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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16168-8.txt b/16168-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..910357b --- /dev/null +++ b/16168-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8474 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Master Mystery, by Arthur B. Reeve and +John W. Grey + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Master Mystery + + +Author: Arthur B. Reeve and John W. Grey + + + +Release Date: July 1, 2005 [eBook #16168] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY*** + + +E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo, Eva Sweeney, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 16168-h.htm or 16168-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168/16168-h/16168-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168/16168-h.zip) + + + + + +THE MASTER MYSTERY + +Novelized by + +ARTHUR B. REEVE and JOHN W. GREY + +From Scenarios by Arthur B. Reeve in Collaboration with John W. Grey +and C.A. Logue + +Profusely Illustrated with Photographic Reproductions Taken from the +Houdini Super-Serial of the Same Name. A B. A. Rolfe Production. + +New York +Grosset & Dunlap +Publishers + +Published May, 1919 + + + + + + + +THE MASTER MYSTERY + + + + +CHAPTER I + + +Peter Brent sat nervously smoking in the library of his great house, +Brent Rock. + +He was a man of about forty-five or -six--a typical, shrewd business man. +Something, however, was evidently on his mind, for, though he tried to +conceal it, he lacked the self-assurance that was habitually his before +the world. + +A scowl clouded his face as the door of the library was flung open and +he heard voices in the hall. A tall, spare, long-haired man forced his +way in, crushing his soft black hat in his hands. + +"I _will_ see Mr. Brent," insisted the new-comer, as he pushed past the +butler. "Mr. Brent!" he cried, advancing with a wild light in his eyes. +"I'm tired of excuses. I want justice regarding that water-motor of +mine." He paused, then added, shaking his finger threateningly, "Put it +on the market--or I will call in the Department of Justice!" + +Brent scowled again. For years he had been amassing a fortune by a +process that was scarcely within the law. + +For, when inventions threaten to render useless already existing +patents, necessitating the scrapping of millions of dollars' worth of +machinery, vested interests must be protected. + +Thus, Brent and his partner, Herbert Balcom, had evolved a simple method +of protecting corporations against troublesome inventors and inventions. +They had formed their own corporation, International Patents, +Incorporated. + +Their method was effective--though desperate. It was to suppress the +inventor and his labor. They bought the sole rights from the inventor, +promising him glittering royalties. The joker was that the invention was +suppressed. None were ever manufactured. Hence there were no royalties +and the corporations went on undisturbed while Brent and Balcom +collected huge retainers for the protection they afforded them. + +Thus Brent Rock had come to be hated by scores of inventors defrauded in +this unequal conflict with big business. + +The inventor looked about at the library, richly paneled in oak and +luxuriously furnished. Through a pair of folding-doors he could see the +dining-room and a conservatory beyond. All this had been paid for by +himself and such as he. + +"Sit down, sir," nodded Brent, suavely. + +The man continued to stand, growing more and more excited. Had he been a +keener observer he would have seen that under Brent's suavity there was +a scarcely hidden nervousness. + +Finally Brent leaned over and spoke in a whisper, looking about as +though the very walls might have ears. + +"My dear fellow," he confided, "for some time I have been considering +your water-motor. I will return the model to you--release the patent to +the world." + +He drew back to watch the effect on the aged inventor. Could it be that +Brent was lying? Or was it fear? Could it be that at last his seared +conscience was troubling him? + +At that exact moment, up-stairs, in a private laboratory in the house, +sat a young man at a desk--a handsome, strong-faced, clean-cut chap. All +about him were the scientific instruments which he used to test +inventions offered to Brent. + +A look of intent eagerness passed over his face. For Quentin Locke was +not testing any of Brent's patents just now. Over his head he had the +receivers of a dictagraph. + +It was a strange act for one so recently employed as manager of Brent's +private laboratory. Yet such a man must have had his reasons. + +One who was interested might have followed the wire from the +dictagraph-box in the top drawer of the desk down the leg of the desk, +through the very walls to the huge chandelier in the library below, +where, in the ornamented brass-work, reposed a small black disk about +the size of a watch. It was the receiving-end of the dictagraph. + +Suddenly the young man's face broke out into a smile and without +thinking he stopped writing what the little mechanical eavesdropper was +conveying him from below. He listened intently as he heard a silvery +laugh over the wire. + +"Oh, I didn't know you were busy. I thought these flowers--Well, never +mind. I'll leave them, anyway." + +It was Eva Brent, daughter of the head of the firm, who had danced in +from the conservatory like a June zephyr in December. + +"My dear," Locke could hear the patent magnate welcome, "it is all +right. Stay a moment and talk to this gentleman while I go down to the +museum." + +Locke listened eagerly, glancing now and then at a photograph of Eva +Brent on his own desk, while she chatted gaily with the inventor. It was +evident that Eva had not the faintest idea of the hard nature of the +business of her father. + +Meanwhile, Brent himself had left the library and passed through the +portièred door into the hall. He did not turn up the grand staircase in +the center of the wide hall, but hurried, preoccupied, to a door under +the stairs that opened down to the cellar. + +He started to open it to pass down. As he did so he did not hear a light +footstep on the stairs as his secretary, Zita Dane, came down. But he +did not escape her watchful eye. + +"Mr. Brent," she called, "is there anything I can do?" + +Brent paused. "Wait a moment for me in the library," he directed, as he +turned again to enter the cellar. + +He closed the door and Zita watched him with an almost uncanny interest, +then turned to the library to join Eva and the new-comer. + +Down the cellar steps Brent made his way, and across the cellar floor, +pausing at the rocky wall of the foundation of the house blasted and +hewn out of the cliff on which it towered above the river. A heavy steel +door in the rock wall barred the way. + +Brent whirled the combination and shot the bolts, and the door swung +ponderously open, disclosing a rock-hewn cavern. Three walls of the +cavern were lined with shelves containing inventions of all +kinds--telegraph and telephone instruments, engine models, +railroad-signaling and safety devices, racks of bottles containing +dangerous chemicals and their antidotes--all conceivable manner of +mechanical and scientific paraphernalia. It was literally a Graveyard of +Genius--harboring the ghosts of a thousand inventors' dead hopes. + +Brent entered hastily and went directly to a shelf. There he picked up a +model of a motor. He blew the dust from it and examined it approvingly. + +Suddenly he saw something that caused him to start. He looked down at +his feet. There was a piece of paper on the floor. + +He picked it up and read it, and as he did so he started back, +frightened--then angry. He looked about at the rock-hewn cavern +walls--then read again: + + BRENT--This is my last warning. If you persist in your course you + will be struck down by the Madagascar madness. + Q. + +Under his breath, Brent swore. Again he looked about the cavern, then +turned hurriedly, picked up the motor, passed out the steel door, +clanged it shut, and locked it. + +No sooner had Brent shut the door, however, than it seemed as if the +very face of the outer rocky wall of the cavern began to move--to tilt, +as if on hinges. + +If a human eye had been in the Graveyard of Genius at that instant it +would have sworn that it perceived in the inky blackness of the tilting +rock a passage, and in the shadows of that passage a huge, weird, +grotesque figure peering in. + +Then the tilting rock door closed again, as the figure disappeared down +the rocky passage on the opposite side--a menace and a threat to the +owner of Brent Rock, insecure even in his millions. + + + +CHAPTER II + + +When Brent arrived back at the library he had quite recovered his poise, +at least to the eyes of those in the library. Zita had joined Eva with +the old inventor, Davis. + +As Brent entered, Davis uttered an exclamation of joy at the sight of +his motor. For the moment Brent almost glowed. + +"Along with your invention," he beamed, as he handed the model to the +old man, "I am going to release many others to the world." + +All this not only Locke was noting, but Zita, too, appeared to be an +almost too interested listener. + +The others were chatting when Zita heard a noise in the hall and hurried +out. She was just in time to see a rather hard-visaged man, with cruel, +penetrating eyes. It was Herbert Balcom, vice-president of the company. + +Zita whispered to him a moment and Balcom's hard face grew harder. + +"Go up-stairs--watch _him_," he ordered, passing down the hall. + +Balcom entered the library just as Davis was about to leave, hugging +close to him his brain child. Davis clutched it a bit closer at sight of +the other partner. + +A glance would have been sufficient to show that Brent was secretly +afraid of his partner, Balcom, and that Balcom dominated him. + +"Go to the gate with him, my dear," whispered Brent to his daughter, who +was clinging to his arm, convinced of the goodness of her father, +ignorant of the very basis on which the Brent and Balcom fortune rested. + +Balcom's mouth tightened as he came closer to Brent, menacing, the +moment they were alone. + +"How long has this double crossing been going on?" sneered Balcom, +jerking his head toward the door through which Eva had just gone with +the inventor, and shoving his face close to Brent's. + +"It's not double crossing, Balcom," Brent attempted to conciliate, +"but--" + +"No 'buts,'" interrupted Balcom, with deadly coldness. "Keep on, and +you'll have the government down on us for violating the anti-trust law. +What's the matter? Have you lost your nerve?" + +As Balcom almost hissed the question, up in the laboratory Locke was now +writing furiously in his note-book, when he was interrupted by a knock +at the door. He whipped the dictagraph receiver off his head and jumped +to his feet, hiding all traces of the dictagraph in the desk drawer. +Then he moved over to the door, unlocked it, and flung it open. + +"Oh, I hope I haven't interrupted you in any important experiment," +apologized Zita, innocently enough. + +"Nothing important," camouflaged Locke. + +Though Locke did not seem to notice it, another would have seen that +Zita cared a great deal for him. + +"May I come in?" she asked, wheedling. + +"Certainly. I am charmed, I assure you." + +While Zita was gushingly effusive, Locke was correct and formally polite +as he bowed his acquiescence. Zita felt it. + +For a moment she stood looking at a half-finished experiment on the +laboratory table, then finally she turned to Locke with a calculated +impulsiveness. + +"Why do you treat me so coldly," she asked, "when you know I admire your +wonderful work?" + +"Really, Miss Dane," he apologized, "I didn't mean to be rude." + +Yet there was an air of constraint in his very tone. + +"Do you know," she flashed, "I can't help feeling that you are so +brilliant--you must be something more than you seem." + +Locke suppressed a quick look of surprise. Was she trying to worm some +secret from him? He masked his face cleverly. + +"Indeed, you must be imagining things," he replied, quietly, turning and +strolling toward the window of his laboratory. + +The moment his back was turned Zita picked up the photograph of Eva on +the desk. For a moment she stood glaring at it jealously. + +Out of the window Locke smiled. For, down on the gravel path, walking +slowly toward the gate to the Brent Rock grounds, he could see Eva and +Davis. + +The smile faded into a scowl. He had seen a young man enter the gate. It +was Paul Balcom, son of Herbert Balcom, and Paul was engaged to +Eva--thus giving Balcom a stronger hold over Brent. + +Locke knew enough about Paul to dislike him thoroughly and to distrust +him. Had Locke been able to see over the hedge he would have confirmed +his suspicions. For Paul had actually driven up to Brent Rock in the +runabout of as notorious a woman as could have been found in the night +life of the city--one known as De Luxe Dora in the unsavory half-world +in which both were leaders. Had his dictagraph been extended to the +hedge he would have heard her voice rasp at Paul: + +"Your father may make you pay attention to this girl, Paul, but +remember--you had not better double cross me." + +Paul's protestations of underworld fidelity, would have added to Locke's +fury. + +However, Locke had not seen or heard. Still, it was unbearable that this +fellow Paul should be engaged to a girl like Eva. Tall, dark, handsome +though he was, Locke knew him to be a man not to be trusted. + +Paul hurried up to Eva, not a bit disconcerted at the near discovery of +his intimacy with Dora. And, whatever one may believe about woman's +intuition, there must have been something in it, for even at a distance +one could see that Eva mistrusted Paul Balcom, her fiancé. Locke scowled +blackly. + +Paul thrust himself almost rudely between Davis and Eva. Again Davis +shrank, as he had from the young man's father, then bowed, excused +himself, and hurried off, hugging his motor to him, while Paul took +Eva's hand, which she was not any too willing to give him. Locke +watched, motionless, as the couple turned back to the house. + +Somehow Eva must have felt his gaze. She turned and looked upward at the +laboratory window. As she saw Locke her face broke into a smile and she +waved her hand gaily. Paul saw it and a swift flush of anger crossed his +face. He pulled Eva abruptly by the arm. + +"Let's go into the house," he said, almost angrily. + +Seeing the action, Locke also turned from the window to encounter Zita, +still watching. Without a word he left the laboratory. + +While this little quadrangle of conflicting emotions of Locke, Eva, +Paul, and Zita was being enacted the two partners in the library were +disputing hot and heavy. As they argued, almost it seemed as if Balcom's +very face limned his thoughts--that he desired Brent out of the way, as +a weakling in whom he had discovered some traces of conscience which, to +Balcom, meant weakness. + +Balcom leaned forward excitedly. "I do not intend to let you wreck this +company because your conscience, as you call it, has begun to trouble +you," he hissed. + +Brent's hand clutched nervously. He was afraid of Balcom--so much so +that he fought back only weakly. + +Locke was down in the hallway just in time to meet Eva and Paul as they +entered. + +"Oh--do you know, I'm so glad--I think my father is the most +kind-hearted of men," Eva trilled to Locke, as she recounted what had +happened in the library with Davis. + +Locke listened with restrained admiration for the girl, whatever might +have been his secret opinion of her father or of the story he already +knew. + +On his part, Paul did not relish the situation, nor did he take any +pains to conceal it. He shrugged and turned away. + +"Come," he said, with a tone of surly authority, "I think I hear my +father in the library." + +Eva looked back swiftly at Locke and smiled as Paul led her toward the +library door. But that, also, made Paul more furious. + +"Why do you make me ridiculous before that fellow?" he demanded. + +"I'm sorry," replied Eva, in surprise. "I didn't meant to do that." + +Vaguely Paul understood. The girl was too unsophisticated to have meant +it. Somehow that made it worse. Though she did not know it, he did. +Unknown to herself, there was a response in the presence of Locke which +was not inspired in his own society. He hurried her into the library. + +It was as though the entrance of Paul and Eva had been preconcerted. The +partners, in their dispute, stopped and turned as the young people +entered and moved over to a divan. Balcom lowered his voice and plucked +at Brent's sleeve as he nodded toward the couple. + +"I could trust you better if they were married within a week," suggested +Balcom. + +Brent recoiled, but Balcom affected not to notice. + +"Then I will believe that you are dealing fairly with me," he +emphasized. + +Brent studied a moment, then nodded assent. Balcom extended a cold, +commanding hand and the partners shook hands. + +Outside, Locke had paused, about to enter the library. The pause had +been just long enough for him to hear--and it was a blow to him. He +watched, dazed, as the two older men walked over to the younger couple; +then he turned away, heart sick. + +"My dear," began Brent, as he patted the shoulder of the girl, the one +spot of goodness that had shone in the otherwise blackness of his life, +making him at last realize the depth to which lust of money had made him +sink, "we were just saying that perhaps it would be advisable +to--er--hasten your marriage to Paul--say--perhaps next week." + +The words seemed to stick in his throat. + +As for Eva, she felt a shiver pass over her. Without knowing why, she +drew back from Paul, at her side, shrank even closer to her father, +trying not to tremble. Did Paul realize it? + +Brent felt the shudder with a pang. He leaned over. "Promise to do +this--for my sake," he whispered, so low that there was no chance of the +others hearing. "By to-morrow all may be changed." + +There was something ominous about the very words. + + + +CHAPTER III + + +Brent had no intention of keeping the promise which Balcom had extracted +from him by a species of moral duress that afternoon. + +In fact, already he had gone too far in his plans for restitution--or +was it self-preservation?