Carefully, Murdock disconnected the apparatus and went from the laboratory. He returned in a few minutes and spoke to Doctor Savette.
"You are wanted on the telephone, doctor," he said.
The physician went into the other room. When he returned a short while afterward he found Murdock again explaining the important points of his discovery.
"I have learned the secrets of the atom," the chemist was saying. "More than that, I have discovered a method of atomic control. Within a few months, I shall have complete success.
"As some of you have remarked, I do run a risk in my experiments; but that risk is in the interests of science. Often, I have been tempted to let the electric charge continue until the last possible moment; but I have always resisted that temptation."
He paused and smiled wanly at his listeners.
"Here, in this laboratory," he said, "a bursting of the crystal sphere would prove disastrous. The atomic energy would be quickly dispelled, but it might start explosions among certain of the chemicals you see upon these shelves and benches.
"Twice I have barely prevented fires, here. I have never been able to obtain insurance, and I have chosen this obscure place because there are comparatively few neighbors who could be harmed should things go wrong."
"It would mean a great loss to science," someone remarked. "You should be careful—"
"I must be careful of myself, yes," replied Murdock. "All the apparatus which you see here could all be replaced with ease — under my supervision. I carry all my plans here" — he tapped his forehead significantly — "and while my brain exists, these results can always be obtained.