"But the process of conversion, the chemical reaction, that is the difficulty."
"Bi-sulphide of carbon is a solvent, and the fatty acids of most vegetable oils can be isolated by treatment with steam super-heated to about 600° Fahrenheit."
Brand threw out his hands with a little gesture of helplessness; just then Constance appeared.
"Dad," she cried, "did not Mr. Pyne tell you of my threat?"
"No, dear one. I am not living in terror of you, to my knowledge."
"You must please go to sleep, both of you, at least until ten or eleven o'clock. Mr. Emmett is sending a man to keep watch here. He will not disturb you. He is bringing some rugs and pillows which you can arrange on the floor. I have collected them for your special benefit."
"At this hour! Impossible, Connie."
"But it is not impossible, and this is the best hour available. You know quite well that the Falcon will return at high water. And you must rest, you know."
She bustled about, with the busy air of a house-wife who understood the whole art of looking after her family. But something puzzled her.
"Mr. Pyne," she inquired, "where is your cup?"