--to turn back. It was late in the night that +he himself secretly admitted to the house a tall, dark-haired stranger +who evidently called by appointment. + +"Well, Flint," he greeted, in a hushed tone, "what was it you asked to +see me about?" + +Flint replied not a word, but impressively tapped a bundle which he +carried under his arm and began to undo the cord which bound it. + +Brent looked startled, then caught himself. He had known Flint for some +time--an adventurer, more or less unscrupulous, who had been the foreign +representative of International Patents. + +Flint took off his coat and threw it on a chair with an air of assurance +that seemed to increase Brent's anxiety, then began again to untie the +bulky package. + +"Just a moment, Flint," cautioned Brent, stopping him. + +With an air of uneasy secrecy Brent hurried to the door that led from +the dining-room to the conservatory and bolted it securely. Then he made +sure that the door to the library was bolted. + +As he did so he did not see his secretary, Zita, watching in the hall, +for the footsteps of Locke, approaching, had caught her quick ear and +she had fled. + +"Locke!" called Brent, hearing his laboratory, manager. "Under no +circumstances allow me to be disturbed to-night." + +"Very well, sir," responded Locke. + +Just then the light step of Eva was heard on the stairs. + +"What's the matter, father?" she asked, still upset by the events of the +afternoon. "Is there anything wrong?" + +"No, my dear, nothing," hastily replied Brent. "In the morning I shall +have something to say to you. Now run along like a good girl." + +Dutifully Eva turned. Brent watched her out of sight. Then with a keen +look at Locke he pulled out a paper from his pocket and handed it to the +young scientist, who read: + + BRENT,--This is my last warning. If you persist in your course you + will be struck down by the Madagascar madness. + Q. + +Locke looked up from the scrawl in alarmed perplexity. + +"What does this mean?" he queried. + +Brent merely shook his head cryptically. + +"Study this message. I shall have something very important to tell you +in the morning." + +As Brent turned back into the library he paused a moment and looked +after Locke, hesitating, as if he would call him back. Then he decided +not to do so, turned, and carefully locked the door from the dining-room +into the hallway. + +Eva was waiting at the head of the stairs as Locke, perplexed by the +strange actions of his employer, came up. + +"What _is_ the trouble?" she repeated, anxiously. "Please tell me. Is +there anything wrong?" + +"No--nothing," reassured Locke, in spite of his own doubt. "Everything +is all right." + +"I hope so." Eva lingered. "Good night." + +Locke bowed admiringly. But there was the same restraint in his look +that had been shown in the afternoon. + +"Good night," he murmured, slowly. + +Eva quite understood, and there was a smile of encouragement on her face +as she turned away and flitted down the hall to her room. + +Outside, Zita had hurried from the house to the nearest public +telephone-booth and was frantically calling Balcom at his apartment. + +"Mr. Balcom," she repeated, breathlessly, as the junior partner +answered, "Flint has returned. I have seen him." + +"The devil!" exclaimed Balcom, angrily, then checked himself before he +said any more. "Keep me informed." + +Abruptly he hung up. + +It was scarcely a moment later that Paul Balcom entered the Balcom +apartment, admitted by a turbaned black suggestive of the Orient. + +Paul was surly and had evidently been drinking, for he shoved the +servant roughly out of the way as he strode toward his father. + +Apparently outside Paul had overheard and had gathered the drift of what +Balcom had been saying. Or perhaps, from his own sources of information, +he already knew. At any rate, as Balcom turned from the telephone, +father and son faced each other angrily. + +"Brent's lying," exclaimed Paul. "That marriage to me must take place +to-morrow." + +Talking angrily, sometimes in agreement, at others far apart, the two +left the room. + +Back in the dining-room by this time Brent had rejoined Flint and now +watched him eagerly as he took the last wrappings from the package which +he had carried so carefully. + +As the last wrapping was stripped from it, on the table before them lay +a small steel model, perhaps three feet high--a weird-looking thing in +the miniature shape of a man, designed along lines that only a cubist +could have conceived--jointed, mobile, truly a contrivance at which to +marvel. + +Brent gazed incredulously at the strange thing. "An automaton!" he +exclaimed. + +"More than that," replied Flint, calmly. + +Flint unrolled a chart of the human nervous system and spread it out on +the table. Pointing to the brain, he leaned over tensely, and whispered: + +"This model is merely a piece of mechanism. But the real automaton +possesses a human brain which has been transplanted into it and made to +guide it." + +For a moment Brent listened incredulously, then sat back in his chair +and laughed skeptically. But even Flint recognized that there was a +hollowness in the laughter. + +"Do you mean to tell me," demanded Brent, "that a human brain has been +made to control a thing of no use except as a terrible engine of +destruction?" + +"Not only possible," reiterated Flint, "but it is true." + +"Oh, Flint," rallied Brent, with a sort of uneasiness, "you can't tell +_me_ that!" + +"Believe it or not," insisted the adventurer, "I have been in Madagascar +and I know." + +For a moment Brent paused at the vehemence of Flint's answer. What had +Flint to gain by misrepresentation? A thousand images of the past +flitted through Brent's brain. Then slowly a look of terror came over +Brent's face. Suppose it were indeed true--this Frankenstein, this +conscienceless inhuman superman? Brent gripped himself and composed his +features and his voice. + +"But this thing," he rasped. "What does this prove?" + +"Oh, this is merely automatic--a piece of mechanism--a model which I +stole. It works when it is wound up--not like the real one. Look." + +Flint put a pencil in the little steel hand of the model and pressed a +lever as he held a piece of paper under the pencil. Brent leaned over, +fascinated. + +Instantly the tiny hand began to trace on the paper one letter--the +simple letter "Q." + +As the hand finished the tail of the "Q" Brent gripped the table for +support. His eyes bulged and stared wildly. + +"My God!" burst from his lips. "It is the warning--Q!" + +For minutes Brent strove to regain his composure. + +Nor was Flint less impressed than the man before him. + +What would have been the emotions of both if they had been able to +penetrate with the eye through the rocky cliffs on which the stately +mansion of Brent Rock stood would have been hard to say. + +For, down in a rock-hewn cavern, not many hundred yards away and below +them, reached by a secret entrance from the shrubbery of the cliffs near +the shore, already had congregated several rough characters. They were +playing cards and drinking, now and then glancing furtively at the +passage entrance, as though they were expecting the arrival of some one +or something. + +Suddenly came a dull metallic clank through the passage, strangely +echoing. At once all leaped to their feet, at attention, not unmixed +with awe and fear that sat strangely on their desperate features. What +was it that they, who feared neither God nor man, feared? + +They strained their eyes, looking into the passage that led darkly away +into blackness. + +Dimly down it now could be seen two gleaming spots of light, points in +the Cimmerian darkness. They seemed to be growing larger and coming +nearer as with each hollow reverberation the dull metallic thuds +increased. + +Faintly now could be made out in the blackness a huge, stalking figure, +having the shape of a man, with gigantic, powerful shoulders, powerful +arms, a thick body, hips, and thighs that spelled terrific strength, +legs and feet that suggested irresistible force. + +"The Automaton!" escaped involuntarily from all lips. + +Slowly, irresistibly, the horrendous figure stalked forth into the dim +light. There it paused for a moment--a figure of steel, larger than most +men, yet not so large but that it might have incased a man. And yet its +motions, its every action, were like nothing mortal. Even these hardened +denizens of the underworld shuddered. + +In its hand the Automaton carried a five-branched candlestick, for what +purpose none seemed to know. Yet all bowed and quaked at every pantomime +motion of the figure, ready to do the bidding of the least motion of +their inhuman master. + +Still holding the candlestick with its five huge yellow candles before +him, the Automaton stalked forward to the table and impressively +deposited the candlestick on it, then stepped back a pace and waved his +ponderous hand at the assembled emissaries, who scarcely repressed their +own abject terror. + + + +CHAPTER IV + + +At a motion from the Automaton a dark-skinned Madagascan stepped forward +and lighted the five candles. At once a dense smoke began drifting from +the candles. + +The men looked at one another, showing an uncomfortable fear of what the +negro and the Automaton were doing. Even the negro edged away fearfully +and all crouched back, afraid of the fumes. + +A moment later the Automaton, with a mighty blast of air, snuffed all +the candles at once, then, without a word, picked up the candlestick and +stalked off through the passage on the opposite side of the den from the +entrance, the passage that led to the Graveyard of Genius. + +A few moments later the secret rock door from this passage into the +Graveyard swung open and the Automaton stalked in, going carefully, +noiselessly, now. Across the floor he walked to the steel door, which he +swung open, then on out into the cellar of Brent Rock and up the steps +to the door under the stairs that led to the hallway of the great house. + +In the hall the Automaton halted beside a small stand on which stood a +candlestick exactly like the one he carried. Quickly he picked up the +original candlestick and replaced it by the one he carried. Then he set +the original back of the portières, and with a glance at the library +door turned back to the cellar, closing the door noiselessly behind him. + +Down the steps he went, toward the open door of the Graveyard of Genius. +Beside the door was the fuse-box of the lighting system of the house. + +The Automaton reached out and began rubbing sharply at the insulation of +the feed wires. + +Up-stairs, in the dining-room, Brent had by this time flung off his coat +and was examining with Flint the curious model the adventurer had +brought from Madagascar. Brent was very excited and questioned Flint +eagerly. + +"I tell you, Flint," cried Brent, at length, huskily, as he seized a pen +and dipped in into the ink, "the time has come for me to do what I have +long intended. I am going to do now what I should have done years ago." + +Brent started to write feverishly: + + QUENTIN LOCKE,--I have done you a great injury about which you know + nothing, but I am willing to-- + +His hand had scarcely traced the last word when the room was plunged +into absolute darkness. + +Down in the cellar the Automaton had succeeded in rubbing off the +insulation of the feed wires. There was a flash of light as he laid his +steel hand over the two feed wires--then darkness. + +In the dining-room Brent and Flint, already keyed to the highest pitch, +leaped to their feet with an exclamation of terror. + +Late as it was, Locke was working in his laboratory on the second floor +of the house when the lights winked out. Surprised for the moment, he +ran out into the hall. + +Already there was the butler, groping about with a candle. + +"What's the matter, Quentin?" asked a breathless voice behind them. + +It was Eva in a filmy dressing-gown. Locke turned to vision a creation +of loveliness in the candle-light which set his heart thumping. + +"Nothing," he reassured. "Just the lights short-circuited, that's all. +I'll see." + +Just then the dining-room door opened and Eva saw her father, disheveled +and preoccupied, stride out and take the five-branched candlestick from +the hall table. Nervously he began to light the candles. They sputtered +a bit and he turned quickly, still holding the candlestick, as the smoke +drifted away from them all. + +"Fix the fuses in the cellar," he directed the butler. + +"Is anything--really the matter--father?" implored Eva. + +"No, no, my child," he answered, hastily. "Go back to bed. And, Locke, +please don't let us be disturbed." + +He was about to say more, then decided not to do so, and turned back +into the dining-room. + +Again Brent carefully locked the door to the dining-room and rejoined +Flint. + +He had placed the candles on the table, not noticing in the half-light +that the smoke from them was growing denser as they burned down. + +The smoke drifted over as the draught carried it. Flint coughed and +moved a bit, his hand at his throat. + +Brent seized the pen again and was about to write, when the smoke from +the candles drifted into his own face. He, too, coughed. + +Uneasy, Brent glanced over at Flint. Flint laughed, a bit hysterically. + +"What the devil's the matter?" demanded Brent, with lowered brows, a +strange dryness in his throat. + +Flint was now leaning forward on his elbows and laughing foolishly, +stupidly. It was a queer laugh, and struck terror into Brent as he +himself coughed and clutched involuntarily at his throat. Brent stared +at Flint. + +"What is it?" he repeated, anxiously. "Have you suddenly gone mad, man?" + +But there was no reply. Instead, Flint laughed all the more madly. + +Brent was more than startled. If he could have seen himself in a glass +he would have seen that he was already wide-mouthed and disheveled. +Suddenly the smoke again blew in his face. He coughed again. His head +reeled. + +Then, in a flash, it all dawned on him. + +He shielded himself from the candles. But it was too late. + +"My God!" he exclaimed, starting up. "The Madagascar madness!" + +Brent looked about wildly. He rushed to Flint and shook him. But Flint +only laughed. He turned and moved toward the candles, reaching out for +them. But even as he did so his hand faltered. + +He stopped and passed his hand across his tightening forehead. Slowly +over his face came a stupid expression. He felt himself going, without +power of retraining himself. His lips twitched and he swayed. + +Then he began to laugh uncontrollably. + +Flint rose and clapped him on the shoulder. Then both laughed foolishly, +loudly. + +They were beyond help. It was the laughing madness. + +Outside, in the hall, Eva and Locke had been standing, talking for a +moment, when suddenly, below, they heard a terrific noise in the cellar. +Involuntarily Eva's hand clutched Locke's arm. Locke drew a revolver +and, in spite of Eva's fearsome caution, hastened down the cellar +stairs. + +About in the blackness of the cellar he groped until his foot touched +something soft, a mass on the floor. He bent over. It was the butler, in +a heap, unconscious, but still breathing. + +There was not a sound, not another being in the cellar. + +Together Eva and Locke helped the now half-conscious man to his feet and +pushed and pulled him up the stairs; as slowly he recovered his power of +speech. + +"What was it--tell us?" urged Locke. + +"I--I went down to fix the fuses--as the master ordered," muttered the +butler, incoherently. "A huge figure--steel hand--it flung me across the +floor--the last I remember." + +He passed his hand over his head as though recollection even was too +horrible for description. + +Locke listened a bit doubtfully, then sent the butler on his way to bed, +while Eva could scarcely restrain her fears. + +Over to the dining-room door Locke strode and listened. There was +nothing but the sound of merriment inside, of uncontrollable laughter. +Could it be that Brent and Flint were drinking? He dared not betray a +fear to Eva. Instead he knocked. + +At that moment he could hear the sound of some heavy body falling; then +more laughter as Brent in his hysteria struck the model of the automaton +to the floor. + +With the model, unnoticed by Brent, now fluttered to the floor the +letter he had been writing. But the madman paid no attention to that now +as it sifted through the air and fluttered under the sideboard. + +"Mr. Brent," called Locke, "please open the door." + +Instead of an answer came a loud and insulting laugh, followed by an +incoherent mouthing of words. Eva looked startled, blanched. It was so +unlike her father. For the moment Locke was piqued. But he tried not to +show it as he turned away from the door. + +"I am your father's employe," he said, sadly, "and it is his privilege, +I suppose, to laugh at me." He hesitated. + +"Oh, but, Quentin--Mr. Locke--I'm--I'm so sorry. Surely he could not +have meant it." + +At the head of the stairs Locke tried to smile. + +"Don't worry," he said, repressing his feelings. "It will make no +difference between us. Good night." + +They parted, Eva closing her door for a sleepless night, Locke to work +far into the night in his laboratory until sheer exhaustion overcame his +feelings. + +Meanwhile, in the dining-room, the two men kept terrible vigil, hour +after hour, oblivious of time, in wild and wanton laughter--maniacal +abandon. + +A terrible blow had been struck and Reason was tottering on her throne. + +Two men had been stricken by an unknown hand--stark, stark mad. + + + +CHAPTER V + + +"Father--please--open the door!" + +It was early the following morning that the butler with frightened face +had called Eva Brent to tell her that her father and Flint had been +locked in the dining-room all night and were still laughing madly. + +Eva had hurried down-stairs, encountering Zita as she ran. It was true. +She could hear the voices inside. Nor could she get any answer from the +two men. + +"Oh--Zita--please--can't something be _done_?" Eva implored. + +With a hasty word Zita hurried away just as Herbert Balcom himself +entered the house from the street. + +In utter surprise Balcom nodded at Zita as she poured forth the story of +what had been discovered in the morning, then pushed past her in high +excitement. + +"What's wrong?" he asked as he came upon the butler and Eva still +knocking excitedly at the dining-room door. + +Eva was almost in a panic as she answered, "Father and Mr. Flint have +been in there laughing ever since last night." + +Balcom tried to comfort her. But somehow his sympathy sent a cold +shudder through the poor girl. + +Meanwhile Zita had encountered Locke hurrying down at the sound of the +commotion. To him she told the story, again hurt that his interest was +solely for Eva, not in herself. + +Locke paused long enough to seize an umbrella from the rack, rip the +cover off, and break out a rib, to which he tied a piece of string while +he hurried to the group at the door. + +"Break down the door and call the police," ordered Balcom. + +The butler reached for a chair and was about to swing it over his head +to break down the door. + +"Stop!" interrupted Locke. + +The young scientist knelt down, inserted the umbrella steel through the +keyhole, and bent it by the string as he fished about with it on the +other side to find the bolt. Meanwhile the butler telephoned frantically +for the police. + +It was at this height of excitement that Paul Balcom entered. A moment's +talk with Zita, and he, too, joined the group. + +Sympathetically he spoke to Eva, but Eva scarcely responded in the +fashion of a girl to the man whom she was going to marry. Her attention +was riveted on Locke, who was kneeling before the door. Paul saw it and +an ominous scowl crossed his face. + +Carefully Locke worked the umbrella steel and the string until he had +caught the bolt. Then he shot the bolt back and rose to his feet. All +watched him expectantly as he threw open the door. + +Such a sight as met their eyes one could scarcely picture. + +There were Brent and Flint at the table--laughing--laughing. The candles +had long since burned out. On the floor lay the automaton model. + +"Father!" cried Eva, running to him. + +But there was no look of recognition on Brent's face. + +"Don't you know me? Speak to me! Father!" + +Instead, Brent merely patted her shoulder and laughed hollowly. Eva, on +her knees by him, sobbed