“But today I come to talk to you about a revolutionary new twist to this machine,” announced Maitland. “One that will change our perception of time and distance!”
He paused again and smiled, clearly aware of the unseen electricity that was now thrumming through the auditorium.
“Since ancient times, great minds have strived to understand the clockwork order of the universe. Men like Newton with his laws of motion, and Galileo with his studies of velocity.” His voice rose, every word smoothly confident. “Mathematics is one of the keys to unlocking the mysteries of our physical world, and today I shall focus particularly on the renowned Swiss mathematicians Daniel Bernoulli and Leonhard Euler.”
Maitland was an excellent speaker, conceded Wrexford.
“As many of you here know, Bernoulli was renowned for his scientific insights regarding fluid mechanics. His bookHydrodynamica, published in 1738, contained the famous Bernoulli’s Principle, which states that when the flow speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases.”
Maitland raised a finger. “Keep that in mind, gentlemen.”
Wrexford angled a sidelong glance at Sheffield and saw that his friend was as captivated as the rest of the audience.
“It was Bernoulli’s close friend Euler who derived Bernoulli’s Equation in 1752, which set out Bernoulli’s Principle in mathematical form,” continued Maitland. “Another important development. But now let us move on to another momentous discovery in the annals of science . . .”
* * *
“This is excellent thinking, Peregrine.” Hedley looked up from the boy’s diagrams. “You have a very creative mind when it comes to engineering.” He went back to studying the details. “You’re essentially right about how a gear-and-spring mechanism could be added to make your hound walk.”
He picked up a pen and drew a series of sketches on a fresh sheet of paper. “Here are some simple ways it can be done. Bring along your prototype next week, and we’ll take a closer look.”
“Thank you, sir,” replied Peregrine. He carefully folded the inventor’s sketches and put them in his jacket pocket. “Umm, might I ask another question, sir?”
“Ask as many as you like!” Hedley smiled. “Inquisitiveness is a trait to be much encouraged—especially in lads of your age.”
“Well . . .” Peregrine cleared his throat. “The Weasels and I were thinking the other day about steam-powered ships . . .” He hesitated. “Do you believe that a marine propulsion system can be made that is powerful enough to cross the oceans?”
“I like to believe that nothing is impossible in the future,” answered Hedley. “But as for now . . .” He rubbed meditatively at his jaw. “It’s an excellent question. It would be a revolutionary breakthrough . . .”
Theclackandhumof several mechanical devices running in the laboratory filled the silence as the inventor considered the possibilities.
“Mr. Samuel Tilden, who works for Royal Navy at the King’s Dockyard, invited me and the Weasels to visit their laboratories yesterday,” ventured Peregrine. “I think . . .” He lowered his voice. “I think that he is working on making an oceangoing steamship.”
“Well, it doesn’t surprise me that the navy would be in the forefront of such research,” replied the inventor. “And Mr. Tilden is a very talented engineer . . .”
Hedley’s face was suddenly wreathed in a smile. “Speaking of marine steam power, I’ve just remembered that I recently received a new illustrated book from America on nautical steam power, including a special section on Robert Fulton’s famous riverboat, theClermont. There are some marvelous diagrams and colored engravings of its engine and paddle wheels. You are most welcome to stay and peruse the pages.”
After batting at a swirl of steam that floated over his desk, the inventor added, “But it’s awfully damp and noisy in here. Why don’t you take it to the reading room at the end of the corridor? There is no one else working up here today, so you should have the place to yourself.”
Peregrine accepted the book and hurried out the door, eager to study the pictures. As Hedley had surmised, the room was empty. The wood paneling and carved bookcases gave the place a dark formality, and with the lamps unlit and the draperies half drawn, the leather armchairs by the hearth were wreathed in shadows.
The boy moved to the bank of windows and found a cozy spot behind a leather sofa that allowed him to sit cross-legged on the carpet and brace his back against the age-soft calfskin. After opening the book and settling it in his lap to catch the sunlight, he was soon lost in studying the engravings and accompanying technical diagrams.
“I told you this was the perfect place for privacy.” The door closed with a mutedclick. “You may be sure that nobody will overhear us in here.”
Taken by surprise, Peregrine held his breath.
The sound of steps was muffled to a discreet whisper by the thick Axminster carpet. At first, he thought they were coming toward him, but at the last minute they veered away to a round table set in the center of the room.
A flint struck steel, and a moment later a plume of smoke curled up, filling the air with the scent of tobacco.
“So.” A long exhale from The Smoker. “Have you brought the documents?”
“Yes, we finished drawing them up last night,” answered a baritone voice. “I think you’ll find them to your satisfaction.”
A pause. “Take special note of our Advisory Board. As I promised you, the Earl of Mulgrave, the previous First Lord of the Admiralty and currently Master-General of the Ordnance, has agreed to lend his name to the project. As has the royal Duke of Sussex and several very influential members of Parliament. Their show of support will give our endeavor even more gravitas with potential investors.”
“Hmmph.” Papers rustled as The Smoker set them on the table and began to read through them.
