Great danger attended this manufacture.

The slightest forgetfulness while he was manipulating the ingredients, any delay, too, in turning off a tap, might lead to a terrible explosion, which would annihilate the building and all who might be in it.

For this reason he preferred to work when he was alone, so that on the one hand there might be no danger for others, and on the other less likelihood of his own attention being diverted from his task.

That morning, as it happened, his three sons were working in the room, and Mere-Grand sat sewing near the furnace.

Truth to tell, she did not count, for she scarcely ever left her place, feeling quite at ease there, however great might be the peril.