human
Is this yours?
gpt
No. What is it?
human
Why, it looks like an infernal machine or a dynamite bomb, he said.
gpt
I wonder where it came from? Guess I'd better drop it in a pail of water. Maybe Eradicate found it and brought it here. I never saw it before. Mr. Jackson, please hand me that pail of water. We'll soak this bomb.
human
There is no need, said Mr. Damon, quietly.
gpt
It is harmless now. It has done its work. It was that which set fire to your shed, and which caused the stifling fumes.
human
That?
gpt
Yes. This ball is hollow, and was filled with a chemical. It was dropped on the roof, and, after a certain time, the plug in the tube was eaten through, the chemicals ran out, set the roof ablaze, and, dripping down inside spread the choking odors that nearly prevented you from getting out your aeroplane.
human
Are you sure of this?
gpt
Positive. I read about these bombs recently. A German invented them to be used in attacking a besieged city in case of war.
human
But how did this one get on my shed roof?
gpt
It was dropped there by the mysterious airship! exclaimed the odd man.
human
That was why the aeroplane moved about over your place. Those in it hoped that the fire would not break out until you were all asleep, and that the shed and the Humming-Bird would be destroyed before you came to the rescue. Some of your enemies are still after you, Tom.
gpt
And it was Andy Foger, I'll wager! he cried.
human
He was in that aircraft! Oh, I'll have a long score to settle with him!
gpt
Of course you can't be sure it was he, said Mr. Damon,
human
Well, he sha'n't!