at all mysterious, seeing that such is the case, that on the other
particular of gravitation as well, she should differ from normal
humanity? My proposal for the cure is this:--

"Phlebotomize until she is reduced to the last point of safety. Let
it be effected, if necessary, in a warm bath. When she is reduced
to a state of perfect asphyxy, apply a ligature to the left ankle,
drawing it as tight as the bone will bear. Apply, at the same
moment, another of equal tension around the right wrist. By means
of plates constructed for the purpose, place the other foot and
hand under the receivers of two air-pumps. Exhaust the receivers.
Exhibit a pint of French brandy, and await the result."

"Which would presently arrive in the form of grim Death," said
Kopy-Keck.

"If it should, she would yet die in doing our duty," retorted
Hum-Drum.

But their Majesties had too much tenderness for their volatile
offspring to subject her to either of the schemes of the equally
unscrupulous philosophers. Indeed, the most complete knowledge of
the laws of nature would have been unserviceable in her case; for
it was impossible to classify her. She was a fifth imponderable
body, sharing all the other properties of the ponderable.



8. Try a Drop of Water.