The main pipes would run
to England, Ireland, and Scotland, where they would subdivide rapidly
until they formed a network two feet deep under the whole country.
A pipe at distances of a yard would suffice for every purpose."
"I am afraid," suggested Robert, "that the water which left the Isle of
Man warm might lose a little of its virtue before it reached Caithness,
for example."
"There need not be any difficulty there. Every few miles a furnace
might be arranged to keep up the temperature. These are a few of my
plans for the future, Robert, and I shall want the co-operation
of disinterested men like yourself in all of them. But how brightly the
sun shines, and how sweet the countryside looks! The world is very
beautiful, and I should like to leave it happier than I found it.
Let us walk out together, Robert, and you will tell me of any fresh
cases where I may be of assistance."
CHAPTER IX.
A NEW DEPARTURE.
Whatever good Mr. Raffles Haw's wealth did to the world, there could be
no doubt that there were cases where it did harm. The very
contemplation and thought of it had upon many a disturbing and
mischievous effect. Especially was this the case with the old gunmaker.
From being merely a querulous and grasping man, he had now become
bitter, brooding, and dangerous.
Pages:
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102