"Ah! Pardon! Forbidden! So it is," said Burton, who was shading the lighted match within his rounded palm from the wind. He made as if to throw it away, but with a dexterous cast dropped it flaming into the open bag. Instantly there was a puff and whizz, and a column of thick suffocating smoke spurted up to the roof. The officer started back with an execration. A lady shrieked; others of the passengers took to their heels. The air was full of pungent fumes and lurid exclamations, and in the confusion the owner of the bag quietly slipped away into the darkness. Burton stood his ground. His task was done. Every particle of Micklewright’s explosive that had left the shores of England was dissipated in gas. The secret was saved.
Choking and spluttering the officer dashed forward, shaking his fist in Burton’s face, mingling terms of Gallic abuse with explosive cries for the police. A gendarme came up.
"I give him in charge," shouted the officer, with gesticulations. "It is forbidden to smoke; see, the place is full of smoke! The other man; where is he? It is a conspiracy. They are anarchists. Arrest the villain!"
"Monsieur will please come with me," said the gendarme, touching Burton on the sleeve.
"All right," said Burton cheerfully. "I can smoke as we go along?"
"It is not forbidden to smoke in the streets," replied the gendarme gravely.
And with one hand on the prisoner’s arm, the other carrying the empty bag, he set off towards the town.
Two evenings later, Burton descended on the creek in the Luddenham Marshes, and hastened with lightsome step to Micklewright’s laboratory. It was the time of day when Micklewright usually ceased work and went home to his dinner.
"Still at it!" thought Burton, as he saw that the laboratory door was open.
He went on quickly and looked in. Micklewright was bending over his bench in his customary attitude of complete absorption.
"Time for dinner, old man," said Burton, entering.
"Hullo! That you! Come and look at this."
"Upon my word, that’s a cool greeting after I’ve been braving no end of dangers for your sake."
"What’s that you say? Look at this, Teddy; isn’t it magnificent!"
Burton looked into the bowl held up for his inspection, and saw nothing but a dirty-looking mixture that smelt rather badly.