“Then this is something at which you have been working the last month?” asked Baradier, inquisitively. “The last two years, father. It is on this application of the regulated explosive power of the Trémont powder—you understand, regulated, that is the point—that I have been working with the General. We were on the point of success when he disappeared. But I was in possession of all the plans, sketches, and calculations we made together, and I have continued the work all alone.” “And you think you have succeeded?” “I do.” “And what result will you attain with your machine?” “A substitute for coal, petroleum, and even electricity, in the production of force. That is to say, the suppression of magazines in war vessels, permitting them to increase to an indefinite extent their sphere of action. There would be no necessity for locomotives to be supplied with a tender, and in all industries coal need only be used for metallurgic and heating purposes.” “Oh, oh!” said Baradier. “And what will you put in the place of coal, petroleum, and electricity?” “That, my dear father, is what I will tell you the day the patents have been taken all over the world.” “When will you take them?” “To-morrow, if you will advance me the forty thousand francs necessary.” “I will give you them,” exclaimed Uncle Graff, with warmth. “I have confidence in you.” “Who says I am not ready to advance the sum myself?” resumed Baradier. “I would do it merely to honour the memory of Trémont.” “Very good, father; I warrant you have never advanced money at better interest,” said Marcel, joyfully. “It is a discovery calculated to completely change the methods of commerce, and yet it is the simplest thing in the world!” “Like all good inventions!” Baradier remained silent for a moment, and then said— “But the invention of this machine is connected with the discovery of the Trémont powders?” “Yes, father.” “And the powders have been stolen?” A sad smile passed over Marcel’s lips. “Yes, father, the powders have been stolen. The war powder, for instance, and it is very unfortunate. For the General intended to present France with this marvellous product, which would have assured for our army a supremacy of several years over the other Powers of Europe. Then you know what would have happened; foreigners would have set to work, and either discovered or bought our secret, and equilibrium again have been restored. There will be no superiority for any one, since the formula of the Trémont war-powder will be given by me to-morrow to the War Office. That will establish equality. And if there is war, valour and intelligence will have to undertake the victory. As for the business powder, that is another matter. They may have stolen the formula, even manufactured it themselves, but I defy them to find the means of using it for its destined purpose.” “There is a secret about it?”