still more extraordinary and interesting description--for carrying into effect a discovery, by means of which, ships of all kinds and sizes could be furnished with the means, by one and the same process--and that remarkably simple, cheap, and convenient--of obtaining _pure fresh water_ from the SEA, and converting the salt or brine thrown off in the operation, _instanter_ into _gunpowder_! The reality of this amazing discovery was decisively ascertained by three of the greatest chemists in England; a patent was taken out, and a company formed for immediately working the patent. This undertaking was the first that Gammon brought under the notice of the Earl of Dreddlington, whom he so completely dazzled by his description, both of the signal service to be conferred upon the country, and the princely revenue to be derived from it to those early entering into the speculation, that his Lordship intimated rather an anxious wish to be connected with it. "Good gracious, sir!" said his Lordship, with an air of wonder--"to what a pitch is science advancing! When will human ingenuity end? Sir, I doubt not that one of these days _everything_ will be found out!" "Certainly--I feel the full force of your Lordship's very striking observation," replied Gammon, who had listened to him with an air of delighted deference. "Sir, this is a truly astonishing discovery! Yet, I give you my honor, sir, I have often thought that something of the kind was very desirable, as far as the obtaining fresh water from salt water was concerned, and have wondered whether it could ever be practicable: but I protest the latter part of the discovery--the conversion of the brine into gunpowder--is--is--sir, I say it is--astounding; it is more; it is very interesting, in a picturesque, and important in a patriotic point of view. Only think, sir, of our vessels gathering gunpowder and fresh water from the sea they are sailing over. Sir, the discoverer deserves a subsidy! This must in due time be brought before Parliament." His Lordship got quite excited; and Gammon, watching his opportunity, intimated the pride and pleasure it would give him to make his Lordship the patron of the gigantic undertaking in question. "Sir--sir--you do me--infinite honor," quoth the earl, quite flustered by the suddenness of the proposal. "As there will be, of course, your Lordship sees, several great capitalists concerned, I must, for form's sake, consult them before any step is taken; but I flatter myself, my Lord, that there can be but one opinion, when I name to them the possibility of our being honored with your Lordship's name and influence."