A variable and yet perfectly precise mechanism.

A really intelligent detonator." "Twenty seconds," muttered Ossipon again.

"Ough! And then--" With a slight turn of the head the glitter of the spectacles seemed to gauge the size of the beer saloon in the basement of the renowned Silenus Restaurant.
"Nobody in this room could hope to escape," was the verdict of that survey.

"Nor yet this couple going up the stairs now." The piano at the foot of the staircase clanged through a mazurka with brazen impetuosity, as though a vulgar and impudent ghost were showing off.

The keys sank and rose mysteriously.