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 “ explodes,” cried Prokop.

“Yes, explodes, disintegrates. Interesting,—what? One learned gentleman explained to me that—hell, what did he say? That—that”

Prokop sprang up and seized hold of Mr. Carson’s coat. “Listen,” he burst out, violently excited, “if one were to sprinkle  some Krakatit about  here, let us say  or simply about the place ”

“ then the next Tuesday or Friday at half-past ten it would explode. Tja. Don’t strangle me, man.”

Prokop released Mr. Carson and paced up and down the room gnawing his fingers in consternation.

“That’s quite clear,” he muttered, “that’s quite clear! Nobody must prepare Krakatit”

“Besides Mr. Thomas,” suggested Carson sceptically.

“Leave me alone,” said Prokop. “He won’t be able to prepare it!”

“Well,” said Mr. Carson doubtfully, “I don’t know how much you told him.”

Prokop stopped as if rooted to the ground. “Imagine,” he said feverishly, “imagine, for instance a war! Anyone who possessed Krakatit could could  whenever he liked ”

“At present only on Tuesdays and Fridays.”

“ blowup whole towns  whole armies  everything! All that is necessary is to sprinkle—can you imagine?”

“I can. Magnificent!”

“And therefore for the sake of the world  I shall never, never give it up.”