CHAPTER XII.
THE ADVICE OF SERK6 THE ENGINEER.

THOMAS ROCH, who has set to work, spends long hours in
ashed on the left bank, which he uses asa laboratory. No
one enters it but himself. Does he mean to work at his
preparations alone, without revealing his methods? That
is likely enough. I have reason to think that the fabri-
cation of the Fulgurator is a very simple matter. In fact,
this style of projectile needs neither cannon, nor mortar,
nor discharging tube, like the Zalinski ball. Inasmuch as
it is auto-propulsive it carries in itself its propulsive force,
and every vessel passing within a certain zone will run the
risk of being destroyed by the frightful disturbance of the
atmospheric strata. What could be done against Ker
Karraje if he ever sets up such an instrument of destruc-
tion ?

August 11th to 17th—During this week M. Roch has
continued to work without interruption. Every morning
the inventor goes into his laboratory, and he does not
leave it-until nightfall. I do not even attempt to join him
or talk to him. Although he is still indifferent to every-
thing that does not touch his work, he appears to be in