Page:The achievements of Luther Trant - Balmer and MacHarg - 1910.djvu/47

Rh mouthpiece from Dr. Reiland and speak into it some different one?"

"Very well," the president agreed, impatiently, "if you think it will do any good."

"Thank you!" Trant replaced his mouthpieces. "October!" He named the month just ended. The pointer started. "Recitations!" the president of the university answered in one and nine-tenths seconds.

"Thank you. Now for Miss Lawrie, Dr. Reiland!"

"Steal!" he tried; and the girl associated "iron" in two and seven-tenths seconds.

"Good!" Trant exclaimed. "If you will show her again, I think we can go ahead. Fourteenth!" he said to the president. Joslyn replied "fifteenth" in precisely two seconds and passed the drum back. All watched Miss Lawrie. But again Trant rasped carelessly his chair upon the floor and the girl merely repeated the next words. Reiland was unable to make her understand. Joslyn tried to help. Branower shook his head skeptically. But Trant turned to him.

"Mr. Branower, you can help me, I believe, if you will take Dr. Joslyn's place. I beg your pardon, Dr. Joslyn, but I am sure your nervousness prevents you from helping now."

Branower hesitated a moment, skeptically; then, smiling, acquiesced and took up the drum. Trant replaced his mouthpieces.

"Blow!" he said. "Wind!" Branower answered, quietly. Trant mechanically noted the time, two seconds, for all were intent upon the next trial with the girl.