Like a gun out at sea." "I heard a slight noise a little while ago, and I was listening when I saw a flash and heard the report.

Mr Winthorpe, I'm afraid there's something wrong again." "No, no, man!" "I'm afraid I must say, Yes, sir.

That sound was not off the sea, but much nearer the house.

Who's that ?" "Hallo! who's on that ladder ?" cried the squire, turning sharply round at the engineer's query.

"Tom Tallington ?" "Yes, sir," faltered Tom.
"What are you doing here, sir?
Is Dick there ?" "Yes, father." "What's the meaning of this, sir ?" "We saw a flash, father, and heard a report!" "Where ?" cried Mr Marston.
"I think it must have been close to the outfall of the big drain, father." "There! you hear," said Mr Marston in a low voice.