“By dropping down incandescent coal,” Jimmy returned promptly. “And then blowing air to it. You see—”
The president raised his hand. “That’s only a detail. Then you really think you could approximate a gas-producer with this burning mine of yours?”
“Yes, sir. By forcing down the proper proportions of air and steam. You see, the hole in the burning coal-bed would gradually spread out. But that wouldn’t make any difference, because it would only have two outlets to the surface air, and both of them under control.”
“The lower ends of your casing would melt,” said Mr. Wentworth.
“What of it, chief?” Mr. Cooper interposed. “That wouldn’t hurt anything.”
The president considered. “No, I don’t suppose it would,” he admitted. “It’s an interesting idea, especially if it would work. Have you talked with any of our technical men? How about Merkle, seen him?”
“He has been—” Jimmy hesitated; then meeting Mr. Cooper’s warning glance, went on:
“Yes, sir; he’s been studying it. He says it can be done; he knows just how to do it.”
“Oh, he does?”
“Yes, sir. He’s outside now; we thought you might like to talk to him about it.”