"/,

st)r"n+. >H)s there been

%o'( *()y:>

>There h)s been %o'( *()y soehere,> s)"$ Dr.

0'((, ho )s ) ("tt(e

*)(e. >O'r *r"n&"*)( h)s o'n$e$ the M)r='"s %o'r

t"es )t (e)st, )n$ he

"s none the orse.>

The M)r='"s *'t '* h"s h)n$ "th ) &'r"o's )"r o%

+h)st(y *)t"en&e.

>P(e)se (et e s*e)1,> he s)"$. >It "s r)ther

"*ort)nt. Mr. Sye,>

he &ont"n'e$, t'rn"n+ to h"s o**onent, >e )re

%"+ht"n+ to$)y, "%

I reeber r"+ht, be&)'se yo' e/*resse$ ) "sh

?h"&h I tho'+ht

"rr)t"on)(@ to *'(( y nose. Wo'($ yo' ob("+e e by

*'(("n+ y nose no

)s ='"&1(y )s *oss"b(e: I h)#e to &)t&h ) tr)"n.>

169



>I *rotest th)t th"s "s ost "rre+'()r,> s)"$ Dr.

0'(( "n$"+n)nt(y.

>It "s &ert)"n(y soeh)t o**ose$ to *re&e$ent,>

s)"$ Co(one( D'&ro"/,

(oo1"n+ "st%'((y )t h"s *r"n&"*)(. >There "s, I

th"n1, one &)se on

re&or$ ?C)*t)"n 0e((e+)r$e )n$ the 0)ron '*t@ "n

h"&h the e)*ons

ere &h)n+e$ "n the "$$(e o% the en&o'nter )t the

re='est o% one o% the

&ob)t)nts. 0't one &)n h)r$(y &)(( one3s nose )

e)*on.>

>W"(( yo' or "(( yo' not *'(( y nose:> s)"$ the M)r='"s "n

e/)s*er)t"on. >Coe, &oe, Mr. Sye Yo' )nte$ to

$o "t, $o "t Yo' &)n

h)#e no &on&e*t"on o% ho "*ort)nt "t "s to e.

Don3t be so se(%"sh

P'(( y nose )t on&e, hen I )s1 yo'> )n$ he bent

s("+ht(y %or)r$ "th

) %)s&"n)t"n+ s"(e. The P)r"s tr)"n, *)nt"n+ )n$

+ro)n"n+, h)$ +r)te$

"nto ) ("tt(e st)t"on beh"n$ the ne"+hbo'r"n+ h"((.

Sye h)$ the %ee("n+ he h)$ ore th)n on&e h)$ "n

these )$#ent'res22the

sense th)t ) horr"b(e )n$ s'b("e )#e ("%te$ to

he)#en )s 9'st

to**("n+ o#er. W)(1"n+ "n ) or($ he h)(%

'n$erstoo$, he too1 to *)&es

%or)r$ )n$ se";e$ the Ro)n nose o% th"s

re)r1)b(e nob(e)n. He *'((e$

"t h)r$, )n$ "t &)e o%% "n h"s h)n$.

He stoo$ %or soe se&on$s "th ) %oo("sh so(en"ty,

"th the *)stebo)r$

*robos&"s st"(( beteen h"s %"n+ers, (oo1"n+ )t "t,

h"(e the s'n )n$

170



the &(o'$s )n$ the oo$e$ h"((s (oo1e$ $on '*on

th"s "be&"(e s&ene.

The M)r='"s bro1e the s"(en&e "n ) (o'$ )n$

&heer%'( #o"&e.

>I% )nyone h)s )ny 'se %or y (e%t eyebro,> he

s)"$, >he &)n h)#e "t.

Co(one( D'&ro"/, $o )&&e*t y (e%t eyebro It3s

the 1"n$ o% th"n+

th)t "+ht &oe "n 'se%'( )ny $)y,> )n$ he +r)#e(y

tore o%% one o% h"s

s)rthy Assyr")n bros, br"n+"n+ )bo't h)(% h"s

bron %orehe)$ "th "t,

)n$ *o("te(y o%%ere$ "t to the Co(one(, ho stoo$&r"son )n$ s*ee&h(ess

"th r)+e.

>I% I h)$ 1non,> he s*('ttere$, >th)t I )s )&t"n+

%or ) *o(troon ho

*)$s h"se(% to %"+ht22>

>Oh, I 1no, I 1no> s)"$ the M)r='"s, re&1(ess(y

thro"n+ #)r"o's

*)rts o% h"se(% r"+ht )n$ (e%t )bo't the %"e($.>Yo' )re )1"n+ )

"st)1e- b't "t &)n3t be e/*()"ne$ 9'st no. I te((

yo' the tr)"n h)s

&oe "nto the st)t"on>

>Yes,> s)"$ Dr. 0'(( %"er&e(y, >)n$ the tr)"n sh)((

+o o't o% the

st)t"on. It sh)(( +o o't "tho't yo'. We 1no e((

eno'+h %or h)t

$e#"(3s or122>

The yster"o's M)r='"s ("%te$ h"s h)n$s "th )

$es*er)te +est're. He

)s ) str)n+e s&)re&ro st)n$"n+ there "n the s'n

"th h)(% h"s o($ %)&e

171



*ee(e$ o%%, )n$ h)(% )nother %)&e +()r"n+ )n$

+r"nn"n+ %ro 'n$erne)th.

>W"(( yo' $r"#e e )$:> he &r"e$. >The tr)"n22>

>Yo' sh)(( not +o by the tr)"n,> s)"$ Sye %"r(y,

)n$ +r)s*e$ h"s

sor$.

The "($ %"+'re t'rne$ to)r$s Sye, )n$ seee$ to

be +)ther"n+ "tse(%

%or ) s'b("e e%%ort be%ore s*e)1"n+.

>Yo' +re)t %)t, b()ste$, b(e)r2eye$, b('n$er"n+,

th'n$er"n+, br)"n(ess,Go$%ors)1en, $o$$er"n+, $)ne$ %oo(> he s)"$

"tho't t)1"n+ bre)th.

>Yo' +re)t s"((y, *"n12%)&e$, tohe)$e$ t'rn"*

Yo'22>

>Yo' sh)(( not +o by th"s tr)"n,> re*e)te$ Sye.

>An$ hy the "n%ern)( b();es,> ro)re$ the other,

>sho'($ I )nt to +o by

the tr)"n:>

>We 1no )((,> s)"$ the Pro%essor stern(y. >Yo' )re

+o"n+ to P)r"s to

thro ) bob>

>Go"n+ to Ber"&ho to thro ) B)bbero&1> &r"e$ the

other, te)r"n+ h"s

h)"r, h"&h &)e o%% e)s"(y.

>H)#e yo' )(( +ot so%ten"n+ o% the br)"n, th)t yo'

$on3t re)("se h)t

I ): D"$ yo' re)((y th"n1 I )nte$ to &)t&h th)t

tr)"n: Tenty P)r"s

tr)"ns "+ht +o by %or e. D)n P)r"s tr)"ns>

172



>Then h)t $"$ yo' &)re )bo't:> be+)n the

Pro%essor.

>Wh)t $"$ I &)re )bo't: I $"$n3t &)re )bo't

&)t&h"n+ the tr)"n- I &)re$

)bo't hether the tr)"n &)'+ht e, )n$ no, by Go$

"t h)s &)'+ht e.>

>I re+ret to "n%or yo',> s)"$ Sye "th restr)"nt,

>th)t yo'r re)r1s

&on#ey no "*ress"on to y "n$. Perh)*s "% yo'

ere to reo#e the

re)"ns o% yo'r or"+"n)( %orehe)$ )n$ soe *ort"on

o% h)t )s on&e yo'r

&h"n, yo'r e)n"n+ o'($ be&oe &(e)rer. Ment)(('&"$"ty %'(%"(s "tse(%

"n )ny )ys. Wh)t $o yo' e)n by s)y"n+ th)t the

tr)"n h)s &)'+ht yo':

It )y be y ("ter)ry %)n&y, b't soeho I %ee(

th)t "t o'+ht to e)n

soeth"n+.>

>It e)ns e#eryth"n+,> s)"$ the other, >)n$ the en$

o% e#eryth"n+.

S'n$)y h)s 's no "n the ho((o o% h"s h)n$.>

>Us> re*e)te$ the Pro%essor, )s "% st'*e%"e$.

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n by

3's3:>

>The *o("&e, o% &o'rse> s)"$ the M)r='"s, )n$ tore

o%% h"s s&)(* )n$

h)(% h"s %)&e.

The he)$ h"&h eer+e$ )s the b(on$e, e((

br'she$, sooth2h)"re$ he)$

h"&h "s &oon "n the En+("sh &onst)b'()ry, b't

the %)&e )s terr"b(y

*)(e.

173



>I ) Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e,> he s)"$, "th ) sort o%

h)ste th)t #er+e$

on h)rshness. >My n)e "s *retty e(( 1non to the

*o("&e, )n$ I &)n see

e(( eno'+h th)t yo' be(on+ to the. 0't "% there

"s )ny $o'bt )bo't

y *os"t"on, I h)#e ) &)r$,> )n$ he be+)n to *'(( )

b('e &)r$ %ro h"s

*o&1et.

The Pro%essor +)#e ) t"re$ +est're.

>Oh, $on3t sho "t 's,> he s)"$ e)r"(y- >e3#e +ot

eno'+h o% the to

e='"* ) *)*er2&h)se.>

The ("tt(e )n n)e$ 0'((, h)$, ("1e )ny en ho

see to be o% ) ere

#"#)&"o's #'(+)r"ty, s'$$en o#eents o% +oo$

t)ste. Here he &ert)"n(y

s)#e$ the s"t')t"on. In the "$st o% th"s

st)++er"n+ tr)ns%or)t"on

s&ene he ste**e$ %or)r$ "th )(( the +r)#"ty )n$

res*ons"b"("ty o% )

se&on$, )n$ )$$resse$ the to se&on$s o% the M)r='"s.

>Gent(een,> he s)"$, >e )(( oe yo' ) ser"o's

)*o(o+y- b't I )ss're

yo' th)t yo' h)#e not been )$e the #"&t"s o% s'&h

) (o 9o1e )s yo'

")+"ne, or "n$ee$ o% )nyth"n+ 'n$"+n"%"e$ "n ) )n

o% hono'r. Yo' h)#e

not )ste$ yo'r t"e- yo' h)#e he(*e$ to s)#e the

or($. We )re not

b'%%oons, b't #ery $es*er)te en )t )r "th ) #)st

&ons*"r)&y. A se&ret

so&"ety o% )n)r&h"sts "s h'nt"n+ 's ("1e h)res- not

s'&h 'n%ort'n)te

174





%or r)n&e, )n$ "t "s h)r$ "% I &)n3t %"+ht %or

&"#"(";)t"on.>

Dr. 0'(( too1 o%% h"s h)t )n$ )#e$ "t, &heer"n+ )s

)t ) *'b("& eet"n+.

>Don3t )1e too '&h no"se,> s)"$ Ins*e&tor

R)t&("%%e, >S'n$)y )y he)r

yo'.>

>S'n$)y> &r"e$ 0'((, )n$ $ro**e$ h"s h)t.

>Yes,> retorte$ R)t&("%%e, >he )y be "th the.>

>W"th ho:> )s1e$ Sye.

>W"th the *eo*(e o't o% th)t tr)"n,> s)"$ the

other.

>Wh)t yo' s)y sees 'tter(y "($,> be+)n Sye.

>Why, )s ) )tter o%

%)&t220't, y Go$,> he &r"e$ o't s'$$en(y, ("1e )

)n ho sees )n

e/*(os"on ) (on+ )y o%%, >by Go$ "% th"s "s tr'e

the ho(e b)((y (oto% 's on the An)r&h"st Co'n&"( ere )+)"nst

)n)r&hy E#ery born )n )s

) $ete&t"#e e/&e*t the Pres"$ent )n$ h"s *erson)(

se&ret)ry. Wh)t &)n "t

e)n:>

>Me)n> s)"$ the ne *o("&e)n "th "n&re$"b(e

#"o(en&e. >It e)ns th)t

e )re str'&1 $e)$ Don3t yo' 1no S'n$)y: Don3t

yo' 1no th)t h"s 9o1es

)re )()ys so b"+ )n$ s"*(e th)t one h)s ne#er

tho'+ht o% the: C)n yo'

th"n1 o% )nyth"n+ ore ("1e S'n$)y th)n th"s, th)t

he sho'($ *'t )(( h"s

176



*oer%'( ene"es on the S'*ree Co'n&"(, )n$ then

t)1e &)re th)t "t )s

not s'*ree: I te(( yo' he h)s bo'+ht e#ery tr'st,

he h)s &)*t're$ e#ery

&)b(e, he h)s &ontro( o% e#ery r)"()y ("ne22

es*e&")((y o% th)t r)"()y

("ne> )n$ he *o"nte$ ) sh)1"n+ %"n+er to)r$s the

s)(( )ys"$e

st)t"on. >The ho(e o#eent )s &ontro((e$ by h"-

h)(% the or($ )s

re)$y to r"se %or h". 0't there ere 9'st %"#e

*eo*(e, *erh)*s, ho

o'($ h)#e res"ste$ h"... )n$ the o($ $e#"( *'t

the on the S'*ree

Co'n&"(, to )ste the"r t"e "n )t&h"n+ e)&hother. I$"ots th)t e )re,

he *()nne$ the ho(e o% o'r "$"o&"es S'n$)y 1ne

th)t the Pro%essor

o'($ &h)se Sye thro'+h Lon$on, )n$ th)t Sye

o'($ %"+ht e "n r)n&e.

An$ he )s &ob"n"n+ +re)t )sses o% &)*"t)(, )n$

se";"n+ +re)t ("nes

o% te(e+r)*hy, h"(e e %"#e "$"ots ere r'nn"n+

)%ter e)&h other ("1e )

(ot o% &on%o'n$e$ b)b"es *()y"n+ b("n$ )n3s b'%%.>

>We((:> )s1e$ Sye "th ) sort o% ste)$"ness.

>We((,> re*("e$ the other "th s'$$en seren"ty, >he

h)s %o'n$ 's *()y"n+

b("n$ )n3s b'%% to$)y "n ) %"e($ o% +re)t r'st"&

be)'ty )n$ e/tree

so("t'$e. He h)s *rob)b(y &)*t're$ the or($- "t

on(y re)"ns to h" to

&)*t're th"s %"e($ )n$ )(( the %oo(s "n "t. An$

s"n&e yo' re)((y )nt

to 1no h)t )s y ob9e&t"on to the )rr"#)( o%

th)t tr)"n, I "(( te((

yo'. My ob9e&t"on )s th)t S'n$)y or h"s Se&ret)ry

h)s 9'st th"s oent

177



+ot o't o% "t.>

Sye 'ttere$ )n "n#o('nt)ry &ry, )n$ they )((

t'rne$ the"r eyes to)r$s

the %)r2o%% st)t"on. It )s ='"te tr'e th)t )

&ons"$er)b(e b'(1 o%

*eo*(e seee$ to be o#"n+ "n the"r $"re&t"on. 0't

they ere too $"st)nt

to be $"st"n+'"she$ "n )ny )y.

>It )s ) h)b"t o% the ()te M)r='"s $e St.

E'st)&he,> s)"$ the ne

*o("&e)n, *ro$'&"n+ ) (e)ther &)se, >)()ys to

&)rry ) *)"r o% o*er)

+()sses. E"ther the Pres"$ent or the Se&ret)ry "s&o"n+ )%ter 's "th

th)t ob. They h)#e &)'+ht 's "n ) n"&e ='"et *()&e

here e )re 'n$er

no te*t)t"ons to bre)1 o'r o)ths by &)(("n+ the

*o("&e. Dr. 0'((, I

h)#e ) s's*"&"on th)t yo' "(( see better thro'+h

these th)n thro'+h

yo'r on h"+h(y $e&or)t"#e s*e&t)&(es.>

He h)n$e$ the %"e($2+()sses to the Do&tor, ho"e$")te(y too1 o%% h"s

s*e&t)&(es )n$ *'t the )**)r)t's to h"s eyes.

>It &)nnot be )s b)$ )s yo' s)y,> s)"$ the

Pro%essor, soeh)t sh)1en.

>There )re ) +oo$ n'ber o% the &ert)"n(y, b't

they )y e)s"(y be

or$"n)ry to'r"sts.>

>Do or$"n)ry to'r"sts,> )s1e$ 0'((, "th the

%"e($+()sses to h"s eyes,

>e)r b()&1 )s1s h)(%2)y $on the %)&e:>

Sye )(ost tore the +()sses o't o% h"s h)n$, )n$

(oo1e$ thro'+h the.

178



Most en "n the )$#)n&"n+ ob re)((y (oo1e$

or$"n)ry eno'+h- b't "t

)s ='"te tr'e th)t to or three o% the (e)$ers "n

%ront ore b()&1

h)(%2)s1s )(ost $on to the"r o'ths. Th"s

$"s+'"se "s #ery &o*(ete,

es*e&")((y )t s'&h ) $"st)n&e, )n$ Sye %o'n$ "t

"*oss"b(e to &on&('$e

)nyth"n+ %ro the &(e)n2sh)#en 9)s )n$ &h"ns o%

the en t)(1"n+ "n

the %ront. 0't *resent(y )s they t)(1e$ they )((

s"(e$ )n$ one o% the

s"(e$ on one s"$e.

CHAPTER I. THE CRIMINALS CHASE THE POLICE

SYME *'t the %"e($2+()sses %ro h"s eyes "th )n

)(ost +h)st(y re("e%.

>The Pres"$ent "s not "th the, )nyho,> he s)"$,

)n$ "*e$ h"s

%orehe)$.

>0't s're(y they )re r"+ht ))y on the hor";on,>

s)"$ the be"($ere$

Co(one(, b("n1"n+ )n$ b't h)(% re&o#ere$ %ro

0'((3s h)sty tho'+h *o("te

e/*()n)t"on. >Co'($ yo' *oss"b(y 1no yo'r

Pres"$ent )on+ )(( those

*eo*(e:>

>Co'($ I 1no ) h"te e(e*h)nt )on+ )(( those

*eo*(e> )nsere$ Sye

soeh)t "rr"t)b(y. >As yo' #ery tr'(y s)y, they

)re on the hor";on-

b't "% he ere )(1"n+ "th the... by Go$ I

be("e#e th"s +ro'n$ o'($

sh)1e.>

179





>There "s ) +re)t $e)( to be s)"$ %or $e)th- b't "%

)nyone h)s )ny

*re%eren&e %or the other )(tern)t"#e, I stron+(y

)$#"se h" to )(1

)%ter e.>

W"th these or$s, he t'rne$ h"s bro)$ b)&1 )n$

stro$e "th s"(ent ener+y

to)r$s the oo$. The others +)#e one +()n&e o#er

the"r sho'($ers, )n$

s) th)t the $)r1 &(o'$ o% en h)$ $et)&he$ "tse(%

%ro the st)t"on

)n$ )s o#"n+ "th ) yster"o's $"s&"*("ne )&ross

the *()"n. They s)

)(re)$y, e#en "th the n)1e$ eye, b()&1 b(ots onthe %oreost %)&es,

h"&h )r1e$ the )s1s they ore. They t'rne$ )n$

%o((oe$ the"r (e)$er,

ho h)$ )(re)$y str'&1 the oo$, )n$ $"s)**e)re$

)on+ the t"n1("n+

trees.

The s'n on the +r)ss )s $ry )n$ hot. So "n

*('n+"n+ "nto the oo$ they

h)$ ) &oo( sho&1 o% sh)$o, )s o% $"#ers ho *('n+e"nto ) $" *oo(. The

"ns"$e o% the oo$ )s %'(( o% sh)ttere$ s'n("+ht

)n$ sh)1en sh)$os.

They )$e ) sort o% sh'$$er"n+ #e"(, )(ost

re&)(("n+ the $";;"ness o% )

&"ne)to+r)*h. E#en the so("$ %"+'res )(1"n+ "th

h" Sye &o'($ h)r$(y

see %or the *)tterns o% s'n )n$ sh)$e th)t $)n&e$

'*on the. No ) )n3s

he)$ )s ("t )s "th ) ("+ht o% Rebr)n$t, (e)#"n+

)(( e(se ob("ter)te$-

no )+)"n he h)$ stron+ )n$ st)r"n+ h"te h)n$s

"th the %)&e o% )

ne+ro. The e/2M)r='"s h)$ *'((e$ the o($ str) h)t

o#er h"s eyes, )n$

181







)bo't obs )n$ the or1"n+ &()sses )s "% they ere

the ='est"on. Yo'3#e

+ot th)t etern)( "$"ot"& "$e) th)t "% )n)r&hy &)e

"t o'($ &oe %ro

the *oor. Why sho'($ "t: The *oor h)#e been rebe(s,

b't they h)#e ne#er

been )n)r&h"sts- they h)#e ore "nterest th)n

)nyone e(se "n there be"n+

soe $e&ent +o#ernent. The *oor )n re)((y h)s )

st)1e "n the &o'ntry.

