"Thank you, Joe. Now, I leave you in charge. Keep a sharp eye on the
men--especially on that lazy fellow who has a tendency to sleep and
shirk duty. If the rock in the fair-way is got ready before my return,
blast it at once, without waiting for me. You will find one of Siebe
and Gorman's voltaic batteries in my lodging, also a frictional
electrical machine, which you can use if you prefer it. In the store
there is a large supply of tin-cases for gunpowder and compressed
gun-cotton charges. There also you will find one of Heinke and Davis's
magneto-electric exploders. I leave it entirely to your own judgment
which apparatus to use. All sorts are admirable in their way; quite
fresh, and in good working order. Have you anything to say to me before
I go?"
"All right, sir," replied Joe, in his sprawly hand; "I'll attend to
orders. When do you start, and when do you expect to be back?"
"I start immediately. The day of my return is uncertain, but I'll write
to you."