And so we must take courage and attack our father's theory here and now, or else, if any scruples prevent us from doing this, we must give the whole thing up.

But nothing in the world must prevent us.

Then I have a third little request to make of you.

You have only to utter it.

I said a while ago that I always have been too faint-hearted for the refutation of this theory, and so I am now.

Yes, so you did.

I am afraid that on account of what I have said you will think I am mad because I have at once