The r"&h )n h)sn3t- he &)n +o ))y to Ne G'"ne)

"n ) y)&ht. The *oor

h)#e soet"es ob9e&te$ to be"n+ +o#erne$ b)$(y-

the r"&h h)#e )()ys

ob9e&te$ to be"n+ +o#erne$ )t )((. Ar"sto&r)ts ere)()ys )n)r&h"sts,

)s yo' &)n see %ro the b)rons3 )rs.>

>As ) (e&t're on En+("sh h"story %or the ("tt(e

ones,> s)"$ Sye, >th"s

"s )(( #ery n"&e- b't I h)#e not yet +r)s*e$ "ts

)**("&)t"on.>

>Its )**("&)t"on "s,> s)"$ h"s "n%or)nt, >th)t

ost o% o($ S'n$)y3sr"+ht2h)n$ en )re So'th A%r"&)n )n$ Aer"&)n

"(("on)"res. Th)t "s hy

he h)s +ot ho($ o% )(( the &o'n"&)t"ons- )n$ th)t

"s hy the ()st %o'r

&h)*"ons o% the )nt"2)n)r&h"st *o("&e %or&e )re

r'nn"n+ thro'+h ) oo$

("1e r)bb"ts.>

>M"(("on)"res I &)n 'n$erst)n$,> s)"$ Sye

tho'+ht%'((y, >they )re

ne)r(y )(( )$. 0't +ett"n+ ho($ o% ) %e "&1e$

o($ +ent(een "th

hobb"es "s one th"n+- +ett"n+ ho($ o% +re)t

Chr"st")n n)t"ons "s

184



)nother. I o'($ bet the nose o%% y %)&e ?%or+"#e

the )(('s"on@ th)t

S'n$)y o'($ st)n$ *er%e&t(y he(*(ess be%ore the

t)s1 o% &on#ert"n+ )ny

or$"n)ry he)(thy *erson )nyhere.>

>We((,> s)"$ the other, >"t r)ther $e*en$s h)t

sort o% *erson yo'

e)n.>

>We((, %or "nst)n&e,> s)"$ Sye, >he &o'($ ne#er

&on#ert th)t *erson,>

)n$ he *o"nte$ str)"+ht "n %ront o% h".

They h)$ &oe to )n o*en s*)&e o% s'n("+ht, h"&hseee$ to e/*ress to

Sye the %"n)( ret'rn o% h"s on +oo$ sense- )n$ "n

the "$$(e o% th"s

%orest &(e)r"n+ )s ) %"+'re th)t "+ht e(( st)n$

%or th)t &oon

sense "n )n )(ost )%'( )&t')("ty. 0'rnt by the

s'n )n$ st)"ne$ "th

*ers*"r)t"on, )n$ +r)#e "th the botto(ess +r)#"ty

o% s)(( ne&ess)ry

to"(s, ) he)#y ren&h *e)s)nt )s &'tt"n+ oo$ "th) h)t&het. H"s &)rt

stoo$ ) %e y)r$s o%%, )(re)$y h)(% %'(( o% t"ber-

)n$ the horse th)t

&ro**e$ the +r)ss )s, ("1e h"s )ster, #)(oro's

b't not $es*er)te- ("1e

h"s )ster, he )s e#en *ros*ero's, b't yet )s

)(ost s)$. The )n )s

) Nor)n, t)((er th)n the )#er)+e o% the ren&h )n$

#ery )n+'()r- )n$

h"s s)rthy %"+'re stoo$ $)r1 )+)"nst ) s=')re o%

s'n("+ht, )(ost ("1e

soe )((e+or"& %"+'re o% ()bo'r %res&oe$ on )

+ro'n$ o% +o($.

185



>Mr. Sye "s s)y"n+,> &)((e$ o't R)t&("%%e to the

ren&h Co(one(, >th)t

th"s )n, )t (e)st, "(( ne#er be )n )n)r&h"st.>

>Mr. Sye "s r"+ht eno'+h there,> )nsere$ Co(one(

D'&ro"/, ()'+h"n+,

>"% on(y %or the re)son th)t he h)s *(enty o%

*ro*erty to $e%en$. 0't I

%or+ot th)t "n yo'r &o'ntry yo' )re not 'se$ to

*e)s)nts be"n+ e)(thy.>

>He (oo1s *oor,> s)"$ Dr. 0'(( $o'bt%'((y.

><'"te so,> s)"$ the Co(one(- >th)t "s hy he "s

r"&h.>

>I h)#e )n "$e),> &)((e$ o't Dr. 0'(( s'$$en(y-

>ho '&h o'($ he t)1e

to +"#e 's ) ("%t "n h"s &)rt: Those $o+s )re )((

on %oot, )n$ e &o'($

soon (e)#e the beh"n$.>

>Oh, +"#e h" )nyth"n+> s)"$ Sye e)+er(y. >I h)#e

*"(es o% oney on

e.>

>Th)t "(( ne#er $o,> s)"$ the Co(one(- >he "((

ne#er h)#e )ny res*e&t

%or yo' 'n(ess yo' $r"#e ) b)r+)"n.>

>Oh, "% he h)++(es> be+)n 0'(( "*)t"ent(y.

>He h)++(es be&)'se he "s ) %ree )n,> s)"$ the

other. >Yo' $o not

'n$erst)n$- he o'($ not see the e)n"n+ o%

+eneros"ty. He "s not be"n+

t"**e$.>

An$ e#en h"(e they seee$ to he)r the he)#y %eet

o% the"r str)n+e

186



*'rs'ers beh"n$ the, they h)$ to st)n$ )n$ st)*

h"(e the ren&h

Co(one( t)(1e$ to the ren&h oo$2&'tter "th )((

the (e"s're(y b)$"n)+e

)n$ b"&1er"n+ o% )r1et2$)y. At the en$ o% the %o'r

"n'tes, hoe#er,

they s) th)t the Co(one( )s r"+ht, %or the oo$2

&'tter entere$ "nto

the"r *()ns, not "th the #)+'e ser#"("ty o% ) to't

too2e(( *)"$, b't

"th the ser"o'sness o% ) so("&"tor ho h)$ been

*)"$ the *ro*er %ee. He

to($ the th)t the best th"n+ they &o'($ $o )s to

)1e the"r )y $on

to the ("tt(e "nn on the h"((s )bo#e L)n&y, herethe "nn1ee*er, )n o($

so($"er ho h)$ be&oe $e#o't "n h"s ()tter ye)rs,

o'($ be &ert)"n to

sy*)th"se "th the, )n$ e#en to t)1e r"s1s "n

the"r s'**ort. The ho(e

&o*)ny, there%ore, *"(e$ these(#es on to* o% the

st)&1s o% oo$, )n$

ent ro&1"n+ "n the r'$e &)rt $on the other )n$

stee*er s"$e o% the

oo$()n$. He)#y )n$ r)sh)&1(e )s )s the #eh"&(e,"t )s $r"#en ='"&1(y

eno'+h, )n$ they soon h)$ the e/h"()r)t"n+

"*ress"on o% $"st)n&"n+

)(to+ether those, hoe#er they ere, ho ere

h'nt"n+ the. or, )%ter

)((, the r"$$(e )s to here the )n)r&h"sts h)$ +ot

)(( these %o((oers

)s st"(( 'nso(#e$. One )n3s *resen&e h)$ s'%%"&e$

%or the- they h)$

%(e$ )t the %"rst s"+ht o% the $e%ore$ s"(e o%

the Se&ret)ry. Sye

e#ery no )n$ then (oo1e$ b)&1 o#er h"s sho'($er )t

the )ry on the"r

tr)&1.

187



As the oo$ +re %"rst th"nner )n$ then s)((er

"th $"st)n&e, he &o'($

see the s'n("t s(o*es beyon$ "t )n$ )bo#e "t- )n$

)&ross these )s

st"(( o#"n+ the s=')re b()&1 ob ("1e one

onstro's beet(e. In the #ery

stron+ s'n("+ht )n$ "th h"s on #ery stron+ eyes,

h"&h ere )(ost

te(es&o*"&, Sye &o'($ see th"s )ss o% en ='"te

*()"n(y. He &o'($ see

the )s se*)r)te h')n %"+'res- b't he )s

"n&re)s"n+(y s'r*r"se$ by the

)y "n h"&h they o#e$ )s one )n. They seee$ to

be $resse$ "n $)r1

&(othes )n$ *()"n h)ts, ("1e )ny &oon &ro$ o'to% the streets- b't

they $"$ not s*re)$ )n$ s*r)( )n$ tr)"( by #)r"o's

("nes to the )tt)&1,

)s o'($ be n)t'r)( "n )n or$"n)ry ob. They o#e$

"th ) sort o%

$re)$%'( )n$ "&1e$ oo$enness, ("1e ) st)r"n+ )ry

o% )'to)tons.

Sye *o"nte$ th"s o't to R)t&("%%e.

>Yes,> re*("e$ the *o("&e)n, >th)t3s $"s&"*("ne.

Th)t3s S'n$)y. He "s

*erh)*s %"#e h'n$re$ "(es o%%, b't the %e)r o% h"

"s on )(( o% the,

("1e the %"n+er o% Go$. Yes, they )re )(1"n+

re+'()r(y- )n$ yo' bet

yo'r boots th)t they )re t)(1"n+ re+'()r(y, yes,

)n$ th"n1"n+ re+'()r(y.

0't the one "*ort)nt th"n+ %or 's "s th)t they )re

$"s)**e)r"n+

re+'()r(y.>

Sye no$$e$. It )s tr'e th)t the b()&1 *)t&h o%

the *'rs'"n+ en )s

188



+ro"n+ s)((er )n$ s)((er )s the *e)s)nt

be()bo're$ h"s horse.

The (e#e( o% the s'n("t ()n$s&)*e, tho'+h %()t )s )

ho(e, %e(( ))y on

the %)rther s"$e o% the oo$ "n b"((os o% he)#y

s(o*e to)r$s the

se), "n ) )y not 'n("1e the (oer s(o*es o% the

S'sse/ $ons. The

on(y $"%%eren&e )s th)t "n S'sse/ the ro)$ o'($

h)#e been bro1en )n$

)n+'()r ("1e ) ("tt(e broo1, b't here the h"te

ren&h ro)$ %e(( sheer

"n %ront o% the ("1e ) )ter%)((. Don th"s $"re&t

$es&ent the &)rt&()ttere$ )t ) &ons"$er)b(e )n+(e, )n$ "n ) %e

"n'tes, the ro)$

+ro"n+ yet stee*er, they s) be(o the the ("tt(e

h)rbo'r o% L)n&y )n$

) +re)t b('e )r& o% the se). The tr)#e(("n+ &(o'$

o% the"r ene"es h)$

ho((y $"s)**e)re$ %ro the hor";on.

The horse )n$ &)rt too1 ) sh)r* t'rn ro'n$ ) &('*

o% e(s, )n$ thehorse3s nose ne)r(y str'&1 the %)&e o% )n o($

+ent(e)n ho )s s"tt"n+

on the ben&hes o'ts"$e the ("tt(e &)%e o% >Le

So(e"( $3Or.> The

*e)s)nt +r'nte$ )n )*o(o+y, )n$ +ot $on %ro h"s

se)t. The others )(so

$es&en$e$ one by one, )n$ s*o1e to the o($

+ent(e)n "th %r)+ent)ry

*hr)ses o% &o'rtesy, %or "t )s ='"te e#"$ent %ro

h"s e/*)ns"#e )nner

th)t he )s the oner o% the ("tt(e t)#ern.

He )s ) h"te2h)"re$, )**(e2%)&e$ o($ boy, "th

s(ee*y eyes )n$ ) +rey

189



o'st)&he- sto't, se$ent)ry, )n$ #ery "nno&ent, o%

) ty*e th)t )y

o%ten be %o'n$ "n r)n&e, b't "s st"(( &ooner "n

C)tho("& Ger)ny.

E#eryth"n+ )bo't h", h"s *"*e, h"s *ot o% beer,

h"s %(oers, )n$ h"s

beeh"#e, s'++este$ )n )n&estr)( *e)&e- on(y hen

h"s #"s"tors (oo1e$ '*

)s they entere$ the "nn2*)r(o'r, they s) the sor$

'*on the )((.

The Co(one(, ho +reete$ the "nn1ee*er )s )n o($

%r"en$, *)sse$ r)*"$(y

"nto the "nn2*)r(o'r, )n$ s)t $on or$er"n+ soe

r"t')( re%reshent. The "("t)ry $e&"s"on o% h"s )&t"on "ntereste$ Sye,

ho s)t ne/t to h",

)n$ he too1 the o**ort'n"ty hen the o($ "nn1ee*er

h)$ +one o't o%

s)t"s%y"n+ h"s &'r"os"ty.

>M)y I )s1 yo', Co(one(,> he s)"$ "n ) (o #o"&e,

>hy e h)#e &oe

here:>

Co(one( D'&ro"/ s"(e$ beh"n$ h"s br"st(y h"te

o'st)&he.

>or to re)sons, s"r,> he s)"$- >)n$ I "(( +"#e

%"rst, not the ost

"*ort)nt, b't the ost 't"("t)r")n. We &)e here

be&)'se th"s "s the

on(y *()&e "th"n tenty "(es "n h"&h e &)n +et

horses.>

>Horses> re*e)te$ Sye, (oo1"n+ '* ='"&1(y.

>Yes,> re*("e$ the other- >"% yo' *eo*(e )re re)((y

to $"st)n&e yo'r

190



ene"es "t "s horses or noth"n+ %or yo', 'n(ess o%

&o'rse yo' h)#e

b"&y&(es )n$ otor2&)rs "n yo'r *o&1et.>

>An$ here $o yo' )$#"se 's to )1e %or:> )s1e$

Sye $o'bt%'((y.

>0eyon$ ='est"on,> re*("e$ the Co(one(, >yo' h)$

better )1e )(( h)ste

to the *o("&e st)t"on beyon$ the ton. My %r"en$,

ho I se&on$e$ 'n$er

soeh)t $e&e*t"#e &"r&'st)n&es, sees to e to

e/)++er)te #ery

'&h the *oss"b"("t"es o% ) +ener)( r"s"n+- b't

e#en he o'($ h)r$(y )"nt)"n, I s'**ose, th)t yo' ere not s)%e "th

the +en$)res.>

Sye no$$e$ +r)#e(y- then he s)"$ )br'*t(y22

>An$ yo'r other re)son %or &o"n+ here:>

>My other re)son %or &o"n+ here,> s)"$ D'&ro"/

sober(y, >"s th)t "t

"s 9'st )s e(( to see ) +oo$ )n or to hen one"s *oss"b(y ne)r to

$e)th.>

Sye (oo1e$ '* )t the )((, )n$ s) ) &r'$e(y2

*)"nte$ )n$ *)thet"&

re("+"o's *"&t're. Then he s)"$22

>Yo' )re r"+ht,> )n$ then )(ost "e$")te(y

)%ter)r$s, >H)s )nyone

seen )bo't the horses:>

>Yes,> )nsere$ D'&ro"/, >yo' )y be ='"te &ert)"n

th)t I +)#e or$ers

the oent I &)e "n. Those ene"es o% yo'rs +)#e

no "*ress"on o%

191



h'rry, b't they ere re)((y o#"n+ on$er%'((y

%)st, ("1e ) e((2tr)"ne$

)ry. I h)$ no "$e) th)t the )n)r&h"sts h)$ so '&h

$"s&"*("ne. Yo' h)#e

not ) oent to )ste.>

A(ost )s he s*o1e, the o($ "nn1ee*er "th the b('e

eyes )n$ h"te h)"r

&)e )b("n+ "nto the roo, )n$ )nno'n&e$ th)t s"/

horses ere s)$$(e$

o'ts"$e.

0y D'&ro"/3s )$#"&e the %"#e others e='"**e$

these(#es "th soe

*ort)b(e %or o% %oo$ )n$ "ne, )n$ 1ee*"n+ the"r$'e(("n+ sor$s )s the

on(y e)*ons )#)"()b(e, they &()ttere$ ))y $on

the stee*, h"te ro)$.

The to ser#)nts, ho h)$ &)rr"e$ the M)r='"s3s

('++)+e hen he )s )

)r='"s, ere (e%t beh"n$ to $r"n1 )t the &)%e by

&oon &onsent, )n$

not )t )(( )+)"nst the"r on "n&("n)t"on.

0y th"s t"e the )%ternoon s'n )s s()nt"n+ est)r$, )n$ by "ts r)ys

Sye &o'($ see the st'r$y %"+'re o% the o($

"nn1ee*er +ro"n+ s)((er

)n$ s)((er, b't st"(( st)n$"n+ )n$ (oo1"n+ )%ter

the ='"te s"(ent(y,

the s'nsh"ne "n h"s s"(#er h)"r. Sye h)$ ) %"/e$,

s'*erst"t"o's %)n&y,

(e%t "n h"s "n$ by the &h)n&e *hr)se o% the

Co(one(, th)t th"s )s

"n$ee$, *erh)*s, the ()st honest str)n+er ho he

sho'($ e#er see '*on

the e)rth.

He )s st"(( (oo1"n+ )t th"s $"n$("n+ %"+'re,

h"&h stoo$ )s ) ere

192



+rey b(ot to'&he$ "th ) h"te %()e )+)"nst the

+re)t +reen )(( o% the

stee* $on beh"n$ h". An$ )s he st)re$ o#er the

to* o% the $on beh"n$

the "nn1ee*er, there )**e)re$ )n )ry o% b()&12&()$

)n$ )r&h"n+ en.

They seee$ to h)n+ )bo#e the +oo$ )n )n$ h"s

ho'se ("1e ) b()&1 &(o'$

o% (o&'sts. The horses h)$ been s)$$(e$ none too

soon.

CHAPTER II. THE EARTH IN ANARCHY

URGING the horses to ) +)((o*, "tho't res*e&t to

the r)ther r'++e$

$es&ent o% the ro)$, the horseen soon re+)"ne$

the"r )$#)nt)+e o#er the

en on the )r&h, )n$ )t ()st the b'(1 o% the %"rst

b'"($"n+s o% L)n&y

&'t o%% the s"+ht o% the"r *'rs'ers. Ne#erthe(ess,

the r"$e h)$ been

) (on+ one, )n$ by the t"e they re)&he$ the re)(

ton the est )s )r"n+ "th the &o(o'r )n$ =')("ty o% s'nset. The

Co(one( s'++este$

th)t, be%ore )1"n+ %"n)((y %or the *o("&e st)t"on,

they sho'($ )1e

the e%%ort, "n *)ss"n+, to )tt)&h to these(#es one

ore "n$"#"$')( ho

"+ht be 'se%'(.

>o'r o't o% the %"#e r"&h en "n th"s ton,> he

s)"$, >)re &oon

s"n$(ers. I s'**ose the *ro*ort"on "s *retty e=')(

)(( o#er the or($.

The %"%th "s ) %r"en$ o% "ne, )n$ ) #ery %"ne

%e((o- )n$ h)t "s e#en

193





The Co(one(3s %)&e h)$ )n "nst)nt)neo's &h)n+e, )s

"% ("+htn"n+ h)$

str'&1 "t, )n$ yet (e%t "t s&)the(ess.

>They h)#e $one 's,> he s)"$, "th br"e% "("t)ry

"rony. >Pre*)re to

re&e"#e &)#)(ry>

>Where &)n they h)#e +ot the horses:> )s1e$ Sye,

)s he e&h)n"&)((y

'r+e$ h"s stee$ to ) &)nter.

The Co(one( )s s"(ent %or ) ("tt(e, then he s)"$

"n ) str)"ne$ #o"&e22

>I )s s*e)1"n+ "th str"&t )&&'r)&y hen I s)"$

th)t the 3So(e"( $3Or3

)s the on(y *()&e here one &)n +et horses "th"n

tenty "(es.>

>No> s)"$ Sye #"o(ent(y, >I $on3t be("e#e he3$ $o

"t. Not "th )((

th)t h"te h)"r.>

>He )y h)#e been %or&e$,> s)"$ the Co(one( +ent(y.

>They 'st be )t

(e)st ) h'n$re$ stron+, %or h"&h re)son e )re )((

+o"n+ to see y

%r"en$ Ren)r$, ho h)s ) otor2&)r.>

W"th these or$s he s'n+ h"s horse s'$$en(y ro'n$

) street &orner, )n$

ent $on the street "th s'&h th'n$er"n+ s*ee$,

th)t the others, tho'+h

)(re)$y e(( )t the +)((o*, h)$ $"%%"&'(ty "n

%o((o"n+ the %(y"n+ t)"(

o% h"s horse.

195



Dr. Ren)r$ "nh)b"te$ ) h"+h )n$ &o%ort)b(e ho'se

)t the to* o% ) stee*

street, so th)t hen the r"$ers )("+hte$ )t h"s

$oor they &o'($ on&e

ore see the so("$ +reen r"$+e o% the h"((, "th

the h"te ro)$ )&ross

"t, st)n$"n+ '* )bo#e )(( the roo%s o% the ton.

They bre)the$ )+)"n to

see th)t the ro)$ )s yet )s &(e)r, )n$ they r)n+

the be((.