and smoothed his head by turns. + +Locke, bending over Flint, found him in much the same condition. + +Meanwhile, Balcom and Paul had picked up the model of the automaton and +exchanged a quick glance. + +"This man Locke's actions are suspicious," exclaimed Balcom, hastily. +"He was in the house last night." + +Outside they could hear the arrival of the detectives summoned by the +butler. + +"Go to Eva," nudged Balcom to Paul. + +A moment later the butler entered with the detectives. + +At the sight of the automaton model in Balcom's hands the butler cried +out: + +"That is what attacked me last night--only larger--much larger!" + +All eyes were now on the butler. Quickly Balcom took advantage of the +situation thus created. Locke, also, left Flint and moved over to the +group examining the model. As he did so his eye caught a piece of paper +under the sideboard. He was about to pick it up when he realized that +all were looking at him. Quickly he covered his discovery and faced +them. + +"This man is the stranger in the house," cried Balcom, in anger. "Arrest +him and make him explain." + +It was the work of only an instant for the chief detective to step up to +Locke and slip the bracelets on his wrists. + +"Don't!" cried Eva. + +"Please--my dear--your father," remonstrated Paul. + +At that instant Brent was seized with another violent fit of coughing +and laughter. Eva, distracted, was half fainting. + +Thus, with Locke handcuffed, Balcom and Paul were triumphant. + +Locke saw his chance. But the handcuffs prevented him from using his +hands. In the instant that all were diverted toward Brent, with +incredible deftness Locke slipped his hand from the cuffs, one link of +which fell open as if by magic, through a secret all his own. He reached +down and picked up the paper under the sideboard and read it. It was the +letter Brent had been writing and served only to increase his +perplexity. He read it again, then crushed it into his pocket, and +before any one had discovered his trick had slipped his hand back into +the cuffs and they were locked again. + +At that very moment the telephone rang and the chief of the detectives +answered. As he did so a perplexed expression crossed his face and he +walked over quickly to Locke. + +"I--beg your pardon," he apologized as he began to unlock the handcuffs. + +"Here, my man, what are you doing?" interrupted Balcom. + +"I know my business. You lay off," growled the detective. + +A moment later Locke, with a slight smile on his handsome face, was +answering the telephone. + +Not a soul save the detective, even yet, suspected the true identity of +Locke, even as he answered over the telephone with a respectful, "Yes, +sir." + +The fact of the matter was that the message had come most opportunely. +It was from the chief of the Department of Justice himself, ordering +Locke to stay at the house until he had secured the evidence that would +allow the department to proceed against the company under the anti-trust +law. That, then, was the explanation of the secret dictagraph which +Locke had installed, the explanation of his apparent faithlessness to +his employer. + +But weightier matters were now on Locke's mind. Here he was faced by the +case of his life, involving the happiness of the very girl whom he had +so soon come to love. His incentive was double--love and success: +triple--above all, justice. + +By this time the household themselves were sufficiently calm to help +Brent to his bedroom and Flint to a guest-chamber. + +Balcom was about to follow, when Locke, returning from the telephone, +touched him on the shoulder and shoved the threat message which Brent +had given him the night before under the face of the junior partner. + +"Read that," he demanded. + +Balcom read, controlling his features admirably, if control were +necessary. + +"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded, coldly. + +"Were you in Madagascar lately?" shot back Locke. + +Locke could not be sure whether or not Balcom suppressed a start. At any +rate, he did not conceal anger at the insinuation. + +"Certainly," he replied. "With my son I cruised through the Mozambique +Channel and touched at Madagascar last summer. Why?" + +Locke nodded and the detective made a note of the reply. + +"What do you mean to insinuate by that question?" demanded Balcom. + +Without reply Locke shrugged nonchalantly and smiled. + +Not ten feet away, in the conservatory door, Paul listened, and his face +darkened as he clenched his fists. + +There was a murderous glare in Paul's eyes as Locke unconcernedly +withdrew, whispering to the detective, who nodded deferentially to the +young scientist who had been assigned by the Department of Justice, +strangely, to the very case which now he realized in some unknown way +must concern himself and the very mystery of his own identity. + +So wore along the morning, with growing mystery and excitement. + +It was not long before the Brent family physician was summoned, and +after a careful diagnosis pronounced Brent in a hopeless state as far as +his own science was concerned. Eva was by this time more than frantic. +The consolation of Paul seemed to add to her nervousness. She was almost +distracted when she heard Balcom and the doctor discussing the case in +low tones in her father's room. + +"Don't you think, Doctor," she overheard, "that he would be far better +off in a sanitarium?" + +She shuddered as the doctor agreed with Balcom, and Balcom sought to +persuade her that the course was best. Even the solicitations of Paul +annoyed her. Paul was more than vexed at this new repulse from his +bride-to-be. His anger knew no bounds as he caught sight of Locke, who +had overheard and showed his doubt over the whole proposal for the care +of Brent. He plucked at his father's sleeve and nodded toward Locke. + +Balcom needed no prompting from his crafty son. + +"I'll have you understand, Locke," he cried, his face growing apoplectic +red, "that I am in charge here now. Your services are no longer +required." + +"I quite understand," returned Locke, quietly. "We shall see." + +Balcom stormed down from the room to the telephone, where, a moment +later, he telephoned to an asylum, asking them to send a conveyance with +nurses, keepers, and whatever paraphernalia was necessary to take care +of his partner, Brent. + +"Is he violent?" demanded the doctor over the telephone. + +"Yes. Bring a strait-jacket," snapped back Balcom. "And the sooner he is +under your care the better." + +With that Balcom stamped out of the house. + +In Brent's room, Paul was attempting still to ingratiate himself with +Eva, who was growing more distant toward him with every moment. Finally +Paul could stand it no longer. He turned on his heel and faced Locke +angrily in the hall. + +"You'll regret this, confound you!" he ground out, as he swung out of +the room rapidly in a high state of feeling. + +Unconcernedly Locke turned on his heel. + +"Don't worry," he whispered to Eva. "I'll see that no harm comes to your +father." + +For answer, her own heart too full for words, Eva pressed the hand of +the young scientist. It was reward enough for Locke. + +Meanwhile, at Doctor Shaw's sanitarium, to which Balcom had telephoned +with the permission of the doctor, elaborate preparations had been +completed for the reception and transportation of Brent. + +It was perhaps an hour later that the ambulance, with three +white-uniformed attendants, pulled out, carrying all those appurtenances +necessary for the care of the insane, including the strait-jacket which +Balcom had so testily suggested. + +That same hour had seen intense activity in another quarter. In the den +of the Automaton, the hard-visaged emissaries had been already roused by +the entrance of the Automaton. + +Hasty directions had been uttered by the metallic, phonograph voice of +the monster, and already four of the most desperate of the characters +had hurried through the entrance out on the cliffs. The Automaton +himself had turned toward the passage through the Graveyard of Genius to +Brent Rock itself. + +Thus it happened that when the ambulance from Doctor Shaw's sanitarium +came bowling along the road to Brent Rock as fast as its motor would +permit, the driver was forced suddenly to put on the brakes to save +himself from being wrecked by a huge log that lay squarely across the +road. + +No sooner had the attendants jumped out to remove the log than four +desperate men fell upon them from ambush, beat them, and left them +trussed up and unconscious, while they donned the jackets and uniforms +of Doctor Shaw's men, seized the ambulance, and swung off again at a +fast clip in the direction of Brent Rock. + +Lulled into a false security, as her father slept now for a time under +an opiate, Eva was sitting beside him with loving care when she heard +the noise below of the arrival of the car from Doctor Shaw's sanitarium. +At once she was in wild alarm. Nor was Locke off his guard. While Zita +tried to reassure Eva, Locke met the men. + +There were four of them, and as the first passed, Locke halted him. The +parley gave another a chance to push past, while Locke held three at +bay. + +A moment later there was a scream from Eva, who had hurried from her +father's room at the sound of the high voices. The emissary had seized +her. + +It was a signal for the other three, who leaped on Locke all at once. +With almost superhuman strength Locke seized one of them and flung him +over his head for a fall down the whole flight of steps as he fought the +other two single-handed. + +Even then the third came back to the attack and Locke was forced to give +back step by step down the stairs. + +Another scream from Eva. + +In the heat of the fray Locke caught a glimpse of her battling on the +landing above with the first emissary. It gave him redoubled strength. + +Flinging the two men off and eluding the third, he leaped to the +chandelier in the hall and with a giant swing wrapped his legs about the +fellow struggling with Eva. Literally throttling him, he pulled him +backward over the balcony railing for a fall clear to the lower hall. + +At the moment when Locke was actually subduing all of his assailants the +door to the cellar suddenly opened and the huge figure of the Automaton +strode out. + +With one blow of his steel fist the monster struck Locke senseless, then +turned and began ascending the grand staircase. + +Almost paralyzed with fear, Eva screamed again and fled through the +nearest door, locking it. On strode the Automaton, crashing down the +door as if it had been a mere shell. + +Meanwhile the emissaries had seized Locke, still unconscious and unable +to resist. Feverishly they began to bind him in the strait-jacket which +they had taken from the ambulance. Then they carried him and flung him +roughly on the floor of the library. + +Still screaming, Eva fled to the next room, again bolting the door and +piling furniture frantically to barricade it. Again the Automaton rained +blow after blow on the door. It splintered, and his powerful fist began +breaking and overturning the barricade which the unfortunate girl had +improvised. + +Wildly she looked about. Only a closet now offered refuge. The door was +splintered through. She could see the terrible face of the monster. + +In the library, Locke, recovering by this time, began flopping and +twisting, spurred by the muffled screams from above-stairs as he worked +with miraculous dexterity to release himself from the strait-jacket. + + + +CHAPTER VI + + +Locke struggled with superhuman effort to release himself from the +strait-jacket in which he was held prisoner. The throat-straps pressed +against the neck muscles and the strain on the straps could be heard +like pistol-shots as the leather stretched under his prodigous efforts. + +With every nerve keyed up and his reflexes answering his keen brain, he +swayed backward and forward, rolled from side to side until his +shoulder-blades were thrown completely out of joint. The pain was +intense, but he summoned every ounce of strength at his command and +finally succeeded in getting one of his arms free by gradually working +his body toward a settee, where, with his elbow on the seat, he pushed +his disjointed arm over his head. + +Agony was written all over his face as at last with a final effort he +extricated his arms and was in a position to loosen the straps which +bound them, with his teeth. + +Nor was his labor over now. The canvas jacket cut into his flesh and the +buckles bruised his muscles. His body ached with weariness, yet he clung +to his task. Like a thing incarnate he toiled as he realized the danger +that confronted Eva. + +Up-stairs, the monster was pursuing Eva. The heavy oaken doors were as +straws to him, and he plunged through them as a mad elephant dashes +through a canebrake. Destruction lay in his wake as he crashed through +the improvised barriers which Eva had constructed to delay his +onslaught. A crouching, desolate figure, she waited for what she knew to +be her end. There was only one barrier left between her and this engine +of destruction. It was only a moment now when she would be a crushed, +mangled mass. With terror in her heart she waited for the thing to crash +through the last remaining barrier, and even now she could hear his +ponderous step as he crossed the room toward the door which would only +momentarily stay his progress. Her lips moved in prayer as she waited +and the dread moments seemed eons to her. + +Suddenly she heard a crash, and she could see the panels of sturdy oak +in the door give way as though they were egg-shells. The gigantic fist +of the monster crashed through and she could discern the dim outline of +the enormous head, and the glaring eyes of fire looking toward her. With +a shrill shriek she raised her arms above her head and fell swooning to +the floor just as a pistol-shot rang out. + +Locke, disheveled and weak, had released himself from the strait-jacket, +and with the speed of a panther had ascended the stairs. He saw the +monster crashing through the last remaining barrier, and without +hesitation he fired at the thing as he closed in. His one thought was to +delay it or make it swerve in its course momentarily, with the hope that +by some chance Eva might have time to escape. Could he only accomplish +this, he thought his mission successful, regardless of the outcome as +far as he himself was concerned. + +He pulled the trigger of his automatic again and again as he rushed +forward. By some strange trick of fate the figure reeled for a second +and one of its arms dropped swinging to its side. The bullet had entered +a joint. Had it in some way deranged the mechanism, causing the +Automaton to turn in its tracks and confront Locke as he charged +forward? Or was some human being concealed in the armored creature and +wounded? + +Eva, in her semi-conscious state, saw the mass of metal charge toward +Locke, and closed her eyes so as not to be a witness to his end. She +waited, dumb and helpless with fright, and before her surged the meaning +of this man's great sacrifice for her. In the brief interval she +realized that men of his ilk were few. She realized that her interest in +the young chemist was more than a passing fancy and the truth was driven +home to her in his hour of peril. She closed her eyes and all before her +went blank. + +As the Automaton faced Locke voices could be heard in the hall, and the +gardener of Brent Rock, who had summoned aid, came to Locke's +assistance. Armed with clubs and garden tools, the men charged the +monster. Like a lion at bay, the thing turned from its task of +destroying Locke to face its new enemies. _En masse_ they attacked the +Automaton, but it shook them off, one by one, as a terrier would rats, +and made its way toward the grand staircase. Some of the gardener's aids +suffered broken bones, while others were left unconscious as a result of +the conflict. + +Locke picked himself up and rushed to Eva's side. He took the prostrate +form in his arms and looked down into her beautiful face. The room was +in ruins, and Eva slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. Her hand +went out in a momentary caress, but as she fully recovered consciousness +she moved her hand away lest he really know. She looked up at him +gratefully, and Locke, a little confused, took his arm from around her +waist. With boyish bashfulness he hung his head and asked her if she was +all right. The sound of his own voice amid the ruins brought back his +composure. + +"We must see about father. Perhaps something has happened to him," said +Eva, as she started toward the door. + +Locke looked after the girl, then followed her. + +Propped up in bed, Peter Brent presented a pitiable sight. His glassy +stare and shrill laugh like a coyote baying at the moon sent cold chills +down Eva's back as she entered the room. This man, at one time a power +in the business world, was only a shell of his former self, and his +inhuman laughter caused even Locke to shudder a little as he entered the +room. + +Eva walked over to her father and put her hand to his brow, looking +wistfully in his eyes for some sign of recognition. + +She kissed him on the forehead and called him, but he still stared +blankly ahead of him, unconscious of even her presence. Locke felt the +pulse of the patient and looked at the dilated pupils. + +"There must be some antidote for this Madagascar madness, and I shall +move everything to find it," he said, as he looked at Eva with +determination. + +She turned toward him eagerly as he spoke and his words gave her a +little cheer. Eva continued her caresses, but the demented man showed no +signs of recognizing even his own daughter. + +From another room the shrill laughter of Flint could be heard as he +raved in delirium. Bereft of reason, he fought an unseen enemy. + +"Q did it, I tell you--it's Q," he raved and shrieked in his insane way +as he rocked back and forth in bed. He was fighting his own conscience, +and kept pushing some unseen thing from him as he shook in a paroxysm of +fright. + +The front-door bell rang and Balcom entered. He was suave in manner, but +this time he seemed a little excited as he gave his hat and stick to the +butler. + +"Tell Miss Brent I must see her at once," he ordered. + +As the butler turned to mount the stairs, Balcom reached his hand up and +rubbed his shoulder as though he were in pain. Perhaps the gesture meant +nothing, but a keen observer would have noticed that his arm did not +move with the freedom that one would expect of a man of his frame and +build. As he rubbed his shoulder his eyes followed the butler up the +stairs and his lips tightened. He watched him until he was out of sight, +then turned and entered the library. + +As Balcom entered the library the door-bell rang and the three ambulance +men who had been overpowered by the emissaries of the Automaton entered. +Balcom approached them and hasty explanations were forthcoming. In his +suave manner he quieted the most noisy of the trio, who by this time had +found the strait-jacket from which Locke had just released himself. + +"This looks like a put-up job to me," growled the driver, as he +confronted Balcom, holding the strait-jacket toward him. "And I believe +you know something about it." + +"My dear man, I am the person who telephoned for you to come for my +stricken partner," said Balcom, "and I still insist that he is in dire +need of treatment." + +As