"It is word for word correct," said Villebois as he handed the note to Riche after reading it.
"Professor, you are a wonder, but how in the name of all that is marvellous did you manage to read it? Do you see with Röntgen Rays?" they both exclaimed almost in the same breath.
"It is quite simple. My mind's eye penetrates every kind of substance where neither light nor "X" rays can find an entrance. But you will agree with me that a thing ceases to be wonderful the moment one learns how it is done."
"But tell us how you manage to do it," they both exclaimed.
"It is a power which is only vouchsafed to a few," replied Delapine. "I cannot explain it to you, and if I were able to do so perhaps you would be none the wiser. Some day one or other of you may receive the power."
"How do you do, Payot?" said Villebois, as the former gentleman entered the room and joined the group.
"Eh, what was that I heard about a letter that the professor managed to read without seeing it?" said Payot in a tone of command, as if he were questioning a prisoner at a court martial.
"It was merely a note from your comrade's son, Pierre, regretting that he has been suddenly called away on urgent business," and Villebois showed him the letter.
"Urgent business! urgent fiddlesticks I should say. And what, pray, is the nature of this urgent business that calls him away at this time of day I should like to know?"
As no one ventured to supply that information, the financier cleared his throat and replied for the doctor.