Dr. Ren)r$ )s ) be)"n+, bron2be)r$e$ )n, ) +oo$

e/)*(e o% th)t

s"(ent b't #ery b'sy *ro%ess"on)( &()ss h"&h

r)n&e h)s *reser#e$ e#en ore *er%e&t(y th)n En+()n$. When the )tter )s

e/*()"ne$ to h" he

*ooh2*oohe$ the *)n"& o% the e/2M)r='"s )(to+ether-

he s)"$, "th the

so("$ ren&h s&e*t"&"s, th)t there )s no

&on&e"#)b(e *rob)b"("ty o% )

+ener)( )n)r&h"st r"s"n+. >An)r&hy,> he s)"$,

shr'++"n+ h"s sho'($ers,

>"t "s &h"($"shness>

>Et &),> &r"e$ o't the Co(one( s'$$en(y, *o"nt"n+

o#er the other3s

sho'($er, >)n$ th)t "s &h"($"shness, "sn3t "t:>

They )(( (oo1e$ ro'n$, )n$ s) ) &'r#e o% b()&1

&)#)(ry &oe see*"n+

o#er the to* o% the h"(( "th )(( the ener+y o%

Att"(). S"%t(y )s they

ro$e, hoe#er, the ho(e r)n1 st"(( 1e*t e((

to+ether, )n$ they &o'($

see the b()&1 #";)r$s o% the %"rst ("ne )s (e#e( )s

) ("ne o% 'n"%ors.

0't )(tho'+h the )"n b()&1 s=')re )s the s)e,

tho'+h tr)#e(("n+

196



%)ster, there )s no one sens)t"on)( $"%%eren&e

h"&h they &o'($ see

&(e)r(y '*on the s(o*e o% the h"((, )s "% '*on )

s()nte$ )*. The b'(1

o% the r"$ers ere "n one b(o&1- b't one r"$er %(e

%)r )he)$ o% the

&o('n, )n$ "th %r)nt"& o#eents o% h)n$ )n$ hee(

'r+e$ h"s horse

%)ster )n$ %)ster, so th)t one "+ht h)#e %)n&"e$

th)t he )s not the

*'rs'er b't the *'rs'e$. 0't e#en )t th)t +re)t

$"st)n&e they &o'($ see

soeth"n+ so %)n)t"&)(, so 'n='est"on)b(e "n h"s

%"+'re, th)t they

1ne "t )s the Se&ret)ry h"se(%. >I ) sorry to&'t short ) &'(t're$

$"s&'ss"on,> s)"$ the Co(one(, >b't &)n yo' (en$ e

yo'r otor2&)r no,

"n to "n'tes:>

>I h)#e ) s's*"&"on th)t yo' )re )(( )$,> s)"$ Dr.

Ren)r$, s"("n+

so&")b(y- >b't Go$ %orb"$ th)t )$ness sho'($ "n

)ny )y "nterr'*t

%r"en$sh"*. Let 's +o ro'n$ to the +)r)+e.>

Dr. Ren)r$ )s ) "($ )n "th onstro's e)(th-

h"s roos ere ("1e the

M'see $e C('ny, )n$ he h)$ three otor2&)rs. These,

hoe#er, he seee$

to 'se #ery s*)r"n+(y, h)#"n+ the s"*(e t)stes o%

the ren&h "$$(e

&()ss, )n$ hen h"s "*)t"ent %r"en$s &)e to

e/)"ne the, "t too1 the

soe t"e to )ss're these(#es th)t one o% the

e#en &o'($ be )$e

to or1. Th"s "th soe $"%%"&'(ty they bro'+ht

ro'n$ "nto the street

be%ore the Do&tor3s ho'se. When they &)e o't o%

the $" +)r)+e

197



they ere st)rt(e$ to %"n$ th)t t"("+ht h)$

)(re)$y %)((en "th the

)br'*tness o% n"+ht "n the tro*"&s. E"ther they h)$

been (on+er "n the

*()&e th)n they ")+"ne$, or soe 'n's')( &)no*y o%

&(o'$ h)$ +)there$

o#er the ton. They (oo1e$ $on the stee* streets,

)n$ seee$ to see )

s("+ht "st &o"n+ '* %ro the se).

>It "s no or ne#er,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((. >I he)r

horses.>

>No,> &orre&te$ the Pro%essor, >) horse.>

An$ )s they ("stene$, "t )s e#"$ent th)t the

no"se, r)*"$(y &o"n+

ne)rer on the r)tt("n+ stones, )s not the no"se o%

the ho(e &)#)(&)$e

b't th)t o% the one horse)n, ho h)$ (e%t "t %)r

beh"n$22the "ns)ne

Se&ret)ry.

Sye3s %)"(y, ("1e ost o% those ho en$ "n the

s"*(e ("%e, h)$ on&eone$ ) otor, )n$ he 1ne )(( )bo't the. He h)$

(e)*t )t on&e "nto the

&h)'%%e'r3s se)t, )n$ "th %('she$ %)&e )s

ren&h"n+ )n$ t'++"n+ )t the

$"s'se$ )&h"nery. He bent h"s stren+th '*on one

h)n$(e, )n$ then s)"$

='"te ='"et(y22

>I ) )%r)"$ "t3s no +o.>

As he s*o1e, there se*t ro'n$ the &orner ) )n

r"+"$ on h"s r'sh"n+

horse, "th the r'sh )n$ r"+"$"ty o% )n )rro. He

h)$ ) s"(e th)t

198



thr'st o't h"s &h"n )s "% "t ere $"s(o&)te$. He

se*t )(on+s"$e o% the

st)t"on)ry &)r, "nto h"&h "ts &o*)ny h)$ &ro$e$,

)n$ ()"$ h"s h)n$

on the %ront. It )s the Se&ret)ry, )n$ h"s o'th

ent ='"te str)"+ht "n

the so(en"ty o% tr"'*h.

Sye )s (e)n"n+ h)r$ '*on the steer"n+ hee(, )n$

there )s no so'n$

b't the r'b(e o% the other *'rs'ers r"$"n+ "nto

the ton. Then there

&)e ='"te s'$$en(y ) s&re) o% s&r)*"n+ "ron, )n$

the &)r (e)*t

%or)r$. It *('&1e$ the Se&ret)ry &(e)n o't o% h"ss)$$(e, )s ) 1n"%e

"s h"**e$ o't o% "ts she)th, tr)"(e$ h" 1"&1"n+

terr"b(y %or tenty

y)r$s, )n$ (e%t h" %('n+ %()t '*on the ro)$ %)r "n

%ront o% h"s

%r"+htene$ horse. As the &)r too1 the &orner o% the

street "th )

s*(en$"$ &'r#e, they &o'($ 9'st see the other

)n)r&h"sts %"(("n+ the

street )n$ r)"s"n+ the"r %)((en (e)$er.

>I &)n3t 'n$erst)n$ hy "t h)s +ron so $)r1,> s)"$

the Pro%essor )t

()st "n ) (o #o"&e.

>Go"n+ to be ) stor, I th"n1,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((. >I

s)y, "t3s ) *"ty e

h)#en3t +ot ) ("+ht on th"s &)r, "% on(y to see

by.>

>We h)#e,> s)"$ the Co(one(, )n$ %ro the %(oor o%

the &)r he %"she$ '*

) he)#y, o($2%)sh"one$, &)r#e$ "ron ()ntern "th )

("+ht "ns"$e "t. It

199



)s ob#"o's(y )n )nt"='e, )n$ "t o'($ see )s "%

"ts or"+"n)( 'se h)$

been "n soe )y se"2re("+"o's, %or there )s )

r'$e o'($"n+ o% )

&ross '*on one o% "ts s"$es.

>Where on e)rth $"$ yo' +et th)t:> )s1e$ the

Pro%essor.

>I +ot "t here I +ot the &)r,> )nsere$ the

Co(one(, &h'&1("n+, >%ro

y best %r"en$. Wh"(e o'r %r"en$ here )s %"+ht"n+

"th the steer"n+

hee(, I r)n '* the %ront ste*s o% the ho'se )n$

s*o1e to Ren)r$, ho )s st)n$"n+ "n h"s on *or&h, yo' "(( reeber.

3I s'**ose,3 I s)"$,

3there3s no t"e to +et ) ()*.3 He (oo1e$ '*,

b("n1"n+ )")b(y )t the

be)'t"%'( )r&he$ &e"("n+ o% h"s on %ront h)((.

ro th"s )s s's*en$e$,

by &h)"ns o% e/='"s"te "ronor1, th"s ()ntern, one

o% the h'n$re$

tre)s'res o% h"s tre)s're ho'se. 0y sheer %or&e he

tore the ()* o't o%h"s on &e"("n+, sh)tter"n+ the *)"nte$ *)ne(s, )n$

br"n+"n+ $on to

b('e #)ses "th h"s #"o(en&e. Then he h)n$e$ e the

"ron ()ntern, )n$ I

*'t "t "n the &)r. W)s I not r"+ht hen I s)"$ th)t

Dr. Ren)r$ )s orth

1no"n+:>

>Yo' ere,> s)"$ Sye ser"o's(y, )n$ h'n+ the he)#y

()ntern o#er the

%ront. There )s ) &ert)"n )((e+ory o% the"r ho(e

*os"t"on "n the

&ontr)st beteen the o$ern )'toob"(e )n$ "ts

str)n+e e&&(es")st"&)(

200



()*. H"therto they h)$ *)sse$ thro'+h the ='"etest

*)rt o% the ton,

eet"n+ )t ost one or to *e$estr")ns, ho &o'($

+"#e the no h"nt o%

the *e)&e or the host"("ty o% the *()&e. No,

hoe#er, the "n$os "n

the ho'ses be+)n one by one to be ("t '*, +"#"n+ )

+re)ter sense o%

h)b"t)t"on )n$ h')n"ty. Dr. 0'(( t'rne$ to the ne

$ete&t"#e ho h)$

(e$ the"r %("+ht, )n$ *er"tte$ h"se(% one o% h"s

n)t'r)( )n$ %r"en$(y

s"(es.

>These ("+hts )1e one %ee( ore &heer%'(.>

Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e $re h"s bros to+ether.

>There "s on(y one set o% ("+hts th)t )1e e ore

&heer%'(,> he s)"$,

>)n$ they )re those ("+hts o% the *o("&e st)t"on

h"&h I &)n see beyon$

the ton. P(e)se Go$ e )y be there "n ten

"n'tes.>

Then )(( 0'((3s bo"("n+ +oo$ sense )n$ o*t""s

bro1e s'$$en(y o't o%

h".

>Oh, th"s "s )(( r)#"n+ nonsense> he &r"e$. >I%

yo' re)((y th"n1 th)t

or$"n)ry *eo*(e "n or$"n)ry ho'ses )re )n)r&h"sts,

yo' 'st be )$$er

th)n )n )n)r&h"st yo'rse(%. I% e t'rne$ )n$ %o'+ht

these %e((os, the

ho(e ton o'($ %"+ht %or 's.>

>No,> s)"$ the other "th )n "o#)b(e s"*("&"ty,

>the ho(e ton o'($

%"+ht %or the. We sh)(( see.>

201





>Yo' "(( )(( be("e#e "t soon,> s)"$ the other "th

) ho*e(ess &)(.

There )s ) *';;(e$ *)'se %or soe ("tt(e t"e, )n$

then the Co(one(

be+)n )+)"n )br'*t(y22

>No, I &)n3t be("e#e "t. The th"n+ "s nonsense. The

*()"n *eo*(e o% )

*e)&e)b(e ren&h ton22>

He )s &'t short by ) b)n+ )n$ ) b();e o% ("+ht,

h"&h seee$ &(ose to

h"s eyes. As the &)r s*e$ on "t (e%t ) %(o)t"n+

*)t&h o% h"te so1e beh"n$ "t, )n$ Sye h)$ he)r$ ) shot shr"e1 *)st

h"s e)r.

>My Go$> s)"$ the Co(one(, >soeone h)s shot )t

's.>

>It nee$ not "nterr'*t &on#ers)t"on,> s)"$ the

+(ooy R)t&("%%e. >Pr)y

res'e yo'r re)r1s, Co(one(. Yo' ere t)(1"n+, I

th"n1, )bo't the *()"n *eo*(e o% ) *e)&e)b(e ren&h ton.>

The st)r"n+ Co(one( )s (on+ *)st "n$"n+ s)t"re.

He ro((e$ h"s eyes )((

ro'n$ the street.

>It "s e/tr)or$"n)ry,> he s)"$, >ost

e/tr)or$"n)ry.>

>A %)st"$"o's *erson,> s)"$ Sye, >"+ht e#en &)((

"t 'n*(e)s)nt.

Hoe#er, I s'**ose those ("+hts o't "n the %"e($

beyon$ th"s street )re

the Gen$)rer"e. We sh)(( soon +et there.>

203



>No,> s)"$ Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e, >e sh)(( ne#er +et

there.>

He h)$ been st)n$"n+ '* )n$ (oo1"n+ 1een(y )he)$ o%

h". No he s)t $on

)n$ soothe$ h"s s(ee1 h)"r "th ) e)ry +est're.

>Wh)t $o yo' e)n:> )s1e$ 0'(( sh)r*(y.

>I e)n th)t e sh)(( ne#er +et there,> s)"$ the

*ess""st *()&"$(y.

>They h)#e to ros o% )re$ en )&ross the ro)$

)(re)$y- I &)n see the

%ro here. The ton "s "n )rs, )s I s)"$ "t )s. I

&)n on(y )((o "nthe e/='"s"te &o%ort o% y on e/)&t"t'$e.>

An$ R)t&("%%e s)t $on &o%ort)b(y "n the &)r )n$

("t ) &"+)rette, b't

the others rose e/&"te$(y )n$ st)re$ $on the ro)$.

Sye h)$ s(oe$ $on

the &)r )s the"r *()ns be&)e $o'bt%'(, )n$ he

bro'+ht "t %"n)((y to

) st)n$st"(( 9'st )t the &orner o% ) s"$e street

th)t r)n $on #erystee*(y to the se).

The ton )s ost(y "n sh)$o, b't the s'n h)$ not

s'n1- here#er "ts

(e#e( ("+ht &o'($ bre)1 thro'+h, "t *)"nte$

e#eryth"n+ ) b'rn"n+ +o($.

U* th"s s"$e street the ()st s'nset ("+ht shone )s

sh)r* )n$ n)rro )s

the sh)%t o% )rt"%"&")( ("+ht )t the the)tre. It

str'&1 the &)r o% the

%"#e %r"en$s, )n$ ("t "t ("1e ) b'rn"n+ &h)r"ot.

0't the rest o% the

street, es*e&")((y the to en$s o% "t, )s "n the

$ee*est t"("+ht, )n$

204



%or soe se&on$s they &o'($ see noth"n+. Then Sye,

hose eyes ere the

1eenest, bro1e "nto ) ("tt(e b"tter h"st(e, )n$

s)"$,

>It "s ='"te tr'e. There "s ) &ro$ or )n )ry or

soe s'&h th"n+ )&ross

the en$ o% th)t street.>

>We((, "% there "s,> s)"$ 0'(( "*)t"ent(y, >"t

'st be soeth"n+

e(se22) sh) %"+ht or the )yor3s b"rth$)y or

soeth"n+. I &)nnot )n$

"(( not be("e#e th)t *()"n, 9o((y *eo*(e "n )

*()&e ("1e th"s )(1)bo't "th $yn)"te "n the"r *o&1ets. Get on ) b"t,

Sye, )n$ (et 's

(oo1 )t the.>

The &)r &r)(e$ )bo't ) h'n$re$ y)r$s %)rther, )n$

then they ere )((

st)rt(e$ by Dr. 0'(( bre)1"n+ "nto ) h"+h &ro o%

()'+hter.

>Why, yo' s"((y '+s> he &r"e$, >h)t $"$ I te((yo'. Th)t &ro$3s )s

()2)b"$"n+ )s ) &o, )n$ "% "t eren3t, "t3s on

o'r s"$e.>

>Ho $o yo' 1no:> )s1e$ the *ro%essor, st)r"n+.

>Yo' b("n$ b)t,> &r"e$ 0'((, >$on3t yo' see ho "s

(e)$"n+ the:>

They *eere$ )+)"n, )n$ then the Co(one(, "th )

&)t&h "n h"s #o"&e,

&r"e$ o't22

>Why, "t3s Ren)r$>

205



There )s, "n$ee$, ) r)n1 o% $" %"+'res r'nn"n+

)&ross the ro)$, )n$

they &o'($ not be &(e)r(y seen- b't %)r eno'+h "n

%ront to &)t&h the

)&&"$ent o% the e#en"n+ ("+ht )s st)(1"n+ '* )n$

$on the 'n"st)1)b(e

Dr. Ren)r$, "n ) h"te h)t, stro1"n+ h"s (on+ bron

be)r$, )n$ ho($"n+ )

re#o(#er "n h"s (e%t h)n$.

>Wh)t ) %oo( I3#e been> e/&()"e$ the Co(one(. >O%

&o'rse, the $e)r o($

boy h)s t'rne$ o't to he(* 's.>

Dr. 0'(( )s b'bb("n+ o#er "th ()'+hter, s"n+"n+the sor$ "n h"s h)n$

)s &)re(ess(y )s ) &)ne. He 9'*e$ o't o% the &)r

)n$ r)n )&ross the

"nter#en"n+ s*)&e, &)(("n+ o't22

>Dr. Ren)r$ Dr. Ren)r$>

An "nst)nt )%ter Sye tho'+ht h"s on eyes h)$ +one

)$ "n h"s he)$. or

the *h"()nthro*"& Dr. Ren)r$ h)$ $e("ber)te(yr)"se$ h"s re#o(#er )n$

%"re$ t"&e )t 0'((, so th)t the shots r)n+ $on

the ro)$.

A(ost )t the s)e se&on$ )s the *'%% o% h"te

&(o'$ ent '* %ro th"s

)tro&"o's e/*(os"on ) (on+ *'%% o% h"te &(o'$ ent

'* )(so %ro the

&"+)rette o% the &yn"&)( R)t&("%%e. L"1e )(( the

rest he t'rne$ ) ("tt(e

*)(e, b't he s"(e$. Dr. 0'((, )t ho the b'((ets

h)$ been %"re$, 9'st

"ss"n+ h"s s&)(*, stoo$ ='"te st"(( "n the "$$(e

o% the ro)$ "tho't

206



) s"+n o% %e)r, )n$ then t'rne$ #ery s(o(y )n$

&r)(e$ b)&1 to the &)r,

)n$ &("be$ "n "th to ho(es thro'+h h"s h)t.

>We((,> s)"$ the &"+)rette so1er s(o(y, >h)t $o

yo' th"n1 no:>

>I th"n1,> s)"$ Dr. 0'(( "th *re&"s"on, >th)t I )

(y"n+ "n be$ )t No.

4 Pe)bo$y 0'"($"n+s, )n$ th)t I sh)(( soon )1e

'* "th ) 9'*- or,

"% th)t3s not "t, I th"n1 th)t I ) s"tt"n+ "n )

s)(( &'sh"one$ &e(( "n

H)ne((, )n$ th)t the $o&tor &)n3t )1e '&h o% y

&)se. 0't "% yo' )ntto 1no h)t I $on3t th"n1, I3(( te(( yo'. I $on3t

th"n1 h)t yo' th"n1.

I $on3t th"n1, )n$ I ne#er sh)(( th"n1, th)t the

)ss o% or$"n)ry en

)re ) *)&1 o% $"rty o$ern th"n1ers. No, s"r, I3 )

$eo&r)t, )n$ I

st"(( $on3t be("e#e th)t S'n$)y &o'($ &on#ert one

)#er)+e n)##y or

&o'nter29'*er. No, I )y be )$, b't h')n"ty

"sn3t.>

Sye t'rne$ h"s br"+ht b('e eyes on 0'(( "th )n

e)rnestness h"&h he

$"$ not &oon(y )1e &(e)r.

>Yo' )re ) #ery %"ne %e((o,> he s)"$. >Yo' &)n

be("e#e "n ) s)n"ty

h"&h "s not ere(y yo'r s)n"ty. An$ yo'3re r"+ht

eno'+h )bo't h')n"ty,

)bo't *e)s)nts )n$ *eo*(e ("1e th)t 9o((y o($

"nn1ee*er. 0't yo'3re not

r"+ht )bo't Ren)r$. I s's*e&te$ h" %ro the %"rst.

He3s r)t"on)("st"&,

)n$, h)t3s orse, he3s r"&h. When $'ty )n$

re("+"on )re re)((y

207



$estroye$, "t "(( be by the r"&h.>

>They )re re)((y $estroye$ no,> s)"$ the )n "th

) &"+)rette, )n$ rose

"th h"s h)n$s "n h"s *o&1ets. >The $e#"(s )re

&o"n+ on>

The en "n the otor2&)r (oo1e$ )n/"o's(y "n the

$"re&t"on o% h"s $re)y

+);e, )n$ they s) th)t the ho(e re+"ent )t the

en$ o% the ro)$ )s

)$#)n&"n+ '*on the, Dr. Ren)r$ )r&h"n+ %'r"o's(y

"n %ront, h"s be)r$

%(y"n+ "n the bree;e.

The Co(one( s*r)n+ o't o% the &)r "th )n

"nto(er)nt e/&())t"on.

