Natural science was worse than useless; the Oyster, the Lion, the Zoophyte, and man all belonged to the same stock, and were only modified by the simplicity or complicity of their organs. Saltenbeck the Belgian, Vos-man-Betten, Sir Fairnight, Gobtonswell, the learned Sottenbach, Craneberg, the beloved disciples of the French professor, were ranged against the Baron and his nomenclature. Never had a more irritating fact been thrown between two belligerent parties. Behind the Baron were the academicians, the university men, legions of professors, and the government, lending their support to a theory, the only one in harmony with Scripture. Marmus and his friend remained firm. To the questions of academicians they replied by bare facts, avoiding the exposition of their doctrine. One professor, when leaving, said to them— “Gentlemen, the opinion which you hold is without doubt directed against the convictions of our most reliable men of science, and in favour of the new schism of zoological unity. The system, in the interest of science, ought not to be brought to light.” “Say, rather, in the interest of scientific men,” said Marmus. “Be it so,” replied the professor; “it must be nipped in the bud, for after all, gentlemen, it is Pantheism.” “You think so?” said the journalist. “How can one admit the {144} existence of material molecular force which renders matter independent of the Creator.” “Why should not the Creator have ordered that everything should be subject to, and dependent upon, one universal law?” said Marmus. [Illustration] “You see,” said his friend in a whisper to the professor, “he is as profound as Newton. Why do you not present him to the Minister of Public Instruction?” “I shall do so at once,” rejoined the professor, happy to make himself master of the owner of the Zebra. “Perhaps the minister {145} would be pleased to see our curious animal before any one else, and you will of course accompany him.” “I thank you.” “He would then be able to appreciate the service which such a journey has rendered to science,” continued our friend. “Mr. Marmus has not visited the Mountains of the Moon for nothing. You shall see this for yourself; the animal walks like a giraffe. As to the yellow bands, they are caused by the temperature, which was found to be several degrees Fahrenheit, and many degrees Reaumur.” “Perhaps it is your intention to engage in public instruction?” “Splendid career!” cried the journalist starting. “I do not allude to the profession of noodles, which consists in taking the students out for an airing, and neglecting them at home; but to teaching at the Athenæum, which leads to nothing, save to securing a professorship and pupils, which pave the way to all sorts of good things. We will talk of that again. All this took place early in the nineteenth century, when ministers felt the need of making themselves popular.”