It was that of a guinea-pig. The flaky fur gleamed like the
finest silk, and one felt that the coat of the minute creature
would be as floss to the touch; whereas in reality it possessed
the rigidity of steel. Literally one could have done it little
damage with a hammer. Its weight was extraordinary.
"I am learning new things about this process every day,"
continued Dr. Kreener, placing the little figure upon a table.
"For instance, while it seems to operate uniformly upon vegetable
matter, there are curious modifications when one applies it to
animal and mineral substances. I have now definitely decided
that the result of this particular inquiry must never be
published. You, Colquhoun, I believe, possess an example of the
process, a tiger lily, I think? I must ask you to return it to
me. Our late friend, Tcheriapin, wears a pink rose in his coat
which I have treated in the same way. I am going to take the
liberty of removing it."
He spoke in the hard, incisive manner which I had heard him use
in the lecture theatre, and it was evident enough that his design
was to prepare Andrews for something which he contemplated.
Facing the Scotsman where he sat hunched up in the big armchair,
dully watching the speaker:
"There is one experiment," said Dr.
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