We used to say," he added, "that sickness was
unknown in our hills till a wise doctor settled here from the East."
The Professor frowned.
"I rose at six," he said austerely. "I made a microscopical
examination of the water in your new spring, which rises, I venture to
remind you, through soil which is undoubtedly diatomaceous."
"That sounds awful."
"Diatoms in a fossilised condition are silicious, and they are to be
found in Virginia, in Bermuda, and here."
"Professor, I am an ignoramus."
"Then it is my duty to inform you that the man or woman who drinks
water from that spring is swallowing millions of tiny flint knives,
hard as diamond dust--indeed, diatomaceous earth is used commercially
as a polishing powder."
"You mean that if we drink that water we shall be polished off?"
The Professor glared. Like many distinguished scientists, he took
himself seriously, and he knew that this was a serious matter.
"Those tiny flint knives cut to ribands the mucous membrane."
"Fortunately," said Ajax, "we don't drink that water. The spring was
only developed a few days ago." In a graver voice he continued: "We
are exceedingly obliged to you.
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