Kydd #10 - Invasion by Julian Stockwin

Author:Julian Stockwin [Stockwin, Julian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: McBooks Press, ISBN-13: 9781590132371
Published: 2011-08-06T01:39:28+00:00

Invasion

163

“Quite so.”

“And it may remain under the water for a—a period of time?”

“I myself and three score distinguished witnesses observed its disappearance beneath the Seine to reappear whole, the crew unharmed, after a full hour had passed. And later the craft was transported down-river to the sea and he repeated the miracle. The submersible—he calls it Nautilus— may be relied upon to navigate unseen, travel many leagues at sea and carry quantities of men.”

“A magnificent opportunity for science,” Renzi enthused. “Does it have a window at all? And how might the brave sailors breathe for so long in such confines? This is a mystery that must seize the imagination of even the most hopeless dullard. How I wish I might see this wonder of the deep.”

“Ah. That may be difficult. I believe the inventor is under contract to our government for its development and, naturally, there is much discretion involved in such. It is tedious but governments being as they are . . .”

Renzi allowed his disappointment to show. “I understand. Such a pity. In my old age I might have recounted how I set eyes on the first submarine boat of the age, and now my curiosity must remain for ever unsatisfied . . .”

“A vexation for you. The pity of it all is that the man himself is most probably in the library below us. It is his practice that when he concludes at the ministry he invariably spends time there. He does treasure it for its quiet.”

Catching his breath Renzi stammered, “To be here, when . . .” Laplace tut-tutted, clearly moved by Renzi’s ardent manner. “Sir, this at the least I will do. I will leave it to Mr. Fulton whether or no he desires to be introduced to one who stands in admiration of his work and prays that he might learn more. I believe the proctor’s office will be available to us at this hour, and thus you may discreetly satisfy your curiosity as he will permit. That is all I can promise.” It was an incredible stroke.

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