>Gent(een,> he &r"e$, >the th"n+ "s "n&re$"b(e. It

'st be ) *r)&t"&)(

9o1e. I% yo' 1ne Ren)r$ )s I $o22"t3s ("1e &)(("n+

<'een !"&tor") )

$yn)"ter. I% yo' h)$ +ot the )n3s &h)r)&ter "nto

yo'r he)$22>

>Dr. 0'((,> s)"$ Sye s)r$on"&)((y, >h)s )t (e)st

+ot "t "nto h"s h)t.>

>I te(( yo' "t &)n3t be> &r"e$ the Co(one(,

st)*"n+.

>Ren)r$ sh)(( e/*()"n "t. He sh)(( e/*()"n "t to

e,> )n$ he stro$e

%or)r$.

>Don3t be "n s'&h ) h'rry,> $r)(e$ the so1er. >He

"(( #ery soon

e/*()"n "t to )(( o% 's.>

208



0't the "*)t"ent Co(one( )s )(re)$y o't o%

e)rshot, )$#)n&"n+ to)r$s

the )$#)n&"n+ eney. The e/&"te$ Dr. Ren)r$ ("%te$

h"s *"sto( )+)"n, b't

*er&e"#"n+ h"s o**onent, hes"t)te$, )n$ the Co(one(

&)e %)&e to %)&e

"th h" "th %r)nt"& +est'res o% reonstr)n&e.

>It "s no +oo$,> s)"$ Sye. >He "(( ne#er +et

)nyth"n+ o't o% th)t o($

he)then. I #ote e $r"#e b)n+ thro'+h the th"&1 o%

the, b)n+ )s the

b'((ets ent thro'+h 0'((3s h)t. We )y )(( be

1"((e$, b't e 'st 1"((

) t"$y n'ber o% the.>

>I on3t 3)#e "t,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, +ro"n+ ore

#'(+)r "n the s"n&er"ty

o% h"s #"rt'e. >The *oor &h)*s )y be )1"n+ )

"st)1e. G"#e the Co(one(

) &h)n&e.>

>Sh)(( e +o b)&1, then:> )s1e$ the Pro%essor.

>No,> s)"$ R)t&("%%e "n ) &o($ #o"&e, >the street beh"n$ 's "s he($ too.

In %)&t, I see to see there )nother %r"en$ o%

yo'rs, Sye.>

Sye s*'n ro'n$ s)rt(y, )n$ st)re$ b)&1)r$s )t

the tr)&1 h"&h they

h)$ tr)#e((e$. He s) )n "rre+'()r bo$y o% horseen

+)ther"n+ )n$

+)((o*"n+ to)r$s the "n the +(oo. He s) )bo#e

the %oreost s)$$(e

the s"(#er +(e) o% ) sor$, )n$ then )s "t +re

ne)rer the s"(#er +(e)

o% )n o($ )n3s h)"r. The ne/t oent, "th

sh)tter"n+ #"o(en&e, he h)$

209



s'n+ the otor ro'n$ )n$ sent "t $)sh"n+ $on the

stee* s"$e street to

the se), ("1e ) )n th)t $es"re$ on(y to $"e.

>Wh)t the $e#"( "s '*:> &r"e$ the Pro%essor,

se";"n+ h"s )r.

>The orn"n+ st)r h)s %)((en> s)"$ Sye, )s h"s

on &)r ent $on the

$)r1ness ("1e ) %)(("n+ st)r.

The others $"$ not 'n$erst)n$ h"s or$s, b't hen

they (oo1e$ b)&1 )t

the street )bo#e they s) the host"(e &)#)(ry

&o"n+ ro'n$ the &orner)n$ $on the s(o*es )%ter the- )n$ %oreost o% )((

ro$e the +oo$

"nn1ee*er, %('she$ "th the %"ery "nno&en&e o% the

e#en"n+ ("+ht.

>The or($ "s "ns)ne> s)"$ the Pro%essor, )n$

b'r"e$ h"s %)&e "n h"s

h)n$s.

>No,> s)"$ Dr. 0'(( "n )$))nt"ne h'"("ty, >"t "sI.>

>Wh)t )re e +o"n+ to $o:> )s1e$ the Pro%essor.

>At th"s oent,> s)"$ Sye, "th ) s&"ent"%"&

$et)&hent, >I th"n1 e

)re +o"n+ to s)sh "nto ) ()**ost.>

The ne/t "nst)nt the )'toob"(e h)$ &oe "th )

&)t)stro*h"& 9)r )+)"nst

)n "ron ob9e&t. The "nst)nt )%ter th)t %o'r en h)$

&r)(e$ o't %ro

'n$er ) &h)os o% et)(, )n$ ) t)(( (e)n ()*2*ost

th)t h)$ stoo$ '*

210



str)"+ht on the e$+e o% the )r"ne *)r)$e stoo$

o't, bent )n$ t"ste$,

("1e the br)n&h o% ) bro1en tree.

>We((, e s)she$ soeth"n+,> s)"$ the Pro%essor,

"th ) %)"nt s"(e.

>Th)t3s soe &o%ort.>

>Yo'3re be&o"n+ )n )n)r&h"st,> s)"$ Sye, $'st"n+

h"s &(othes "th h"s

"nst"n&t o% $)"nt"ness.

>E#eryone "s,> s)"$ R)t&("%%e.

As they s*o1e, the h"te2h)"re$ horse)n )n$ h"s%o((oers &)e

th'n$er"n+ %ro )bo#e, )n$ )(ost )t the s)e

oent ) $)r1 str"n+ o%

en r)n sho't"n+ )(on+ the se)2%ront. Sye sn)t&he$

) sor$, )n$ too1 "t

"n h"s teeth- he st'&1 to others 'n$er h"s )r2

*"ts, too1 ) %o'rth

"n h"s (e%t h)n$ )n$ the ()ntern "n h"s r"+ht, )n$

(e)*t o%% the h"+h

*)r)$e on to the be)&h be(o.

The others (e)*t )%ter h", "th ) &oon

)&&e*t)n&e o% s'&h $e&"s"#e

)&t"on, (e)#"n+ the $ebr"s )n$ the +)ther"n+ ob

)bo#e the.

>We h)#e one ore &h)n&e,> s)"$ Sye, t)1"n+ the

stee( o't o% h"s o'th.

>Wh)te#er )(( th"s *)n$eon"' e)ns, I s'**ose the

*o("&e st)t"on "((

he(* 's. We &)n3t +et there, %or they ho($ the )y.

0't there3s ) *"er

or bre)1)ter r'ns o't "nto the se) 9'st here,

h"&h e &o'($ $e%en$

211



(on+er th)n )nyth"n+ e(se, ("1e Hor)t"'s )n$ h"s

br"$+e. We 'st $e%en$

"t t"(( the Gen$)rer"e t'rn o't. Kee* )%ter e.>

They %o((oe$ h" )s he ent &r'n&h"n+ $on the

be)&h, )n$ "n ) se&on$

or to the"r boots bro1e not on the se) +r)#e(, b't

on bro)$, %()t

stones. They )r&he$ $on ) (on+, (o 9etty,

r'nn"n+ o't "n one )r "nto

the $", bo"("n+ se), )n$ hen they &)e to the en$

o% "t they %e(t th)t

they h)$ &oe to the en$ o% the"r story. They

t'rne$ )n$ %)&e$ the ton.

Th)t ton )s tr)ns%"+'re$ "th '*ro)r. A(( )(on+

the h"+h *)r)$e %ro

h"&h they h)$ 9'st $es&en$e$ )s ) $)r1 )n$

ro)r"n+ stre) o% h')n"ty,

"th toss"n+ )rs )n$ %"ery %)&es, +ro*"n+ )n$

+()r"n+ to)r$s the. The

(on+ $)r1 ("ne )s $otte$ "th tor&hes )n$

()nterns- b't e#en here no

%()e ("t '* ) %'r"o's %)&e, they &o'($ see "n the

%)rthest %"+'re, "nthe ost sh)$oy +est're, )n or+)n"se$ h)te. It )s

&(e)r th)t they ere

the )&&'rse$ o% )(( en, )n$ they 1ne not hy.

To or three en, (oo1"n+ ("tt(e )n$ b()&1 ("1e

on1eys, (e)*t o#er the

e$+e )s they h)$ $one )n$ $ro**e$ on to the be)&h.

These &)e *(o'+h"n+

$on the $ee* s)n$, sho't"n+ horr"b(y, )n$ stro#e

to )$e "nto the se)

)t r)n$o. The e/)*(e )s %o((oe$, )n$ the ho(e

b()&1 )ss o% en

be+)n to r'n )n$ $r"* o#er the e$+e ("1e b()&1

tre)&(e.

212



oreost )on+ the en on the be)&h Sye s) the

*e)s)nt ho h)$ $r"#en

the"r &)rt. He s*()she$ "nto the s'r% on ) h'+e

&)rt2horse, )n$ shoo1

h"s )/e )t the.

>The *e)s)nt> &r"e$ Sye. >They h)#e not r"sen

s"n&e the M"$$(e A+es.>

>E#en "% the *o("&e $o &oe no,> s)"$ the

Pro%essor o'rn%'((y, >they

&)n $o noth"n+ "th th"s ob.>

>Nonsense> s)"$ 0'(( $es*er)te(y- >there 'st be

soe *eo*(e (e%t "nthe ton ho )re h')n.>

>No,> s)"$ the ho*e(ess Ins*e&tor, >the h')n be"n+

"(( soon be

e/t"n&t. We )re the ()st o% )n1"n$.>

>It )y be,> s)"$ the Pro%essor )bsent(y. Then he

)$$e$ "n h"s $re)y

#o"&e, >Wh)t "s )(( th)t )t the en$ o% the

3D'n&")$3:

3Nor *'b("& %()e- nor *r"#)te, $)res to sh"ne-

Nor h')n ("+ht "s (e%t, nor +("*se $"#"ne

Lo thy $re)$ E*"re, Ch)os, "s restore$-

L"+ht $"es be%ore th"ne 'n&re)t"n+ or$8

Thy h)n$, +re)t An)r&h, (ets the &'rt)"n %)((-

An$ 'n"#ers)( $)r1ness b'r"es )((.3>

>Sto*> &r"e$ 0'(( s'$$en(y, >the +en$)res )re

o't.>

The (o ("+hts o% the *o("&e st)t"on ere "n$ee$

b(otte$ )n$ bro1en

"th h'rry"n+ %"+'res, )n$ they he)r$ thro'+h the

$)r1ness the &()sh )n$

213



9"n+(e o% ) $"s&"*("ne$ &)#)(ry.

>They )re &h)r+"n+ the ob> &r"e$ 0'(( "n e&st)&y

or )()r.

>No,> s)"$ Sye, >they )re %ore$ )(on+ the

*)r)$e.>

>They h)#e 'ns('n+ the"r &)rb"nes,> &r"e$ 0'((

$)n&"n+ "th e/&"teent.

>Yes,> s)"$ R)t&("%%e, >)n$ they )re +o"n+ to %"re

on 's.>

As he s*o1e there &)e ) (on+ &r)&1(e o% 's1etry,)n$ b'((ets seee$ to

ho* ("1e h)"(stones on the stones "n %ront o% the.

>The +en$)res h)#e 9o"ne$ the> &r"e$ the

Pro%essor, )n$ str'&1 h"s

%orehe)$.

>I ) "n the *)$$e$ &e((,> s)"$ 0'(( so("$(y.

There )s ) (on+ s"(en&e, )n$ then R)t&("%%e s)"$,(oo1"n+ o't o#er the

so((en se), )(( ) sort o% +rey *'r*(e22

>Wh)t $oes "t )tter ho "s )$ or ho "s s)ne: We

sh)(( )(( be $e)$

soon.>

Sye t'rne$ to h" )n$ s)"$22

>Yo' )re ='"te ho*e(ess, then:>

Mr. R)t&("%%e 1e*t ) stony s"(en&e- then )t ()st he

s)"$ ='"et(y22

214



>No- o$$(y eno'+h I ) not ='"te ho*e(ess. There "s

one "ns)ne ("tt(e

ho*e th)t I &)nnot +et o't o% y "n$. The *oer o%

th"s ho(e *()net

"s )+)"nst 's, yet I &)nnot he(* on$er"n+ hether

th"s one s"((y ("tt(e

ho*e "s ho*e(ess yet.>

>In h)t or ho "s yo'r ho*e:> )s1e$ Sye "th

&'r"os"ty.

>In ) )n I ne#er s),> s)"$ the other, (oo1"n+ )t

the (e)$en se).

>I 1no h)t yo' e)n,> s)"$ Sye "n ) (o #o"&e,>the )n "n the $)r1

roo. 0't S'n$)y 'st h)#e 1"((e$ h" by no.>

>Perh)*s,> s)"$ the other ste)$"(y- >b't "% so, he

)s the on(y )n ho

S'n$)y %o'n$ "t h)r$ to 1"((.>

>I he)r$ h)t yo' s)"$,> s)"$ the Pro%essor, "th

h"s b)&1 t'rne$. >I

)(so ) ho($"n+ h)r$ on to the th"n+ I ne#er s).>

A(( o% ) s'$$en Sye, ho )s st)n$"n+ )s "% b("n$

"th "ntros*e&t"#e

tho'+ht, s'n+ ro'n$ )n$ &r"e$ o't, ("1e ) )n

)1"n+ %ro s(ee*22

>Where "s the Co(one(: I tho'+ht he )s "th 's>

>The Co(one( Yes,> &r"e$ 0'((, >here on e)rth "s

the Co(one(:>

>He ent to s*e)1 to Ren)r$,> s)"$ the Pro%essor.

>We &)nnot (e)#e h" )on+ )(( those be)sts,> &r"e$

Sye. >Let 's $"e

215





he stro$e )(on+ the *"er to)r$s the Co(one(, the

sor$ "n one h)n$ )n$

the ()ntern "n the other.

As "% to $estroy the ()st ho*e or $o'bt, the

Co(one(, ho s) h"

&o"n+, *o"nte$ h"s re#o(#er )t h" )n$ %"re$. The

shot "sse$ Sye,

b't str'&1 h"s sor$, bre)1"n+ "t short )t the

h"(t. Sye r'she$ on, )n$

s'n+ the "ron ()ntern )bo#e h"s he)$.

>B'$)s be%ore Hero$> he s)"$, )n$ str'&1 the

Co(one( $on '*on the

stones. Then he t'rne$ to the Se&ret)ry, hose%r"+ht%'( o'th )s

)(ost %o)"n+ no, )n$ he($ the ()* h"+h "th so

r"+"$ )n$ )rrest"n+

) +est're, th)t the )n )s, )s "t ere, %ro;en %or

) oent, )n$ %or&e$

to he)r.

>Do yo' see th"s ()ntern:> &r"e$ Sye "n ) terr"b(e

#o"&e. >Do yo' see

the &ross &)r#e$ on "t, )n$ the %()e "ns"$e: Yo'$"$ not )1e "t. Yo'

$"$ not ("+ht "t. 0etter en th)n yo', en ho

&o'($ be("e#e )n$ obey,

t"ste$ the entr)"(s o% "ron )n$ *reser#e$ the

(e+en$ o% %"re. There "s

not ) street yo' )(1 on, there "s not ) thre)$ yo'

e)r, th)t )s not

)$e )s th"s ()ntern )s, by $eny"n+ yo'r

*h"(oso*hy o% $"rt )n$ r)ts.

Yo' &)n )1e noth"n+. Yo' &)n on(y $estroy. Yo'

"(( $estroy )n1"n$-

yo' "(( $estroy the or($. Let th)t s'%%"&e yo'.

Yet th"s one o($

Chr"st")n ()ntern yo' sh)(( not $estroy. It sh)((

+o here yo'r e*"re

217



o% )*es "(( ne#er h)#e the "t to %"n$ "t.>

He str'&1 the Se&ret)ry on&e "th the ()ntern so

th)t he st)++ere$- )n$

then, h"r("n+ "t t"&e ro'n$ h"s he)$, sent "t

%(y"n+ %)r o't to se),

here "t %()re$ ("1e ) ro)r"n+ ro&1et )n$ %e((.

>Sor$s> sho'te$ Sye, t'rn"n+ h"s %()"n+ %)&e to

the three beh"n$

h". >Let 's &h)r+e these $o+s, %or o'r t"e h)s

&oe to $"e.>

H"s three &o*)n"ons &)e )%ter h" sor$ "n h)n$.

Sye3s sor$ )s bro1en, b't he rent ) b('$+eon %ro the %"st o% )

%"sher)n, %("n+"n+

h" $on. In ) oent they o'($ h)#e %('n+

these(#es '*on the %)&e

o% the ob )n$ *er"she$, hen )n "nterr'*t"on &)e.

The Se&ret)ry, e#er

s"n&e Sye3s s*ee&h, h)$ stoo$ "th h"s h)n$ to h"s

str"&1en he)$ )s "%

$);e$- no he s'$$en(y *'((e$ o%% h"s b()&1 )s1.

The *)(e %)&e th's *ee(e$ "n the ()*("+ht re#e)(e$

not so '&h r)+e )s

)ston"shent. He *'t '* h"s h)n$ "th )n )n/"o's

)'thor"ty.

>There "s soe "st)1e,> he s)"$. >Mr. Sye, I

h)r$(y th"n1 yo'

'n$erst)n$ yo'r *os"t"on. I )rrest yo' "n the n)e

o% the ().>

>O% the ():> s)"$ Sye, )n$ $ro**e$ h"s st"&1.

>Cert)"n(y> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry. >I ) ) $ete&t"#e

%ro S&ot()n$ Y)r$,>

)n$ he too1 ) s)(( b('e &)r$ %ro h"s *o&1et.

218



>An$ h)t $o yo' s'**ose e )re:> )s1e$ the

Pro%essor, )n$ thre '* h"s

)rs.

>Yo',> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry st"%%(y, >)re, )s I 1no

%or ) %)&t, ebers

o% the S'*ree An)r&h"st Co'n&"(. D"s+'"se$ )s one

o% yo', I22>

Dr. 0'(( tosse$ h"s sor$ "nto the se).

>There ne#er )s )ny S'*ree An)r&h"st Co'n&"(,> he

s)"$. >We ere )(( )

(ot o% s"((y *o("&een (oo1"n+ )t e)&h other. An$)(( these n"&e *eo*(e

ho h)#e been *e**er"n+ 's "th shot tho'+ht e

ere the $yn)"ters.

I 1ne I &o'($n3t be ron+ )bo't the ob,> he s)"$,

be)"n+ o#er the

enoro's '(t"t'$e, h"&h stret&he$ ))y to the

$"st)n&e on both s"$es.

>!'(+)r *eo*(e )re ne#er )$. I3 #'(+)r yse(%,

)n$ I 1no. I ) no

+o"n+ on shore to st)n$ ) $r"n1 to e#erybo$y here.>

CHAPTER III. THE PURSUIT O THE PRESIDENT

NET orn"n+ %"#e be"($ere$ b't h"()r"o's *eo*(e

too1 the bo)t %or

Do#er. The *oor o($ Co(one( "+ht h)#e h)$ soe

&)'se to &o*()"n,

h)#"n+ been %"rst %or&e$ to %"+ht %or to %)&t"ons

th)t $"$n3t e/"st,

)n$ then 1no&1e$ $on "th )n "ron ()ntern. 0't he

)s ) )+n)n"o's o($

+ent(e)n, )n$ be"n+ '&h re("e#e$ th)t ne"ther

*)rty h)$ )nyth"n+ to $o

219



"th $yn)"te, he s) the o%% on the *"er "th

+re)t +en")("ty.

The %"#e re&on&"(e$ $ete&t"#es h)$ ) h'n$re$

$et)"(s to e/*()"n to e)&h

other. The Se&ret)ry h)$ to te(( Sye ho they h)$

&oe to e)r

)s1s or"+"n)((y "n or$er to )**ro)&h the s'**ose$

eney )s

%e((o2&ons*"r)tors.

Sye h)$ to e/*()"n ho they h)$ %(e$ "th s'&h

s"%tness thro'+h )

&"#"("se$ &o'ntry. 0't )bo#e )(( these )tters o%

$et)"( h"&h &o'($ bee/*()"ne$, rose the &entr)( o'nt)"n o% the )tter

th)t they &o'($ not

e/*()"n. Wh)t $"$ "t )(( e)n: I% they ere )((

h)r(ess o%%"&ers, h)t

)s S'n$)y: I% he h)$ not se";e$ the or($, h)t on

e)rth h)$ he been '*

to: Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e )s st"(( +(ooy )bo't

th"s.

>I &)n3t )1e he)$ or t)"( o% o($ S'n$)y3s ("tt(e+)e )ny ore th)n

yo' &)n,> he s)"$. >0't h)te#er e(se S'n$)y "s, he

"sn3t ) b()e(ess

&"t";en. D)n "t $o yo' reeber h"s %)&e:>

>I +r)nt yo',> )nsere$ Sye, >th)t I h)#e ne#er

been )b(e to %or+et

"t.>

>We((,> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry, >I s'**ose e &)n %"n$

o't soon, %or

toorro e h)#e o'r ne/t +ener)( eet"n+. Yo' "((

e/&'se e,> he

s)"$, "th ) r)ther +h)st(y s"(e, >%or be"n+ e((

)&=')"nte$ "th y

220



se&ret)r")( $'t"es.>

>I s'**ose yo' )re r"+ht,> s)"$ the Pro%essor

re%(e&t"#e(y. >I s'**ose

e "+ht %"n$ "t o't %ro h"- b't I &on%ess th)t I

sho'($ %ee( ) b"t

)%r)"$ o% )s1"n+ S'n$)y ho he re)((y "s.>

>Why,> )s1e$ the Se&ret)ry, >%or %e)r o% bobs:>

>No,> s)"$ the Pro%essor, >%or %e)r he "+ht te((

e.>

>Let 's h)#e soe $r"n1s,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, )%ter )

s"(en&e.

