The Glenwood post., 1913-11-22

porter.
How do you know" cried Jack.
Simmons. his head piece laid aside.
looked up At him in silent curiosity.
1t 10 suficient for now that l do
know" smiled Darrow. As for how
know. that last wireless proved it to
me-"
All three men Immediately bent over
the message for detailed perusal.
After q minutes scrutiny. Hallowell
looked up in disappointment.
Too many for me-" he confessed.
What is there in that?"
But Darrow shook his head.
Il play my own game" was all the
explanation he would vouchsafe.
You may as well knock OF, old
man." he told Simmons. Il don't think
/ there'll be anything more doing to-
night; and it doesn't matter if there is.
thing from that sending, il any comes
Now" he turned to Hallowell, Il want
to see your managing editor"
The three took the subway to City
Hall Square. The managing editor
received Darrow with much favor as
the vehicle of big scoop brought in
far enough ahead of going to press to
permit of ample time for its develop
ment.
this man, this is going to be an in
teresting week for you. Here's you
last exclusive dispatch. From tomor
row morning every paper in town will
naturally get every wireless that
comes in
HIM." observed Curtis. reading the
dispatch. What next"
Hell fulfil his threat. Tomorrow
evening at six O'Clock he will stop the
vibrations either of light, Of electricity.
or Of sound-probably Of electricity.
a. he has appointed the rush hour"
Most likely" Curtis agreed.
Warn the people to keep out of the
subway, and not to get scared. Take
It easy. There's NO danger. Explain
why In words Of one syllable"
"0ure."
"Now, this 10 what In here for. Up
to now these manifestations have been
harmless in their direct effects. But
follow the hypothesis to its logical
conclusion. Suppose this man can ar
rest the vibrations not only of light
and sound. but also of the third men,
Der OF the vibratory trinity. Suppose
he should go one step farther: and.
even for the barest fraction of time.
should be able to stop the vibrations
o. heat"
The managing editor half rose. As
the idea in its full Significance gained
hold on their imaginations the three
another
That il annihilation!" Curtis whis-
pered.
"On 4 Wholesale SCALE" agreed Oar
row calmly. 1T means the death of
! every living thing from the smallest
insect to the largest animal. from the
microbe to the very lichens on the
stones Of Trinity. I agree with the
way you look" He laughed a little.
But the case isn't 20 bad ~ it
sounds" he went on. IF the crust of
the earth were to collapse. that would
be annihilation. too. But 1t isn't likely
! to happen. There are several things
/ to think Of"
What, for the love Of Pete!" gasped
Curtis. ANY small efforts at muck
raking this refrigerator trust would
be thankfully received"
In the first place, as you know"
explained Darrow. his power seems to
be limited in certain directions. He ap-
! parently can stop vibrations only of GER
tain defined wave-lengths at one time.
1t may be that he 10 unable to stop
/ hea. vibrations at ALL"
You'll have to do better than that
growled Curtis.
"The rest 10 faith-on your part, "
replied Darrow. For I'll guarantee
that even II Monsieur X has this pow
er, I'll stop him before he exercises it
Guarantee? inquired Curtis.
There's nothing to prevent my NOV
ing to California or Mombassa if 1
tnougnt myself in any danger here"
/ Darrow pointed out. "It would be
very easy for me quietly to warn my
friends and quietly do the grand
sneak"
liue, HultClC0 Sul lloy
on his desk for a pipe.
THE danger isn't the point-it's 8
the fear of danger" said Darrow.
! Curtis looked up, arresting the
operation of crowding the tobacco into
+ the pipe bowl.
Suppose that throughout the length
and breadth Of this city the idea
should be spread broadcast that at
any given moment it might be destroy
ed. Can you imagine the effect?"
Immediate exodus grinned Cur
tis. Immediate is a nice dignified
word" he added
+ Quite SO. and them"
"f-h -
What in blazes would four million
city people without homes or occupa-