The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-06-29
Copyrighted. NM
TIE BoBBsMEaRIIL COMPANY.
barrow nodded, and slipped inside

tne QOOl.
He found the Office chamber uniighted
save by the subdued illumination 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 wireless sender A
figure stood before the darkened win
dow, the figure of little, old, bent
man facing as though looking out
Through the closed easement the roar
of the panic-stricken city sounded like
food. The old man was in the atti-
tude of one looking out intently. 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 across the room the old man turn
ed and saw him. For the briefest in
slant 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 desperate and
silent trail of strength. The old man
developed an unexpected power. The
table lay between them, prohibiting a
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 pressure of opposing forces.
Gradually the scientists youth prevailed
against the older mans desperation.
The hand creeping toward the sender
came to a stop. Then, all at once, the
older mans resistance collapsed en-
tirely. barrow swept his arm back
stepped around the table, and drew his
opponent, almost unresisting, back to
the window.
"Jacki' he called.
At the sound of his voice the old
man gathered his last vitality in a trc-
mendous effort to Jerk loose from his
captor Catching barrow unawares, he
almost succeeded in getting free. The
fash was too brief. He managed only
to rap the young mans head rather
sharply against a shade-htting of the
window.
The outer door jerked open, and
Jack Warford leaped into the room, re-
volver in hand. barrow called an in
slant warning.
"All right" he shouted. Turn on
the light next you somewhere. Shut
the door,"
These orders were obeyed. The
electric fared. By It's light the Office
was seen to be quite empty save for a
cabinet full of books and papers; rows
and rows of battery jars; the receiv-
ing and sending apparatus of a wire
less outfit the deal table, and one
wooden chair. barrow 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 it..
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. Whewp
You're hurt" said Jack.
Darrow touched his forehead.
"A bump" he said briefly. well,
Jack, my son, we've done it.
You don't mean to say" cried
Jack.
Now, my friend" he addressed the
huddled figure in the chair, ''the game
is up. You are caught, and you must
realize it" He surveyed the captive
thoughtfully. Tell me, who are your"
he added. 81 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.
I'm sorry" said Darrow to Jack
Il should like to have talked with him.
Such man is worth knowing; he has
delved Deep"
Hell talk yet. when he gets over
his CROUCH" Jack surmised.
But Darrow shook his head
The man is imbecile," he said. "Hel
has been mentally unbalanced; and his
disorder has grown on him lately.
When l drove back his wrist now the
cord snapped in his BRAIN
Jack turned to stare at the captive.
BY jove, believe you're rightp
said he at last.
barrow was standing looking down
on the deal table.
Com here, Jack" said he. / want
you to look at the deadliest engine of
destruction ever invented or welded
by mortal man. l suspect that If l
were to reach out your hand and hold
down the innocent-looking telegraph
key there you would instantly destroy
every living creature in this city"
Jack turned a little pale, and put
both hands behind him.
barrow laughed. Feel tempted p
he inquired.
Makes me little dizzy, like being
on height" confessed Jack. "How's
the trick turned?"
Il don't know said barrow. I'm
going TO find out if / can"
Without attempting to touch any,
thing, he proceeded to examine care
fully every detail of the apparatus.
The batteries are nothing extraor-
binary, except in strength he told
Jack, "and as near as can make out
the instrument is like any other. 1t
must be some modification in the send
ing apparatus, some system of 'tun-
ng,' perhaps-it's only surmise., Well
lust disconnect the batteries he con-
,luded, before we go to monkeying.
He proceeded carefully and method
cally to carry out his expressed inten-
ion When he had finished the task
lie heaved a deep sigh of relief.
I'm glad you feel that way, too"
laid Jack. Il didn't know what might