Thro'+ho't the"r ho(e 9o'rney by bo)t )n$ tr)"n

they ere h"+h(y

&on#"#")(, b't they "nst"n&t"#e(y 1e*t to+ether.

Dr. 0'((, ho h)$

)()ys been the o*t""st o% the *)rty, en$e)#o're$

to *ers')$e the

other %o'r th)t the ho(e &o*)ny &o'($ t)1e the

s)e h)nso &)b %ro

!"&tor")- b't th"s )s o#er2r'(e$, )n$ they ent "n) %o'r2hee(er, "th

Dr. 0'(( on the bo/, s"n+"n+. They %"n"she$ the"r

9o'rney )t )n hote( "n

P"&&)$"((y C"r&'s, so )s to be &(ose to the e)r(y

bre)1%)st ne/t orn"n+

"n Le"&ester S=')re. Yet e#en then the )$#ent'res

o% the $)y ere not

ent"re(y o#er. Dr. 0'((, $"s&ontente$ "th the

+ener)( *ro*os)( to +o to

be$, h)$ stro((e$ o't o% the hote( )t )bo't e(e#en

to see )n$ t)ste soe

o% the be)'t"es o% Lon$on. Tenty "n'tes

)%ter)r$s, hoe#er, he &)e

b)&1 )n$ )$e ='"te ) &()o'r "n the h)((. Sye,

ho tr"e$ )t %"rst to

221



soothe h", )s %or&e$ )t ()st to ("sten to h"s

&o'n"&)t"on "th ='"te

ne )ttent"on.

>I te(( yo' I3#e seen h"> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, "th

th"&1 e*h)s"s.

>Who:> )s1e$ Sye ='"&1(y. >Not the Pres"$ent:>

>Not so b)$ )s th)t,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, "th

'nne&ess)ry ()'+hter, >not so

b)$ )s th)t. I3#e +ot h" here.>

>Got ho here:> )s1e$ Sye "*)t"ent(y.

>H)"ry )n,> s)"$ the other ('&"$(y, >)n th)t 'se$

to be h)"ry

)n22Go+o(. Here he "s,> )n$ he *'((e$ %or)r$ by )

re('&t)nt e(bo the

"$ent"&)( yo'n+ )n ho %"#e $)ys be%ore h)$

)r&he$ o't o% the Co'n&"(

"th th"n re$ h)"r )n$ ) *)(e %)&e, the %"rst o%

)(( the sh) )n)r&h"sts

ho h)$ been e/*ose$.

>Why $o yo' orry "th e:> he &r"e$. >Yo' h)#e

e/*e((e$ e )s ) s*y.>

>We )re )(( s*"es> h"s*ere$ Sye.

>We3re )(( s*"es> sho'te$ Dr. 0'((. >Coe )n$ h)#e

) $r"n1.>

Ne/t orn"n+ the b)tt)("on o% the re'n"te$ s"/

)r&he$ sto("$(y to)r$s

the hote( "n Le"&ester S=')re.

>Th"s "s ore &heer%'(,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((- >e )re s"/

en +o"n+ to )s1 one

)n h)t he e)ns.>

222





"t "s. Is the C;)r $e)$:>

The Se&ret)ry, ho h)**ene$ to be %oreost, $re

h"se(% to+ether %or )

$"+n"%"e$ o'tb'rst.

>No, s"r,> he s)"$ stern(y >there h)s been no

)ss)&re. I br"n+ yo' nes

o% no s'&h $"s+'st"n+ s*e&t)&(es.>

>D"s+'st"n+ s*e&t)&(es:> re*e)te$ the Pres"$ent,

"th ) br"+ht,

"n='"r"n+ s"(e. >Yo' e)n Dr. 0'((3s s*e&t)&(es:>

The Se&ret)ry &ho1e$ %or ) oent, )n$ thePres"$ent ent on "th ) sort

o% sooth )**e)(22

>O% &o'rse, e )(( h)#e o'r o*"n"ons )n$ e#en o'r

eyes, b't re)((y to

&)(( the $"s+'st"n+ be%ore the )n h"se(%22>

Dr. 0'(( tore o%% h"s s*e&t)&(es )n$ bro1e the on

the t)b(e.

>My s*e&t)&(es )re b()&1+')r$(y,> he s)"$, >b't I3

not. Loo1 )t y

%)&e.>

>I $)re s)y "t3s the sort o% %)&e th)t +ros on

one,> s)"$ the

Pres"$ent, >"n %)&t, "t +ros on yo'- )n$ ho ) I

to =')rre( "th the

"($ %r'"ts '*on the Tree o% L"%e: I $)re s)y "t

"(( +ro on e soe

$)y.>

>We h)#e no t"e %or to%oo(ery,> s)"$ the

Se&ret)ry, bre)1"n+ "n

224



s)#)+e(y. >We h)#e &oe to 1no h)t )(( th"s

e)ns. Who )re yo': Wh)t

)re yo': Why $"$ yo' +et 's )(( here: Do yo' 1no

ho )n$ h)t e )re:

Are yo' ) h)(%2"tte$ )n *()y"n+ the &ons*"r)tor,

or )re yo' ) &(e#er

)n *()y"n+ the %oo(: Anser e, I te(( yo'.>

>C)n$"$)tes,> 'r're$ S'n$)y, >)re on(y re='"re$

to )nser e"+ht o't o%

the se#enteen ='est"ons on the *)*er. As %)r )s I

&)n )1e o't, yo' )nt

e to te(( yo' h)t I ), )n$ h)t yo' )re, )n$

h)t th"s t)b(e "s, )n$

h)t th"s Co'n&"( "s, )n$ h)t th"s or($ "s %or)(( I 1no. We((, I

"(( +o so %)r )s to ren$ the #e"( o% one ystery.

I% yo' )nt to 1no

h)t yo' )re, yo' )re ) set o% h"+h(y e((2

"ntent"one$ yo'n+ 9)&1)sses.>

>An$ yo',> s)"$ Sye, (e)n"n+ %or)r$, >h)t )re

yo':>

>I: Wh)t ) I:> ro)re$ the Pres"$ent, )n$ he roses(o(y to )n

"n&re$"b(e he"+ht, ("1e soe enoro's )#e )bo't to

)r&h )bo#e the

)n$ bre)1. >Yo' )nt to 1no h)t I ), $o yo':

0'((, yo' )re ) )n o%

s&"en&e. Gr'b "n the roots o% those trees )n$ %"n$

o't the tr'th )bo't

the. Sye, yo' )re ) *oet. St)re )t those orn"n+

&(o'$s. 0't I te((

yo' th"s, th)t yo' "(( h)#e %o'n$ o't the tr'th o%

the ()st tree )n$

the to*2ost &(o'$ be%ore the tr'th )bo't e. Yo'

"(( 'n$erst)n$ the

se), )n$ I sh)(( be st"(( ) r"$$(e- yo' sh)(( 1no

h)t the st)rs )re,

225



)n$ not 1no h)t I ). S"n&e the be+"nn"n+ o% the

or($ )(( en h)#e

h'nte$ e ("1e ) o(%221"n+s )n$ s)+es, )n$ *oets

)n$ ()+"#ers, )(( the

&h'r&hes, )n$ )(( the *h"(oso*h"es. 0't I h)#e

ne#er been &)'+ht yet,

)n$ the s1"es "(( %)(( "n the t"e I t'rn to b)y.

I h)#e +"#en the )

+oo$ r'n %or the"r oney, )n$ I "(( no.>

0e%ore one o% the &o'($ o#e, the onstro's )n

h)$ s'n+ h"se(% ("1e

soe h'+e o'r)n+2o't)n+ o#er the b)('str)$e o% the

b)(&ony. Yet be%ore

he $ro**e$ he *'((e$ h"se(% '* )+)"n )s on )hor";ont)( b)r, )n$

thr'st"n+ h"s +re)t &h"n o#er the e$+e o% the

b)(&ony, s)"$ so(en(y22

>There3s one th"n+ I3(( te(( yo' tho'+h )bo't ho I

). I ) the )n "n

the $)r1 roo, ho )$e yo' )(( *o("&een.>

W"th th)t he %e(( %ro the b)(&ony, bo'n&"n+ on the

stones be(o ("1e )+re)t b)(( o% "n$")2r'bber, )n$ ent bo'n$"n+ o%%

to)r$s the &orner o%

the A(h)br), here he h)"(e$ ) h)nso2&)b )n$

s*r)n+ "ns"$e "t. The s"/

$ete&t"#es h)$ been st)n$"n+ th'n$erstr'&1 )n$

("#"$ "n the ("+ht o% h"s

()st )ssert"on- b't hen he $"s)**e)re$ "nto the

&)b, Sye3s *r)&t"&)(

senses ret'rne$ to h", )n$ (e)*"n+ o#er the

b)(&ony so re&1(ess(y )s

)(ost to bre)1 h"s (e+s, he &)((e$ )nother &)b.

He )n$ 0'(( s*r)n+ "nto the &)b to+ether, the

Pro%essor )n$ the

226



Ins*e&tor "nto )nother, h"(e the Se&ret)ry )n$ the

()te Go+o( s&r)b(e$

"nto ) th"r$ 9'st "n t"e to *'rs'e the %(y"n+

Sye, ho )s *'rs'"n+

the %(y"n+ Pres"$ent. S'n$)y (e$ the ) "($ &h)se

to)r$s the

north2est, h"s &)b)n, e#"$ent(y 'n$er the

"n%('en&e o% ore th)n

&oon "n$'&eents, 'r+"n+ the horse )t bre)1ne&1

s*ee$. 0't Sye )s "n

no oo$ %or $e("&)&"es, )n$ he stoo$ '* "n h"s on

&)b sho't"n+, >Sto*

th"e%> 'nt"( &ro$s r)n )(on+ bes"$e h"s &)b, )n$

*o("&een be+)n to

sto* )n$ )s1 ='est"ons. A(( th"s h)$ "ts "n%('en&e'*on the Pres"$ent3s

&)b)n, ho be+)n to (oo1 $'b"o's, )n$ to s(o $on

to ) trot. He o*ene$

the tr)* to t)(1 re)son)b(y to h"s %)re, )n$ "n so

$o"n+ (et the (on+

h"* $roo* o#er the %ront o% the &)b. S'n$)y (e)nt

%or)r$, se";e$ "t,

)n$ 9er1e$ "t #"o(ent(y o't o% the )n3s h)n$. Then

st)n$"n+ '* "n %ront

o% the &)b h"se(%, he ()she$ the horse )n$ ro)re$)(o'$, so th)t they

ent $on the streets ("1e ) %(y"n+ stor. Thro'+h

street )%ter street

)n$ s=')re )%ter s=')re ent h"r("n+ th"s

*re*ostero's #eh"&(e, "n

h"&h the %)re )s 'r+"n+ the horse )n$ the $r"#er

try"n+ $es*er)te(y

to sto* "t. The other three &)bs &)e )%ter "t ?"%

the *hr)se be

*er"ss"b(e o% ) &)b@ ("1e *)nt"n+ ho'n$s. Sho*s

)n$ streets shot by

("1e r)tt("n+ )rros.

At the h"+hest e&st)&y o% s*ee$, S'n$)y t'rne$

ro'n$ on the s*()shbo)r$

227



here he stoo$, )n$ st"&1"n+ h"s +re)t +r"nn"n+

he)$ o't o% the &)b,

"th h"te h)"r h"st("n+ "n the "n$, he )$e )

horr"b(e %)&e )t

h"s *'rs'ers, ("1e soe &o(oss)( 'r&h"n. Then

r)"s"n+ h"s r"+ht h)n$

s"%t(y, he %('n+ ) b)(( o% *)*er "n Sye3s %)&e

)n$ #)n"she$. Sye

&)'+ht the th"n+ h"(e "nst"n&t"#e(y )r$"n+ "t

o%%, )n$ $"s&o#ere$ th)t

"t &ons"ste$ o% to &r'*(e$ *)*ers. One )s

)$$resse$ to h"se(%, )n$

the other to Dr. 0'((, "th ) #ery (on+, )n$ "t "s

to be %e)re$ *)rt(y

"ron"&)(, str"n+ o% (etters )%ter h"s n)e. Dr.0'((3s )$$ress )s,

)t )ny r)te, &ons"$er)b(y (on+er th)n h"s

&o'n"&)t"on, %or the

&o'n"&)t"on &ons"ste$ ent"re(y o% the or$s822

>Wh)t )bo't M)rt"n T'**er no:>

>Wh)t $oes the o($ )n")& e)n:> )s1e$ 0'((,

st)r"n+ )t the or$s. >Wh)t

$oes yo'rs s)y, Sye:>

Sye3s ess)+e )s, )t )ny r)te, (on+er, )n$ r)n )s

%o((os822

>No one o'($ re+ret )nyth"n+ "n the n)t're o% )n

"nter%eren&e by the

Ar&h$e)&on ore th)n I. I tr'st "t "(( not &oe to

th)t. 0't, %or the

()st t"e, here )re yo'r +o(oshes: The th"n+ "s

too b)$, es*e&")((y

)%ter h)t 'n&(e s)"$.>

The Pres"$ent3s &)b)n seee$ to be re+)"n"n+ soe

&ontro( o#er h"s

228



horse, )n$ the *'rs'ers +)"ne$ ) ("tt(e )s they

se*t ro'n$ "nto the

E$+)re Ro)$. An$ here there o&&'rre$ h)t seee$

to the )(("es )

*ro#"$ent")( sto**)+e. Tr)%%"& o% e#ery 1"n$ )s

ser#"n+ to r"+ht or

(e%t or sto**"n+, %or $on the (on+ ro)$ )s &o"n+

the 'n"st)1)b(e

ro)r )nno'n&"n+ the %"re2en+"ne, h"&h "n ) %e

se&on$s ent by ("1e )

br);en th'n$erbo(t. 0't ='"&1 )s "t ent by, S'n$)y

h)$ bo'n$e$ o't o%

h"s &)b, s*r'n+ )t the %"re2en+"ne, &)'+ht "t,

s('n+ h"se(% on to "t,

)n$ )s seen )s he $"s)**e)re$ "n the no"sy$"st)n&e t)(1"n+ to the

)ston"she$ %"re)n "th e/*()n)tory +est'res.

>A%ter h"> ho(e$ Sye. >He &)n3t +o )str)y no.

There3s no "st)1"n+

) %"re2en+"ne.>

The three &)ben, ho h)$ been st'nne$ %or )

oent, h"**e$ '* the"r

horses )n$ s("+ht(y $e&re)se$ the $"st)n&e beteenthese(#es )n$ the"r

$"s)**e)r"n+ *rey. The Pres"$ent )&1no(e$+e$ th"s

*ro/""ty by &o"n+

to the b)&1 o% the &)r, bo"n+ re*e)te$(y, 1"ss"n+

h"s h)n$, )n$ %"n)((y

%("n+"n+ ) ne)t(y2%o($e$ note "nto the boso o%

Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e.

When th)t +ent(e)n o*ene$ "t, not "tho't

"*)t"en&e, he %o'n$ "t

&ont)"ne$ the or$s822

>(y )t on&e. The tr'th )bo't yo'r tro'ser2

stret&hers "s 1non.

22A RIEND.>

229





>Why not s)y h"s b()&12beet(es b)r1"n+> s)"$ Sye

%'r"o's(y, >sn)"(s

b)r1"n+ +er)n"'s b)r1"n+ D"$ yo' e#er he)r ) $o+

b)r1 ("1e th)t:>

He he($ '* h"s h)n$, )n$ there &)e o't o% the

th"&1et ) (on+ +ro("n+

ro)r th)t seee$ to +et 'n$er the s1"n )n$ %ree;e

the %(esh22) (o

thr"(("n+ ro)r th)t )$e ) throbb"n+ "n the )"r )((

)bo't the.

>The $o+s o% S'n$)y o'($ be no or$"n)ry $o+s,>

s)"$ Go+o(, )n$

sh'$$ere$.

Sye h)$ 9'*e$ $on on the other s"$e, b't he

st"(( stoo$ ("sten"n+

"*)t"ent(y.

>We((, ("sten to th)t,> he s)"$, >"s th)t ) $o+22

)nybo$y3s $o+:>

There bro1e '*on the"r e)r ) ho)rse s&re)"n+ )s o%

th"n+s *rotest"n+)n$ &()o'r"n+ "n s'$$en *)"n- )n$ then, %)r o%%

("1e )n e&ho, h)t

so'n$e$ ("1e ) (on+ n)s)( tr'*et.

>We((, h"s ho'se o'+ht to be he((> s)"$ the

Se&ret)ry- >)n$ "% "t "s

he((, I3 +o"n+ "n> )n$ he s*r)n+ o#er the t)((

r)"("n+s )(ost "th

one s"n+.

The others %o((oe$. They bro1e thro'+h ) t)n+(e o%

*()nts )n$ shr'bs,

)n$ &)e o't on )n o*en *)th. Noth"n+ )s "n s"+ht,

b't Dr. 0'((

s'$$en(y str'&1 h"s h)n$s to+ether.

231





There )s no $o'bt )bo't "t th"s t"e. C(e)n )&ross

the s*)&e o% +r)ss,

)bo't to h'n$re$ y)r$s ))y, "th ) &ro$

s&re)"n+ )n$ s&)*er"n+

#)"n(y )t h"s hee(s, ent ) h'+e +rey e(e*h)nt )t

)n )%'( str"$e, "th

h"s tr'n1 thron o't )s r"+"$ )s ) sh"*3s bos*r"t,

)n$ tr'*et"n+ ("1e

the tr'*et o% $oo. On the b)&1 o% the be((o"n+

)n$ *('n+"n+ )n")(

s)t Pres"$ent S'n$)y "th )(( the *()&"$"ty o% )

s'(t)n, b't +o)$"n+ the

)n")( to ) %'r"o's s*ee$ "th soe sh)r* ob9e&t "n

h"s h)n$.

>Sto* h"> s&re)e$ the *o*'()&e. >He3(( be o't o%

the +)te>

>Sto* ) ()n$s("$e> s)"$ the 1ee*er. >He "s o't o%

the +)te>

An$ e#en )s he s*o1e, ) %"n)( &r)sh )n$ ro)r o%

terror )nno'n&e$ th)t

the +re)t +rey e(e*h)nt h)$ bro1en o't o% the +)teso% the oo(o+"&)(

G)r$ens, )n$ )s &)reen"n+ $on A(b)ny Street ("1e

) ne )n$ s"%t sort

o% on"b's.

>Gre)t Lor$> &r"e$ 0'((, >I ne#er 1ne )n e(e*h)nt

&o'($ +o so %)st.

We((, "t 'st be h)nso2&)bs )+)"n "% e )re to

1ee* h" "n s"+ht.>

As they r)&e$ )(on+ to the +)te o't o% h"&h the

e(e*h)nt h)$ #)n"she$,

Sye %e(t ) +()r"n+ *)nor)) o% the str)n+e )n")(s

"n the &)+es h"&h

233





*"&1 "t '*. It )s )$$resse$ to h"se(%, )n$ )s

='"te ) b'(1y *)r&e(.

On e/)"n)t"on, hoe#er, "ts b'(1 )s %o'n$ to

&ons"st o% th"rty2three

*"e&es o% *)*er o% no #)('e r)**e$ one ro'n$ the

other. When the ()st

&o#er"n+ )s torn ))y "t re$'&e$ "tse(% to ) s)((

s("* o% *)*er, on

h"&h )s r"tten822

>The or$, I %)n&y, sho'($ be 3*"n13.>

The )n on&e 1non )s Go+o( s)"$ noth"n+, b't the

o#eents o% h"s h)n$s

)n$ %eet ere ("1e those o% ) )n 'r+"n+ ) horse torenee$ e%%orts.

Thro'+h street )%ter street, thro'+h $"str"&t )%ter

$"str"&t, ent the

*ro$"+y o% the %(y"n+ e(e*h)nt, &)(("n+ &ro$s to

e#ery "n$o, )n$

$r"#"n+ the tr)%%"& (e%t )n$ r"+ht. An$ st"((

thro'+h )(( th"s "ns)ne

*'b("&"ty the three &)bs to"(e$ )%ter "t, 'nt"(

they &)e to be re+)r$e$ )s *)rt o% ) *ro&ess"on, )n$ *erh)*s the

)$#ert"seent o% ) &"r&'s. They

ent )t s'&h ) r)te th)t $"st)n&es ere shortene$

beyon$ be("e%, )n$

Sye s) the A(bert H)(( "n Kens"n+ton hen he

tho'+ht th)t he )s st"((

"n P)$$"n+ton. The )n")(3s *)&e )s e#en ore %)st

)n$ %ree thro'+h the

e*ty, )r"sto&r)t"& streets o% So'th Kens"n+ton,

)n$ he %"n)((y he)$e$

to)r$s th)t *)rt o% the s1y2("ne here the

enoro's Whee( o% E)r(3s

Co'rt stoo$ '* "n the s1y. The hee( +re ()r+er

)n$ ()r+er, t"(( "t

%"((e$ he)#en ("1e the hee( o% st)rs.

