Have you grasped that ? "

"Yes."

'* Very good. You are also aware, I
presume, that modern projectiles are either
made of or tipped with steel. It may possibly
have come to your ears that magnets attract
steel. Permit me now to show you a small
experiment." He bent over his apparatus,
and I suddenly heard the snapping of
electricity. " This," he continued, going
across to the packing case, "is a saloon
pistol, and will be exhibited in the museums
of the next century as being the weapon with
which the new era was inaugurated. Into
the breech I place a Boxer cartridge, specially



THE STARK MUNEO LETTERS. 127

provided for experimental purposes with a
steel bullet. I aim point blank at the dab of
red sealing wax upon the wall, which is four
inches above the magnet. I am an absolutely
dead shot, I fire. You will now advance
and satisfy yourself that the bullet is flattened
upon the end of the magnet, after which you
will apologise to me for that grin."

I looked, and it certainly was as he had said.
"I'll tell you what I would do," he cried.
" I am prepared to put that magnet in Hetty's
bonnet, and to let you fire six shots straight
at her face. How's that for a test ? You
wouldn't mind, Hetty ? Eh, what ! "

I don't think she would have objected, but
I hastened to disclaim any share in such an
experiment.
