score of yards away, behind a tree, drew off the lid with a cord, justly dreading some devilish trick or other, was not completely blown to pieces.” “But since the lock was opened, how was the explosion produced?” “It was when the lid was raised that the explosion happened. Did the box overturn? It was a very heavy one. Was there some special manner of placing it, when removing the lid, to prevent a prime of fulminate going off? Was it clock-work, arranged in a certain manner? All is mere conjecture. What is certain enough is that, in a second, box, formulæ, powders, house, Hans’ arm, and all our hopes disappeared at the same time. Our friend must have shown extraordinary energy not to have been surprised by all the people who came running up from all directions. You may believe me when I say that, so long as I was not assured that he was out of danger, I felt very anxious.” “Ah, you are an intelligent woman, Sophia—really clever and brave! Now we must make amends for a preliminary defeat, and nonplus this young booby of a Marcel.” “Just leave the matter to me. He seemed a very nice young fellow.” “You are right; but don’t go and fall in love with him, whatever you do.” She burst into a laugh. “I have other things to attend to. Besides, Cesare, is it so easy to find a rival to yourself?” The handsome Italian shook his head. “You are so strange, Sophia, whatever is difficult is the very thing to tempt you.” “A scene of jealousy between you and me, Cesare!” said Sophia, ironically. “Do we not know one another well enough to be _blasés_ as regards our mutual qualities and failings? Shall I be jealous, the day I have married you to Lichtenbach’s wealthy daughter? Just close your eyes, and leave me free to act. Besides, if you acted otherwise, that would be all of no use. You are well aware that I have never done anything that did not please me, even with personages far more redoubtable than yourself.” “Come, come, Sophia, do not get excited! If I do not stop you, you will be threatening me in a minute. Ah, you have a will of iron!” “Yes; and just now it is my will to completely subjugate this young Baradier.” “Poor fellow, you will succeed only too easily!” “Ah! Now you are going to pity him, are you?” They both laughed outright. Then the young woman asked— “Have you visited the dwelling?” “Yes. I have also obtained an entrance into the laboratory without the slightest effort.” “Did you see anything special?” “A number of spiders’ webs, several broken phials, and tubs of various colours, in which pieces of cloth were soaking.” “Nothing resembling the powders we are in search of?”