Page:The Poison Belt - Conan Doyle, 1913.djvu/46

 Rh  be a scientific man," said I, "though I have heard somewhere that the science of one generation is usually the fallacy of the next. But it does not take much common sense to see that as we seem to know so little about ether it might be affected by some local conditions in various parts of the world, and might show an effect over there which would only develop later with us."

"With 'might' and 'may' you can prove anything," cried Summerlee furiously. "Pigs may fly. Yes, sir, pigs may fly—but they don't. It is not worth arguing with you. Challenger has filled you with his nonsense and you are both incapable of reason. I had as soon lay arguments before those railway cushions."

"I must say. Professor Summerlee, that your manners do not seem to have improved since I last had the pleasure of meeting you," said Lord John, severely.

"You lordlings are not accustomed to hear the truth," Summerlee answered,