235



The be)st o'tstr"**e$ the &)bs. They (ost h" ro'n$

se#er)( &orners, )n$

hen they &)e to one o% the +)tes o% the E)r(3s

Co'rt E/h"b"t"on they

%o'n$ these(#es %"n)((y b(o&1e$. In %ront o% the

)s )n enoro's

&ro$- "n the "$st o% "t )s )n enoro's e(e*h)nt,

he)#"n+ )n$

sh'$$er"n+ )s s'&h sh)*e(ess &re)t'res $o. 0't the

Pres"$ent h)$

$"s)**e)re$.

>Where h)s he +one to:> )s1e$ Sye, s("**"n+ to the

+ro'n$.

>Gent(e)n r'she$ "nto the E/h"b"t"on, s"r> s)"$

)n o%%"&")( "n ) $);e$

)nner. Then he )$$e$ "n )n "n9're$ #o"&e8 >'nny

+ent(e)n, s"r. As1e$

e to ho($ h"s horse, )n$ +)#e e th"s.>

He he($ o't "th $"st)ste ) *"e&e o% %o($e$ *)*er,

)$$resse$8 >To the

Se&ret)ry o% the Centr)( An)r&h"st Co'n&"(.>

The Se&ret)ry, r)+"n+, rent "t o*en, )n$ %o'n$

r"tten "ns"$e "t822

>When the herr"n+ r'ns ) "(e,

Let the Se&ret)ry s"(e-

When the herr"n+ tr"es to %(y,

Let the Se&ret)ry $"e.

R'st"& Pro#erb.>

>Why the etern)( &r"1ey,> be+)n the Se&ret)ry, >$"$

yo' (et the )n "n:

Do *eo*(e &oon(y &oe to yo'r E/h"b"t"on r"$"n+

on )$ e(e*h)nts: Do22>

236



>Loo1> sho'te$ Sye s'$$en(y. >Loo1 o#er there>

>Loo1 )t h)t:> )s1e$ the Se&ret)ry s)#)+e(y.

>Loo1 )t the &)*t"#e b)((oon> s)"$ Sye, )n$

*o"nte$ "n ) %ren;y.

>Why the b();es sho'($ I (oo1 )t ) &)*t"#e

b)((oon:> $e)n$e$ the

Se&ret)ry. >Wh)t "s there ='eer )bo't ) &)*t"#e

b)((oon:>

>Noth"n+,> s)"$ Sye, >e/&e*t th)t "t "sn3t

&)*t"#e>

They )(( t'rne$ the"r eyes to here the b)((oon

s'n+ )n$ se((e$ )bo#e

the E/h"b"t"on on ) str"n+, ("1e ) &h"($3s b)((oon.

A se&on$ )%ter)r$s

the str"n+ &)e "n to 9'st 'n$er the &)r, )n$ the

b)((oon, bro1en

(oose, %(o)te$ ))y "th the %ree$o o% ) so)*

b'bb(e.

>Ten tho's)n$ $e#"(s> shr"e1e$ the Se&ret)ry.>He3s +ot "nto "t> )n$

he shoo1 h"s %"sts )t the s1y.

The b)((oon, borne by soe &h)n&e "n$, &)e r"+ht

)bo#e the, )n$ they

&o'($ see the +re)t h"te he)$ o% the Pres"$ent

*eer"n+ o#er the s"$e

)n$ (oo1"n+ bene#o(ent(y $on on the.

>Go$ b(ess y so'(> s)"$ the Pro%essor "th the

e($er(y )nner th)t he

&o'($ ne#er $"s&onne&t %ro h"s b(e)&he$ be)r$ )n$

*)r&hent %)&e. >Go$

b(ess y so'( I seee$ to %)n&y th)t soeth"n+

%e(( on the to* o% y

237





h"((s o% S'rrey s) the %"n)( &o(()*se )n$ tr)+e$y

o% the )$"r)b(e

("+ht +rey s'"t "n h"&h Sye h)$ set o't %ro

S)%%ron P)r1. H"s s"(1

h)t )s bro1en o#er h"s nose by ) s"n+"n+ bo'+h,

h"s &o)t2t)"(s ere

torn to the sho'($er by )rrest"n+ thorns, the &()y

o% En+()n$ )s

s*()she$ '* to h"s &o(()r- b't he st"(( &)rr"e$ h"s

ye((o be)r$ %or)r$

"th ) s"(ent )n$ %'r"o's $eter"n)t"on, )n$ h"s

eyes ere st"(( %"/e$

on th)t %(o)t"n+ b)(( o% +)s, h"&h "n the %'((

%('sh o% s'nset seee$

&o(o're$ ("1e ) s'nset &(o'$.

>A%ter )((,> he s)"$, >"t "s #ery be)'t"%'(>

>It "s s"n+'()r(y )n$ str)n+e(y be)'t"%'(> s)"$

the Pro%essor. >I "sh

the be)st(y +)s2b)+ o'($ b'rst>

>No,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, >I ho*e "t on3t. It "+ht

h'rt the o($ boy.>

>H'rt h"> s)"$ the #"n$"&t"#e Pro%essor, >h'rt

h" Not )s '&h )s I3$

h'rt h" "% I &o'($ +et '* "th h". L"tt(e

Sno$ro*>

>I $on3t )nt h" h'rt, soeho,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((.

>Wh)t> &r"e$ the Se&ret)ry b"tter(y. >Do yo'

be("e#e )(( th)t t)(e

)bo't h"s be"n+ o'r )n "n the $)r1 roo: S'n$)y

o'($ s)y he )s

)nybo$y.>

>I $on3t 1no hether I be("e#e "t or not,> s)"$

Dr. 0'((. >0't "t "sn3t

239



th)t th)t I e)n. I &)n3t "sh o($ S'n$)y3s b)((oon

to b'rst be&)'se22>

>We((,> s)"$ Sye "*)t"ent(y, >be&)'se:>

>We((, be&)'se he3s so 9o((y ("1e ) b)((oon

h"se(%,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((

$es*er)te(y. >I $on3t 'n$erst)n$ ) or$ o% )(( th)t

"$e) o% h"s be"n+

the s)e )n ho +)#e 's )(( o'r b('e &)r$s. It

sees to )1e e#eryth"n+

nonsense. 0't I $on3t &)re ho 1nos "t, I )()ys

h)$ ) sy*)thy %or

o($ S'n$)y h"se(%, "&1e$ )s he )s. B'st )s "% he

)s ) +re)t bo'n&"n+ b)by. Ho &)n I e/*()"n h)t y ='eer sy*)thy )s:

It $"$n3t *re#ent y

%"+ht"n+ h" ("1e he(( Sh)(( I )1e "t &(e)r "% I

s)y th)t I ("1e$ h"

be&)'se he )s so %)t:>

>Yo' "(( not,> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry.

>I3#e +ot "t no,> &r"e$ 0'((, >"t )s be&)'se he

)s so %)t )n$ so("+ht. B'st ("1e ) b)((oon. We )()ys th"n1 o% %)t

*eo*(e )s he)#y, b't

he &o'($ h)#e $)n&e$ )+)"nst ) sy(*h. I see no

h)t I e)n. Mo$er)te

stren+th "s shon "n #"o(en&e, s'*ree stren+th "s

shon "n (e#"ty. It

)s ("1e the o($ s*e&'()t"ons22h)t o'($ h)**en "%

)n e(e*h)nt &o'($

(e)* '* "n the s1y ("1e ) +r)ssho**er:>

>O'r e(e*h)nt,> s)"$ Sye, (oo1"n+ '*)r$s, >h)s

(e)*t "nto the s1y ("1e

) +r)ssho**er.>

240



>An$ soeho,> &on&('$e$ 0'((, >th)t3s hy I &)n3t

he(* ("1"n+ o($

S'n$)y. No, "t3s not )n )$"r)t"on o% %or&e, or )ny

s"((y th"n+ ("1e

th)t. There "s ) 1"n$ o% +)"ety "n the th"n+, )s "%

he ere b'rst"n+

"th soe +oo$ nes. H)#en3t yo' soet"es %e(t "t

on ) s*r"n+ $)y:

Yo' 1no N)t're *()ys tr"&1s, b't soeho th)t $)y

*ro#es they )re

+oo$2n)t're$ tr"&1s. I ne#er re)$ the 0"b(e yse(%,

b't th)t *)rt they

()'+h )t "s ("ter)( tr'th, 3Why (e)* ye, ye h"+h

h"((s:3 The h"((s $o

(e)*22)t (e)st, they try to.... Why $o I ("1eS'n$)y:... ho &)n I te((

yo':... be&)'se he3s s'&h ) 0o'n$er.>

There )s ) (on+ s"(en&e, )n$ then the Se&ret)ry

s)"$ "n ) &'r"o's,

str)"ne$ #o"&e22

>Yo' $o not 1no S'n$)y )t )((. Perh)*s "t "s

be&)'se yo' )re better

th)n I, )n$ $o not 1no he((. I )s ) %"er&e%e((o, )n$ ) tr"%(e orb"$

%ro the %"rst. The )n ho s"ts "n $)r1ness, )n$

ho &hose 's )((,

&hose e be&)'se I h)$ )(( the &r);y (oo1 o% )

&ons*"r)tor22be&)'se y

s"(e ent &roo1e$, )n$ y eyes ere +(ooy, e#en

hen I s"(e$. 0't

there 'st h)#e been soeth"n+ "n e th)t )nsere$

to the ner#es "n )((

these )n)r&h"& en. or hen I %"rst s) S'n$)y he

e/*resse$ to e, not

yo'r )"ry #"t)("ty, b't soeth"n+ both +ross )n$

s)$ "n the N)t're o%

Th"n+s. I %o'n$ h" so1"n+ "n ) t"("+ht roo, )

roo "th bron b("n$

241



$on, "n%"n"te(y ore $e*ress"n+ th)n the +en")(

$)r1ness "n h"&h o'r

)ster ("#es. He s)t there on ) ben&h, ) h'+e he)*

o% ) )n, $)r1 )n$

o't o% sh)*e. He ("stene$ to )(( y or$s "tho't

s*e)1"n+ or e#en

st"rr"n+. I *o're$ o't y ost *)ss"on)te )**e)(s,

)n$ )s1e$ y ost

e(o='ent ='est"ons. Then, )%ter ) (on+ s"(en&e, the

Th"n+ be+)n to

sh)1e, )n$ I tho'+ht "t )s sh)1en by soe se&ret

)()$y. It shoo1 ("1e

) (o)thsoe )n$ ("#"n+ 9e((y. It re"n$e$ e o%

e#eryth"n+ I h)$ e#er

re)$ )bo't the b)se bo$"es th)t )re the or"+"n o%("%e22the $ee* se)

('*s )n$ *roto*()s. It seee$ ("1e the %"n)( %or

o% )tter, the ost

sh)*e(ess )n$ the ost sh)e%'(. I &o'($ on(y te((

yse(%, %ro "ts

sh'$$er"n+s, th)t "t )s soeth"n+ )t (e)st th)t

s'&h ) onster &o'($

be "ser)b(e. An$ then "t bro1e '*on e th)t the

best")( o'nt)"n )s

sh)1"n+ "th ) (one(y ()'+hter, )n$ the ()'+hter )s )t e. Do yo'

)s1 e to %or+"#e h" th)t: It "s no s)(( th"n+ to

be ()'+he$ )t by

soeth"n+ )t on&e (oer )n$ stron+er th)n onese(%.>

>S're(y yo' %e((os )re e/)++er)t"n+ "($(y,> &'t

"n the &(e)r #o"&e o%

Ins*e&tor R)t&("%%e. >Pres"$ent S'n$)y "s )

terr"b(e %e((o %or one3s

"nte((e&t, b't he "s not s'&h ) 0)rn'3s %re)1

*hys"&)((y )s yo' )1e

o't. He re&e"#e$ e "n )n or$"n)ry o%%"&e, "n )

+rey &he&1 &o)t, "n

bro)$ $)y("+ht. He t)(1e$ to e "n )n or$"n)ry )y.

0't I3(( te(( yo'

242



h)t "s ) tr"%(e &ree*y )bo't S'n$)y. H"s roo "s

ne)t, h"s &(othes )re

ne)t, e#eryth"n+ sees "n or$er- b't he3s )bsent2

"n$e$. Soet"es h"s

+re)t br"+ht eyes +o ='"te b("n$. or ho'rs he

%or+ets th)t yo' )re

there. No )bsent2"n$e$ness "s 9'st ) b"t too

)%'( "n ) b)$ )n. We

th"n1 o% ) "&1e$ )n )s #"+"()nt. We &)n3t th"n1

o% ) "&1e$ )n ho "s

honest(y )n$ s"n&ere(y $re)y, be&)'se e $)ren3t

th"n1 o% ) "&1e$ )n

)(one "th h"se(%. An )bsent"n$e$ )n e)ns )

+oo$2n)t're$ )n. It

e)ns ) )n ho, "% he h)**ens to see yo', "(()*o(o+"se. 0't ho "((

yo' be)r )n )bsent"n$e$ )n ho, "% he h)**ens to

see yo', "(( 1"((

yo': Th)t "s h)t tr"es the ner#es, )bstr)&t"on

&ob"ne$ "th &r'e(ty.

Men h)#e %e(t "t soet"es hen they ent thro'+h

"($ %orests, )n$ %e(t

th)t the )n")(s there ere )t on&e "nno&ent )n$

*"t"(ess. They "+ht

"+nore or s()y. Ho o'($ yo' ("1e to *)ss ten ort)( ho'rs "n ) *)r(o'r

"th )n )bsent2"n$e$ t"+er:>

>An$ h)t $o yo' th"n1 o% S'n$)y, Go+o(:> )s1e$

Sye.

>I $on3t th"n1 o% S'n$)y on *r"n&"*(e,> s)"$ Go+o(

s"*(y, >)ny ore

th)n I st)re )t the s'n )t noon$)y.>

>We((, th)t "s ) *o"nt o% #"e,> s)"$ Sye

tho'+ht%'((y. >Wh)t $o yo'

s)y, Pro%essor:>

243



The Pro%essor )s )(1"n+ "th bent he)$ )n$

tr)"("n+ st"&1, )n$ he $"$

not )nser )t )((.

>W)1e '*, Pro%essor> s)"$ Sye +en")((y. >Te(( 's

h)t yo' th"n1 o%

S'n$)y.>

The Pro%essor s*o1e )t ()st #ery s(o(y.

>I th"n1 soeth"n+,> he s)"$, >th)t I &)nnot s)y

&(e)r(y. Or, r)ther,

I th"n1 soeth"n+ th)t I &)nnot e#en th"n1 &(e)r(y.

0't "t "s soeth"n+

("1e th"s. My e)r(y ("%e, )s yo' 1no, )s ) b"ttoo ()r+e )n$ (oose.

>We((, hen I s) S'n$)y3s %)&e I tho'+ht "t )s

too ()r+e22e#erybo$y

$oes, b't I )(so tho'+ht "t )s too (oose. The %)&e

)s so b"+, th)t one

&o'($n3t %o&'s "t or )1e "t ) %)&e )t )((. The eye

)s so %)r ))y %ro

the nose, th)t "t )sn3t )n eye. The o'th )s so

'&h by "tse(%,th)t one h)$ to th"n1 o% "t by "tse(%. The ho(e

th"n+ "s too h)r$ to

e/*()"n.>

He *)'se$ %or ) ("tt(e, st"(( tr)"("n+ h"s st"&1,

)n$ then ent on22

>0't *'t "t th"s )y. W)(1"n+ '* ) ro)$ )t n"+ht, I

h)#e seen ) ()*

)n$ ) ("+hte$ "n$o )n$ ) &(o'$ )1e to+ether )

ost &o*(ete )n$

'n"st)1)b(e %)&e. I% )nyone "n he)#en h)s th)t

%)&e I sh)(( 1no h"

)+)"n. Yet hen I )(1e$ ) ("tt(e %)rther I %o'n$

th)t there )s no

244



%)&e, th)t the "n$o )s ten y)r$s ))y, the ()*

ten h'n$re$ y)r$s,

the &(o'$ beyon$ the or($. We((, S'n$)y3s %)&e

es&)*e$ e- "t r)n ))y

to r"+ht )n$ (e%t, )s s'&h &h)n&e *"&t'res r'n

))y. An$ so h"s %)&e

h)s )$e e, soeho, $o'bt hether there )re )ny

%)&es. I $on3t 1no

hether yo'r %)&e, 0'((, "s ) %)&e or ) &ob"n)t"on

"n *ers*e&t"#e.

Perh)*s one b()&1 $"s& o% yo'r be)st(y +()sses "s

='"te &(ose )n$

)nother %"%ty "(es ))y. Oh, the $o'bts o% )

)ter")("st )re not orth

) $'*. S'n$)y h)s t)'+ht e the ()st )n$ the orst$o'bts, the $o'bts

o% ) s*"r"t')("st. I ) ) 0'$$h"st, I s'**ose- )n$

0'$$h"s "s not

) &ree$, "t "s ) $o'bt. My *oor $e)r 0'((, I $o not

be("e#e th)t yo'

re)((y h)#e ) %)&e. I h)#e not %)"th eno'+h to

be("e#e "n )tter.>

Sye3s eyes ere st"(( %"/e$ '*on the err)nt orb,

h"&h, re$$ene$ "n thee#en"n+ ("+ht, (oo1e$ ("1e soe ros"er )n$ ore

"nno&ent or($.

>H)#e yo' not"&e$ )n o$$ th"n+,> he s)"$, >)bo't

)(( yo'r $es&r"*t"ons:

E)&h )n o% yo' %"n$s S'n$)y ='"te $"%%erent, yet

e)&h )n o% yo' &)n

on(y %"n$ one th"n+ to &o*)re h" to22the 'n"#erse

"tse(%. 0'((

%"n$s h" ("1e the e)rth "n s*r"n+, Go+o( ("1e the

s'n )t noon$)y. The

Se&ret)ry "s re"n$e$ o% the sh)*e(ess *roto*()s,

)n$ the Ins*e&tor

o% the &)re(essness o% #"r+"n %orests. The

Pro%essor s)ys he "s ("1e )

245



&h)n+"n+ ()n$s&)*e. Th"s "s ='eer, b't "t "s

='eerer st"(( th)t I )(so

h)#e h)$ y o$$ not"on )bo't the Pres"$ent, )n$ I

)(so %"n$ th)t I th"n1

o% S'n$)y )s I th"n1 o% the ho(e or($.>

>Get on ) ("tt(e %)ster, Sye,> s)"$ 0'((- >ne#er

"n$ the b)((oon.>

>When I %"rst s) S'n$)y,> s)"$ Sye s(o(y, >I

on(y s) h"s b)&1- )n$

hen I s) h"s b)&1, I 1ne he )s the orst )n "n

the or($. H"s ne&1

)n$ sho'($ers ere br't)(, ("1e those o% soe )*"sh

+o$. H"s he)$ h)$ )stoo* th)t )s h)r$(y h')n, ("1e the stoo* o% )n

o/. In %)&t, I h)$

)t on&e the re#o(t"n+ %)n&y th)t th"s )s not ) )n

)t )((, b't ) be)st

$resse$ '* "n en3s &(othes.>

>Get on,> s)"$ Dr. 0'((.

>An$ then the ='eer th"n+ h)**ene$. I h)$ seen h"s

b)&1 %ro the street,)s he s)t "n the b)(&ony. Then I entere$ the hote(,

)n$ &o"n+ ro'n$ the

other s"$e o% h", s) h"s %)&e "n the s'n("+ht.

H"s %)&e %r"+htene$ e,

)s "t $"$ e#eryone- b't not be&)'se "t )s br't)(,

not be&)'se "t )s

e#"(. On the &ontr)ry, "t %r"+htene$ e be&)'se "t

)s so be)'t"%'(,

be&)'se "t )s so +oo$.>

>Sye,> e/&()"e$ the Se&ret)ry, >)re yo' "((:>

>It )s ("1e the %)&e o% soe )n&"ent )r&h)n+e(,

9'$+"n+ 9'st(y )%ter

246



hero"& )rs. There )s ()'+hter "n the eyes, )n$ "n

the o'th hono'r

)n$ sorro. There )s the s)e h"te h)"r, the s)e

+re)t, +rey2&()$

sho'($ers th)t I h)$ seen %ro beh"n$. 0't hen I

s) h" %ro beh"n$ I

)s &ert)"n he )s )n )n")(, )n$ hen I s) h" "n

%ront I 1ne he )s

) +o$.>

>P)n,> s)"$ the Pro%essor $re)"(y, >)s ) +o$ )n$

)n )n")(.>

>Then, )n$ )+)"n )n$ )()ys,> ent on Sye ("1e )

)n t)(1"n+ toh"se(%, >th)t h)s been %or e the ystery o%

S'n$)y, )n$ "t "s )(so the

ystery o% the or($. When I see the horr"b(e b)&1,

I ) s're the nob(e

%)&e "s b't ) )s1. When I see the %)&e b't %or )n

"nst)nt, I 1no the

b)&1 "s on(y ) 9est. 0)$ "s so b)$, th)t e &)nnot

b't th"n1 +oo$ )n

)&&"$ent- +oo$ "s so +oo$, th)t e %ee( &ert)"n

th)t e#"( &o'($ bee/*()"ne$. 0't the ho(e &)e to ) 1"n$ o% &rest

yester$)y hen I r)&e$

S'n$)y %or the &)b, )n$ )s 9'st beh"n$ h" )(( the

)y.>

>H)$ yo' t"e %or th"n1"n+ then:> )s1e$ R)t&("%%e.

