The unbroken chain eliminates the leader with his changes of direction; and all follow mechanically, as faithful to their circle as are the hands of a watch.

The headless file has no liberty left, no will; it has become mere clockwork.

And this continues for hours and hours.

My success goes far beyond my wildest suspicions.

I stand amazed at it, or rather I am stupefied.
Meanwhile, the multiplied circuits change the original rail into a superb ribbon a twelfth of an inch broad.