he spoke Eva entered the library in time to hear him. She was +followed by Locke. + +"My father shall not be taken from this house," she cried, in reply to +Balcom's orders to the attendants. + +As she spoke she turned toward Locke and looked at him for his +acquiescence. He quietly nodded toward her in an assuring manner, and as +he did so one might have noticed Balcom's face cloud up with evil +purpose. He was thinking of this young whipper-snapper and his +interference with his plans. As he stood meditating he noticed that +Locke was looking at him, so he turned toward the young chemist and his +whole expression changed. A bland smile crept across his face as he +spoke. + +"I was only suggesting that my partner be taken to an institution, +because I believed that he would receive better treatment there." He +addressed Locke, but looked toward Eva as he did so. "Miss Brent should +have trust in me. I have only her interest at heart." + +"It would be better for Mr. Brent to stay here," said Locke. "The +treatment his daughter can give will be better than that of an +outsider." + +As he spoke he sauntered away with an air of finality, while Balcom +shrugged his shoulders and gave orders to the ambulance men to go. + +Locke walked toward the dining-room, and there amid the candle drippings +and the wreckage of the night before espied the miniature automaton. He +picked it up and examined it minutely as Balcom strolled in. + +Balcom's quick gaze caught what Locke was looking at, and he approached +the young chemist and sauvely said: + +"It seems almost unbelievable, Mr. Locke, that a giant form like that +could be endowed with a human brain." + +As he spoke he pointed toward the miniature automaton in Locke's hands. +Locke turned and faced him, his jaw tightening with a snap. + +"Not unbelievable, but impossible, Mr. Balcom," he said. "I believe that +there is some one in this thing that attacks us and calls himself Q." + +He eyed Balcom as he spoke, to see the effects of his words. But if +Balcom knew anything, he cunningly concealed it. Locke walked to the +table and closely examined the candles and other stuff strewn about. He +was looking for some clue to what had caused the madness of Brent and +Flint. The crumpled anatomy chart lay on the floor, and as Locke stooped +to pick it up Eva entered and came toward him. She shuddered slightly as +she passed the miniature of the monster, and Balcom, with an air of +satisfaction, noticed her fear. He turned and was about to go out, when +the butler entered with the duplicate candlestick in his hands. + +"Mr. Locke, in cleaning the hall I found this behind the portières at +the entrance to below-stairs," he announced. "I was quite puzzled for a +moment, for I knew the master had taken it into the dining-room with him +last evening." + +As he spoke he handed the candlestick to Locke, who quickly compared it +with the one on the dining-room table which contained the burnt candles. + +In appearance the candelabra were identical. Locke with great care +examined every feature of them, looking for a clue. He took one of the +whole candles from the candlestick which the butler had brought in and +scraped the wax from in with his penknife. He examined the particles +carefully, then approached the candlestick which stood on the table the +fatal night, and very carefully removed the wax from the stumps of +candles which were still in the sockets. + +"The Madagascar madness came from _that_ candlestick," he announced, +with assurance, as he pointed toward the one on the table. + +While he was so busily engaged Balcom was eying him cunningly. He +watched his every move and was most intent in seeing just how the young +man would prove his contention. + +"Good morning, every one!" came the clear voice of Paul as he entered +the room and crossed over to the side of his fiancée. He was particular +to ignore Locke in his greeting, and as he approached Eva he bent over +her hand and kissed it. + +A close observer would have noticed that the girl rather drew her hand +back from his caress. + +"I am so sorry about your father, Eva," whispered Paul. "I trust the +ailment is but temporary." + +As he spoke Eva thanked him mechanically for his solicitations, while +Balcom glanced at his son in admiration. + +Locke, who was still engaged in looking at the candle drippings through +his pocket magnifying-glass, paid slight attention to Paul, but glanced +up in time to see that there was a look of insincerity on his face. + +Could it be that this young scion of the Balcom fortune could in any way +be connected with the Automaton? Could this man, this suave, polished +gentleman, have any motive for seeking the ruin or death of his fiancée? +Locke seemed to be busily engaged in his task, but he was making mental +notes on the conduct of young Balcom. He looked up finally and turned to +Eva. + +"Miss Brent, I find minute particles of some foreign substance in the +wax of these candles," he announced. "They seem to be of organic origin +and I am certain that they contain the poison which has robbed your +father of his mentality. I am going to take them to a chemical +laboratory where there will be proper facilities to have them analyzed. +Perhaps there is an antidote that will restore your father's sanity." + +As Locke spoke he carefully wrapped up the particles of drippings in a +piece of paper and put them in his pocket. As he did so, both Balcom and +Paul exchanged hurried glances, and Balcom left the group and started +toward the hall. + +During all this procedure Zita, clad in a sumptuous morning frock hardly +befitting a secretary, was standing behind the portières in the hall and +listening intently to all she could hear within the dining-room. As she +heard Balcom's footsteps she hurriedly turned and seemed to be going up +the hall. He looked after her and then called. + +She came toward Balcom with a nod of understanding, and, as she +approached, he led her to a corner of the hall and whispered to her. + +"It is imperative that we get Flint out of the house to-night. I can +trust you to take care of this if I arrange the details?" + +Zita quickly nodded acquiescence, looking furtively over her shoulder to +see if they were observed. + +"I will get him to your apartment," she hurriedly said, as she looked up +at him for further instructions. + +Balcom turned quickly from her, got his own hat and sack, and departed, +just as Locke came into the hall, bound for the chemist's shop. He +looked after the disappearing form of Balcom, and then turned and +noticed that he was being watched by Zita. Zita in turn hastily entered +the library, without looking over her shoulder. + +"I wonder what her real position in this house can be," mused Locke, as +he took his hat and went toward the front door. + +In the dining-room Paul was now standing close to Eva and had taken her +hand. + +"You know it was your father's wish that we be married," he was saying, +"and I know that he would be happy if we had the ceremony performed at +once." + +His eyes narrowed as he said this, but Eva was too preoccupied to see +it. With a shudder, ever so slight, she looked up at his handsome face +and spoke. + +"I will not even speak of marriage until my father recovers, Paul, and I +don't know how you can ask me to at such a time." + +She was not thinking so much of her father as of a certain young chemist +who had risked his life for her. Why had fate thrown him in her way, she +wondered. What was there about Quentin Locke that compelled her +attention--that made her feel secure when he was about? What was the +difference between the young chemist and Paul that she felt perfect +trust in the one whom she had known only a short time and distrust and +uncertainty in the other to whom she was about to be married? + +She hung her head and went into the drawing-room, leaving Paul standing +there. He looked after her, and a slight smile crossed his face as he +thought of what a fool she was to think that he cared for her. His +self-assurance led him to believe that the reason that Eva was not +consenting to his proposal was indeed because of her father's condition, +for he little dreamed, nor would his egotism permit him to believe, that +anything else could be the case. + +His mouth hardened in a subtle smile as he sauntered after Eva to bid +her farewell. He remembered that De Luxe Dora was waiting outside for +him in her speedster. + +He had made this paramour of his take him to the very door of his +fiancée's home, and there wait until he had paid his respects to the +moneyed lady who would make happiness possible by supplying him with the +funds to pursue his pleasures and insure his father's hold on the +International Patents, Incorporated. + +Paul looked at his watch, then, after a few words of condolence which +would hardly sound sincere from any one less gifted, made a hurried +departure toward the corner where the speedster was waiting. + +"Who was the funny gink that hurried by a little while ago?" queried +Dora, in the vernacular of her calling. "He gave me the double O as +though he had something on me." + +"That's a fellow we've got to look out for, kid," answered Paul, in the +same terms by which he was addressed, for, if nothing else, Paul could +be as much at home in the underworld as in a mansion on the Drive. +"Brent claimed that he was a chemist before he went 'bugs,'" continued +Paul, "but I have my doubts; in fact, I'm very leery of him because I +think he's a fly cop." + +He took his place beside Dora, who started the car and headed down-town. + +After Paul's departure Eva hurried to her father's room and tried to +comfort him. He was seated in a chair, staring blankly ahead of him. He +was quieter now, but his body twitched nervously from time to time. + +The tears started to come to Eva's eyes as she saw her father's plight, +and she knelt down beside him and took his hand in hers. She stroked it +with her own hand and bent over and kissed it. As she knelt, crying +softly, she sobbed half-aloud: + +"Why can't I confide in you, father? Why can't you advise me? I don't +love Paul Balcom and could never marry him. I know I love Quentin +Locke--I do--I do--" + +As she sobbed she bent over his hand and pressed it to her lips. + +Peter Brent sat staring into space, staring like a graven image. + + + +CHAPTER VII + + +After her brief encounter with Balcom in the hallway Zita stealthily +mounted to Flint's room. + +Flint's condition was unchanged. He lay sprawled out in a huge +arm-chair, his head swaying from side to side, as he muttered and +mumbled incoherently, while his leering smile caused even Zita to +shudder. + +She was, however, alive to the importance of her mission. Steeling +herself, she raised Flint from the chair and steadied him with one hand +while she tried to smooth out the wrinkles of his clothing so that his +mad condition would not be too apparent when they went outdoors. It was +a hard task, but Zita soon accomplished it and, half supporting, she led +him through a door on the farther side of the room. They crept down a +back stairway and so away from the house. + +At times Flint stumbled and almost fell, and once that insane laugh +startled a passer-by, who started after them, then changed his mind and +proceeded on his way. It was then that Zita's heart almost stopped +beating. She realized that the situation would be unexplainable to a +stranger and she urged the insane Flint on faster. + +Renewed hope came to her with each step. She had almost relaxed her +precautions when, suddenly, from a clump of bushes, several men leaped +out. They seized Flint, who merely started babbling afresh. Zita, +ignorant of what was really happening, struck out right and left in the +hopeless encounter, until one of the men with a grin seized her wrist in +his powerful grasp and twisted it until she screamed with pain. Then she +realized for the first time that she had fallen into the hands of the +emissaries of the Automaton. Had Balcom planned it, or had that +mechanical monster taken advantage of what Balcom had ordered? + +In the mean time, the other thugs, with Flint between them, made off +hurriedly. With a last push that almost threw Zita to the ground, the +last of them dashed into the shrubbery, and for several moments Zita +dazedly stood there as he crashed through the underbrush, making good +the escape and capture. Then she turned and ran back to Brent Rock. + +Locke, in the mean time, had arrived at the laboratory of his old friend +Hadwell, the chemist, where he was warmly welcomed. + +It was the usual dusty workshop of one devoted to one +idea--science--with no touches of comfort. Hadwell fairly lived amid +retorts, Bunsen burners, and reagents. + +He was a man of profound research, rather than the commercial chemist, +and it was from him that Locke, in earlier days, had learned many +lessons so well that now his career was watched with interest by many +distinguished men of science. + +Hadwell was delighted at the chance to examine the strange scrapings of +wax which Locke had dug out of the sockets of the candlestick, the more +so as they must contain some mysterious poison. First he studied them +under a powerful lens, then by chemical reactions, until he made visible +some peculiar crystals. Locke himself was amazed as his friend worked. + +"You don't know it all--yet--my boy," smiled the aged professor. +"There's still something the old teacher can add to your education, and +I'm glad, Quentin, very glad, for it will draw you closer to me again. I +need you to carry on my work when I must lay it down. I'm not positive," +he continued, "but I believe these crystals to be those of _Dhatura +stramonium_, and, as you say speed's the thing, we'll begin by noting +the effect of the stuff as a gas on that guinea-pig over there." + +"Have you masks?" asked Locke, with true scientific caution. + +"Yes--on the shelf. You're keen, Quentin. These fumes can penetrate the +tiniest aperture and, if my guess is right, without a mask, you would +quickly laugh yourself to death." + +"Don't, Professor, don't joke, for there is no joy in that mad laughter. +It is horrible, maddening, even to the hearer. Let us get to work. The +father of the girl I love may even now be sinking to his death. We must +determine the nature of this deadly stuff, and then find an antidote." + +The chemist brought out the cage in which the guinea-pig was placidly +munching a lettuce leaf, and placed it in a convenient spot on the +table. Then, after Locke, as well as the professor, had carefully +adjusted the masks, the latter lighted a Bunsen burner and applied the +flame to the deadly crystals. A pungent fume was given off and collected +in a rubber bag, or cone, from which a long tube protruded. + +This tube the chemist introduced into the cage. For a moment there was +no perceptible change in the animal's actions. Then it stopped eating, +sniffed at the strange odor, and commenced to twitch violently. This +twitching continued for several minutes, when the creature started to +revolve in circles, like a Japanese dancing-mouse. Finally it became +subject to spasms, and, although the professor withdrew the tube, these +symptoms continued. + +"I was right!" he cried. "It is an especially poisonous variety of that +almost unknown Oriental drug, _Dhatura stramonium_. I think I can find +an antidote to it, also. To work, my boy, to work!" + +One experiment after another resulted in failure, however, and it was +while they were so engaged that the telephone bell rang and a feminine +voice inquired for Locke. + +It was an excited Eva who called. "Quentin," she burst forth, +breathlessly, "what do you think has happened? The strangest thing! +Flint has escaped. Tell me what to do. Can't you come to me at once? I +need you." + +Locke needed no further urging. Important though the work of finding the +antidote was, Eva's call was more imperative to him. He reassured her as +best he could over the wire, for he had no idea what had really +happened. Zita, as might have been expected, on her return to Brent Rock +had been far too clever to disclose the exact truth that Flint had been +abducted, and that while in her own charge. + +When she arrived at Brent Rock she had mounted by the same stairway by +which she and Flint had departed. Entering Flint's room, she had raised +the alarm and had acted her part so well that Eva thought that she had +discovered Flint's absence at the precise moment at which Zita had cried +out and she had come running in answer to her call. + +Locke gave Hadwell a brief outline of what had just occurred at Brent +Rock. + +"Professor," he pleaded, "for Heaven's sake don't fail me. Try as you +never tried before to find the antidote for this strange combination of +poisons. Telephone me when you have it." + +Locke seized his hat, and Hadwell redoubled his efforts to fathom the +toxic secret. + +At Brent Rock, in the mean time, everything was in confusion, Eva was +almost distracted, and, to add to her discomfort, Paul took occasion to +call. + +In the past few days her distrust of him, for she could call it by no +other name, had grown, and the furtive glances which he exchanged with +Zita, little trouble-maker, were not reassuring. But when Eva's maid, +motioning her aside, told her that she had been a witness to the +departure of Zita and Flint, Eva's suspicions from a vague misgiving +became a stern reality. She longed for Locke's return and protection +from the very man to whom she was engaged. + +As Locke left the chemist's he noticed a light runabout across the +street, half hidden in the shadows. But he failed to notice the evil +face of De Luxe Dora peering at him from beneath the rim of a +well-pulled-down hat. + +"Huh!" she muttered. "We'll get his number and here's where I go after +it." + +Locke hailed a passing taxicab, gave a hurried direction to the +chauffeur, and jumped in. The taxi snorted, cut out open, and jumped +forward as the driver clumsily shifted the worn gears. But out of the +shadows there glided a low-hung runabout with a purling motor that +without effort kept Locke's taxi just in sight without seeming to be +following. + +At the time that the emissaries abducted Flint he had been roughly +handled and some of his clothing had been torn. But as he had been +incapable of the slightest degree of real self-defense, the thugs had +soon desisted beating him up, with the result that he had escaped bodily +injury except for a few slight scratches. + +The emissaries of the Automaton led him by devious winding paths down to +the shore, and, half walking, half running, pressing close to the high +cliffs, they urged him forward. + +Soon they came to a cleft in the rock, and, with one hand using a +well-hooded electric torch to light the way, they dragged the poor +unfortunate into the cave entrance to the den. + +This cave was a marvel of nature, hewn out of the solid rock by +countless tides, its dome lost in the darkness. It gave an impression of +immensity, while in many directions passageways gave off from what might +be called a main chamber. + +Flint was roughly thrown on a rock, where, head in hands, he swayed +backward and forward, now moaning, now chuckling, now laughing outright. +The echo of that laugh resounded hollowly in the dismal place and must +have notified the supreme master of this underground world that his +domain had been invaded. + +A metallic clanging in the distance, as