"No; we will remain where we are."
Paul made a gesture which clearly indicated, "I would like to see that."
Monsieur Roger understood.
"There is no lack of pieces of stone in this tower; take one," said he to Paul.
Paul obeyed.
"You will let this stone fall to the earth at the very moment that I tell you to do so."
Monsieur Roger drew out his watch and looked carefully at the second-hand.
"Now, let go," he said.
Paul opened his hand; the stone fell. It could be heard striking the soil at the foot of the tower. Monsieur Roger, who during the fall of the stone had had his eyes fixed upon his watch, said,—
"The tower is not very high." Then he added, after a moment of reflection, "The tower is sixty-two and a half feet in height."