Much can be done with it, no matter what its condition; so Penrod lingered by the caldron, though from a neighbouring yard could be heard the voices of comrades, including that of Sam Williams.

On the ground about the caldron were scattered chips and sticks and bits of wood to the number of a great multitude.

Penrod mixed quantities of this refuse into the tar, and interested himself in seeing how much of it he could keep moving in slow swirls upon the ebon surface.
Other surprises were arranged for the absent workmen.

The caldron was almost full, and the surface of the tar near the rim.
Penrod endeavoured to ascertain how many pebbles and brickbats, dropped in, would cause an overflow.

Labouring heartily to this end, he had almost accomplished it, when he received the suggestion for an experiment on a much larger scale.