Einstein's Compass

Raka Becomes Professor Meiss

Lurking in the steam tunnels of the Polytechnic Institute, Raka observed the classes undetected through the heating grilles. He sniffed the vapors seeking the aromatic scent of the Shamir through the ducts. The seductive perfume tantalized, but the prize remained elusive. On the fourth day of prowling the school, however, the smell became intense. Raka’s heart quickened as he sensed the closeness of the Shamir.

Peering through the heating grate he saw Albert cradling his compass in the palm of his hand as Professor Meiss expounded on the principles of physics. It was all Raka could do to keep from squealing with delight to see what he desired so near.

The dragon’s plan to acquire the compass involved his accomplice, Countess Victoria von Baden. The high-born seductress had initially resisted accompanying him to Zurich, but the possibility of obtaining the Shamir for herself was too tempting to pass up. The reptile quietly backed away from the heating grate and sought out the Countess to set his plan into motion.

*      *      *

The dining salon of the Hotel Rigiblick was located on the ground level of the popular lodge where famous actors stayed when they were performing at the Theatre Zurich. It was also a favorite restaurant of Professor Meiss, who dined there most nights. Posing as a visiting actress, Countess von Baden wore a crimson velvet knee-length T gown, as if she were a character from the opera Carmen. Her raven hair hung down her back, a striking contrast to her well exposed ivory shoulders. She lounged comfortably near the bar waiting for her victim to arrive.

Around eight o’clock the lonely bachelor professor walked into the supper club and headed toward his customary table. As he approached where she sat, Victoria nudged her small evening clutch so it fell on the floor in front of him. Ever the gentleman, the Professor stooped to pick it up.

“How clumsy of me,” she chided herself as he handed the purse to her.

“Not at all,” he said, his eyes widening at her beauty. He could not ignore the ample décolletage the woman displayed.

“You are too kind, monsieur.” She smiled and batted her eyelids coquettishly.

The Professor nodded and turned toward his table. Victoria rolled her eyes. The idiot was too dim to see she was flirting with him. “Uh, monsieur…” The Professor turned back to her. “I was wondering…that is…” She paused for effect. “Well, the truth of it is, my dinner date has stood me up.”

“I find that hard to believe, young lady. What man in his right mind would miss an evening with someone such as you?”

“Again, you are too kind, monsieur. I do so hate eating alone.”

Struck by an idea, the Professor said, “That would be a crime of major proportions. Please, you must join me at my table.”

“I really couldn’t impose,” Victoria said, turning her head so he could not see the satisfied smile on her face as he took the bait.

“It is not an imposition at all. Please, I insist,” he said gesturing with his arm toward his table.

“Well, if you insist, I will not be rude,” she said rising and allowing the Professor to guide her to a plush seat.

When they were comfortably seated the Professor gestured for the waiter to bring them a bottle of wine, then turned to Victoria. “I am Tomas Meiss. I teach physics at the Swiss Polytechnic School.”

“Oh, my, a scholar. And of physics. I am sure I am out of my league,” she said.

The professor blushed at the compliment as Victoria smiled and said, “I am Victoria von Baden. Please, call me Victoria.”

The Professor nodded and smiled back at her as the waiter approached and presented the wine for him to taste. After approving the vintage, the Professor turned again to Victoria as the waiter filled both their glasses.

Pointing to a painting of a hunt scene on the wall behind the professor, Victoria asked, “What a delightful picture. Do you know who painted it?”

As the Professor turned to look at the painting, Victoria flicked open the gem encrusted dome of her ring and sprinkled a dusting of a powerful opiate into his glass.

“I’m not entirely certain,” the Professor admitted. Shall I ask the waiter?”

“It’s not important,” Victoria said, raising the Professor’s glass and swirling the wine so the powder fully dissolved before she handed it to him. “Let us toast my good fortune of finding such a handsome and charming dinner partner.”

The Professor blushed again and took a long drink from his glass to cover his embarrassment. Dabbing his lips with a napkin, he said, “I’ve not been called either handsome or charming in a long time…Victoria.”

She smiled back as they continued to sip and chat. After a moment, a puzzled look crossed the Professor’s face. His complexion going pale, he lifted the white linen napkin and patted his brow. A fleeting grin crossed Victoria’s face but was quickly replaced with a concerned frown. “Is something wrong, Tomas?”

The Professor shook his head, then mopped his brow once again. “No…I don’t know… I’m not feeling…” then slumped over, unconscious.

Feigning alarm, Victoria gestured for the Maître d’. “Something’s wrong with Tomas,” she said as he strode to the table. “Help me get him to my coach so I can take him to a doctor.”

“Very good Madame,” he replied, waving over the waiter. Putting the groggy Professor’s arms over their shoulders, the two men followed Victoria as she led them out the front door to the waiting carriage she had hired. In moments, the coachman was driving at a hurried pace through the town and came to a stop in front of an abandoned four-story clothing warehouse in Escher Wyss District across the inlet from the Polytechnic. Paddle steamboats laden with tourists dotted the waterfront that flowed into Lake Zurich.