The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-11

remember my asking you once if you be-
lieved in alchemy
Il remember being greatly surprised by
your question to that effect,
Well, now" said Hall. rubbing hi
hands with satisfied air, while his
eyes glanced keen and bright with the
reflection of some passing thought
Max Syx is greater than any alchem: st
that ever lived. II those old fellows in
the Dark Ages had accomplished every
thing they set out to do they would have
been of no more consequence in ccmpari-
SON with our black proved friend down
yonder than-than my head is of con-
sequence in comparison with the moon. -
Il fear you fatter the man in the
moon." was my laughing reply.
NO, / don't" returned Hail, and
some day you'll admit it
Well. what about that something
that shines down there? You seem to
see more in it than can
But my companion had fallen into o
reverie and didn't hear my question.
He was gazing abstractly at the
faint image of the waning moon. now
nearing the distant mountain top over
in Idaho. Presently his mind seemed
to return to the old magnet. and he
whirled about and glanced down at the
Syx mill The column of smoke was di-
minishing in volume, an indication that
the engine was about to enjoy one of its
periodical rests. The irregularity of
these stoppages, had always been sub
1ect Of remark among practical en-
gineers. The hours of labor were ex-
ceedingly erratic, but the engine had
never been known to work at night, ex-
cept on one occasion. and then only for a
few minutes, when 1t was suddenly
stopped on account of fire.
Just as Hall resumed his inspection two
huge quarter spheres. which had been rest
ing wide apart on the roof, moved toward
one another until their arched sections met
over the circular aperture which they COW
cred like the dome of an observatory.
Il expected it," Hall remarked But
come, ii is midafternoon and we shall need
all of our time to set safely down before
the light fades"
As have already explained, it would not
have been possible for us to return the way
We came. We determined to descend the
comparatively easy western slopes Of the
peak, and pass the night on that side of
the mountain. Letting ourselves down with
the rope into the hollow way that divides
the summit of the Teton into two pima
cles. We had no difficulty in descending by
the route followed by all previous climb
ers. The weather was fine and having
AoN4O cooO the TOChS, we
passed the night in comfort. The next day
We succeeded in swinging round upon the
eastern flank of the Teton, below the more
formidable cliffs and, just at nightfall, We
arrived at the station. As We passed the
Syx mine the doctor himself confronted us.
There was very displeasing look on his
dark countenance, and his sheer was
strongly marked.
so You have been on top of the Teton"
he said.
Yes" replied Hall very blandly, land
II you have a taste for that sort OF thing
l should advise You to go up. Tie view
is immense, as fine as the best in the Alps"
Pretty ingenious plan. that balloon of
yours continued the doctor, still looking
back.
Thank you" Hall replied, more suave-
ly than ever, "rve been planning that
long tina. You probably don't know that
mountaineering used to be my chief
amusement"
The doctor turned away without pursu-
ing the conversation.
Il could kick myself" Hall muttered as
soon as DIR. Syx was out of earshot "If
my absurd wish to Guido others had rot
blinded me, should have known that be
would see US going up this side of the
peak, particularly with the balloon to give
us away. However, what's done can't be
undone. He may not really suspect the
truth, and If he does he can't help him
self. even though he is the richest man
in the world