Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 5.pdf/129

 check it. Curious how people are turning against it. And the National Temperance Association, by the bye, has founded a branch for Temperance in Growth."

"Hm," said Bensington, and stroked his nose.

"After all that has happened there's bound to be this uproar. On the face of it the thing's—startling."

Winkles walked about the room for a time, hesitated, and departed.

It became evident there was something at the back of his mind, some aspect of crucial importance to him, that he waited to display. One day, when Redwood and Bensington were at the flat together, he gave them a glimpse of this something in reserve.

"How's it all going?" he said, rubbing his hands together.

"We're getting together a sort of report."

"For the Royal Society?"

"Yes."

"Hm," said Winkles, very profoundly, and walked to the hearth-rug. "Hm. But— Here's the point. Ought you?"

"Ought we—what?"

"Ought you to publish?"

"We're not in the Middle Ages," said Redwood.

"I know."

"As Cossar says, swapping wisdom—that's the true scientific method."

"In most cases, certainly. But— This is exceptional."

"We shall put the whole thing before the Royal Society in the proper way," said Redwood. 107