Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/149

 various uses of the strange objects before us. My silent attention apparently impressed him favorably in regard to my general intelligence and love of science. Yet his instruments were, in reality, even less intelligible to me than those I have wonderingly regarded in the Park Observatory.

We were still engaged in this way when Utis made his appearance. He greeted my kind informant with the air of an old acquaintance, and introduced me. On learning my name, Anvar Siured, for so the scientist was named to me, urgently pleaded that we should partake of the mid-day refection in company with his father, who, it seemed, was director of the observatory.

"I have not had the advantage of meeting your father," said Anvar; but, from the high regard I know my father cherishes to the memory of Eured Thiusen, I know he would greatly regret not seeing you."

On following to the study, we found a handsome, grayhaired gentleman seated before a calculating machine and a board, on which were traced complicated curves. He was deeply immersed in the solution of a problem. At a gesture from the son, we awaited in silence the leisure of the absorbed astronomer; while, to my equal interest and astonishment, he caused a marking-point to move over the face of the board, in obedience to the changes he made in the symbols on the table before him.

After I had been duly introduced, I took advantage of the marked kindness of my reception to inquire, in regard to the instrument before me, whether it could be made to describe any curve whatever.