The Face and the Mask by Robert Barr
page 19 of 280 (06%)
page 19 of 280 (06%)
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Chemistry of Anarchy, which is the title of this lecture. He will tell
you of some important discoveries, which are now to be made known for the first time. I regret to say that the Professor is not in a very good state of health, because the line of life which he has adopted has its drawbacks. His left eye has been blown away by a premature explosion during his experiments. His right leg is also permanently disabled. His left arm, as you will notice, is in a sling, having been injured by a little disaster in his workshop since he came to London. He is a man, as you will see, devoted body and soul to the cause, so I hope you will listen to him attentively. I regret that I am unable to remain with you to-night, having other duties to perform which are imperative. I will therefore, if you will permit me, leave by the back entrance after I have introduced the Professor to you." At this moment the stumping of a wooden leg was heard, and those in the audience saw appear a man on crutches, with one arm in a sling and a bandage over an eye, although he beamed upon them benevolently with the other. "Fellow Anarchists," said Simkins, "allow me to introduce to you Professor Josiah P. Slivers, of the United States." The Professor bowed and the audience applauded. As soon as the applause began the Professor held up his unmaimed arm and said, "Gentlemen, I beg that you will not applaud." It seems the fashion in America to address a11 sorts and conditions of men as "Gentlemen." The Professor continued, "I have here some explosives so sensitive that |
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