The furnace was one of the old hot air heaters and he paused
before it as though seeking something. Then he bent down beside it
and uncovered a little tank. He took off the top on which were
cast in the iron the words:
"This tank must be kept full of water."
He thrust his hand gingerly into it, bringing it out quickly. The
tank was nearly full of water and he brought his hand out wet. It
was also hot. But he did not seem to mind that, for he shook his
head with a smile of satisfaction.
Next, from his capacious bag he took two metal poles, or
electrodes, and fastened them carefully to the ends of the wires,
placing them at opposite ends of the tank in the water.
For several moments he watched. The water inside the tank seemed
the same as before, only on each electrode there appeared bubbles,
on one bubbles of oxygen, on the other of hydrogen. The water was
decomposing under the current by electrolysis.
Another moment he surveyed his work to see that he had left no
loose ends. Then he picked up his bag and moved toward the cellar
steps. As he did so, he removed the muzzle from his nose and
quietly let himself out of the house.
. . . . . . . .
The next morning, Rusty, who had been Elaine's constant companion
since the trouble had begun, awakened his mistress by licking her
hand as it hung limply over the side of her bed.
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