"So be it," said Michel; "but, once more; how could they calculate the initiatory speed?"
"Nothing can be easier," replied Barbicane.
"And you knew how to make that calculation?" asked Michel Ardan.
"Perfectly. Nicholl and I would have made it, if the Observatory had not saved us the trouble."
"Very well, old Barbicane," replied Michel; "they might have cut off my head, beginning at my feet, before they could have made me solve that problem."
"Because you do not know algebra," answered Barbicane quietly.
"Ah, there you are, you eaters of x¹; you think you have said all when you have said 'Algebra.'"
"Michel," said Barbicane, "can you use a forge without a hammer, or plough without a ploughshare?"
"Hardly."
"Well, algebra is a tool, like the plough or the hammer, and a good tool to those who know how to use it."