This had occurred some time prior to Stoner's arrival; in fact, it was only by chance that he heard of it.
One day in passing the spot Stoner noticed a slight depression in the ground, filled with water through which occasional bubbles of gas rose.
Being of an inquisitive turn of mind, he had amused himself with some experiments and found that the gas was inflammable.

Moreover, it gave off an odor not unlike that of natural gas.

It was a phenomenon of decomposition new to the driller, and it gave him a great idea.

He went to town and very cautiously told of his discovery--a gas seepage, with traces of oil.

His story caused a sensation, and he led several of the wealthiest citizens to the spot, then watched them in all gravity while they ignited the gas, smelled it, tasted the soil.