Part 9 (1/2)
The descent was made in safety, and they directed their steps towards Sainte-Gemme. Paul walked beside Monsieur Roger without saying anything.
He was deep in thought.
[Ill.u.s.tration]
Monsieur Roger, understanding what was going on in the brain of his friend, took care not to disturb him. He waited, hoping for an answer.
His hope was soon realized. As they reached the park, Paul, who, after thinking a great deal, had failed to solve the difficulty, said, all of a sudden,--
”Monsieur Roger!”
”What, my friend?”
”How did you measure the tower?”
Monsieur Roger looked at Paul, and, affecting a serious air, he said,--
”It is impossible, entirely impossible for me to answer.”
”Impossible?” cried Paul, in surprise.
”Yes, impossible.”
”Why, please?”
”Because in answering I will break the promise that I have made you,--the promise to say nothing about chemistry or physical science.”
”Ah!” said Paul, becoming silent again.
Monsieur Roger glanced at his companion from the corner of his eye, knowing that his curiosity would soon awake again. At the end of the narrow, shady pathway they soon saw the red bricks of the chateau s.h.i.+ning in the sun; but Paul had not yet renewed his question, and Monsieur Roger began to be a little uneasy,--for, if Paul held his tongue, it would show that his curiosity had vanished, and another occasion to revive it would be difficult to find.
Luckily, Paul decided to speak at the very moment when they reached the chateau.
”Then,” said he, expressing the idea which was uppermost,--”Then it is physical science?”
Monsieur Roger asked, in an indifferent tone,--
”What is physical science?”
”Your method of measuring the tower.”
”Yes, it is physical science, as you say. Consequently, you see very well that I cannot answer you.”
”Ah, Monsieur Roger,” said Paul, embarra.s.sed, ”you are laughing at me.”
”Not at all, my friend. I made a promise; I must hold to it. I have a great deal of liking for you, and I don't want you to dislike me.”
”Oh, sir!”
Suddenly they heard the voice of Monsieur Dalize, who cried, cheerfully,--