derived from what is; whereas what's wanted is a clean sweep and a clear
start for a new conception of life. That sort of future will take care
of itself if you will only make room for it. Therefore I would shovel my
stuff in heaps at the corners of the streets if I had enough for that;
and as I haven't, I do my best by perfecting a really dependable
detonator."

Ossipon, who had been mentally swimming in deep waters, seized upon the
last word as if it were a saving plank.

"Yes. Your detonators. I shouldn't wonder if it weren't one of your
detonators that made a clean sweep of the man in the park."

A shade of vexation darkened the determined sallow face confronting
Ossipon.

"My difficulty consists precisely in experimenting practically with the
various kinds. They must be tried after all. Besides--"

Ossipon interrupted.

"Who could that fellow be? I assure you that we in London had no
knowledge--Couldn't you describe the person you gave the stuff to?"

The other turned his spectacles upon Ossipon like a pair of searchlights.

"Describe him," he repeated slowly. "I don't think there can be the
slightest objection now. I will describe him to you in one word--Verloc."

Ossipon, whom curiosity had lifted a few inches off his seat, dropped