About the Universe
Professor Atticus shouted the last word, folding his arms and staring around the room, daring someone to respond. A full minute passed, the crackling fire the only sound in the room. Even Feng seemed impressed. Tom felt scared to swallow or breathe, afraid of how Professor Atticus would take it.
"All right, then," the Englishman finally said. "If from this point forward you'd be so kind as to act like the brave souls I meant to gather, we can move on." He paused, pretending to brush unseen dust off his suit jacket.
"Now, you may be wondering why I sent letters only to young people such as yourself. Am I correct?" No one said a word, afraid to rock the boat again.
"Come on, now," Professor Atticus said. "Only children would be afraid to speak up."