The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-08-20
the potassium ignites it, and the work of
fiery destruction is begun.

"'You betray n look of doubt. Per-
haps you think that this action will be
merely local-that the properties will
quickly burn out, and in consequence
the fire die for want of sustenance. If
so, you err. The properties of this pow
der are self generating, and as long as
the water lasts must of necessity con-
tinue their work of decomposition, the
oxygen continually feeding the flames.
Get me another basin of water. l
want to demonstrate it more clearly to
you
''As he had done before, he turned the
potassium into the basin and then sifted
in certain amount of the powder. The
Kissing and Tuning quickly began, fol-
lowed by sharp report, when column
OF hire again sprang up, which lasted UNI
til the water was consumed
You see, my first trial was no illu-
sion,' he said, turning to me. what
have done once l can do every time
80 1T is terrible thingv l exclaimed,
with a shudder. But why have you
come to me!'
Because the secret is worth much to
me. But when l approach men they call
me mad and will not listen. They will
believe you, and when you have proved
what l can do they will gladly pay my
price. Then will divide with you. and
we both shall be rich, you to live at your
ease and l to continue my investigations
Will you help meT and he caught me by
the arm with a clutch l seem to feel
now.
Help YOU? asked i'll husky voice.
Would you jeopardizc the lives of the
whole human race for n few paltry thou
sands? A man of your great intellect
and research should be above
"'You still doubt my ability to do
what claimY he interrupted. Perhaps
in the open air you think l would fail?
Come with me and will astonish even
you. See, the storm has cleared away.
and the day is breaking.
II was puzzled what to do. There
was no one in the house upon whom /
could call for assistance, but outdoors
might escape the man. whom, 1 confess,
l feared. So l consented to accompany
him.
1.-The morning light was fast dispelling
the shadows Of night and storm, and we
had no difficulty in making our way to q
little body of water quite hemmed i'll by
the mountains and the forest. My COM
panion, as if fearing would attempt to
escape, had not taken his gaze from me
since we had left the house.
"'There is good place to test our
work, he declared, pointing to n small
pool of water formed in depression of
the earth by the late storm.
without waiting for my reply he
threw some of the potassium and powder
into the water. The result was startling
to me- though l had anticipated the con-
sequence.
1.-The report was deafening, and the
flames seemed to leap to the sky, illu-
minating the night scene with ghastly
light, but startling as was the light of the
burning water the appearance of my
companion, who had seemed to be sud
denly transformed into a demon, was
more terrible.
See, see! he cried. dancing to and
fro with tiendish glee. it burns-will
burn till the pool is dry. What do you
think of my secret now? Do not hold
the key TO all life? Oh, 1 feel like a god,
and all men are but worms crawling Mt
my feet! See. the flames leap higher and
higher'
Now, let me drop the same agents
which set that pool on fire into this lake,
and the result will be the same. Ave.
the same, only n million times more
grand. for the fire will follow the river
to the gulf and thence to the ocean, to
envelop the entire world in its blazing
ch -,e s., l., l. L
ness!"
He gesticulated fiercely and reached
one arm over the water as if to drop
the internal powder upon its placid
bosom, his wild looking figure lit up by
the transplendent glow of the burning
pool. gazed with awe upon him, real
iZing only too we'll the terrible earnest
ness of his tone
"'Wait" l cried hoarsely, you forget
the money. Your secret is WORTH
"'Bah! Who pirates of money with q
cringing world at his feet;' lie shrieked.
They laugh at me. Now let their tears
put out the flames my hand has kindled
See! The potassium, it fumes, Kisses,
dances upon the water. Now the pow
Imagine who can the horror of my
situation. The blood seemed to freeze in
my veins. My limbs seemed paralyzed,
but l quickly overcaine my lcthargy.
The life of every being in the world was
i'll my hands. Nerving myself for the
blow, l felled the mad scientist dead at
my feet. At that moment the fire be-
hind me expired. The world was saved.
You know the rest. | was discov-
cred i'll the act of dealing the fatal blow
by men who could not understand the
immeasurable deed had done. You
saved my life. In the sight of God feel
that have committed no crime, but
shall die easier knowing that when am