"You're sure?" At the emphatic nod the doctor frowned. "We are forced to conclude that Capellette is not as round as our earth. No other way to account for such a difference in gravitation as the two clocks indicate. Roughly, I should say that the planet's diameter, at the place where I saw the clock, is fifty per cent greater than at the point where Van's agent is located; maybe ten thousand miles in its greatest diameter, Capellette.
"Having greater gravitation would explain why that disabled aircraft which Smith saw fell so very slowly; the planet has much more air than the earth, which means far greater density near the surface. It also explains those big sailing cruisers; nothing else can.
"At any rate, we can guess why we have seen no surface travel. The people of Capellette never tried to work out such a thing as an automobile; why should they, with the birds to imitate, and extra dense air all about them?
"I think we have found the key." The doctor cogitated for a second or two.
"However, let's consider that schoolroom a bit. It was in no way different from what you will find on the earth right now. Why?"
Smith had a notion. "There is such a thing as perfection. Like some electrical apparatus; you simply can't improve them."
"Sounds reasonable," from Van Emmon.
"Yes. And that is undoubtedly how the Capellettes look at the matter.
"Why haven't they got talking-pictures? Because they've perfected the silent variety, of course. Why don't they reform their ways of living, instead of replacing a worn-out heart with a new one? They've perfected surgery, that's why! And why haven't they tried the screw-propeller? They've perfected the bird-wing principle!"
"But that doesn't explain," objected Billie, "why they've been content with an autocratic system of government."