There was a short pause. Savaroff pulled out a cigar, bit off the end,
and spat it into the fireplace. Then he reached sideways to the chest
of drawers for a match.

"Explain to him," he said, jerking his head towards me.

McMurtrie glanced at him--it seemed to me a shade impatiently. Then he
turned back to me.

"For some time before Mr. Marks's unfortunate death," he said slowly,
"you had been experimenting with a new explosive."

I nodded my head. I had no idea how he had got his information, for as
far as I was aware George was the only person who had any knowledge of
my secret.

"And I believe you were just on the point of success when you were
arrested?"

"Theoretically I was," I said. "These matters don't always work out
quite so well when you put them to a practical test."

"Still, you yourself were quite satisfied with the prospects?"

I nodded again.

"And unless I am wrong, this new explosive will be immensely more
powerful than anything now in use?"

"Immensely," I repeated; "in fact, there would be no practical