“The heap throughout is just as you see it on the surface--a fine, almost impalpable dust. We had to exercise the greatest care in searching through it, for the moment it was disturbed with a shovel it filled the air with suffocating clouds. Of course we shall have it removed by-and-by, and carted away, but I considered it better to allow it to remain here until we had penetrated somewhat further into the mystery than we have already done.” Jennie stooped and picked up a handful from the heap, her action caused a mist to rise in the air that made them both choke and cough, and yet she was instantly struck by the fact that her handful seemed inordinately heavy for its bulk. “May I take some of this with me?” she asked. “Of course,” replied the Director. “I will have a packet of it put up for you.” “I would like to take it with me now,” said Jennie. “I have curiosity to know exactly of what it is composed. Who is the Government analyst? or have you such an official?” “Herr Feltz, in the Graubenstrasse, is a famous analytical chemist; you cannot do better than go to him.” “Do you think he knows anything about explosives?” “I should suppose so, but if not, he will certainly be able to tell you who the best man is in that line.” The Director ordered one of the soldiers who accompanied him to find a small paper bag, and fill it with some dust from the treasure chamber. When this was done, he handed the package to Jennie, who said, “I shall go at once and see Herr Feltz.” “My carriage is at your disposal, madame.” “Oh, no, thank you, I do not wish to trouble you further. I am very much obliged to you for devoting so much time to me already. I shall take a fiacre.” “My carriage is at the door,” persisted the Director, “and I will instruct the driver to take you directly to the shop of Herr Feltz; then no time will be lost, and I think if I am with you, you will be more sure of attention from the chemist, who is a very busy man.” Jennie saw the Director did not wish to let her out of his sight, and although she smiled at his suspicion, she answered politely,-- “It is very kind of you to take so much trouble and devote so much of your time to me. I shall be glad of your company if you are quite certain I am not keeping you from something more important.” “There is nothing more important than the investigation we have on hand,” replied the Chief grimly. CHAPTER XV. JENNIE BESTOWS INFORMATION UPON THE CHIEF OF POLICE. A few minutes after leaving the Treasury building the carriage of the Chief stopped in front of the shop of Herr Feltz in the wide Graubenstrasse. The great chemist himself waited upon them and conducted them to an inner and private room. “I should be obliged to you if you would tell me the component parts of the mixture in this package,” said Jennie, as she handed the filled paper bag to the chemist. “How soon do you wish to know the result?” asked the man of chemicals. “As soon as possible,” replied Jennie.