him a correspondence
concerning all sorts of mechanical, and, people say, even _magical_
arts and pursuits, and that, did he but choose, he could astonish the
world with them. But he works in complete privacy, although he is
always ready to show his extraordinary inventions to all who take a
real interest in such matters."

"'It was, in fact, matter of notoriety that this Professor X----, whose
principal pursuits were natural philosophy and chemistry, delighted,
next to them, in occupying himself with mechanical research; but no one
in the assemblage had had the slightest idea that he had had any
connection with the "Talking Turk," and it was from the merest hearsay
that people knew anything concerning the curiosities which the old
gentleman had referred to. Ferdinand and Lewis felt strangely and
vividly impressed by the old gentleman's account of Professor X----,
and the influence which he had brought to bear on that strange
automaton.

"'"I cannot hide from you," said Ferdinand, "that a hope is dawning
upon me that, if I get nearer to this Professor X----, I may, perhaps,
come upon a clue to the mystery which is weighing so terribly upon me
at present. And it is possible that the true significance and import of
the relations which exist between the Turk (or rather the hidden entity
which employs him as the organ of its oracular utterances) and myself
might, could I get to comprehend it, perhaps comfort me, and weaken the
impression of those words, for me so terrible. I have made up my mind
to make the acquaintance of this mysterious man, on the pretext of
seeing his automatons; and as they are musical ones, it will not be
devoid of interest for you to come with me."

"'"As if it were not sufficient for me," said Lewis, "to be able to aid
you, in your necessity, with counsel and help! But I cannot deny that
even to-day, when the old gentleman was mentioning Professor X----'s
connection with the Turk, strange ideas came into my mind; although
perhaps I am going a long way about in search of what lies close at
hand, could one but see it. For instance, to look as close at hand as
possible for the solution of the mystery, may it not be the case that
the invisible being knew that you wore the picture next your heart, so
that a mere lucky guess might account for the rest? Perhaps it was
taking its revenge upon you for the rather uncourteous style in which
we were joking about the Turk's wisdom."

"'"Not one human soul,"