Actually, the books were written by a consortium of atheistical Cambridge dons, headed by Mrs. Moore, and sworn to secrecy. Isn't it blindingly obvious? And so cleverly concealed that I have only just discovered it.

Hmm. The planetary hypothesis sounds like Baconian cryptography, irresistibly enjoyable and infinitely accommodating. If Lewis had done something so cockcrowingly clever with his books, I can't imagine that he wouldn't talk about it. It's the emotional stuff that he was reticent about.

It's the kind of intoxication to which scholars are particularly prone, and probably has a name, though I don't know it.

If you find out, please tell us!

Nine