“Listen, Toby. I obey the Boss. Besides, don’t worry. We have a positive-action, fire smothering gas in drums, and a thermostat that operates a relay, much like those on heating equipment, at a rise of eight degrees from the normal shown by another thermometer outside the lab. The gas smothers any fire. Chemicals, even.”
“That’s good. Then I needn’t worry.”
“You needn’t worry, Toby.”
Hanging up, Roger waited for a further effort.
When it came—if it was a new attempt!—its form was startling.
The inter-connecting fire alarm in the library of his home rang. Roger considered for a moment. Of course, the gas should cover every possible danger, save everything. Even against the delicate electric adjustments and the unreplaceable devices, the gas would work without harming them as water might do.
The thought brought another.
“Water!”
The firemen would respond to the alarm, sent out over the telephone, to Headquarters, automatically.
Water would ruin the delicate armatures, coils, etc.