“Human error,” murmured Cordelia.
“Quite right!” The professor bounced in his chair, his voice growing more animated. “And the mistakes get compounded because the tables are calculated through polynomial functions that require several steps of precise calculation—”
“Polynomial functions?” interrupted Charlotte in bewilderment.
“What that means is that there are complicated formulas that require several steps to reach a final answer,” explained Cordelia. “You do one calculation, then use the result to perform another calculation. When they are done by hand, there is a lot of room for error. Whereas a Computing Engine . . .” A smile. “The professor has been working on the concept for years. Together we’ve been striving to find a mechanical design that will be able to perform such complicated mathematics.”
“And?” prompted Charlotte, fascinated in spite of herself.
“And this present model . . .” Sudler cast a fond look at the massive brass and steel contraption bathed in the glow of the bright lamps. “Is able to run simple calculations with absolute accuracy! Once I figure out a way to store the results of the first calculation, then shift them to a new set of rods and run the second set of calculations . . .” A look of transcendent joy came over his face. “Then I can envision creating a series of punch cards, like they use in Jacquard looms, to run a program by itself.”
“That is theoretical, and years away from reality,” said Cordelia softly. “If ever.”
“Yes, but a man can dream!”
“Why, sir . . .” Raven sucked in his breath. “Such a machine could revolutionize the world.”
“Indeed, indeed.” The professor flashed a smile that mingled regret and hope. “I won’t live to see it built. It will require young men like you to pick up the torch of knowledge and carry it forward.”
A pensive silence settled over the table.
Raven turned to contemplate the Computing Engine. “You know,” he mused after several moments, “it might be able to run even faster if a small steam engine were to power the hand crank.”
“What a splendid idea! Come, let us have a look at how that might be done.”
“Professor.” Cordelia’s voice held a note of gentle chiding. “Much as it’s a good idea for the future, we need to complete our nightly calculations. I must deliver another sample table by the end of the week to the consortium.”
Sudler’s face darkened. “Knaves and scoundrels! Mark my words! They mean to use the Engine’s power for their own selfish plans, rather than use it to better the world for all.”
“And we intend to stop them,” countered Cordelia. “But for the time being, we must appear to be cooperating.”
Grumbling under his breath, Sudler stalked over to the Engine. “Come help me set the numbered wheels for the next calculations, lad.”
Charlotte began to gather the empty teacups and return them to the tray. Cordelia lingered to help.
“Have you figured out why the consortium wants the sample mathematical tables they’ve demanded from you?” Charlotte asked.
“No,” answered her friend. A hesitation. “That is, I have an idea, but I wish to consult with a friend before coming to any conclusions.”
Charlotte was about to respond when the sound of approaching footsteps drew a lowwooffrom Harper.
Her heart leapt into her throat. Was it the earl coming with some new information that might bring them closer to unmasking the enemy? After dropping the cups with a clatter, she turned to the door.
“Where’s Wrexford?” demanded Sheffield after a quick look around.
“He left several hours ago,” volunteered Hawk. “And hasn’t returned.”
“And Tyler?”
“He’s out, as well,” called Raven. “We don’t know where.”
“What is it?” asked Charlotte, trying to read Sheffield’s face through the pearls of rain dripping from his hat brim. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure,” he answered. “But I took it upon myself to do a little sleuthing earlier today and have discovered something that just isn’t adding up right.”
CHAPTER 23
The cork slid out of the bottle with a silky sigh, releasing a tantalizing sweetness, which quickly perfumed the air.
