I know what I want! It is independence of thought, bent on the solution of great problems--that is, a wide field to apply my discoveries.

But a fixed rule, common law, I could not submit to it." "It is like the examinations," observed Marechal, looking slyly at young Desvarennes, who was drawing himself up to his full height; "examinations never suited you." "Never," said Savinien, energetically.

"They wished to get me into the Polytechnic School; impossible! Then the Central School; no better.

I astonished the examiners by the novelty of my ideas.

They refused me." "Well, you know," retorted Marechal, "if you began by overthrowing their theories--" "That's it!" cried Savinien, triumphantly.