To us is adverse.”
CHAPTER V.
The Chinese Tumblers, illustrating the joint effects of change in the centre of gravity of a body, and of momentum.--Mr. Twaddleton’s arrival after a series of adventures.--The Dancing Balls.--The Pea-shooter.--A figure that dances on a fountain.--The Flying Witch.--Elasticity.--Springs.--The game of “Ricochet,” or Duck and Drake.--The Rebounding Ball.--Animals that leap by means of an elastic apparatus.--A new species of puffing, by which the Vicar is made to change countenance.
Early on Monday morning did the young group assemble in the library; they had been told by Mrs. Seymour that their father had received a new toy of a very interesting and instructive nature, and we can easily imagine the eagerness with which they anticipated the sight of it.
“I trust,” said Mr. Seymour, “that after our late discussion, the subject of the centre of gravity is thoroughly understood by you all. I have also reason to think that the nature and effects of what is termed momentum have been rendered intelligible to you.”
“I certainly understand both those subjects,” answered Tom; and so thought the rest of the party.
“Well, then, I will put your knowledge to the test,” observed Mr. Seymour, “for you shall explain to me the mechanism of these Chinese Tumblers.” Upon which he produced an oblong box, which, by opening, formed a series of stairs or steps, and took from a drawer at its end two grotesque figures (Clown and Pantaloon), which were connected with each other by two poles, which they appeared in the attitude of carrying, pretty much in the way that the porters carry the poles of a sedan-chair. The foremost figure was then placed upon the top step, when, to the great astonishment of the whole party, the figures very deliberately descended the several stairs, each turning over the other in succession.
“There was a period in our history,” observed Mrs. Seymour, “when so marvellous an exhibition would have subjected the inventor to the penalties of sorcery.”