Three of these walls formed the original foundation of an old and
extensive suburban mansion, the location, ownership and present use of
which will presently appear. The fourth wall, that with the door, was of
more recent construction, and was built squarely across the original
cellar of the house. It had been made to mask this secret subterranean
chamber in which the Kilgore gang was then gathered.
The place was commodious, and contained some noteworthy objects. In one
corner was a powerful hydraulic press. Near by was a splendid electrical
furnace, capable of generating an extraordinary degree of heat. Against
the adjoining wall were several barrels of sulphur, of which only one
was unheaded. Near by was a large box of anthracite coal, black and
glistening in the rays of the arc light.
Parallel with the opposite wall was a workbench, laden with curious
retorts, crucibles, test tubes, metal molds, and no end of tools, all of
which plainly suggested the work of one versed both in chemistry and
some mechanical art.
In the middle of the room was a square deal table, at which Kilgore was
seated, with Matt Stall and Spotty Dalton, the original three of the
Kilgore gang.
Two other persons were present, however, and they were engaged in
examining some work on the bench mentioned.
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