“All serene,” said Cusack; “better give it a rub over in case it blows up, you know.”
Philpot said “All right,” and went, leaving the others to poke up the fire and get all ready for the reception of the pan.
He was a long while about it, certainly, considering that the chemistry-room was only just at the end of the passage.
“I wonder what he’s up to?” said Pilbury, when after about three minutes he did not return.
“I wish he’d hurry up,” said Curtis, whose special attraction was towards the dough-nuts, which of course could not come on till after the herrings.
“I wonder if he’s larking about with some of the chemicals. I never knew such a fellow as he is for smells and blow-ups—”
“I’ll blow him up if he’s not sharp,” said Cusack, losing patience and looking mournfully at the row of herrings on the table.
“Let’s begin without him,” said Pilbury.
“So we would if we had anything to do them on.”
“I’ll go and see if I can get a fork or two,” said Morrison.