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A March on London by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
page 47 of 368 (12%)

"It is not a pleasant object," his father said, quietly, as he struck the
tinder and again lighted the lamp. "I fancy, Edgar, that if a mob of
people were to break down the door and find themselves confronted by that
object they would fly in terror."

"Assuredly they would, father; they would not stop running this side of
Dartford. Even though I expected it, the sight sent a shiver through me,
and my teeth well-nigh chattered. But this would only avail in case of a
night attack."

"It would avail something even in daylight, Edgar. These downstairs rooms
have but little light, and that little I intend to block up by nailing
boards inside, and by hanging sacks over them outside. Then if I place the
skull in the passage, those who sought me in my laboratory would be
brought to a standstill. But there are other means. I have buried jars
filled with Friar Bacon's powder round the house, with trains by which
they can be fired. At present the common people know little of guns, and
methinks that the explosion of two or three of these jars would send them
about their business, I have other devices which it is not necessary to
enter upon, but which would be effective, therefore you need have little
fear that any mob will gain entrance here, and you may be sure that after
a repulse they would be very loath to touch the place again."

"Yes, father, but they might bring accusation against you of witchcraft."

"I admit that there is that danger, but the prior here has long taken an
interest in my investigations, and can testify for me that these are but
scientific products, and have naught to do with magic. Besides, if there
is a rising of the common people, the king and nobles will be in no mood
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