The firing wires had been led into that little chamber in the old temple where the dog Pharaoh tore out the throat of Shadrach, and no inch of them was left unguarded for fear of accident or treachery.
The electric batteries--two of them, in case one should fail--had been tested but not connected with the wires.

There they stood upon the floor, looking innocent enough, and we four sat round them like wizards round their magic pot, who await the working of some spell.

We were not cheerful; who could be under so intense a strain?
Orme, indeed, who had grown pale and thin with continuous labour of mind and body, seemed quite worn out.

He could not eat nor smoke, and with difficulty I persuaded him to drink some of the native wine.

He would not even go to look at the completion of the work or to test the wires.
"You can see to it," he said; "I have done all I can.