>T"e,> re*("e$ Sye, >%or one o'tr)+eo's tho'+ht.

I )s s'$$en(y

*ossesse$ "th the "$e) th)t the b("n$, b()n1 b)&1

o% h"s he)$ re)((y

)s h"s %)&e22)n )%'(, eye(ess %)&e st)r"n+ )t e

An$ I %)n&"e$ th)t

the %"+'re r'nn"n+ "n %ront o% e )s re)((y )

%"+'re r'nn"n+ b)&1)r$s,

247



)n$ $)n&"n+ )s he r)n.>

>Horr"b(e> s)"$ Dr. 0'((, )n$ sh'$$ere$.

>Horr"b(e "s not the or$,> s)"$ Sye. >It )s

e/)&t(y the orst "nst)nt

o% y ("%e. An$ yet ten "n'tes )%ter)r$s, hen he

*'t h"s he)$ o't o%

the &)b )n$ )$e ) +r")&e ("1e ) +)r+oy(e, I 1ne

th)t he )s on(y ("1e

) %)ther *()y"n+ h"$e2)n$2see1 "th h"s &h"($ren.>

>It "s ) (on+ +)e,> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry, )n$

%rone$ )t h"s bro1en

boots.

>L"sten to e,> &r"e$ Sye "th e/tr)or$"n)ry

e*h)s"s. >Sh)(( I te((

yo' the se&ret o% the ho(e or($: It "s th)t e

h)#e on(y 1non the

b)&1 o% the or($. We see e#eryth"n+ %ro beh"n$,

)n$ "t (oo1s br't)(.

Th)t "s not ) tree, b't the b)&1 o% ) tree. Th)t "s

not ) &(o'$, b't the

b)&1 o% ) &(o'$. C)nnot yo' see th)t e#eryth"n+ "sstoo*"n+ )n$ h"$"n+ )

%)&e: I% e &o'($ on(y +et ro'n$ "n %ront22>

>Loo1> &r"e$ o't 0'(( &()oro's(y, >the b)((oon "s

&o"n+ $on>

There )s no nee$ to &ry o't to Sye, ho h)$ ne#er

t)1en h"s eyes o%%

"t. He s) the +re)t ('"no's +(obe s'$$en(y

st)++er "n the s1y, r"+ht

"tse(%, )n$ then s"n1 s(o(y beh"n$ the trees ("1e

) sett"n+ s'n.

The )n &)((e$ Go+o(, ho h)$ h)r$(y s*o1en thro'+h

)(( the"r e)ry

248



tr)#e(s, s'$$en(y thre '* h"s h)n$s ("1e ) (ost

s*"r"t.

>He "s $e)$> he &r"e$. >An$ no I 1no he )s y

%r"en$22y %r"en$ "n

the $)r1>

>De)$> snorte$ the Se&ret)ry. >Yo' "(( not %"n$

h" $e)$ e)s"(y. I%

he h)s been t"**e$ o't o% the &)r, e sh)(( %"n$

h" ro(("n+ )s ) &o(t

ro((s "n ) %"e($, 1"&1"n+ h"s (e+s %or %'n.>

>C()sh"n+ h"s hoo%s,> s)"$ the Pro%essor. >The

&o(ts $o, )n$ so $"$ P)n.>

>P)n )+)"n> s)"$ Dr. 0'(( "rr"t)b(y. >Yo' see to

th"n1 P)n "s

e#eryth"n+.>

>So he "s,> s)"$ the Pro%essor, >"n Gree1. He e)ns

e#eryth"n+.>

>Don3t %or+et,> s)"$ the Se&ret)ry, (oo1"n+ $on,>th)t he )(so e)ns

P)n"&.>

Sye h)$ stoo$ "tho't he)r"n+ )ny o% the

e/&())t"ons.

>It %e(( o#er there,> he s)"$ short(y. >Let 's

%o((o "t>

Then he )$$e$ "th )n "n$es&r"b)b(e +est're22

>Oh, "% he h)s &he)te$ 's )(( by +ett"n+ 1"((e$ It

o'($ be ("1e one o%

h"s ()r1s.>

249



He stro$e o%% to)r$s the $"st)nt trees "th ) ne

ener+y, h"s r)+s

)n$ r"bbons %('tter"n+ "n the "n$. The others

%o((oe$ h" "n ) ore

%ootsore )n$ $'b"o's )nner. An$ )(ost )t the s)e

oent )(( s"/ en

re)("se$ th)t they ere not )(one "n the ("tt(e

%"e($.

A&ross the s=')re o% t'r% ) t)(( )n )s )$#)n&"n+

to)r$s the, (e)n"n+

on ) str)n+e (on+ st)%% ("1e ) s&e*tre. He )s &()$

"n ) %"ne b't

o($2%)sh"one$ s'"t "th 1nee2bree&hes- "ts &o(o'r

)s th)t sh)$e beteen b('e, #"o(et )n$ +rey h"&h &)n be seen "n &ert)"n

sh)$os o% the

oo$()n$. H"s h)"r )s h"t"sh +rey, )n$ )t the

%"rst +()n&e, t)1en

)(on+ "th h"s 1nee2bree&hes, (oo1e$ )s "% "t )s

*o$ere$. H"s )$#)n&e

)s #ery ='"et- b't %or the s"(#er %rost '*on h"s

he)$, he "+ht h)#e

been one to the sh)$os o% the oo$.

>Gent(een,> he s)"$, >y )ster h)s ) &)rr")+e

)"t"n+ %or yo' "n the

ro)$ 9'st by.>

>Who "s yo'r )ster:> )s1e$ Sye, st)n$"n+ ='"te

st"((.

>I )s to($ yo' 1ne h"s n)e,> s)"$ the )n

res*e&t%'((y.

There )s ) s"(en&e, )n$ then the Se&ret)ry s)"$22

>Where "s th"s &)rr")+e:>

250



>It h)s been )"t"n+ on(y ) %e oents,> s)"$ the

str)n+er. >My )ster

h)s on(y 9'st &oe hoe.>

Sye (oo1e$ (e%t )n$ r"+ht '*on the *)t&h o% +reen

%"e($ "n h"&h

he %o'n$ h"se(%. The he$+es ere or$"n)ry he$+es,

the trees seee$

or$"n)ry trees- yet he %e(t ("1e ) )n entr)**e$ "n

%)"ry()n$.

He (oo1e$ the yster"o's )b)ss)$or '* )n$ $on,

b't he &o'($ $"s&o#er

noth"n+ e/&e*t th)t the )n3s &o)t )s the e/)&t

&o(o'r o% the *'r*(esh)$os, )n$ th)t the )n3s %)&e )s the e/)&t

&o(o'r o% the re$ )n$

bron )n$ +o($en s1y.

>Sho 's the *()&e,> Sye s)"$ br"e%(y, )n$ "tho't

) or$ the )n "n

the #"o(et &o)t t'rne$ h"s b)&1 )n$ )(1e$ to)r$s

) +)* "n the he$+e,

h"&h (et "n s'$$en(y the ("+ht o% ) h"te ro)$.

As the s"/ )n$erers bro1e o't '*on th"s

thoro'+h%)re, they s) the

h"te ro)$ b(o&1e$ by h)t (oo1e$ ("1e ) (on+ ro

o% &)rr")+es, s'&h )

ro o% &)rr")+es )s "+ht &(ose the )**ro)&h to

soe ho'se "n P)r1 L)ne.

A(on+ the s"$e o% these &)rr")+es stoo$ ) r)n1 o%

s*(en$"$ ser#)nts, )((

$resse$ "n the +rey2b('e 'n"%or, )n$ )(( h)#"n+ )

&ert)"n =')("ty o%

st)te("ness )n$ %ree$o h"&h o'($ not &oon(y

be(on+ to the ser#)nts

o% ) +ent(e)n, b't r)ther to the o%%"&")(s )n$

)b)ss)$ors o% ) +re)t

251



1"n+. There ere no (ess th)n s"/ &)rr")+es

)"t"n+, one %or e)&h o% the

t)ttere$ )n$ "ser)b(e b)n$. A(( the )tten$)nts ?)s

"% "n &o'rt2$ress@

ore sor$s, )n$ )s e)&h )n &r)(e$ "nto h"s

&)rr")+e they $re the,

)n$ s)('te$ "th ) s'$$en b();e o% stee(.

>Wh)t &)n "t )(( e)n:> )s1e$ 0'(( o% Sye )s they

se*)r)te$. >Is th"s

)nother 9o1e o% S'n$)y3s:>

>I $on3t 1no,> s)"$ Sye )s he s)n1 e)r"(y b)&1

"n the &'sh"ons o% h"s

&)rr")+e- >b't "% "t "s, "t3s one o% the 9o1es yo't)(1 )bo't. It3s )

+oo$2n)t're$ one.>

The s"/ )$#ent'rers h)$ *)sse$ thro'+h )ny

)$#ent'res, b't not one

h)$ &)rr"e$ the so 'tter(y o%% the"r %eet )s th"s

()st )$#ent're o%

&o%ort. They h)$ )(( be&oe "n're$ to th"n+s +o"n+

ro'+h(y- b't th"n+s

s'$$en(y +o"n+ sooth(y s)*e$ the. They &o'($not e#en %eeb(y ")+"ne

h)t the &)rr")+es ere- "t )s eno'+h %or the to

1no th)t they ere

&)rr")+es, )n$ &)rr")+es "th &'sh"ons. They &o'($

not &on&e"#e ho

the o($ )n )s ho h)$ (e$ the- b't "t )s ='"te

eno'+h th)t he h)$

&ert)"n(y (e$ the to the &)rr")+es.

Sye $ro#e thro'+h ) $r"%t"n+ $)r1ness o% trees "n

'tter )b)n$onent.

It )s ty*"&)( o% h" th)t h"(e he h)$ &)rr"e$ h"s

be)r$e$ &h"n %or)r$

%"er&e(y so (on+ )s )nyth"n+ &o'($ be $one, hen

the ho(e b's"ness )s

252



t)1en o't o% h"s h)n$s he %e(( b)&1 on the &'sh"ons

"n ) %r)n1 &o(()*se.

!ery +r)$')((y )n$ #ery #)+'e(y he re)("se$ "nto

h)t r"&h ro)$s the

&)rr")+e )s &)rry"n+ h". He s) th)t they *)sse$

the stone +)tes o%

h)t "+ht h)#e been ) *)r1, th)t they be+)n

+r)$')((y to &("b ) h"((

h"&h, h"(e oo$e$ on both s"$es, )s soeh)t

ore or$er(y th)n )

%orest. Then there be+)n to +ro '*on h", )s '*on

) )n s(o(y )1"n+

%ro ) he)(thy s(ee*, ) *(e)s're "n e#eryth"n+. He

%e(t th)t the he$+es ere h)t he$+es sho'($ be, ("#"n+ )((s- th)t )

he$+e "s ("1e ) h')n

)ry, $"s&"*("ne$, b't )(( the ore )("#e. He s)

h"+h e(s beh"n$ the

he$+es, )n$ #)+'e(y tho'+ht ho h)**y boys o'($ be

&("b"n+ there. Then

h"s &)rr")+e too1 ) t'rn o% the *)th, )n$ he s)

s'$$en(y )n$ ='"et(y,

("1e ) (on+, (o, s'nset &(o'$, ) (on+, (o ho'se,

e((o "n the "($ ("+ht o% s'nset. A(( the s"/ %r"en$s &o*)re$ notes

)%ter)r$s )n$

=')rre((e$- b't they )(( )+ree$ th)t "n soe

'n)&&o'nt)b(e )y the

*()&e re"n$e$ the o% the"r boyhoo$. It )s e"ther

th"s e(2to* or th)t

&roo1e$ *)th, "t )s e"ther th"s s&r)* o% or&h)r$

or th)t sh)*e o% )

"n$o- b't e)&h )n o% the $e&()re$ th)t he &o'($

reeber th"s *()&e

be%ore he &o'($ reeber h"s other.

When the &)rr")+es e#ent')((y ro((e$ '* to ) ()r+e,

(o, &)#erno's

253



+)te)y, )nother )n "n the s)e 'n"%or, b't

e)r"n+ ) s"(#er st)r

on the +rey bre)st o% h"s &o)t, &)e o't to eet

the. Th"s "*ress"#e

*erson s)"$ to the be"($ere$ Sye22

>Re%reshents )re *ro#"$e$ %or yo' "n yo'r roo.>

Sye, 'n$er the "n%('en&e o% the s)e eser"&

s(ee* o% ));eent, ent

'* the ()r+e o)1en st)"rs )%ter the res*e&t%'(

)tten$)nt. He entere$ )

s*(en$"$ s'"te o% )*)rtents th)t seee$ to be

$es"+ne$ s*e&")((y %or

h". He )(1e$ '* to ) (on+ "rror "th theor$"n)ry "nst"n&t o% h"s

&()ss, to *'(( h"s t"e str)"+ht or to sooth h"s

h)"r- )n$ there he s)

the %r"+ht%'( %"+'re th)t he )s22b(oo$ r'nn"n+

$on h"s %)&e %ro here

the bo'+h h)$ str'&1 h", h"s h)"r st)n$"n+ o't

("1e ye((o r)+s o% r)n1

+r)ss, h"s &(othes torn "nto (on+, )#er"n+

t)tters. At on&e the ho(e

en"+) s*r)n+ '*, s"*(y )s the ='est"on o% ho heh)$ +ot there, )n$

ho he )s to +et o't )+)"n. E/)&t(y )t the s)e

oent ) )n "n b('e,

ho h)$ been )**o"nte$ )s h"s #)(et, s)"$ #ery

so(en(y22

>I h)#e *'t o't yo'r &(othes, s"r.>

>C(othes> s)"$ Sye s)r$on"&)((y. >I h)#e no

&(othes e/&e*t these,> )n$

he ("%te$ to (on+ str"*s o% h"s %ro&12&o)t "n

%)s&"n)t"n+ %estoons, )n$

)$e ) o#eent )s "% to t"r( ("1e ) b)((et +"r(.

254



>My )ster )s1s e to s)y,> s)"$ the )tten$)nt,

>th)t there "s ) %)n&y

$ress b)(( ton"+ht, )n$ th)t he $es"res yo' to *'t

on the &ost'e th)t

I h)#e ()"$ o't. Me)nh"(e, s"r, there "s ) bott(e

o% 0'r+'n$y )n$ soe

&o($ *he)s)nt, h"&h he ho*es yo' "(( not re%'se,

)s "t "s soe ho'rs

be%ore s'**er.>

>Co($ *he)s)nt "s ) +oo$ th"n+,> s)"$ Sye

re%(e&t"#e(y, >)n$ 0'r+'n$y

"s ) s*)n1"n+ +oo$ th"n+. 0't re)((y I $o not )nt

e"ther o% the so

'&h )s I )nt to 1no h)t the $e#"( )(( th"s e)ns, )n$ h)t sort o%

&ost'e yo' h)#e +ot ()"$ o't %or e. Where "s "t:>

The ser#)nt ("%te$ o%% ) 1"n$ o% otto)n ) (on+

*e)&o&12b('e $r)*ery,

r)ther o% the n)t're o% ) $o"no, on the %ront o%

h"&h )s eb();one$

) ()r+e +o($en s'n, )n$ h"&h )s s*()she$ here )n$

there "th %()"n+

st)rs )n$ &res&ents.

>Yo'3re to be $resse$ )s Th'rs$)y, s"r,> s)"$ the

#)(et soeh)t

)%%)b(y.

>Dresse$ )s Th'rs$)y> s)"$ Sye "n e$"t)t"on. >It

$oesn3t so'n$ ) )r

&ost'e.>

>Oh, yes, s"r,> s)"$ the other e)+er(y, >the

Th'rs$)y &ost'e "s ='"te

)r, s"r. It %)stens '* to the &h"n.>

>We((, I $on3t 'n$erst)n$ )nyth"n+,> s)"$ Sye,

s"+h"n+. >I h)#e been

255



'se$ so (on+ to 'n&o%ort)b(e )$#ent'res th)t

&o%ort)b(e )$#ent'res

1no&1 e o't. St"((, I )y be )((oe$ to )s1 hy I

sho'($ be

*)rt"&'()r(y ("1e Th'rs$)y "n ) +reen %ro&1 s*otte$

)(( o#er "th the

s'n )n$ oon. Those orbs, I th"n1, sh"ne on other

$)ys. I on&e s) the

oon on T'es$)y, I reeber.>

>0e+ *)r$on, s"r,> s)"$ the #)(et, >0"b(e )(so

*ro#"$e$ %or yo',> )n$

"th ) res*e&t%'( )n$ r"+"$ %"n+er he *o"nte$ o't )

*)ss)+e "n the %"rst

&h)*ter o% Genes"s. Sye re)$ "t on$er"n+. It )sth)t "n h"&h the

%o'rth $)y o% the ee1 "s )sso&")te$ "th the

&re)t"on o% the s'n )n$

oon. Here, hoe#er, they re&1one$ %ro ) Chr"st")n

S'n$)y.

>Th"s "s +ett"n+ "($er )n$ "($er,> s)"$ Sye, )s

he s)t $on "n )

&h)"r. >Who )re these *eo*(e ho *ro#"$e &o($

*he)s)nt )n$ 0'r+'n$y, )n$ +reen &(othes )n$ 0"b(es: Do they *ro#"$e

e#eryth"n+:>

>Yes, s"r, e#eryth"n+,> s)"$ the )tten$)nt +r)#e(y.

>Sh)(( I he(* yo' on

"th yo'r &ost'e:>

>Oh, h"t&h the b)((y th"n+ on> s)"$ Sye

"*)t"ent(y.

0't tho'+h he )%%e&te$ to $es*"se the 'ery, he

%e(t ) &'r"o's %ree$o

)n$ n)t'r)(ness "n h"s o#eents )s the b('e )n$

+o($ +)rent %e(( )bo't

256



h"- )n$ hen he %o'n$ th)t he h)$ to e)r ) sor$,

"t st"rre$ ) boy"sh

$re). As he *)sse$ o't o% the roo he %('n+ the

%o($s )&ross h"s

sho'($er "th ) +est're, h"s sor$ stoo$ o't )t )n

)n+(e, )n$ he h)$ )((

the s)++er o% ) tro'b)$o'r. or these $"s+'"ses

$"$ not $"s+'"se, b't

re#e)(.

CHAPTER !. THE ACCUSER

AS Sye stro$e )(on+ the &orr"$or he s) theSe&ret)ry st)n$"n+ )t the

to* o% ) +re)t %("+ht o% st)"rs. The )n h)$ ne#er

(oo1e$ so nob(e. He

)s $r)*e$ "n ) (on+ robe o% st)r(ess b()&1, $on

the &entre o% h"&h

%e(( ) b)n$ or bro)$ str"*e o% *'re h"te, ("1e )

s"n+(e sh)%t o% ("+ht.

The ho(e (oo1e$ ("1e soe #ery se#ere

e&&(es")st"&)( #estent. There

)s no nee$ %or Sye to se)r&h h"s eory or the0"b(e "n or$er to

reeber th)t the %"rst $)y o% &re)t"on )r1e$ the

ere &re)t"on o%

("+ht o't o% $)r1ness. The #estent "tse(% o'($

)(one h)#e s'++este$

the sybo(- )n$ Sye %e(t )(so ho *er%e&t(y th"s

*)ttern o% *'re h"te

)n$ b()&1 e/*resse$ the so'( o% the *)(e )n$

)'stere Se&ret)ry, "th h"s

"nh')n #er)&"ty )n$ h"s &o($ %ren;y, h"&h )$e

h" so e)s"(y )1e

)r on the )n)r&h"sts, )n$ yet so e)s"(y *)ss %or

one o% the. Sye )s

s&)r&e(y s'r*r"se$ to not"&e th)t, )"$ )(( the

e)se )n$ hos*"t)("ty o%

257



the"r ne s'rro'n$"n+s, th"s )n3s eyes ere st"((

stern. No se((

o% )(e or or&h)r$s &o'($ )1e the Se&ret)ry &e)se

to )s1 ) re)son)b(e

='est"on.

I% Sye h)$ been )b(e to see h"se(%, he o'($ h)#e

re)("se$ th)t he,

too, seee$ to be %or the %"rst t"e h"se(% )n$ no

one e(se. or "% the

Se&ret)ry stoo$ %or th)t *h"(oso*her ho (o#es the

or"+"n)( )n$ %or(ess

("+ht, Sye )s ) ty*e o% the *oet ho see1s )()ys

to )1e the ("+ht

"n s*e&")( sh)*es, to s*("t "t '* "nto s'n )n$st)r. The *h"(oso*her )y

soet"es (o#e the "n%"n"te- the *oet )()ys (o#es

the %"n"te. or h"

the +re)t oent "s not the &re)t"on o% ("+ht, b't

the &re)t"on o% the

s'n )n$ oon.

