"Yes."
"In consequence of the explosion?"
"Certainly!"
"Which must have been attended with a tremendous report?"
"Of course!"
"Did you hear that report, friend Michael?"
"N—o," replied Ardan, a little disconcerted at the question. "Well, no; I can't say that I did hear any report."
"Did you, friend Barbican?"
"No," replied Barbican, promptly. "I heard no report whatever."
His answer was ready, but his look was quite as disconcerted as Ardan's.