So saying Philpot triumphantly spiked the obstinate piece of phosphorus, and succeeded in cutting off a small piece.
“Is that what makes the flare-up?” asked Cusack.
“Yes, wait a bit, till I get the jar.”
“What jar?” asked Pilbury. “Here’s one; will this do?”
“Look out, I say!” exclaimed Philpot, in great excitement; “let it go, will you?”
“What’s the row?” asked Pilbury and Cusack, both in alarm.
“Why, that’s got my oxygen in it,” cried Philpot, securing the bottle and gently lifting it on to the table, taking care to hold the glass plate that covered the mouth in its place.
“Got his what in it?” asked Cusack.
“Oxygen. It took me an hour to get.”
“There’s nothing in that empty jar,” said Pilbury, laughing. “Isn’t there, though?” said Philpot; “it’s full.”