I want to know whether it is necessary to use a solvent after firing it in big guns.

As a bursting charge I'm practically satisfied with it; but time is required to know how it acts on steel in storage or on the bores of guns when exploded as a propelling charge.

Meanwhile," turning to Lawn, "I'm tremendously obliged to you for coming--and for your offer.

You see how it is, don't you?
I couldn't risk taking money for a thing which might, at the end, prove dear at any price." "I cheerfully accept that risk," insisted young Lawn; "I am quite ready to do all the worrying, Captain Selwyn." But Selwyn merely shook his head, repeating: "You see how it is, don't you ?" "I see that you possess a highly developed conscience," said Edgerton Lawn, laughing; "and when I tell you that we are more than willing to take every chance of failure--" But Selwyn shook his head: "Not yet," he said; "don't worry; I need the money, and I'll waste no time when a square deal is possible.

But I ought to tell you this: that first of all I must offer it to the Government.