“Why, there was no sense in those words that it wrote with my hands on it,” she said. “What do you mean?”
“The words were these,” said Professor Cherubusco, rising to his full magnificent height: “‘By the fifth wheel of the chariot he shall come.’”
“I haven’t seen many chariots,” said the lady, “but I never saw one with five wheels.”
“Progress,” said the professor—“progress in science and mechanics has accomplished it—though, to be exact, we may speak of it only as an extra tire. Progress in occult art has advanced in proportion. Madam, I repeat that the Chaldean Chiroscope has succeeded. I can not only answer the question that you have propounded, but I can produce before your eyes the proof thereof.”
And now the lady was disturbed both in her disbelief and in her poise.
“O professor!” she cried anxiously—“When?—where? Has he been found? Do not keep me in suspense.”
“I beg you will excuse me for a very few minutes,” said Professor Cherubusco, “and I think I can demonstrate to you the efficacy of the true Art.”
Thomas was contentedly munching the last crumbs of the bread and fowl when the enchanter appeared suddenly at his side.
“Are you willing to return to your old home if you
