at length become fitted to be the habitation of men, who probably
themselves had lived and moved and had their being there for at least a
million of years, perhaps much longer.

At the conclusion of the entrancing story the boys were invited to ask
questions. Thomas Bull, a large, beetle-browed youth, rose at once
and inquired of their titled and aged visitor, a man of world-wide
reputation, why he thought it funny to tell them fairy tales. The old
gentleman, greatly interested, put on his spectacles, and while the rest
of the school gasped and the head master and other pedagogues stared
amazed, studied this strange lad, then said:

"I am outspoken myself, and I like those who speak out when they do so
from conviction; but, my young friend, why do you consider that I--well,
exaggerate?"

"Because the Bible says so," replied Thomas unabashed. "The Bible tells
us that the world was made in six days, not in millions of years, and
that the sun and the moon and the stars were put in the sky to light it;
also that man was created four thousand years B.C. Therefore, either you
are wrong, sir, or the Bible is, and _I_ prefer the Bible."

The eminent scientist took off his spectacles and carefully put them
away, remarking:

"Most logical and conclusive. Pray, young gentleman, do not allow
any humble deductions of my own or others to interfere with your
convictions. Only I believe it was Archbishop Ussher, not the Bible, who
said that the world began about 4,000 B.C. I think that one day you may
become a great man--in your own way. Meanwhile I might suggest that a