duplicate nature's own process of chlorophyll assimilation. He has
broken up carbon dioxide and water-vapour in the air in precisely
the same way that the green cells of plants do it.

Leduc at Nantes has made crystals grow from an artificial egg
composed of certain chemicals. These crystals show all the apparent
vital phenomena without being actually alive. His work is
interesting, for it shows the physical forces that probably control
minute life cells, once they are created.

"What do you make of it?" asked Kennedy, noting the puzzled look on
my face as I finished reading.

"Well, recent research in the problem of the origin of life may be
very interesting," I replied. "There are a good many chemicals
mentioned here - I wonder if any of them is poisonous? But I am
of the opinion that there is something more to this manuscript than
a mere scientific paper."

"Exactly, Walter," said Kennedy in half raillery. "What I wanted
to know was how you would suggest getting at that something."

Study as I might, I could make nothing out of it. Meanwhile Craig
was busily figuring with a piece of paper and a pencil.

"I give it up, Craig," I said at last. "It is late. Perhaps we had
better both turn in, and we may have some ideas on it in the morning."

For answer he merely shook his head and continued to scribble and
figure on the paper. With a reluctant good-night I shut my door,