But let me at least go out and reconnoitre for the enemy, and not sit here waiting for him, cudgeling my brains for ideas that won't come!" Do what he would, Rowland could not think of Roderick's theory of unlimited experimentation, especially as applied in the case under discussion, as anything but a pernicious illusion.

But he saw it was vain to combat longer, for inclination was powerfully on Roderick's side.

He laid his hand on Roderick's shoulder, looked at him a moment with troubled eyes, then shook his head mournfully and turned away.
"I can't work any more," said Roderick.

"You have upset me! I 'll go and stroll on the Pincian." And he tossed aside his working-jacket and prepared himself for the street.

As he was arranging his cravat before the glass, something occurred to him which made him thoughtful.