It was written in 1896. [explains, lightly tapping the cover with his slim fingers] My uncle Hans inherited it from our great-something grandfather, who got it from a colleague after the man who wrote it disappeared. It's an account of his research and theories. No one knows quite how he successful he was, because as I said, he disappeared, and apparently his entire house burned down? But he'd given this to my grandfather however long back, before the house went, so it was preserved.

[What West doesn't add was that his uncle had been reluctant to give it to him at all, but he'd begged so hard and promised he wouldn't show anyone, and finally the man had allowed him to take it.]

It's really interesting. It made me think of you. [He finally looks up at the other boy again, lips pursed a little worriedly.]