I may add that though there is no danger of an explosion, we have everything to fear from a denunciation--which you are in the position to make, Mr.Hart.
Therefore, if you take my advice, you will, like a sensible man, resign yourself to the inevitable until the disbanding of the company.
We shall then see what in the interest of our security is best to be done with you!" It will be admitted that these words are not exactly calculated to reassure me.

However, a lot of things may happen ere then.

I have learned one good thing from this conversation, and that is that if Thomas Roch has sold his explosive to Ker Karraje and Co., he has at any rate, kept the secret of his deflagrator, without which the explosive is of no more value than the dust of the highway.
But before terminating the interview I think I ought to make a very natural observation to Mr.Serko.
"Sir," I say, "you are now acquainted with the composition of Thomas Roch's explosive.

Does it really possess the destructive power that the inventor attributes to it?
Has it ever been tried?
May you not have purchased a composition as inert as a pinch of snuff ?" "You are doubtless better informed upon this point than you pretend, Mr.Hart.Nevertheless, I thank you for the interest you manifest in our affairs, and am able to reassure you.

The other night we made a series of decisive experiments.