human
What I really need, however, is some new chemical combination that will quickly put a really big blaze out of business. There are any number of these chemicals, but most of them depend on the production of carbon dioxide. This is the product of some solution of a carbonate and sulphuric acid, and I suppose, eventually, I'll work out something on that order. But I hope I may get something better.
gpt
You haven't delved much into chemistry, have you?
human
No. And I wish now that I had. I see my limitations and realize my weakness. But I can brush up a little on my chemistry. As for the mechanical part, that of dropping the extinguisher on the blaze, I'm not worrying over that end.
gpt
No, agreed Ned.
human
You have enough types of airships to be able to select just the best one for the purpose. But, say, Tom! he suddenly cried,
gpt
Who?
human
Mr. Baxter. He's a chemist. And though he says his formulae are about dyes and fireworks, maybe he can put you in the way of inventing a chemical solution that will be death to fires.
gpt
He might, Tom agreed.
human
But I think he'll be out of business for some time. This shock--being overcome by smoke and his secret formulae having been stolen--seem to have affected his mind. I don't know that I could depend on him.
gpt
It's worth trying, declared Ned.
human
What do you suppose he means, Tom, saying that Field and Melling stole his formulae?