I am well aware that, in the estimation of most of my learned _confreres_ and fellow-seekers after scientific truth, to suggest those axioms may not embody final and universal truth is, if I may put it so, to lay sacrilegious hands on the Ark of the Scientific Covenant." A low murmur, prelude of the coming storm, ran through the theatre, and Professor van Huysman permitted himself to snort distinctively, for which he was very promptly, though quietly, called to order by his daughter, who was sitting in front of the platform between him and Lord Leighton.

Franklin Marmion paused for a moment and smiled ever so faintly.

Nitocris looked round at the now eager audience a trifle anxiously, for she had a fairly clear idea of the trouble that might possibly be ahead.

Her father went on as quietly as before: "Of course, every one here is aware that the great Napoleon once said that the word 'impossible' was not French.

I need not remind such an audience as this that more than one distinguished student and investigator has suggested that it also may not be scientific." The murmur broke out again, and Hoskins van Huysman blew his nose somewhat aggressively.