"'Pointing up?' said Mr. Cheeseman.
"'No, Sir, pointing forward and just a little up. It would sort of make one curious.'
"'It would. A woman's hand.'
"'Just a hand I think, Sir.'
"'You'd buy that?'
"'I'd jump at it, Sir, if I had the money.'
"Mr. Cheeseman reflected for some moments, chewing his pencil serenely. Then he spat out small bits of pencil over his desk and spoke. 'What you say, Smith, is exactly what I've been thinking. Exactly. It's very curious.' He pressed a bell-push on his desk and a messenger girl appeared. 'Ask Mr. Prelude to come here.... So you think you'd like to come into Thunderstone House, Smith. I'm told you know a little about science already. Learn more. Our public's moving up to science. I've got some books over there I want you to read and pick out anything you find interesting.'
"'You'll be able to find me a job, Sir?' I said.
"'I've got to find you a job all right. Orders is orders. You'll be able to sit in that room there....'
"We were interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Prelude. He was a tall, thin, cadaverous man with a melancholy expression.