Without realizing how he had commenced, he found himself conversing easily with this learned man as if such interviews were everyday occurrences with him. The professor was impressed with equal favorableness by his caller. The frank, winning countenance and earnest manner created a profound impression upon him in spite of an extraordinary story. “Let me get this right,” said the professor, finally. “You say that the machine is virtually perfected--that you have succeeded in accomplishing the aim for which your father unsuccessfully spent his life?” “Not unsuccessfully,” defended Robert, quickly; “without what he had accomplished I could never have constructed a machine of its kind.” “But it can actually be controlled as you suggest?” “It can.” “Pardon my insistence, Mr. Sprague. The idea is so--ah--extraordinary.” “I realize that, professor. I should be happy to have you see for yourself.” Professor Palmer pondered. The young man’s story had impressed him, notwithstanding its unusualness. At any rate, he concluded, he would investigate. He could risk no more than disappointment. If there was anything in it, the possibilities for research and discovery were boundless. He found his own enthusiasm rivaling that of his caller as he momentarily allowed it free rein. Why--he might yet prove his own weird theories to the world! The next moment he smiled at his own indulgence. First he would humor this young man by investigating his wild claims: time enough for dreams afterward. “Well, Mr. Sprague,” he said, “this is an age of strange accomplishments. I’m going to look at that machine of yours. How will tomorrow evening do?” A feeling of relief and exultation swept over Robert as the professor spoke. At last his absurd-sounding claims for the life-work of his father had been taken seriously, and recognition of his labors was within reach. He stammered his thanks, shook hands with the amused professor, and departed. “That boy believes in the machine; and he is no fool, either,” remarked Professor Palmer after Robert had left. “The world is full of them,” observed Henry sagely. Henry even openly questioned his employer’s theories at times. Not that the latter minded, for the ensuing arguments furnished interesting debates, and fresh ideas sometimes; and in the end he usually succeeded in silencing his intrepid secretary--if only temporarily. But today, Henry’s caustic comment irritated him. He wanted to believe in the weird claims of his caller regarding a strange, gravity-defying machine, in spite of his saner judgment to the contrary. He subconsciously resented any expression of his own disbelief. Professor Palmer slept poorly that night, though he rarely failed to sleep soundly. Try as he would, he could not dismiss from his mind the hope which struggled so persistently with his natural skepticism.