Zorzi had wrapped a cloth round his right hand, against the heat, and he thrust the great spoon through the round orifice.

Though it was the hundredth time of testing, the old man watched his movements with intensest interest.
"Quickly, quickly!" he cried, quite unconscious that he was speaking.
There was no need of hurrying Zorzi.

In two steps he had reached the table, and the white hot stuff spread out over the iron plate, instantly turning to a greenish yellow, then to a pale rose-colour, then to a deep and glowing red, as it felt the cool metal.

The two men stood watching it closely, for it was thin and would soon cool.

Zorzi was too wise to say anything.