, round,
dancing, incisive eyes. Imaginative grip, buoyant, self-delusive
self-respect were written all over him. The two men eyed each
other--one with that broad-gage examination which sees even
universities as futile in the endless shift of things; the other with
that faith in the balance for right which makes even great personal
forces, such as financial magnates, serve an idealistic end.

"It's not a very long story I have to tell you, Mr. Cowperwood," said
the doctor. "Our astronomical work is handicapped just now by the
simple fact that we have no lens at all, no telescope worthy of the
name. I should like to see the University do original work in this
field, and do it in a great way. The only way to do it, in my
judgment, is to do it better than any one else can. Don't you agree
with me?" He showed a row of shining white teeth.

Cowperwood smiled urbanely.

"Will a forty-thousand-dollar lens be a better lens than any other
lens?" he inquired.

"Made by Appleman Brothers, of Dorchester, it will," replied the
college president. "The whole story is here, Mr. Cowperwood. These men
are practical lens-makers. A great lens, in the first place, is a
matter of finding a suitable crystal. Large and flawless crystals are
not common, as you may possibly know. Such a crystal has recently been
found, and is now owned by Mr. Appleman. It takes about four or five
years to grind and polish it. Most of the polishing, as you may or may
not know, is done by the hand--smoothing it with the thumb and
forefinger. The time, judgment, and skill of an optical expert is
required. To-day, unfortunately, that is not cheap. The laborer is
worthy of his hire, however, I suppose"--he waved a soft, full, white
hand--"and forty thousand is little enough. It would be a great honor
if the University could have the largest, most serviceable, and most
perfect lens in the world. It would reflect great credit, I take it,
on the men who would make this possible."

Cowperwood liked the man's artistically educational air; obviously here
was a personage of ability, brains, emotion, and scientific enthusiasm.
It was splendid to him to see any strong man in earnest, for himself or
others.

"And forty thousand will do this?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. Forty thousand will guarantee us the lens, anyhow."

"And how about land, buildings, a telescope frame? Have you all those
things prepared for it?"

"Not as yet, but, since it takes four