of struck anvils, a crunching, +as the smaller rocks broke in twain under the enormous weight of the +iron monster, then far, far down the passageway two points of fire--the +eyes of the thing--and with arms swinging like flails, from out the +passageway there stalked--the Automaton. + +Even the emissaries, slaves to this monster through fear, and seeing it +often, fell back in awe and consternation, so terrible was its menace. + +It strode over to Flint and, pushing him backward, glared at him with +burning eyes that seemed to search his soul. The monster then turned to +one of the emissaries and, with a sweeping gesture, gave a command. + +The emissary understood and immediately ran up one of the passageways, +returning in a few moments with a bottle which contained a purplish +mixture. At another sign from the Automaton the emissary took a +drinking-glass and poured out a portion of the purple fluid. Then he +forced the draught between Flint's clenched teeth. + +A violent trembling shook Flint from head to foot, a shudder of so +exhausting a nature that after the spasm Flint, weakened, reclined +against the cold wall of the cave, his body in a clammy perspiration. +But gradually there came a change in his dazed, mad eyes. The iris +contracted and became more normal. Even the leaden hue of his face +slowly passed away. The face muscles relaxed and gradually the light of +reason appeared in his eyes. + +In a questioning manner Flint gazed about him. He saw the cave with its +scintillating points of fire, as the man with the torch gesticulated. He +saw the emissaries, and the realization that his position was perilous +came to him. But it was only when he saw the towering form of the +Automaton that his blood froze with horror and he made a frantic effort +to escape the very thing which he had feared existed in Madagascar and +had attempted to betray to Brent on the fatal night. + +It was useless. He was soon borne down by the thugs, who stationed two +of their number to guard him. Seeing the utter hopelessness of any +attempt to escape, Flint sat quietly, while his crafty mind schemed for +some other plan. Suddenly he saw the bottle, the contents of which had +restored his reason. Reaching out slyly, he turned it around until he +could read the label, and then, even in his predicament, he exulted over +his discovery. It was the antidote. Like a flash came to him a shrewd +scheme to use the knowledge. + +An emissary who seemed to be a leader came over to him. + +"Flint," he snarled, "you get one chance--see? Beat it back to Brent +Rock and see that you get that Brent girl to come to the place where we +will turn you loose. Understand? If you fail it means death. Think it +over." + +Flint could only agree. + +They bandaged his eyes and quickly led him back over the road by which +they had come. + + + +CHAPTER VIII + + +Brent Rock was brilliantly lighted against Locke's coming. At the foot +of the great stairway a group of excited servants had gathered, as if +for mutual protection. + +"Not another day will I stay in this house," quavered the cook. "What +with crazy laughing and the other carryings-on, I'm fair distracted." + +"Take shame to yerself, Mary Dolan, for yer gab of quittin', with the +master and Miss Eva in sore trouble," answered the second girl. "But as +you say," she continued, shaking her head, "it's a gloomy old place, and +if it wasn't for Miss Eva I'd not be long in going myself." + +"'Ave you no loyalty?" asked the butler, turning on them both. + +"Hould yer jaw, Johnny Bull," threatened the cook. "Indade no foreigner +can tell Mary Dolan her duty." + +So they wrangled back and forth, and the underlying cause of all the +discord was the old one--fear. + +Nor was Eva exempt from its baneful influence. She was here, there, +everywhere, allaying one servant's apprehension, commanding another to +perform some task in order to occupy that servant's mind--but, for +herself, she knew that the strain would not lessen until Locke arrived. +She ran up-stairs and to a window from which she could obtain a better +view of the drive along which he must come. + +In a very short time, which, nevertheless, seemed an age to her, Eva was +rewarded, and she fairly flew down the stairs, out of the house, and far +down the drive. Locke's taxi stopped, he leaped out, and, regardless of +the chauffeur, took Eva's hand. + +"Tell me quickly what has happened?" he inquired. + +From a distance Dora was a witness, exulting. + +"Paul stands a swell chance with her," she sneered. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you're here," confided Eva, letting down just a bit of +her restraint as, like a frightened child, she told of what she had +learned about the disappearance of Flint. + +Locke dismissed the driver, and together they walked slowly toward the +house. + +Not only Eva, but the entire household was relieved by Locke's presence. +The cook rushed forward and, with a "God bless you, sir!" would have +embraced him had he not stepped aside. Even the dignified old family +butler tried to take his hand, an unheard-of liberty on his part. For, +unknowingly, all had come suddenly to rely upon this quiet, unassuming +young man. + +Locke immediately asked to be shown to Flint's room in the hope that +Flint might have left some clue behind. But, although they searched high +and low, no success met their efforts. + +It was then that they faced their darkest moment. Feeling, as they did, +that they were encircled by hidden enemies, the very air they breathed +became a menace. Every attempt to find the thread that might unravel the +dark mystery proved futile. It was not to be wondered at that they +despaired. Even the weird laughter of Eva's stricken father, echoing +hollowly through the house, seemed to be mocking their efforts. + +The Automaton's emissaries were anxious to do their job and return to +the cave, for, like rats, they preferred the security best found +underground. They did not lead Flint very far. + +At the edge of the Brent estate there was an Italian marble fountain +decorated with bronze dolphins and water-nymphs disporting themselves. +It was at this fountain that the men halted Flint and, with a final +warning, left him. + +For a few moments, such was his fear, Flint did not remove the bandage +from his eyes, but moved groping around until his hand came in contact +with the edge of the fountain. For a moment he stood quietly, listening +for sounds of the emissaries. Then, as he heard nothing, he tore the +bandage from his eyes, gazed wonderingly around him until his mind +grasped his exact location, then, with a bound, started to run toward +Brent Rock. + +Had he noticed the bestial face of an emissary peering from the +shrubbery he would have been even more frightened. Retribution, he would +have known, would be swift and sure had he disregarded their commands +and moved in another direction. + +As Flint left the fountain Balcom, suave and well groomed as usual, was +just giving his hat and stick to the butler when Locke and Eva, +returning from Flint's room, encountered him in the hallway. + +"Oh, Mr. Balcom," exclaimed Eva, "Mr. Locke and I are at a loss to +account for Mr. Flint's disappearance! I told the gardeners, and they +have hunted for him all over the estate and beyond, but he has +disappeared as completely as though the ground had swallowed him." + +Balcom expressed his utmost astonishment and at once insisted on going +to Flint's room to solve the mystery himself. + +Eva and Locke went directly into the library, where Locke for the first +time had an opportunity to tell Eva the result of his visit to the +chemist. The fact that they had discovered the nature of the toxin was +in itself encouraging, and Eva felt that, even now, she could see the +glimmer of a silver lining to the clouds. + +"If we can only locate Mr. Flint, Quentin," she murmured, "I feel that +much would be explained." + +Hardly had the words passed her lips when, breathless and disheveled, +Flint staggered up the stairs from under the porte-cochère and into the +hallway. Balcom, just descending from his brief inspection of Flint's +room, hailed him. + +"What has happened?" he demanded. "Don't go into the library." + +"I've just escaped from the Automaton," shouted Flint, "and I've found +the antidote!" + +Before Balcom could stop him he rushed into the library, Balcom +following in a towering rage. Eva gave a startled little cry at the wild +intrusion and Locke moved closer to her. + +"Is the antidote that will restore your father's reason worth ten +thousand dollars to you?" demanded Flint; then, before Eva could reply, +added: "Speak quick! I've got to get out of the country to-night." + +"Ten thousand!" gasped Eva. "Ten times ten thousand! Tell me what it +is." + +"Show me the money first," haggled Flint, "and remember I must have the +hard cash." + +"Just a moment, Eva," interrupted Locke. "Consider this thing well. We +can deal with this fellow as a final resort." + +Eva looked from Locke to Balcom, her mind in a turmoil, as the +telephone-bell rang and Locke hurried to answer it. + +In the room now there was a conflict of emotions and desires that fairly +electrified the place. Eva ardently craved her father's recovery at all +costs. Flint's avaricious mind wavered between a scheme nearing success +and the possibility of failure and the fear of the Automaton. Balcom +strained to hear the purport of the message that Locke was receiving. + +At the sound of the chemist's voice Locke was tense with suppressed +excitement. + +"I've found the antidote," hastened to report the professor. + +With a cordial word of thanks Locke turned from the telephone and faced +the group in the room. As he made the announcement, Eva almost embraced +him in the flood of relief at the thought of her father restored. + +"Eva," growled Balcom, "you forget yourself. As Paul's father, I cannot +countenance such actions." + +"Mr. Balcom," interrupted Locke, "I am sure you will be kind in your +criticism of Miss Brent. She has merely overrated my service to her." + +"Paul shall hear of this," stormed Balcom. + +"If your son cares to take the matter up with me," returned Locke, now +on his dignity, "I am always to be found--here." + +"Never mind," interposed Flint, who feared to see his chance slipping, +"I've got to get out of the country. Mr. Locke, your antidote is +probably valueless; mine is the certain one. Look at me, Miss Brent. Am +I not cured?" + +"You miserable sneak," scowled Locke, stepping over to him, "we don't +need your assistance now." + +"I'm dealing with Miss Brent," insisted Flint, insolently. + +Eva, a bit nervous over Balcom's overbearing manner, interposed. "Mr. +Locke," she said, with just a touch of dignity for effect on Balcom, +"this is a matter of life and death, and I am not in favor of permitting +a proven antidote to be taken out of the country by this--this man. I +have every confidence in you, but suppose--just suppose--that your +chemist friend is mistaken." + +Flint immediately saw his advantage and pressed it home. "Are you going +to let ten thousand dollars stand in the way of your father's recovery?" +he insinuated. "Here," he added, taking pencil and paper from his pocket +and writing hurriedly. + +"Baker's dock," Eva read, as he handed her the paper, "until five +o'clock." + +Flint bowed decently enough to her, glanced upward, and, as he thought +of Eva's father lying stricken with the Madagascar madness in the room +above, an evil leer came over his fox-like face. As he left he +completely ignored both Locke and Balcom, unless it was that the look in +his eyes meant a sort of sinister triumph. + +Locke followed him out of the library, and for a few moments Eva and +Balcom were alone. + +Balcom had been quick to realize that it would not further his plans if +he continued to antagonize this high-spirited girl. He took another +course. The kind and fatherly manner which he could assume so readily +was now apparent. + +"Eva, my dear child," he ingratiated, "I am really sorry for the hasty +way in which I spoke, but, aside from our duty to International Patents, +your marriage to my son has been my greatest hope and ambition." + +"I can't see why you should wish a daughter-in-law of whose actions you +disapprove," retorted Eva, pointedly. + +It was a facer for Balcom and he quickly guided the conversation into +less dangerous channels. + +Eva's candid nature could not comprehend treachery of any kind in +others, and yet, although she was unable to put a name to it, she had a +vague feeling of insecurity in dealing with her father's partner. This +feeling had been heightened by Balcom's actions. In speaking of the +proposed marriage to Paul he had come quite close to her. She shuddered, +for, out of the corner of her eye, only a few moments before, she +remembered him in the same position when Flint had handed her the +address, and she knew that Balcom had surreptitiously read it. Why had +he taken that underhand method when, if he had only asked frankly to see +the paper, she would have handed it to him without hesitation or +suspicion. + +Eva started to leave the library, but Balcom stopped her with a gesture. +"My dear," he said, "your father is stricken with a deadly malady. His +affairs are in your hands to protect his interests. I must urge that you +marry Paul at the earliest possible moment." + +Eva scarcely knew what to say. "I can't," she blurted out, then tried to +cover her confusion and made it worse, "only--as a last resort--to save +my father--Oh--good-by!" And she almost ran from the room. + + + +CHAPTER IX + + +Meanwhile, as Flint left Brent Rock, his fear of the Automaton returned +to him with redoubled force. He had been false to his mission. Nor had +he even succeeded in his treachery. A few minutes he had been certain +that Eva would come to Baker's dock at the time set, but now doubts +began to assail him. With her obvious faith in Locke, she might decide +on the chemist's antidote, and there was always a possibility that it +might restore Brent, in which case Flint realized that his life would be +forfeit to the Automaton. + +Nor were his fears unfounded. He had barely passed the fountain where, +half an hour before, he had been set free, when an emissary came out +from behind a neighboring tree and took up his trail. + +De Luxe Dora also had waited only long enough to see Eva and Locke enter +Brent Rock, when she turned her runabout around and drove rapidly back +to Professor Hadwell's. She arrived there just in time to meet an +automobile coming from the opposite direction and containing three +emissaries of the Automaton. + +In answer to an inquiry, Dora pointed out the chemist's house to them. +They piled out, and their leader knocked at the door, while Dora drove +off. + +The chemist answered, and the leader produced a vial, glibly lying as he +handed it over. + +"The Williams Drug Company sent me to have this stuff analyzed," said +the leader. "I'll wait." + +As the professor admitted him he did not see the other two men pressed +close to the wall on either side of the door. The moment the professor's +back was turned they slinked after their leader into the house. In a +dark corner of the hallway they crouched as their leader went into the +laboratory with the chemist. + +The professor sniffed at the vial, which contained nothing but pure +water, and in surprise turned to the emissary for an explanation. But it +was too late. The emissary dealt him a blow with a blunt instrument that +stunned him and, as he reeled back and grasped at a table, the other +thugs rushed from the hall and rained blow after blow on his venerable +head and beat him to the floor. A convulsive shudder--a long-drawn-out +sigh--and he lay still. + +With barely a glance at him the emissaries set to work to smash all the +paraphernalia of the place, sparing nothing in order to make sure that +the antidote would be destroyed. Glass tubes, retorts, bottles, even +furniture were smashed to bits in their orgy of ruin--and there, in the +midst of the debris, his life's work finished, lay the old chemist, +dead. + +Tiring of their own efforts, the murderers at last desisted. One of them +went to the street door and peered out, but in a moment was back with +the others. + +"Quick--that fellow Locke is coming." + +He was right. Locke had immediately quit Brent Rock and had come +directly to the chemist's in the hope of forestalling any further +attempt by Flint to inveigle Eva into dealing with him. + +The door had been left ajar and, although he thought it strange, Locke +was without suspicion and entered the hallway. He called to his old +friend, but the dead lips could not answer and the emissaries would not. + +Greatly alarmed now, Locke strode to the laboratory. For a moment he +stood as though petrified as the horrid scene burst upon his vision. He +ran to the chemist and knelt beside his battered body. + +With a rush the emissaries darted from their hiding-place and were upon +him. + +Although taken unawares, Locke was, in a measure, ready for them. One he +grabbed in a clever jiu-jitsu hold and sent him hurtling through the air +to crash in a heap in a far corner of the room. Leaping to his feet, he +beat another to the floor. The third villain was of tougher fiber. Up +and down the laboratory they battled, stumbling over broken furniture, +now falling to the floor, where they rolled over and over, first one, +then the other gaining the mastery, while the broken glass with which +the floor was littered cut their clothing to ribbons and bit into their +flesh. + +Locke was slowly gaining the upper hand when the thug whom he had thrown +over his head recovered. The brute took the situation in at a glance, +saw his pal in trouble, and, sneaking treacherously behind Locke, dealt +him a terrific blow with the butt of a revolver. Locke dropped to the +floor as if pole-axed and lay still. + +One of the thugs kicked him as he lay defenseless, and then, spying a +row of coat-hooks in an inner hallway, with fiendish ingenuity directed +the others who had joined him. They strung Locke up by his thumbs so +that he hung, half suspended, with his toes just off the floor. + +As one of them searched him Locke was still unconscious. They found +nothing but a few bank-notes and the automatic revolver that Locke +always carried. + +Slowly Locke regained his senses. The agony of his strained thumbs was +almost unbearable. But he was not the man to give up. + +By this time two of the emissaries had gone, leaving one, who seated +himself quite close to Locke, where he was examining the revolver. With +the stoicism of an Indian, Locke manfully tried to evolve a plan by +which he might escape. Like a flash it came to him, but it was a plan so +fraught with the possibility of failure that he would not have decided +on it except for the agony of the strain on his thumbs. + +Directly opposite him and at a distance of four or five feet was a door +leading to a back alley. This door the emissary now guarding him had +locked as a precaution against surprise and had carefully placed the key +in his vest pocket. + +Locke weighed each detail of his plan and then, bracing his feet firmly +against the wall, he suddenly shot his lower limbs forward and, like the +closing of a pair of giant shears, he wrapped his legs about the neck of +the emissary and immediately exerted enormous pressure with his knees. + +The emissary, taken totally by surprise, struggled