y of steel. Literally
one could have done it little damage with a hammer. Its weight was
extraordinary.

"I am learning new things about this process every day," continued Dr.
Kreener, placing the little figure upon a table. "For instance, while
it seems to operate uniformly upon vegetable matter, there are curious
modifications when one applies it to animal and mineral substances. I
have now definitely decided that the result of this particular inquiry
must never be published. You, Colquhoun, I believe, possess an example
of the process, a tiger lily, I think? I must ask you to return it to
me. Our late friend, Tcheriapin, wears a pink rose in his coat which I
have treated in the same way. I am going to take the liberty of removing
it."

He spoke in the hard, incisive manner which I had heard him use in
the lecture theatre, and it was evident enough that his design was to
prepare Andrews for something which he contemplated. Facing the Scotsman
where he sat hunched up in the big armchair, dully watching the speaker:

"There is one experiment," said Dr. Kreener, speaking very deliberately,
"which I have never before had a suitable opportunity of attempting. Of
its result I am personally confident, but science always demands proof."

His voice rang now with a note of repressed excitement. He paused for a
moment, and then:

"If you were to examine this little specimen very closely," he said,
and rested his finger upon the tiny figure of the guinea-pig, "you would
find that in one particular it is imperfect. Although a diamond drill
would have to be employed to demonstrate the fact, the animal's organs,
despite their having undergone a chemical change quite new to science,
are intact, perfect down to the smallest detail. One part of the
creature's structure alone defied my process. In short, dental enamel is
impervious to it. This little animal, otherwise as complete as when it
lived and breathed, has no teeth. I found it necessary to extract them
before submitting the body to the reductionary process."

He paused.

"Shall I go on?" he asked.

Andrews, to whose mind, I think, no conception of the doctor's project
had yet penetrated, shuddered, but slowly nodded his head.

Dr. Kreener glanced across the laboratory at the crouching figure of
Tcheriapin, then, resting his hands upon Andrews's shoulders, he pushed
him back in the chair and stared into his dull eyes.

"Brace yourself, Colquhoun," he said tersely.