As they $es&en$e$ the bro)$ st)"rs to+ether they

o#ertoo1 R)t&("%%e,

ho )s &()$ "n s*r"n+ +reen ("1e ) h'nts)n, )n$the *)ttern '*on hose

+)rent )s ) +reen t)n+(e o% trees. or he stoo$

%or th)t th"r$ $)y

on h"&h the e)rth )n$ +reen th"n+s ere )$e, )n$

h"s s=')re, sens"b(e

%)&e, "th "ts not 'n%r"en$(y &yn"&"s, seee$

)**ro*r")te eno'+h to "t.

They ere (e$ o't o% )nother bro)$ )n$ (o +)te)y

"nto ) #ery ()r+e

o($ En+("sh +)r$en, %'(( o% tor&hes )n$ bon%"res,

by the bro1en ("+ht

o% h"&h ) #)st &)rn"#)( o% *eo*(e ere $)n&"n+ "n

ot(ey $ress. Sye

258



seee$ to see e#ery sh)*e "n N)t're ""t)te$ "n

soe &r);y &ost'e.

There )s ) )n $resse$ )s ) "n$"(( "th enoro's

s)"(s, ) )n $resse$

)s )n e(e*h)nt, ) )n $resse$ )s ) b)((oon- the to

()st, to+ether,

seee$ to 1ee* the thre)$ o% the"r %)r&"&)(

)$#ent'res. Sye e#en s),

"th ) ='eer thr"((, one $)n&er $resse$ ("1e )n

enoro's hornb"((, "th

) be)1 t"&e )s b"+ )s h"se(%22the ='eer b"r$

h"&h h)$ %"/e$ "tse(% on

h"s %)n&y ("1e ) ("#"n+ ='est"on h"(e he )s

r'sh"n+ $on the (on+ ro)$

)t the oo(o+"&)( G)r$ens. There ere ) tho's)n$other s'&h ob9e&ts,

hoe#er. There )s ) $)n&"n+ ()*2*ost, ) $)n&"n+

)**(e tree, ) $)n&"n+

sh"*. One o'($ h)#e tho'+ht th)t the 'nt))b(e

t'ne o% soe )$

's"&")n h)$ set )(( the &oon ob9e&ts o% %"e($

)n$ street $)n&"n+ )n

etern)( 9"+. An$ (on+ )%ter)r$s, hen Sye )s

"$$(e2)+e$ )n$ )t rest,

he &o'($ ne#er see one o% those *)rt"&'()rob9e&ts22) ()**ost, or

)n )**(e tree, or ) "n$"((22"tho't th"n1"n+ th)t

"t )s ) str)ye$

re#e((er %ro th)t re#e( o% )s='er)$e.

On one s"$e o% th"s ()n, )("#e "th $)n&ers, )s )

sort o% +reen b)n1,

("1e the terr)&e "n s'&h o($2%)sh"one$ +)r$ens.

A(on+ th"s, "n ) 1"n$ o% &res&ent, stoo$ se#en

+re)t &h)"rs, the thrones

o% the se#en $)ys. Go+o( )n$ Dr. 0'(( ere )(re)$y

"n the"r se)ts-

the Pro%essor )s 9'st o'nt"n+ to h"s. Go+o(, or

T'es$)y, h)$ h"s

259



s"*("&"ty e(( sybo("se$ by ) $ress $es"+ne$ '*on

the $"#"s"on o% the

)ters, ) $ress th)t se*)r)te$ '*on h"s %orehe)$

)n$ %e(( to h"s %eet,

+rey )n$ s"(#er, ("1e ) sheet o% r)"n. The

Pro%essor, hose $)y )s th)t

on h"&h the b"r$s )n$ %"shes22the r'$er %ors o%

("%e22ere &re)te$,

h)$ ) $ress o% $" *'r*(e, o#er h"&h s*r)(e$

+o++(e2eye$ %"shes )n$

o'tr)+eo's tro*"&)( b"r$s, the 'n"on "n h" o%

'n%)tho)b(e %)n&y )n$

o% $o'bt. Dr. 0'((, the ()st $)y o% Cre)t"on, ore

) &o)t &o#ere$ "th

her)($"& )n")(s "n re$ )n$ +o($, )n$ on h"s &rest) )n r)*)nt. He ()y

b)&1 "n h"s &h)"r "th ) bro)$ s"(e, the *"&t're

o% )n o*t""st "n h"s

e(eent.

One by one the )n$erers )s&en$e$ the b)n1 )n$ s)t

"n the"r str)n+e

se)ts. As e)&h o% the s)t $on ) ro)r o%

enth's")s rose %ro the

&)rn"#)(, s'&h )s th)t "th h"&h &ro$s re&e"#e1"n+s. C'*s ere

&()she$ )n$ tor&hes sh)1en, )n$ %e)there$ h)ts

%('n+ "n the )"r. The

en %or ho these thrones ere reser#e$ ere en

&rone$ "th soe

e/tr)or$"n)ry ()'re(s. 0't the &entr)( &h)"r )s

e*ty.

Sye )s on the (e%t h)n$ o% "t )n$ the Se&ret)ry

on the r"+ht. The

Se&ret)ry (oo1e$ )&ross the e*ty throne )t Sye,

)n$ s)"$, &o*ress"n+

h"s ("*s22

260



>We $o not 1no yet th)t he "s not $e)$ "n )

%"e($.>

A(ost )s Sye he)r$ the or$s, he s) on the se)

o% h')n %)&es "n

%ront o% h" ) %r"+ht%'( )n$ be)'t"%'( )(ter)t"on,

)s "% he)#en h)$

o*ene$ beh"n$ h"s he)$. 0't S'n$)y h)$ on(y *)sse$

s"(ent(y )(on+ the

%ront ("1e ) sh)$o, )n$ h)$ s)t "n the &entr)(

se)t. He )s $r)*e$

*()"n(y, "n ) *'re )n$ terr"b(e h"te, )n$ h"s h)"r

)s ("1e ) s"(#er

%()e on h"s %orehe)$.

or ) (on+ t"e22"t seee$ %or ho'rs22th)t h'+e

)s='er)$e o% )n1"n$

s)ye$ )n$ st)*e$ "n %ront o% the to )r&h"n+ )n$

e/'(t)nt 's"&.

E#ery &o'*(e $)n&"n+ seee$ ) se*)r)te ro)n&e- "t

"+ht be ) %)"ry

$)n&"n+ "th ) *"(()r2bo/, or ) *e)s)nt +"r(

$)n&"n+ "th the oon- b't

"n e)&h &)se "t )s, soeho, )s )bs'r$ )s A("&e "n

Won$er()n$, yet )s+r)#e )n$ 1"n$ )s ) (o#e story. At ()st, hoe#er,

the th"&1 &ro$ be+)n

to th"n "tse(%. Co'*(es stro((e$ ))y "nto the

+)r$en2)(1s, or be+)n to

$r"%t to)r$s th)t en$ o% the b'"($"n+ here stoo$

so1"n+, "n h'+e *ots

("1e %"sh21ett(es, soe hot )n$ s&ente$ "/t'res o%

o($ )(e or "ne.

Abo#e )(( these, '*on ) sort o% b()&1 %r)eor1 on

the roo% o% the

ho'se, ro)re$ "n "ts "ron b)s1et ) +"+)nt"&

bon%"re, h"&h ("t '* the

()n$ %or "(es. It %('n+ the hoe(y e%%e&t o%

%"re("+ht o#er the %)&e

261



o% #)st %orests o% +rey or bron, )n$ "t seee$ to

%"(( "th )rth e#en

the e*t"ness o% '**er n"+ht. Yet th"s )(so, )%ter

) t"e, )s )((oe$

to +ro %)"nter- the $" +ro'*s +)there$ ore )n$

ore ro'n$ the +re)t

&)'($rons, or *)sse$, ()'+h"n+ )n$ &()tter"n+, "nto

the "nner *)ss)+es

o% th)t )n&"ent ho'se. Soon there ere on(y soe

ten (o"terers "n the

+)r$en- soon on(y %o'r. "n)((y the ()st str)y

erry2)1er r)n "nto the

ho'se hoo*"n+ to h"s &o*)n"ons. The %"re %)$e$,

)n$ the s(o, stron+

st)rs &)e o't. An$ the se#en str)n+e en ere (e%t)(one, ("1e se#en

stone st)t'es on the"r &h)"rs o% stone. Not one o%

the h)$ s*o1en )

or$.

They seee$ "n no h)ste to $o so, b't he)r$ "n

s"(en&e the h' o%

"nse&ts )n$ the $"st)nt son+ o% one b"r$. Then

S'n$)y s*o1e, b't so

$re)"(y th)t he "+ht h)#e been &ont"n'"n+ )&on#ers)t"on r)ther th)n

be+"nn"n+ one.

>We "(( e)t )n$ $r"n1 ()ter,> he s)"$. >Let 's

re)"n to+ether )

("tt(e, e ho h)#e (o#e$ e)&h other so s)$(y, )n$

h)#e %o'+ht so (on+.

I see to reeber on(y &ent'r"es o% hero"& )r, "n

h"&h yo' ere

)()ys heroes22e*"& on e*"&, "(")$ on "(")$, )n$

yo' )()ys brothers

"n )rs. Whether "t )s b't re&ent(y ?%or t"e "s

noth"n+@, or )t the

be+"nn"n+ o% the or($, I sent yo' o't to )r. I

s)t "n the $)r1ness,

262



here there "s not )ny &re)te$ th"n+, )n$ to yo' I

)s on(y ) #o"&e

&o)n$"n+ #)(o'r )n$ )n 'nn)t'r)( #"rt'e. Yo'

he)r$ the #o"&e "n the

$)r1, )n$ yo' ne#er he)r$ "t )+)"n. The s'n "n

he)#en $en"e$ "t, the

e)rth )n$ s1y $en"e$ "t, )(( h')n "s$o $en"e$

"t. An$ hen I et yo'

"n the $)y("+ht I $en"e$ "t yse(%.>

Sye st"rre$ sh)r*(y "n h"s se)t, b't other"se

there )s s"(en&e, )n$

the "n&o*rehens"b(e ent on.

>0't yo' ere en. Yo' $"$ not %or+et yo'r se&rethono'r, tho'+h the

ho(e &osos t'rne$ )n en+"ne o% tort're to te)r "t

o't o% yo'. I 1ne

ho ne)r yo' ere to he((. I 1no ho yo',

Th'rs$)y, &rosse$ sor$s "th

K"n+ S)t)n, )n$ ho yo', We$nes$)y, n)e$ e "n the

ho'r "tho't ho*e.>

There )s &o*(ete s"(en&e "n the st)r("t +)r$en,

)n$ then the b()&12broe$ Se&ret)ry, "*()&)b(e, t'rne$ "n h"s

&h)"r to)r$s S'n$)y,

)n$ s)"$ "n ) h)rsh #o"&e22

>Who )n$ h)t )re yo':>

>I ) the S)bb)th,> s)"$ the other "tho't o#"n+.

>I ) the *e)&e o%

Go$.>

The Se&ret)ry st)rte$ '*, )n$ stoo$ &r'sh"n+ h"s

&ost(y robe "n h"s

h)n$.

263



>I 1no h)t yo' e)n,> he &r"e$, >)n$ "t "s

e/)&t(y th)t th)t I &)nnot

%or+"#e yo'. I 1no yo' )re &ontentent, o*t""s,

h)t $o they &)((

the th"n+, )n '(t")te re&on&"(")t"on. We((, I )

not re&on&"(e$. I% yo'

ere the )n "n the $)r1 roo, hy ere yo' )(so

S'n$)y, )n o%%ense to

the s'n("+ht: I% yo' ere %ro the %"rst o'r %)ther

)n$ o'r %r"en$, hy

ere yo' )(so o'r +re)test eney: We e*t, e %(e$

"n terror- the "ron

entere$ "nto o'r so'(s22)n$ yo' )re the *e)&e o%

Go$ Oh, I &)n %or+"#e

Go$ H"s )n+er, tho'+h "t $estroye$ n)t"ons- b't I&)nnot %or+"#e H" H"s

*e)&e.>

S'n$)y )nsere$ not ) or$, b't #ery s(o(y he

t'rne$ h"s %)&e o% stone

'*on Sye )s "% )s1"n+ ) ='est"on.

>No,> s)"$ Sye, >I $o not %ee( %"er&e ("1e th)t. I

) +r)te%'( to yo',

not on(y %or "ne )n$ hos*"t)("ty here, b't %or )ny ) %"ne s&)*er )n$

%ree %"+ht. 0't I sho'($ ("1e to 1no. My so'( )n$

he)rt )re )s h)**y

)n$ ='"et here )s th"s o($ +)r$en, b't y re)son "s

st"(( &ry"n+ o't. I

sho'($ ("1e to 1no.>

S'n$)y (oo1e$ )t R)t&("%%e, hose &(e)r #o"&e

s)"$22

>It sees so s"((y th)t yo' sho'($ h)#e been on

both s"$es )n$ %o'+ht

yo'rse(%.>

0'(( s)"$22

264



>I 'n$erst)n$ noth"n+, b't I ) h)**y. In %)&t, I

) +o"n+ to s(ee*.>

>I ) not h)**y,> s)"$ the Pro%essor "th h"s he)$

"n h"s h)n$s,

>be&)'se I $o not 'n$erst)n$. Yo' (et e str)y )

("tt(e too ne)r to

he((.>

An$ then Go+o( s)"$, "th the )bso('te s"*("&"ty

o% ) &h"($22

>I "sh I 1ne hy I )s h'rt so '&h.>

St"(( S'n$)y s)"$ noth"n+, b't on(y s)t "th h"s

"+hty &h"n '*on h"s

h)n$, )n$ +);e$ )t the $"st)n&e. Then )t ()st he

s)"$22

>I h)#e he)r$ yo'r &o*()"nts "n or$er. An$ here, I

th"n1, &oes )nother

to &o*()"n, )n$ e "(( he)r h" )(so.>

The %)(("n+ %"re "n the +re)t &resset thre ) ()st(on+ +(e), ("1e )

b)r o% b'rn"n+ +o($, )&ross the $" +r)ss. A+)"nst

th"s %"ery b)n$ )s

o't("ne$ "n 'tter b()&1 the )$#)n&"n+ (e+s o% )

b()&12&()$ %"+'re. He

seee$ to h)#e ) %"ne &(ose s'"t "th 1nee2bree&hes

s'&h )s th)t h"&h

)s orn by the ser#)nts o% the ho'se, on(y th)t "t

)s not b('e, b't o%

th"s )bso('te s)b(e. He h)$, ("1e the ser#)nts, )

1"n$ o% sor$ by h"s

s"$e. It )s on(y hen he h)$ &oe ='"te &(ose to

the &res&ent o%

the se#en )n$ %('n+ '* h"s %)&e to (oo1 )t the,

th)t Sye s), "th

265



th'n$er2str'&1 &(e)rness, th)t the %)&e )s the

bro)$, )(ost )*e2("1e

%)&e o% h"s o($ %r"en$ Gre+ory, "th "ts r)n1 re$

h)"r )n$ "ts "ns'(t"n+

s"(e.

>Gre+ory> +)s*e$ Sye, h)(%2r"s"n+ %ro h"s se)t.

>Why, th"s "s the

re)( )n)r&h"st>

>Yes,> s)"$ Gre+ory, "th ) +re)t )n$ $)n+ero's

restr)"nt, >I ) the

re)( )n)r&h"st.>

>3No there )s ) $)y,3> 'r're$ 0'((, ho seee$re)((y to h)#e %)((en

)s(ee*, >3hen the sons o% Go$ &)e to *resent

these(#es be%ore the

Lor$, )n$ S)t)n &)e )(so )on+ the.3>

>Yo' )re r"+ht,> s)"$ Gre+ory, )n$ +);e$ )(( ro'n$.

>I ) ) $estroyer. I

o'($ $estroy the or($ "% I &o'($.>

A sense o% ) *)thos %)r 'n$er the e)rth st"rre$ '*"n Sye, )n$ he s*o1e

bro1en(y )n$ "tho't se='en&e.

>Oh, ost 'nh)**y )n,> he &r"e$, >try to be h)**y

Yo' h)#e re$ h)"r

("1e yo'r s"ster.>

>My re$ h)"r, ("1e re$ %()es, sh)(( b'rn '* the

or($,> s)"$ Gre+ory.

>I tho'+ht I h)te$ e#eryth"n+ ore th)n &oon en

&)n h)te )nyth"n+-

b't I %"n$ th)t I $o not h)te e#eryth"n+ so '&h )s

I h)te yo'>

>I ne#er h)te$ yo',> s)"$ Sye #ery s)$(y.

266



Then o't o% th"s 'n"nte(("+"b(e &re)t're the ()st

th'n$ers bro1e.

>Yo'> he &r"e$. >Yo' ne#er h)te$ be&)'se yo' ne#er

("#e$. I 1no h)t

yo' )re )(( o% yo', %ro %"rst to ()st22yo' )re the

*eo*(e "n *oer Yo'

)re the *o("&e22the +re)t %)t, s"("n+ en "n b('e

)n$ b'ttons Yo' )re

the L), )n$ yo' h)#e ne#er been bro1en. 0't "s

there ) %ree so'(

)("#e th)t $oes not (on+ to bre)1 yo', on(y be&)'se

yo' h)#e ne#er been

bro1en: We "n re#o(t t)(1 )(( 1"n$ o% nonsense$o'bt(ess )bo't th"s

&r"e or th)t &r"e o% the Go#ernent. It "s )((

%o((y The on(y &r"e

o% the Go#ernent "s th)t "t +o#erns. The

'n*)r$on)b(e s"n o% the

s'*ree *oer "s th)t "t "s s'*ree. I $o not &'rse

yo' %or be"n+ &r'e(.

I $o not &'rse yo' ?tho'+h I "+ht@ %or be"n+ 1"n$.

I &'rse yo' %or

be"n+ s)%e Yo' s"t "n yo'r &h)"rs o% stone, )n$h)#e ne#er &oe $on

%ro the. Yo' )re the se#en )n+e(s o% he)#en, )n$

yo' h)#e h)$ no

tro'b(es. Oh, I &o'($ %or+"#e yo' e#eryth"n+, yo'

th)t r'(e )(( )n1"n$,

"% I &o'($ %ee( %or on&e th)t yo' h)$ s'%%ere$ %or

one ho'r ) re)( )+ony

s'&h )s I22>

Sye s*r)n+ to h"s %eet, sh)1"n+ %ro he)$ to %oot.

>I see e#eryth"n+,> he &r"e$, >e#eryth"n+ th)t

there "s. Why $oes e)&h

th"n+ on the e)rth )r )+)"nst e)&h other th"n+:

Why $oes e)&h s)((

267





As he +);e$, the +re)t %)&e +re to )n )%'( s";e,

+re ()r+er th)n the

&o(oss)( )s1 o% Menon, h"&h h)$ )$e h" s&re)

)s ) &h"($. It +re

()r+er )n$ ()r+er, %"(("n+ the ho(e s1y- then

e#eryth"n+ ent b()&1.

On(y "n the b()&1ness be%ore "t ent"re(y $estroye$

h"s br)"n he seee$

to he)r ) $"st)nt #o"&e s)y"n+ ) &oon*()&e te/t

th)t he h)$ he)r$

soehere, >C)n ye $r"n1 o% the &'* th)t I $r"n1

o%:>

J J J

When en "n boo1s ))1e %ro ) #"s"on, they

&oon(y %"n$ these(#es "n

soe *()&e "n h"&h they "+ht h)#e %)((en )s(ee*-

they y)n "n ) &h)"r,

or ("%t these(#es "th br'"se$ ("bs %ro ) %"e($.

Sye3s e/*er"en&e

)s soeth"n+ '&h ore *sy&ho(o+"&)((y str)n+e "%

there )s "n$ee$

)nyth"n+ 'nre)(, "n the e)rth(y sense, )bo't theth"n+s he h)$ +one

thro'+h. or h"(e he &o'($ )()ys reeber

)%ter)r$s th)t he h)$

soone$ be%ore the %)&e o% S'n$)y, he &o'($ not

reeber h)#"n+ e#er

&oe to )t )((. He &o'($ on(y reeber th)t

+r)$')((y )n$ n)t'r)((y he

1ne th)t he )s )n$ h)$ been )(1"n+ )(on+ )

&o'ntry ()ne "th )n e)sy

)n$ &on#ers)t"on)( &o*)n"on. Th)t &o*)n"on h)$

been ) *)rt o% h"s

re&ent $r))- "t )s the re$2h)"re$ *oet Gre+ory.

They ere )(1"n+

("1e o($ %r"en$s, )n$ ere "n the "$$(e o% )

&on#ers)t"on )bo't soe

269



tr"#")("ty. 0't Sye &o'($ on(y %ee( )n 'nn)t'r)(

b'oy)n&y "n h"s bo$y

)n$ ) &ryst)( s"*("&"ty "n h"s "n$ th)t seee$ to

be s'*er"or to

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G.K. Chesterton - The Man Who Was Thursday, A Nightmare

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