The Detroit times., 1913-04-25
CHAPTER XXI.
Tho MAJ NAwV neor

allowed him in the expectation of q
ong expedition. To the young mans
urprise II lasted just TO the hall
There barrow stopped before the
blank door Of an apparently unused
ONCE. Into the lock OF this he eau
tiously fitted key, manipulated II foI
a moment. and turned TO Jack with an
air OF satisfaction.
You have your gun with your" he
asked.
Jack patted his outside pocket.
Very well. now listen here: | an
going to leave the key In the lock II
you hear me whistle sharply. get In al
quickly as you know how, and get to
shooting. Shoot to Kill. II II hap
pens to be dark and you can not make
us out, shoot both. Take no chances
On your Quickness and your accuracy
may depend the lives OF the whole
city. Do you understand"
IL understand" said Jack steadily
Are you sure you can make yourself
heard above all this row."
barrow nodded, and slipped inside
the door
He found the office chamber I'm
lighted save by the subdued illumina'
ton that came in around the
drawn shades Of the window. Against
the dimness he could just make out
the cleaning Of batteries In rows. An
ordinary deal table supported a wire
less sender. A figure stood before the
darkened window, the figure OF III
tie. old, bent man facing as though
looking out Through the closed case
ment the roar OF the panic-sticken city
sounded like food. The old man
was I'm the attitude OF one looking out
iutenNy. Once he raised both arms,
the fists clenched, high above his
head.
barrow stole forward as quietly as
he could When he was about half
way cross the room the old man turn
ed and saw him. Nor the briefest
instant he stared at the intruder;
then, with remarkable agility, cast
himself toward the table on which
stood the wireless sender. Darrow,
too, sprang forward. They met across
the table. barrow clutched the old
mans wrists.
Immediately began a desperate ana
silent trial OF strength. The old man
developed an unexpected power. The
table lay between them. prohibiting q
closer grip. Inch by inch, impelled
by the mans iron will, his hand
forced his way toward the sending
key barrow put forth all his strength
TO prevent There was no violent
struggle no noise: simply the pres
sure of opposing forces. Gradually
the scientists youth prevailed against
the older mans desperation The
Rand creeping toward the sender came
to a stop. Then, all at once, the older
mans resistance collapsed entirely.
Darrow swept his arm back, stepped
around the table. and drew his oppon-
ent, almost unresisting, back to the
window.
Jack" he called.
AT the sound Of his voice the old
man gathered his last vitality In
tremendous effort to jerk loose from
his captor. Catching Darrow UNI
awares, he almost succeeded In get
ting free. The fash was too brief
He managed only to rap the young
mans head rather sharply against
shade -fitting OF the window.
The outer door jerked open, and
Jack Warford leaped into the room,
revolver pr hand. barrow called an
instant warning.
All right" he shouted. Turn on
the light, next you somewhere. Shut
the door"
These orders were obeyed. The
electric fared. BY its light the office
was seen to be quite empty save TOT
a cabinet full Of books and papers;
rows and rows Of battery Jars; the
receiving and sending apparatus OF
wireless outfit: the deal table. and
one wooden chair. Darrow looked
around keenly.
That's all right, Jack" said he.
"Just get around here cautiously and
raise the window shade. Look out
YOU don't get near that table That's
IL. Now Just help me get this man
little away from the table. Good!
Now. tie him up. No. bring over the
chair. Tie him in that chair. Gently.
That's all right. Whew!'
You're hurt" said Jack.
barrow touched his forehead.
"A bump" he said briefly. We'll.
Jack. my son, we've done IT,"
"You don't mean to say" cried
Jack.
barrow nodded.
Now. my freind," he addressed the
huddled figure In the chair, "the game
10 up. IOu Ndu6Ht, ohu ySu Ae"'
realize IT. He surveyed the captive
thoughtfully. Tell me, who are your"
he added II should, know you, for
you are a great discoverer
The old man stared straight at his
interlocutor with his expressionless
eyes. behind which no soul, no mind,
no vitality even seemed to lie.
barrow asked him several more
questions. to which he received no re-
plies, The man sat like a captured
beast
SIN sorry" said Darrow to Jack.
II should like-to have talked with
him. Such a man Is worth knowing;
he has delved deep"
Hell talk yet. when he gets over
his CROUCH" Jack surmised.
But barrow shook his head.
THE man is imbecile." he said. "He
has been mentally unbalanced; and
his disorder has grown on him lately.
When drove back his wrist Just now
the cord snapped In his brain"
Jack turned to stare at the captive.
by Jove, I believe you're right"
said he at last.
barrow was. standing looking down
on the deal table.
Come here. Jack" said he. IT want
YOU to look at the deAdliest engine OF
destruction ever invented or welded
by mortal man. subpect that II you
we're to reach out your hand and hold