Later on, I remember that we came down to essentials. "I must try and understand something of this child's capacities," I said in answer to a hint of Challis's that I should leave the Wonder alone. "It seems to me that here we have something which is of the first importance, of greater importance, indeed, than anything else in the history of the world."
"But you can't make him speak," said Challis.
"I shall try," I said. "I recognise that we cannot compel him, but I have a certain hold over him. I see from what you have told me that he has treated me with most unusual courtesy. I assure you that several times when I spoke to him this morning he nodded his head."
"A good beginning," laughed Challis.
"I can't understand," I went on, "how it is that you are not more interested. It seems to me that this child knows many things which we have been patiently attempting to discover since the dawn of civilisation."
"Quite," said Challis. "I admit that, but ... well, I don't think I want to know."
"Surely," I said, "this key to all knowledge——"
"We are not ready for it," replied Challis. "You can't teach metaphysics to children."
Nevertheless my ardour was increased, not abated, by my long talk with Challis.
"I shall go on," I said, as I went out to the farm gate with him at half-past two in the morning.