attraction prevents any men from rising far above or
descending far below it. I tell you, sir, the intellectual
world has degrees of latitude and longitude which determine
every man's location. Emancipated from the forces I have
described, my son has risen to a level beyond the attainment
of men under ordinary conditions. Hypocrisy and deceit are
things of which he knows nothing. I do not ascribe to him,
mind you, the possession of saintly virtues. He is a man in
whom the best potentialities of mind and body have been
developed. I have carefully avoided the danger of making him
a morbid, spiritual creature. His body is quite as wonderful
as his mind."

My uncle had been pacing restlessly up and down the room as
he spoke, often pausing before me and uttering his words
vehemently, with quick gestures and flashing eyes. He did
not, seemingly, expect an answer to his remark, for, as he
ceased speaking, he stepped before one of the windows and
stood for a moment looking out upon the courtyard.

"See!" said he suddenly, motioning to me.

I stepped to his side and, looking through the window, saw
Rayel running across the lawn with the lion on his
shoulders. When the beast sprang down he seized it by the
mane and tossed it about like one with the strength of
Hercules. Here was a man who exercised his rightful dominion
over animated nature!

"The beast is very fond of him," said my uncle, "and a