"You're sure?" At the emphatic nod the doctor frowned. "We are forced to conclude that Capellette is not as round as our earth. No other way to account for such a difference in gravitation as the two clocks indicate. Roughly, I should say that the planet's diameter, at the place where I saw the clock, is fifty per cent greater than at the point where Van's agent is located; maybe ten thousand miles in its greatest diameter, Capellette. "Having greater gravitation would explain why that disabled aircraft which Smith saw fell so very slowly; the planet has much more air than the earth, which means far greater density near the surface. It also explains those big sailing cruisers; nothing else can. "At any rate, we can guess why we have seen no surface travel. The people of Capellette never tried to work out such a thing as an automobile; why should they, with the birds to imitate, and extra dense air all about them? "I think we have found the key." The doctor cogitated for a second or two. "However, let's consider that schoolroom a bit. It was in no way different from what you will find on the earth right now. Why?" Smith had a notion. "There is such a thing as perfection. Like some electrical apparatus; you simply can't improve them." "Sounds reasonable," from Van Emmon. "Yes. And that is undoubtedly how the Capellettes look at the matter. "Why haven't they got talking-pictures? Because they've perfected the silent variety, of course. Why don't they reform their ways of living, instead of replacing a worn-out heart with a new one? They've perfected surgery, that's why! And why haven't they tried the screw-propeller? They've perfected the bird-wing principle!" "But that doesn't explain," objected Billie, "why they've been content with an autocratic system of government." Van Emmon considered this a dig at Powart. "Why, of course their government is autocratic, dear! How else can it be protective?" "You seem to have a lot of admiration for your Mr. Powart," laying her hand on his. "I have. He and the others seem to be highly capable fellows, who have undertaken to maintain happiness, and have made good." "But without the direct consent of the people." "What of that?" warmly. "Most folks don't care to burden their heads with law-making, anyhow. They'd rather leave it up to specialists." "Who are only too willing, my dear, to handle the matter--at their own price!" The doctor put in hastily: "From what you tell me, Van, this commission determines the living conditions for the majority, although it has no popular authority whatever. Moreover, conditions are no better than they were a hundred years ago. There's been no progress. Powart admits that. "Now, placing that fact alongside the rest, I reach this conclusion: that the people of Capallette, no matter what may have been their experience in the past, do not now care for revolutionary ideas. They want standardization, not change.