2:15

The pneumatic message system ran up along the outer wall of the turret after it exited from the subbasement into the old moat. The copper piping, mostly jade green from oxidization, was relieved by the moments of dull brass elbows and joints and the occasion wooden clamp affixing it to the stone wall. As it reached the top of the tower it eventually turned 90 degrees in a gentle curve that terminated into a particularly colorful band of sandstone that marked the beginning of the rebuilt portions of the old manse.

On the other side of the wall, the copper tubing, now polished to a high sheen, ran along the roof beams until it once again curved gently down and ran into a glass-and-iron box that stood three feet high in the corner. It sat on a wrought-iron base consisting of four lion’s paws and and intricate scroll work that called to mind the inventor’s oriental origins. Four panes of green-tinged plate glass, about eight inches wide, ran up to form a rectangular glass prism that was topped by a colourful iron-and-lacquered-wood pagoda with a two-inch copper tube running out the top slightly off from centre.

Within the glass walls two tubes could be seen to run from the base upwards about a third of the distance to the top. They terminated in a platform upholstered in worn dark-green velvet. Currently over one tube, a cap was attached to the platform by a small arm that allowed it to swing from side to side in order to cover one or the other of the two tubes.

The front of the glass case was hinged, and two small gauges were mounted in the glass pane. At the top of this doorway a highly polished brass handle exited 90 degrees from the iron work and presently had a length of black ribbon hanging from it.

The mechanism emitted a constant low hiss even when not in use, providing a certain mechanical ambiance to the room throughout the day, and, on those occasions when the machine ceased to function entirely, the room took on an ominous stillness that was entirely at odds with the visual aspect of its decor.

This message system predated the occupancy of the room by the machine, yet they complemented each other to an extraordinary degree given their disparate origins. It was also remarkable in that of all the systems, machines, engines and devices that clung to the walls and occupied the various spaces, the pneumatic system had never broken or found itself in need of repair. It was occasionally shut down as new stations were added in or old ones were declared redundant and removed, but it had never failed in its service. A most unexpected thing in this age of clockwork.

And, as was discovered in the gray haze of morning, its messages travelled farther than one might immediately assume.