to break the hold, +and Locke's thumbs were almost wrenched from their sockets. But he held +on grimly. Soon the thug's struggles subsided, Locke released him, and +he slipped to the floor. + +Locke was wearing a low-cut shoe. Strange that a man's life may hinge on +such a slight detail, but this fact enabled him to work off his right +shoe and his sock. He extended his bare foot, and with his toes searched +the pocket of the emissary for the key to the door. Finally he found it. + +Locke held the key as firmly as he might between his toes and, +projecting his body by a muscular effort far away from the wall, he +managed to insert the key in the lock. He turned it. The door was +unlocked now. A swift downward movement of his foot against the knob and +the door swung open. + +He braced himself against its edge and, with his back firmly pressed +against the wall, relieved the strain on his thumbs. He rested a moment +and then, as it were, walked up the edge of the door until his feet +reached the top. Swinging one leg over the door, by patient effort he +was enabled to release one swollen thumb, then the other. An instant +later he dropped down and leaned exhaustedly against the wall. + +While Locke was held in the room things had happened which would have +set him nearly crazy with anxiety. Eva, having heard nothing from him, +had become alarmed and had telephoned to the chemist. This was at +quarter to five, and she had supposed that it was the chemist who +answered her. In reality it had been an emissary, and he had told her +that the final experiment to find an antidote for her father's malady +had been really a failure and that Locke had left some time before. + +After all that she had endured, this was almost the final blow to Eva. +She thought of Flint and Baker's dock and five o'clock. There was no +time to lose if she were to save her father. So she pulled herself +together, seized her hat and cloak, and started for the door. + +Here Zita stopped her and offered to accompany her, but she declined. +She hastily asked the direction of Baker's dock from the butler, and +then ran out of the house and sprang to the steering-wheel of her +waiting car. With a whir of the starter she was away. + +Flint had arrived at the dock long before and was now slinking in and +out among the crates and boxes as he sought diligently for a safe +hiding-place. But his nerves, none too strong at the best, were now +running riot, and nowhere could he feel a sense of security so that he +could remain quiet. + +It was while he was sneaking from one pile of bales to another that an +emissary hailed him. + +"Are you Flint?" he demanded. + +"Y-e-s," came quaveringly from Flint. + +"Well, there's a lady in the office asking for you." + +Such was the fascination of any of the emissaries of the Automaton over +Flint by this time that he followed the man without question, +particularly as he felt that he would be spared, since the lady in the +office could be none other than Eva. + +Together they walked toward the entrance and, with an order to wait, the +emissary halted Flint close to a pile of crates and left him. Flint +dared not move. A premonition of impending disaster must have come over +him, for his knees shook and a clammy sweat broke out on his forehead. + +Without sound a gigantic iron hand and arm protruded from behind a crate +and, for a moment, hung suspended over Flint's head. Then, with a swift +encircling movement, that hooklike arm wrapped itself around Flint's +neck and drew him into the shadow. The mighty form drew the victim +close--and it was over. + +The Automaton picked up the body as though it had been a mere +feather-weight and stalked out to the waiting emissaries. A trap-door +was opened and Flint's body was dashed into the river. Thus it was that +all his scheming came to an end and his secret from Madagascar, which he +had told Brent, but which now lay locked in that mad-man's mind, was +stilled with Flint's dead lips. + +At the chemist's shop Locke was by this time recovering from the +terrible ordeal through which he had passed. He bathed his swollen +thumbs, and by rubbing them was able somewhat to restore the +circulation. Then he stepped to the telephone and gave the Brent Rock +number. + +It was Zita who answered him. + +"Eva has gone alone to Baker's dock," she answered to his inquiry, in +half-triumphant jealousy. + +Locke did not wait to hear more. There was not a moment to be lost. He +rushed out, disheveled as he was, into the street, slamming the door +after him. It seemed hours before he could find a taxicab. + +"Baker's dock!" he yelled. "And twenty dollars if you make it in ten +minutes." + +He did not know that the emissaries had robbed him of everything, nor +would it have made any difference, for he could easily have fixed it +with the driver through his police and Secret Service connections. + +In the mean time Eva's car had met with misfortune, and she had been +compelled to stop. She jumped out and busied herself with a missing +cylinder. + +Locke's taxi was running smoothly and arrived at the dock well within +the time he had ordered. Locke jumped out and started to pay. It was +then that he discovered that he was without money. The driver became +angry and hard to pacify with the story of the robbery, but Locke +finally convinced him that all was right with the Department of Justice. + +Locke walked through the gates to the dock and for a moment stood +nonplussed. This dock had none of the turmoil and bustle naturally +associated with docks when a steamer is about to leave. + +He cautiously proceeded between the piles of merchandise toward the end +of the wharf. Of one thing he was now certain and a prayer of relief +came to his lips. He was there before Eva and able to guard her from any +danger that might arise. + +His eyes were keen, but he failed to notice the emissaries who, from +behind crates and bales, were watching his every move. Nor did he see +that fiend of iron, the Automaton, which, standing rigid, glared at him +from behind an enormous packing-case. + +He continued down the wharf as, slinking like coyotes, those sinister +forms glided from hiding-place to hiding-place and were never far from +his heels. He reached the end of the wharf and gazed up and down the +dark river. Here and there he could distinguish the colored lights that +marked a tugboat or some other small craft, but of a large steamer there +was no sign. It is rarely that a boat warps into a dock just a few +moments before leaving for foreign parts, and it flashed upon Locke's +mind that Flint had deceived them about his leaving for Madagascar that +night. + +He was still wondering what it could all mean when the emissaries leaped +upon him. Although weakened by his previous battle, Locke proved no easy +customer for them. Time after time he struggled free from them and with +arms working like piston-rods for a while he kept them at a distance. +But, like a pack of wolves, they were not to be denied, and they finally +succeeded in holding him firmly. + +One of them brought leg-irons which he snapped around Locke's ankles. +Once again Locke managed to get one of his arms free and, before they +could prevent him, two emissaries lay prostrate on the wharf. But that +effort marked his last, for the Automaton, stalking up behind him, +pinioned his arms as though he was a baby. + +An emissary now placed a pair of handcuffs on his wrists and, to bind +him more securely, fastened a chain that extended from the handcuffs to +the leg-irons. + +Two of the thugs now carried him to the edge of the wharf, while a third +attached a heavy weight to Locke's feet. Locke realized his +helplessness, realized that his death was imminent. But he determined to +rid the world of at least one murderer. By a mighty effort he shook off +his captors and, as one rushed forward, he grabbed him in his manacled +hands and leaped with him into the river as they grappled. + +At the shore end of the wharf an emissary was leading Eva, as she +thought, to Flint. + +Locke and the thug sank immediately to the bottom of the river and, +under water, there ensued a terrific battle. Locke, semi-helpless +because of his shakles, had the greatest difficulty in preventing the +thug from breaking loose. But he was determined that the fellow at least +would pay for his crimes with his life. + +The thug's struggles gradually became more feeble. Air bubbles rose from +his bestial lips and he became limp in Locke's grasp. Locke released him +and, feet first, he floated upward, dead. + +Locke's lungs were almost bursting now as he struggled at his chains; +his senses reeled; he thought of Eva, and redoubled his efforts. If he +could only get rid of that great weight that was holding him down. A +singing came in his ears. + + + +CHAPTER X + + +As Eva hurried down the dock, looking for the renegade, Flint she found +herself cornered between the emissary and the terrible Automaton +himself. With a scream of terror she ran until she came to a door that +divided the dock into fireproof sections. Through it she darted, the +Automaton following relentlessly. + +Meanwhile Locke, his lungs almost bursting and the blood surging to his +head, had managed to free himself from his shackles and had floated to +the surface of the water. As he came up he swam to the piles of the dock +just as several boatmen saw him and hurried to his aid. + +They heard the screams of Eva, and all started running up the dock, but +not in time to capture the Automaton, who, warned by the emissaries, +crashed through the side of the dock house nearest the shore and +escaped. + +A moment later Locke, searching through the piles of boxes, bales, and +crates, found Eva, just recovering from her fright, and in the joy of +having saved her by his timely return forgot, for the moment, to pursue +the terrible villain, who managed to reach a waiting closed car and was +whisked away. + +Thus it was that after their return to Brent Rock, on the following day +Eva was ministering to her father, still hopelessly insane through the +failure to discover the antidote to the madness. + +While Eva was engaged in her ministrations up-stairs Locke was finishing +some experiment in his laboratory. Down-stairs, Balcom had just arrived +in the hall, where he was met by Zita with a report of what had happened +the day before. + +"Tell it to me in the strong-room while I place this package there," +Balcom whispered, indicating the package which he had brought. + +Together Balcom and Zita descended to the cellar and made their way to +the Graveyard of Genius as Zita poured forth her story, unmindful of the +fact that the butler had seen them go down and was watching very +skeptically. In the Graveyard Balcom unwrapped a small model of a motor +and placed it on the shelf. + +Eva, having left her father, came upon Locke in the hall, and there they +stood talking for a moment, when the butler approached apologetically. + +"Begging your pardon, Miss Brent," he reported, "but I just saw Mr. +Balcom go down to the strong-room with Miss Zita, and I thought you +might like to know." + +"Thank you," nodded Eva, dismissing the butler and trying to show no +concern in the matter. + +But Locke shot a quick glance at her as the servant left, and it was +evident that both felt the same suspicion, for Locke immediately excused +himself and hurried down-stairs. + +In the Graveyard Balcom and Zita were talking in subdued tones as Zita +whispered. + +"I suppose you know," she nodded, "that before Mr. Brent went mad he +wrote a confession with a list of these inventions which International +Patents has suppressed?" + +Balcom could scarcely conceal his rage. "Yes, I know it," he replied, +savagely. "That confession would cause a great deal of trouble." + +Low as they were talking, they would have been even more careful had +they known that Locke was listening outside and that, even as they +turned to leave the strong-room, he had sidled out of the way and was +rejoining Eva in the library. + +Locke had scarcely told Eva what he had heard when she moved over to the +safe and would have tried to open it had he not stopped her. For he had +heard the other two coming from the cellar, and even as it was they were +at the hall door. + +"My dear," remarked Balcom as he entered and went to Eva, "since your +father is not likely to recover, I must ask you to transfer all the +company papers from his private safe to the office of the company." + +Eva did not respond to the fatherly manner assumed by Balcom. Instead +she almost point-blank refused to do as he had requested. + +Just then Locke, whom Balcom had almost ignored up to the present, heard +the noise of some one coming through the conservatory. It was Paul +Balcom, his coat on his arm, his sleeves rolled up, and a tennis-racquet +in his hand, as he had come just from the courts. + +Paul glanced surlily at Locke, who bowed pleasantly to him, as well he +might, considering their relative positions in Eva's real affections. +Catching sight of his father with Eva, Paul paused a moment. + +It was just at that instant that Balcom had been saying to her: "Why +don't you marry Paul, as you promised your father and me? That would +settle all the difficulties." + +Paul had suspected the nature of the conversation, though he approached +as if ignorant of it. Apparently catching the drift, he deftly urged +her, but Eva tactfully changed the subject, greatly to Paul's chagrin +and his father's ill-suppressed anger. + +The suspense of the situation was relieved for Eva by the nearer +approach of Locke, who must have had some inkling of what was going on. +Paul and his father exchanged glances as the young chemist and detective +joined Eva, and it was evident that no love toward him was wasted by +either. + +"Excuse me," she apologized, walking away with Locke, "but there is +something very important that I must attend to for my father's +interests." + +Locke and Eva walked to the safe, while Balcom and Paul watched like +hawks. + +A moment later Eva was kneeling before the safe, after giving Locke a +paper which contained the combination numbers to open the bolts. Locke +glanced at it, then held it where Eva could read: + + Combination of Safe + Turn once left to 40 + Three right to 18 + Once left to 40 + +As Locke held the paper and Eva's slender hand spun the combination +lock, Balcom and Paul moved silently forward. Although Locke was holding +the paper with the combinations for Eva, he heard them come up behind +him and knew that they were watching. With a quiet smile to himself he +moved the paper over so that they could see it, nor were they slow to +take advantage of the chance. Locke's mind was working fast, and he had +a purpose in what seemed to be carelessness or even foolishness. + +A moment later Eva opened the safe and from it she took a typewritten +document of many pages. + +It read: + + BOARD OF DIRECTORS, + + International Patents, Inc., + New York. + + GENTLEMEN,--In view of the government's anti-trust investigation, + I have prepared this list of inventions we have suppressed. + I think we should discuss at our annual meeting + the advisability of surrendering our rights to these inventions, + no matter what may happen to the corporations we have + been protecting. + + Very truly yours, + + PETER BRENT. + +Following this letter was a bulky paper, or rather set of papers, which +detailed the inventions and their history, exposing some of the +nefarious operations of the corporation. + +Balcom, as he read the top letter, showed great agitation. As Locke took +the package from Eva, Balcom interrupted: + +"That's very dangerous," he said. "If it gets out, the corporations are +ruined." + +Locke scarcely replied. Instead, he very ostentatiously replaced the +document in the safe, refusing to intrust it either to Balcom or to +Paul, who withdrew sullenly, leaving Eva alone with Locke in the library +as Locke whirled the combination of the closed safe door. + +It was perhaps half an hour later in the secret den of the Automaton in +the rock-hewn foundation of Brent Rock that the emissaries were watching +the arched and dark passage. Suddenly there was the warning clank, and +the huge steel monster strode in. + +For some time he stood before the table, giving his instructions by +means of mysterious, cryptic motions. + +Meantime, above in Brent Rock, Locke had been busy, for he had conceived +an entirely new plan to capture the Automaton. It was nothing short of +an electric trap, and deadly in its simplicity. + +From the wall switch Locke had led wires carrying the house current. +Already, also, he had let Eva in on his secret plan, and she was all +eagerness as he planted his trap. + +Before the safe, now, Locke paused, and there for a moment twisted the +combination so that he could get his correct position. That done, he +noted the place where he had been standing, and removed a mat from the +floor in front of the safe. At that place he set in on the floor a +fairly large iron plate. To this iron plate he attached a wire, then +replaced the rug, but in such a way that a part of the plate was +exposed, though it would never be noticed. + +"If the Automaton attempts to open the safe," he remarked to Eva, as he +worked, "he will complete the electric circuit and it will hold him +until we capture him." + +"How clever!" Eva exclaimed, involuntarily. + +"Now for making my signaling connection to the laboratory," continued +Locke. "Then I must get some of my men up here from the department." + +However, while Locke and Eva were busy arranging this electric trap, +they did not notice that they were being watched by Zita, who had stolen +into the conservatory and was eying them eagerly from the protection of +the fronds of a palm. Zita, moreover, was greatly excited, as she +gathered with her quick perception just what it was that they were +doing. Nor did she wait to see the work finished, but stole out of the +door and away hurriedly. + +Locke had finished his preparations, and as he and Eva were discussing +the possibilities of what he had devised, he remarked, in answer to her +eager inquiry about his suspicions, "I am sure we shall prove that there +is a man inside the terrible machine that attacks us." + +"Then you don't think it is really an automaton?" asked Eva, with great +respect for Locke's opinion, though it was sufficiently in evidence that +she was not at all convinced that the monster was not really of steel +and controlled by something that resembled a human brain. + +Locke was non-committal. "This trap will tell us," was all that he would +say. + +Zita, hurrying out from the conservatory, and wishing to waste not an +instant in notifying Balcom, sought a near-by telephone pay-station, and +there in frantic haste she demanded Balcom's number. + +It was some moments before Central could make the connection, and then +it was only to Zita's disappointment and growing fear. The Madagascan +servant of Balcom answered in the absence of his master. + +"Is Mr. Balcom there?" asked Zita, adding, "Or Mr. Paul?" + +The black shook his head. "Neither Mr. Balcom nor Mr. Paul is at home," +he replied. + +Zita was now thoroughly alarmed. Had she some connection with the +Automaton? Or was it her fear that either Balcom or Paul might know more +than they would care to have the authorities know? Or was the Automaton +really an iron monster, after all? + +That and many other questions were surging