The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-01-16

turned and saw him For the brief
est instant he stared at the intruder;
then, with remarkable agility, cast
himself toward the table ON which
stood the wireless sender barrow
too, sprang forward. They met across
the table. barrow clutched the old
mans wrists
Immediately began desperate and
silent trial 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. Oar
row put forth all his strength to pre-
vent. There was no violent struggle,
no noise; simply the pressure of op-
posing forces. Gradually the scien-
lists 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 entirely
Darrow swept his arm back. stepped
around the table, and drew his oppo
nent. 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 un-
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 a
shade-1tting of the window.
The outer door jerked open, and
Jack Warford leaped into the room,
revolver in hand. barrow called an
instant warning.
"All right" he shouted Turn on
the light. next you somewhere. Shut
|. the door,"
These orders we're obeyed. The
electric fiared. BY its light the office
was seen to be quite empty save for
cabinet full of books and papers; rows
and rows of battery Jars; the receiv-
ing and sending apparatus of wire
less 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
don't get near the table. That's it,
Now just help me get this man little
away from the table. Goodi Now,
tie him up. No, bring 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 friend" ne addressed the
huddled figure in the chair, "the
: game is up. You are caught, and you
must realize It." He surveyed the cap
tive thoughtfully. Tell me, who are
your" he added. 81 should know you.
for you are 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.
Pm sorry" said barrow to Jack
), II should like to have talked with him
Such man is worth knowing; he has
delved deep"
He'll talk yet, when he gets over
his CROUCH" Jack surmised.
But Darrow 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, believe you're right"
said he at last.
Darrow was standing looking down
> on the deal table.
Come here, Jack" said he. 81 want
: you to look at the deadliest engine of
destruction ever invented or welded
by mortal man. suspect that if
you were to reach out your hand and
hold down the innocent-looking tele-
graph key there you would instantly
! destroy every living creature in this
city,"
Jack turned little pale, and put
both hands behind him.
barrow laughed. Feel tempted"
!. he inquired.
Makes me feel little dizzy, like
being on a 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
anything, he proceeded to examine
carefully every detail of the appara-
tus.
"The batteries are nothing extraor.