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chemical experts have a startling theory。 They suspect there is a new
element here … probably destined to occupy one of the last unfilled places
of the Periodic Table； which chronicles all the elements known to science。
Chemical analysis fails to reach the radio…active properties； and for their
examination the electroscope and spinthariscope are needful。 With these
the radio…chemists are at work。 The wire melted at a lower temperature
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than lead； but melting did not destroy its potency。 After cooling； the
metal retained its properties and was still responsive； as before； to warmth。
But experiment shows that in a molten state； the metal of the wire
increases in effect； and any living thing brought within a yard of it under
this condition succumbs instantly。 Its properties cannot be extracted； so
far； from the actual composition of the wire。 They prove also that the
emanation from the warmed wire is exceedingly subtle； tenuous； and
volatile。 Save under conditions of super…heat； it only operates at two feet
and a few inches； and the wire naturally grows cold very quickly。 It is
almost as light as aluminium。 A gas mask does not arrest the poison；
indeed； it evidently enters a body through the nearest point offered to it
and a safe shield has not yet been discovered。
〃I shall tell you more when we know more；〃 concluded Sir Walter。
〃But at present it looks as though your prophecy were correct； and that
science is not going to get at the bottom of the horrible secret easily。 Dr。
Mannering says that the properties of the elements have yet to be fully
determined； while the subject of alloys was never suspected of containing
such secrets as may prove to be the case。 If more there is to learn； you
shall learn it。〃
In his reply； Signor Mannetti declared that the Borgia bed continued to
be a source of extreme satisfaction and comfort to him。
〃As yet no vision has broken my slumbers； but I continue to hope that
the Oriental features of Sultan Bajazet's brother may presently revisit the
place of his taking off； and that Prince Djem will some night afford me the
pleasure of a conversation。 How much might we tell each other that
neither of us knows！
〃As to the wire； my friend； I will explain to you how that was probably
created and； right or wrong； there is nobody on this earth at present who
can prove my theory to be mistaken。 Be sure that a medieval alchemist；
searching in vain for elixir vitae； or the philosopher's stone； chanced upon
this infernal synthesis and fusion。 For him； no doubt； it proved a
philosopher's stone in earnest； for the Borgia always extended a generous
hand to those who could assist their damnable activities。 Transmutation …
so a skilled friend assures me … is now proved to be a fact； and another
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generation will be able perhaps to make gold； if the desire for that
accursed mineral continues much longer to dominate mankind。
〃Farewell for the present。 Again to see you and your daughter is one
of those pleasures lying in wait for me； to make next winter a season of
gladness rather than dismay。 But do not change your minds。 One must
keep faith with a man of eighty； or risk the possibilities of remorse。〃
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