through the minds of all who +had encountered this unique mystery. + + + +CHAPTER XI + + +It was midnight when, far down in the rock-hewn cavern in which the +Automaton had his secret den, the steel monster and one of his men +stalked out through the arched passage that led to the very cellar of +the house above them. + +A few moments later the swinging rock door in the Graveyard of Genius +tilted and the two entered the strong-room, passing across the room and +out through the steel door into the cellar. Up the cellar steps they +proceeded until they reached the hall, then noiselessly they crossed +into the library. With his human companion the monster approached the +safe deliberately. Just as deliberately the Automaton reached out to +turn the handle of the combination. + +There was a flash as the current passed through the arm of steel to the +foot of steel resting on the plate Locke had set in the floor. A +suppressed cry escaped from the henchman. As for the monster, he strove +with superhuman force to wrench himself away from the electric trap. + +Meanwhile, up in his laboratory in the house, Locke and four men from +the Department of Justice had been waiting. + +"The Department expects us to get this evidence _right_," he had +emphasized as he gave them their instructions. + +Hardly had he finished when a signal light which Locke had arranged on +the wall flashed, giving the information that the trap had worked. + +Out of the laboratory all piled, running down the hall, Locke paused +only a second to tap on Eva's door, as she had asked, if anything +happened, so that she might be present at the capture. An instant and +Eva, too, had joined the pursuit. + +Down in the library the Automaton struggled with the current. As the rug +was kicked aside, the emissary saw the wire from the plate and quickly +traced it to its source. + +The result was that in a few seconds the emissary had found a wall +switch and pulled it. Instantly the Automaton was released from the +power that held him. + +Quickly the man of steel raised and lowered his arms, as though to be +sure that he could do so, at the same time indicating orders to his +follower, who leaped to guard the entrance to the room. Then the +Automaton turned to open the safe, making swift use of the remaining +seconds before the alarm might bring interference. + +In almost no time he had the safe open, reached in, and seized a packet +of precious papers, apparently. Then he turned and was gone, regardless +of the man whom he had sent to guard him. + +In the hall, Locke's sharp ears had detected the approach of the +emissary. Not knowing whether it might be the villain himself, he +cautioned the men to wait an instant. The emissary, coming along, +crouching and listening, did not see Locke, and thus Locke was able to +seize him and with a spectacular throw project him literally into the +hands of the law in the person of one of his own men, who snapped the +bracelets on the astonished thug as Locke, followed by Eva and the rest, +ran on to the library. + +No one was in the library as Locke ran in and looked about. He turned +toward the door to the hallway where the portières were drawn. As he was +standing there, looking about, the portières moved behind him. Suddenly +they were jerked aside from their fastenings and flung over his head. As +this happened, the ponderous hand of the Automaton descended on Locke's +head and he sank to the floor as the portières wrapped about him. + +When the department agents with Eva arrived, they were merely in time to +untangle Locke from the curtains. The Automaton had fled safely. + +Although his head was still reeling from the blow, Locke started to +question the prisoner, but gave it up as a bad job and hurried over to +examine the safe, followed by Eva. + +Their dismay was mutual. Not only was the safe door open, but the paper +was gone. + +Question the emissary as they would, they could get nothing out of him. +Such men have keenly developed the gang instinct of silence. They would +sooner die than squeal. + +Even a night in jail failed to break the reticence of the emissary, +although he had been subjected to the most strenuous third degree. + +Not only had his spirit not been broken, but the fellow was keenly alert +and planning a way to secure his own release. + +As a prison guard was taking the emissary back to his cell, after a +thorough quizzing by Locke in the warden's office, the emissary +whispered: + +"Want to make a piece of change--safe?" + +The guard looked about, saw that the coast was clear to speak, but +before he could do so the emissary spoke again. + +"Give me a piece of paper and a pencil." + +Quickly the thug scratched away at a note. + +"Deliver that," he said to the guard, handing him the note he had +written, "and you'll get something worth while." + +The guard nodded as he shoved the thug into his cell and locked the +door, then walked off, while the fellow watched eagerly through the +bars. + +Locke in the warden's office, unsuccessful in making the prisoner talk, +had evolved another scheme. + +"Put me in the cell next to him," decided Locke. "I have a plan." + +It was while the false guard was reading the address on the note that +Locke and the warden entered the cell row. The guard hastily stuffed the +message in his pocket as Locke and the warden passed up toward the empty +next cell. + +Locke went through all the actions of one who was being thrown into a +cell, and the emissary in his own cell listened without suspecting +anything. Locke had arranged with the warden to leave the cell unlocked, +but no sooner had the warden left than the guard, who had been +observing, moved over and shot the bolts. + +Here, then, was a predicament. Locke could not give the alarm without +putting the emissary in the next cell on guard. Rapidly Locke revolved +in his head scheme after scheme. He was an expert on bolts and knew that +at any moment he could release himself. Should he do so now? Instead he +concluded to wait until the guard returned, for by the man's actions +Locke was sure that something queer was going on, although, naturally, +he did not know what it was. Accordingly Locke lay down on the bunk in +the cell and decided to wait. + +Some time later, at a deserted house not far from the rock-hewn den of +the Automaton, the false prison guard might have been seen delivering +the message which the prisoner had written to two other emissaries of +the Automaton. + +After a hasty conference they decided on their course of action. Not +only did he receive the money the prisoner had promised him, but the +emissaries gave him minute instructions regarding the rescue which they +planned. A cap and a pair of goggles for the prisoner were given to the +guard and he was sent on his way. + +Scarcely had he gone when the Automaton himself entered the deserted +house, and under his direction one of the emissaries wrote a note which +he addressed to Eva. For, with Locke out of the way, it was a splendid +time to take advantage of the poor girl. + +The note read simply: "Our prisoner has confessed. Meet me at the Cliff +House at eight o'clock," and bore the signature of Locke. + +Thus, with their plans carefully laid, the Automaton and his emissaries +plotted, and soon a messenger was on his way to Eva with the faked +message. + +Meanwhile, as the day wore on, the treacherous guard returned on duty at +the prison, and at the first opportunity made his way to the cell in +which the emissary was locked. In a hoarse whisper he told the fellow of +the success of his mission and of the plan, slipping to him the cap and +goggles through the bars. + +Locke had been waiting for hours impatiently on his bunk, but now was +all attention, though he was careful not to betray it. As the guard left +and the emissary was trying on the cap and goggles, Locke came to his +cell door. Now was the time to act. + +He began working noiselessly and swiftly with the bolts, deftly +determining just how the tumblers fell until he was able to slip the +bolt. He peered into the next cell. The emissary had retired to his own +bunk to await the time of rescue. Locke saw his chance, and at once +began unlocking the cell door. As the emissary heard him, he concluded +that it was the guard come to release him, and sprang from his bunk just +as Locke entered. He suspected nothing until a stray ray of light fell +on Locke's face. But then it was too late either for him to put up much +of a fight or to make an outcry. For with a swift blow Locke disposed of +him and carried the fellow, unconscious, into his own cell, where he +locked the door again, hurrying back to the emissary's cell, where he +donned the fellow's clothes, of which he had stripped him, and +appropriated the cap and goggles. Then Locke waited for the rescue that +was to lead, he was sure, straight to the villains he wished to capture. + +At Brent Rock, the faked telegram from Locke had been delivered and Eva +was overjoyed to learn of his seeming success. As it happened, Zita was +in the library when the butler brought the message in, and, all +animation, was eager to accompany Eva to the meeting-place. But Eva +would not listen to it. + +So, not many moments before eight that night, while Locke was waiting in +the jail for the rescuers, Eva climbed into her speedster, eager to keep +the appointment which she was convinced would clear up the mystery. + +In the darkness outside the jail, by this time, was waiting the false +turnkey when an open car drove up with its motor silenced. He had been +expecting it and so was ready when a heavily goggled man climbed out and +signaled to him. In the back of the car was another man, also goggled, +while the chauffeur, alone, had his face also well hidden by a cap over +his eyes and his collar pulled up. + +Understanding perfectly, the guard hurried into the jail, making sure +that the coast was clear, and down the cell row to the cell where Locke +was waiting impatiently, now dressed and hunched up in a perfect +imitation of the emissary. The turnkey opened the door and whispered to +Locke, who nodded gruffly, and together they sneaked quietly out. + +With scarcely another word, outside, Locke leaped into the waiting car +and the four were off, leaving the false turnkey chuckling over his +cleverness and ready to make a get-away. + +Locke glanced furtively from the driver to the other two passengers in +the car as it sped along in the direction of the cliffs. So far +everything had gone fine. When would they begin to suspect the +substitution he had played on them? He revolved rapidly in his mind just +what he would do under various circumstances. + +"Well, old pal," exclaimed one, clapping him on the shoulders, "how does +it seem to be out?" + +Locke replied with gruff heartiness, and the others now began to remove +their goggles. Locke, however, did not do the same. They exchanged a +glance. + +Already Eva had arrived at the Cliff House, had left her car, and was +approaching on foot, just as Locke with the now thoroughly aroused +emissaries swung into sight. + +With a shout to the driver, the two in the back of the car leaped at +Locke at once, and, as the car stopped, the chauffeur joined them. + +Even prepared as he was, Locke was no match for three of them, and, +fighting furiously, all four combatants rolled over and over as they +came closer to the door of an old acid-mill that adjoined the Cliff +House. + +"We must keep him from saving the girl," panted the leader of the +emissaries to the others. + +Inside the old building stood some huge tanks of acid, and as they +rolled nearer and nearer to them it became evident that Locke was in +their power. + +Suddenly one emissary reached out and secured a coil of rope, which he +unwound quickly. The others, too, saw their chance. It was fiendish. +Round and round they wound the rope until they had Locke well-nigh +helpless. Then one of them cast the end of the coil over a beam, all +seized the end as it fell on the other side, and Locke found himself +dangling head downward from the beam, suspended over the vat of acid. + +They were about to drop him into it when one, more alert and more +fiendish than the rest, cried out, "Look!" + +Through a window now they could see Eva, and back of her the terrible +figure of the Automaton, stalking. She had walked directly into the +trap, but the fight with Locke had delayed the emissaries. Wildly now +Eva was running over the lawn, full in the direction of the acid-room +from the Cliff House. + +"Quick!" directed the emissary. "She'll come in that door. Fasten the +rope on it. Then his own sweetheart will drop him into the acid!" + +It was only a matter of seconds, as the screams of Eva came closer and +closer, for the emissaries to carry the rope and jam it into the door +through which pretty soon Eva would run to take refuge from the pursuing +Automaton. Then they slunk back through a rear door, with muttered +taunts to Locke, who struggled in the tangle of rope as he felt the +stinging fumes of the acid below. + +Outside, Eva, who had realized at last that it was a trap and had no +thought that Locke might be anywhere about, fled toward the acid-room, +while the emissaries hid, ready to seize her as she opened the door +which was to plunge her lover into a horrible death in the acid seething +below him. + + + +CHAPTER XII + + +Locke's case seemed at last hopeless. The cruel ropes bit into his flesh +and increased his agony, while the acrid fumes from the seething acid +were slowly stupefying that keen brain of his. + +Backward and forward like a huge pendulum his body swayed, and in an +agony of suspense he watched the fatal rope. With writhing body he +swayed far out, and then he saw just one chance. + +The emissaries had thrown the rope over a beam which was far above +Locke, and it seemed an impossibility for him to reach it. For one less +resourceful or with a physique less perfectly developed, even to try +would have been useless. But there was one chance in a thousand, and he +grasped it eagerly. + +Alternately contracting and relaxing his muscles, Locke succeeded in +swinging himself in an ever-widening arc. Nearer he swung--back--and +again nearer. Could he make it? Back again and a terrific effort. He was +gaining. + +There came to him the sound of running feet. In his fear and agony he +could have shrieked, but from his parched throat there issued no sound. +Friend or foe, for him it meant the same fate--one touch on that knob +and a torturing death by fire. + +With bursting muscles he redoubled his efforts. In a long sweep his body +swayed out and up. Would he be in time? Those pattering feet, they were +coming nearer and nearer. There were now but a few yards between them +and that knob. + +A mighty swing, a monstrous heave, his fingers crooked talon-like, and +he touched the rafter, clutched--and missed. + +Downward and backward, his mind now reeling in black despair. He had +tried and failed. This was the end. The sound of footsteps had ceased. +Well he knew that some one was at the door. He tried to pray and +then--he crashed against the rafter. Mechanically he grasped at it and +clung. + +The door flew open, and there stood Eva. All the horrors of imminent +death, even the pain of sorely tried muscles, were momentarily forgotten +in his relief at seeing her safe and having saved himself. But not yet +was he free. The emissaries had been thorough in their work, but it was +not many moments before the last knot was loose and he dropped to the +floor. + +Locke peered stealthily about. To all appearances everything was clear. +He placed his arm about Eva and they started to steal out. Well they +knew that, with such enemies, not for a moment would they dare relax +their caution. For them every angle and nook was a temporary haven. +Slowly they drew away from the dread spot, and soon came to a more +populous locality where the lights of honest shops and peaceful homes +gave them a sense of greater security and brought a feeling of unreality +to the horrors through which they had passed. + +A taxi-driver hailed them, and in a short time they were rolling along +the Cliff Drive and had arrived at Brent Rock. + +It was the following day that the old butler handed Locke a letter +addressed to International Patents, Incorporated, from the Diving and +Salvage Company. Locke was about to read it, when Eva entered and they +read it together. + +"We are reliably informed," read the letter, "that the Under Seas +Corporation is trying to obtain possession of the self-liberating +diving-suit which you control in our interest. This must be prevented." + +Locke was immediately interested. At once it occurred to him that here +was a patent which the company had suppressed which might prove of +incalculable value. + +"This suit might be very valuable to the government," he exclaimed to +Eva. "I am going to try it myself." + +"Please don't," pleaded Eva. "It isn't worth it. It's not worth the +risk." + +Locke, however, realized that here was something of extreme importance, +and as he visualized to Eva the helplessness of a deep-sea diver, his +air-line cut, struggling in vain to release himself and rise to the +surface, he began to win her over. + +At the moment when Quentin and Eva were in the library, Zita was taking +advantage and was ransacking Locke's laboratory, not with any definite +purpose in mind, but searching in every nook for some clue which might +tell her what he was about. + +The speed with which she worked was extraordinary. Yet, before she moved +an instrument, a retort, a book, its position was minutely studied, so +that she could restore it to its former place without any one suspecting +that it had ever been moved. + +It was while she was thus occupied that her eye fell upon an instrument +which aroused in her an excited interest. It was very like the headpiece +used by operators of telephones, and she hastened to adjust it. In a +moment it was as though she were in the library. She could hear Locke's +earnest laugh and in it Zita could detect an undercurrent of tenderness. +Her lips compressed and her eyes hardened as she listened. Locke was +speaking about a letter and it seemed to be something important. Zita +was all ears. + +But Locke's next words which she heard were his decision to test the +diving-suit, and as she listened she became tense, for this information +she knew was important. The continued note of tenderness in Locke's +voice more infuriated Zita. She removed the headpiece of the dictagraph, +slammed it back into the desk drawer from which she had taken it, and +hurried out. + +In the library, Locke, having persuaded Eva, left her and went down into +the Graveyard of Genius, where he touched the secret spring and the +massive door flew open. He entered the gloomy place and went at once to +the shelf upon which lay the self-liberating diving-suit. He took the +suit down and examined its every detail minutely. As he did so he became +more and more enthusiastic and he could find no fault with any of its +features. + +"It's entirely practical," he exclaimed to himself. "I'm going to try it +to-day." + +He closed the great door and remounted the stairs, carrying the suit +with him. But had he noticed the fiery eyes that had watched him through +the secret rock door of the cavern he would not have been so eager to +try the test he had in mind. + +By this time Eva had called her car, and together Locke and Eva drove to +the near-by