"Well, I am more than pleased with your work. Your execution has so far transcended my idea that I take no credit at all in this instance. But now we must never rest until we have materialized this splendid conception."
So they sat admiring and chatting over the painting some little time.
"Well, Marsh, have you anything more to show us to-night?" asked Denison.
"Yes," he replied, "I have some figures and data that I received from the city a day or two since."
Drawing their chairs about the table, Mr. Marsh read from a small memorandum-book estimate prices of materials, amount and weight of same, cost of labor, and finally what he deemed to be the approximate cost of the globe complete, furnished and equipped for a one year's voyage.
"I have some suggestions to offer, Doctor. You spoke of having three skins or envelopes of aluminum, with air chambers between them that would prevent the radiation of heat. Now, I think that we can do better than that, though without doubt your idea is practical and would answer the purpose; yet I have a plan to offer that will dispense with one envelope, and will more effectually conserve heat. Zinc is the best nonconductor of heat that I know of. One thin layer of this metal within a few inches of the external covering of aluminum will serve you a much better purpose and will greatly reduce the cost of construction."
This suggestion met with the immediate approval of the Doctor and Denison. They talked and planned until quite a late hour. After the departure of the two men Mrs. Jones said:
"Are you seriously thinking of going into this wild scheme, Doctor?"
"Well, Maggie, what do you think of it? Don't you see how perfectly feasible and beautiful it is?"
"Why, so far as I know, it may do well enough. But how can you do anything with it, and what good would it do you if you could?"