“I should think the paper,” said Rollo.
“There is alcohol,” said Mr. Holiday, “which takes fire very easily, but it burns with a very pale and light flame. Oil must be heated much hotter before it will burn; but, when it does burn, it gives a large and bright flame; so that oil is good for lamps, it gives so much light when it burns.
“Spirits of turpentine,” continued Mr. Holiday, “inflames easily, and burns brightly too. So does phosphorus.”
“What is phosphorus?” said Rollo.
“Why, it is a substance that burns very easily. It looks like wax, but it burns very easily, and with a very bright flame indeed. It takes fire before it is as hot as boiling water.”
“I wish I had some phosphorus,” said Rollo.
“They keep it at the apothecaries, sometimes,” said his father.
“I wish you’d buy a little, father,” said Rollo, “and bring it home, and let me see it burn. Does it cost much?”
“I don’t know,” said his father, “how much it costs. Only it is troublesome to keep it. It must be kept under water.”
“Why, sir?” said Rollo.