cove, where there was a little launch which he planned to +use. + +Out into the river they sailed, Eva at the wheel, while Locke busied +himself over the sputtering engine. Soon they arrived at a spot which +was suitable for the test of the suit. + +Locke had brought along the full equipment, and, while Eva took charge +of the air-pump, Locke donned the diving-suit. Soon all was ready and +Locke descended over the side, after carefully instructing Eva in each +detail. Eva started pumping, while with her other hand she carefully +paid out the air-line and signal-cord. + +But in their close attention to the task in hand, neither had noticed a +low, knifelike launch that had followed them and that was now hovering a +short distance off. + +Locke was now walking over the shell-strewn bottom, examining curious +objects here and there. The tide was setting in strongly and at times it +was with difficulty that he kept his feet. + +He had become satisfied that this particular suit filled all the +requirements of a first-class diving-suit, and he was about to try its +special, self-liberating feature, when his attention was arrested by a +vague mass which seemingly moved against the current. + +This was so extraordinary that his first thought was of a shark. He +stopped in his tracks and became motionless, for it is a well-known fact +that these sea tigers rarely see an object unless it is in motion. +Still, the vague form slowly took on more distinctness as in its course +it gradually drew nearer to him. It was then that Locke was almost +overcome with surprise. For there, groping his way toward him, was a +diver, like himself. + +What was this strange being doing there on the bottom of the sea? Whence +had he come? Locke could not guess. For, like Eva, he had not noticed +the other launch. It seemed impossible to him. Still, to him, apart from +curiosity at the appearance of the other diver, the incident had no +other interest. What had he to fear from any man at the bottom of a +peaceful harbor? Locke moved nearer. + +The stranger allowed him to approach, stopped, even, as though he were +himself amazed at Locke's appearance, and Locke made gestures to +reassure the man of his good intentions. + +Locke was quite close now, and through the glass gate in the other's +helmet he could see his eyes. But in those eyes he could see no +responding friendliness. There was a murderous hate instead. He tried to +step back and place himself in a position for defense, but he was too +late. For, with a movement amazingly rapid for one under water, the +stranger leaped upon him, at the same time drawing a long knife. There, +under the sea, commenced a battle royal. + +Locke was unarmed and so from the start was at a disadvantage. The +stranger seemed not so anxious to stab him as to come to close quarters, +and before Locke could prevent him he had done so. With his left hand he +grabbed Locke's lines, while with the other, in which was the keen +knife, he slashed murderously. + +Locke tried to break his grip. But the other was not to be denied. With +one stroke he cut through both lines, pushing Locke backward and himself +springing free at the same time. + +Immediately Locke's helmet filled with sea water, while the pressure +became enormous. Locke tried to hold his breath, while his hand searched +for the liberating knob. He gave it one twist. It worked perfectly. +Locke's suit, including the helmet, simply opened and fell from him. + +Propelled as much by the pressure that the water exerted as by his own +powerful strokes, Locke shot to the surface. + +The day was perfect and the bay was calm. For a few seconds Locke +floated, drawing the air into his starving lungs. Then he raised himself +and gazed about him. At first glance everything seemed the same except +for the fact that, whereas before his own boat had been alone, there +were now two. Then Locke heard an agonizing call for help--from Eva. + +After he had gone over the side of their launch Eva was naturally very +intent upon keeping him plentifully supplied with air. He had been down +some time before, glancing about, she had spied the other launch. But at +the time she had thought little of it. For her, all thought of danger +was centered on the man who was now risking his life many fathoms +beneath her from pure motives of patriotism. + +It was only, some minutes later, when she heard the grating of another +boat against the side of her own that she realized that she herself +stood in danger. But even at that moment her thoughts were of Quentin, +who now for the first time was wholly dependent on her efforts alone. +She looked up fearfully, and what she saw fairly congealed the blood in +her veins. Directing a murderous emissary to board Eva's launch, in the +cockpit of the other boat stood the Automaton! + +Not for an instant did Eva cease her efforts at the pump. But she +shrieked with terror again and again. Now, to add to that terror, the +pressure on the air-pump suddenly ceased. From the depths myriads of +bubbles of air arose. + +Knife in hand, the emissary leaped aboard and came toward her. +Automatically, frantically, she still turned the useless pump, while +with her free arm she tried to ward off the poised knife. + +Again her shriek for help echoed across the water--and this time her +call was answered. + +Had she gone mad? The voice that answered her was the voice of the man +she loved. Her brain reeled and she fell at the feet of the murderous +thug. + +Other cries, then shouts were now heard, for some fisher folk were +putting out off shore to discover what all the tumult was about. + +The Automaton made a hasty gesture to the emissary, who sprang back from +his victim and leaped to his own launch, where, with his assistance, +there was barely time to haul aboard the chief thug, who had been sent +below to attack Locke. The launch cast off and with ever-increasing +speed headed down the river. + +Locke was the first to arrive and climb over the side of the boat. +Dripping though he was, he took Eva in his arms and bathed her face, +while by this time other craft arrived and friendly hands did all they +could to care for them both. + +It was some minutes before Eva was restored and all headed again to the +shore, eager to help Locke. + +As he assisted Eva to land, and they waited for a carriage, Locke +hastily offered a boatman a liberal reward for the discovery of the +precious diving-suit, for it had been his intention to present the +patent to the government. + +Meanwhile some strange things had happened. Paul and his father had +quarreled over money, over De Luxe Dora, over Paul's manner of life and +his ill luck in winning Eva's affections. + +At the same time Dora had become more insistent in her demands for money +to meet her extravagances, and Paul conceived an idea of selling one of +the patents to a rival company. Strange to say, it had been the +self-liberating diving-suit and the rival company was the Under Seas +Company. + +All this took place some time after the disappearance of the Automaton +and his precious crew. + +Some hours later that evening a telephone message came for Locke from +the boatman that the diving-suit had been recovered and was being held +by him. + +Locke replied that he would be down in an hour. But during that hour +other strange things occurred. For no sooner had the boatman hung up his +receiver than a pleasant voice hailed him and he left his house to +investigate. It was Paul Balcom. + +It was in a clever, insinuating, affable manner that Paul approached the +real object of his visit. His appeal was cleverly worded, cleverly +presented. The sole object was to awaken the poor boatman's cupidity. + +The sum mentioned, no less a sum than five thousand dollars, would mean +luxury to the poor man. And all for what? Simply to call up a stranger, +a Mr. Locke, to tell him that the boatman demanded more money since he +had telephoned before, that the cash was to be placed by him in an old +packing-case from which a stationary engine had been removed that +morning. It was just an exchange. That was all. + +"Sure I'll do that," the boatman told Paul, and Paul, smiling craftily, +gave him his hand to seal the bargain. + +The boatman went back to his quarters and again called Brent Rock, +making his new demands. Locke was tremendously indignant, but he wanted +the suit quickly to prevent its falling into unscrupulous hands. He +agreed and immediately started for the dock. + +The boatman turned from his telephone and, picking up the suit, regarded +it curiously. "Five thousand dollars," he muttered. "Five thousand +dollars." And he shook his head wonderingly. + +He was standing near an open window and was commencing to fold the suit +preparatory to taking it to the end of the dock where lay the +engine-case, when, without the slightest warning, three emissaries of +the Automaton, who had appeared just a moment before on the dock, leaped +through the window and felled him to the floor. He struggled feebly, but +it was no use, and a final blow left him unconscious. + +The emissaries next grabbed the diving-suit and left hurriedly by the +way they had come. But they had not completed what it was they sought to +do. + +The old boatman was not as badly hurt as it seemed and was able to drag +himself across the floor with just strength enough to pull the telephone +from the table and call Brent Rock. Then as weakness again overcame him +he managed to blurt out a message to Eva, who answered. + +"Don't let Mr. Locke come to the dock," he managed to gasp. "He'll be +killed." Then he collapsed and fainted. + +Eva tried frantically to get the boatman again on the wire, but it was +useless. Quickly a plan formed in her mind. + +If she could only intercept Locke before he reached the dock! + +She dashed out to the garage, realizing that it was almost hopeless, +since Locke had been gone some time. Hoping against hope, she jumped +into her speedster and swung out and down the road. + +The fact was that even as she sped along toward the cove Locke was +passing the arched gate of the dock. + +He called at the boatman's little shack. Of course there was no reply. +To all appearances it was deserted. Thinking to find him at the very end +of the dock where he had been told to place the money, he proceeded to +the engine-case. + +He was slightly surprised at not finding the boatman there, but as that +was no part of the agreement it engaged his attention for only a moment. +He started to withdraw the money from his pocket, groping at the same +time to see if the diving-suit was actually in the case. + +He was bending over when suddenly there was a rush of men behind him and +a blackjack in the hands of one of the ruffians just missed his head. + +He fought, but their numbers were overwhelming. Like a pack of wolves +they pulled him down. + +Locke was quickly bound with ropes and forced into the engine-case. The +cover was put on and they nailed it down solidly. To make it doubly sure +this time the case was then lashed with ropes and they were knotted. + +Next the emissaries carried the case to a sloping landing stage, +preparatory to casting it into the river. + +It was at this moment that Eva came running down the dock in wild search +to intercept Locke. Wide-eyed, in the moonlight, she paused at what she +saw. + +The emissaries had given the packing-case its final shove. Scraping, it +slid down the incline and toppled overboard. There was a great splash as +it struck the water and immediately began to sink in the depths. + +The engine exhaust had evidently protruded from the case, as there was a +hole in its side slightly larger than a man's hand. To Eva's horror, +though she had half expected it, she saw actually a hand thrust forth +from this hole as if waving frantically. + +The box sank lower as it rapidly filled with water. + +Eva knew not what to do. Instinctively she knew that it was Locke. It +was as though he had waved a last farewell. + +Only the hand now showed above the surface. Finally that, too, +disappeared beneath the waves. + +Despairingly she turned to see if there was anything on the dock with +which she might help Locke--and she saw the Automaton himself advancing +from the shore toward her. She turned. The emissaries on the other end +of the dock cut off any chance in that direction. + +Without a moment's hesitation Eva poised herself a moment on the edge of +the dock and leaped far out into the blackness of the river. + + + +CHAPTER XIII + + +The box that held Locke a prisoner was now undoubtedly resting on the +slimy bottom. Eva had totally disappeared. The Automaton, convinced that +at last he had rid himself of his victims, waved away the emissaries and +departed. + +Except for the tiny lights of ships on the river and the staccato +exhaust of a tugboat, the river flowed with nothing to remind one of the +two tragedies of only a few seconds ago. + +As far as the eye could see, the surface of the water was unbroken. +Then, suddenly, the scene changed. For from out the water, as though +hurled up by a catapult, shot a man's body. + +It was Locke. + +By what miracle had he escaped from the watery grave? + +From the time he was a small boy the study of locks and bolts, of knots +and strait-jackets, of anything that could restrain or bind a man, had +held a marvelous fascination for him, until now he was recognized as one +of the world's greatest experts on these subjects. The great lock +concerns often sent for him to test new inventions, and invariably he +could point to any flaw in the constructions of them that existed. As he +came to manhood his knowledge had grown apace until to many he seemed a +veritable sorcerer. + +It was by a trick known only to himself that he had been able to +extricate himself from his desperate plight at the river's bottom. True, +his flesh was lacerated. True, he was on the verge of total collapse. +But he lived. + +He made his way slowly toward the dock and was resting against one of +the piles when he heard a faint cry. He strained his ears to locate the +direction whence it came. Once again that feeble call floated across the +water, and in it there sounded something vaguely familiar. + +He was more rested now and he swam farther under the dock. Again came +the cry. With a thrill now he recognized the voice. + +"Eva!" he called, again and again. + +"Here I am," came back the echo. + +With a powerful stroke he breasted the current and in a moment he was +supporting her half-fainting body. Precarious though their position was, +Locke felt the thrill of her words. The effect was to spur him on to +fresh efforts. + +Eva had become stronger now. For a few moments he swam, in order, if +possible, to find some means by which they might escape from the water +and reach the dock. + +They had no way of knowing but that the Automaton and his emissaries +might still be lurking above, ready to thrust them back into the water +or to reserve for them some even more terrible fate. But it was a risk +that they realized must be taken and at once. An attempt to swim to +another dock could end only disastrously. + +Locke soon returned with the cheering news that he had discovered a +ladder that came even to the surface of the water, a landing for small +boats. More than that, he had mounted the ladder, and from a short +survey he had seen no sign of their enemies. + +Carefully aiding Eva, Locke swam to this ladder and soon they stood upon +the dock, safe. + +With great caution they moved toward the street and, without harm, +finally passed beneath the arched gates again and were in the city +street. + +Eva went at once to her father's room. His condition was one of great +weakness. The laughing madness had abated in so far that the poor victim +was so weak that the spasms could not maintain a very violent form. + +Eva practised all those little kindnesses which are known only to women, +and tears were in her eyes as she stroked his poor gray head. + +How terrible was it that, after all they had attempted, all that they +had suffered, they should still stand defeated in their aim to get the +antidote that would cure her father's malady. However, the brave girl +was not one to admit herself beaten, and even as she sat there she was +planning new ways to discover who were her terrible adversaries and to +bring defeat to them. + +At Brent Rock the next morning an aged inventor named Winters arrived +before Locke was down-stairs, and was shown into the library to wait. + +Locke soon descended from the laboratory and went into the room to meet +him. But Winters was so agitated that at first he could hardly speak. It +was some moments before he gained control. + +"What can I do for you, sir?" inquired Locke, although he knew the man +must be one wronged by the patents company. + +"One of my inventions was returned to me, when I protested once," the +man replied, "but nothing has been done about two others." + +"Please try to have a little further patience," pleaded Locke. +"Everything is being done to assure justice to all." + +"But, Mr. Locke," the man persisted, "I must insist on the return or the +immediate marketing of the two inventions now in the possession of +International Patents or I will--" + +He paused, for Eva had entered and was overhearing what Winters was +demanding. + +"I am sure that, as my father returned one of your inventions," she +interrupted, "he would wish me to return the other two, and I shall do +so at once. Mr. Locke, will you be so kind as to get them?" + +Locke immediately left the room and descended to the Graveyard of Genius +for the two models. + +In the laboratory above were Balcom and Zita, for she had told him of +her discovery of the dictagraph. Balcom had the headpiece firmly clamped +over his head and was drinking in the purport of the conversation down +in the library. + +Zita was almost beside herself with curiosity, as Balcom repeated only +scraps of the conversation that went on below, but finally the real +subject of the whole matter was repeated to her and she was satisfied at +last. A peculiar look came into her eyes. As for Balcom, one would have +thought that a whole world's treasure had suddenly been placed within +his grasp. Yet each was cautious not to betray too much to the other. + +Over the dictagraph came the words spoken by Eva, "Mr. Locke and I will +come to your workshop at eight this evening to complete the +transaction." + +Locke in the mean time had brought the two models into the library and +the inventor had almost danced with joy at seeing the children of his +brain again. + +Sent down by Balcom, Zita had been ordered to spy on Eva and Locke. She +had been nearly caught by Locke as he was returning from the Graveyard +of Genius, but had slipped behind a pair of portières at the end of the +hall and had emerged only when Locke had entered the library. She had +crept close to the door and was listening. + +She, too, now heard the inventor exact a promise from Eva and Locke not +to fail to be at his workshop at eight that night. + +Zita had but a second to glide backward from the door as the inventor +came out into the hallway where she stood. He gazed at her in such a +strange, fixed manner that an uncanny feeling came over her. Then he +passed out, just as Balcom came down the stairs. + +"Why did that man look at me in such a strange manner?" she queried of +Balcom. + +A moment Balcom considered her, as though undecided to speak, then made +up his mind. + +"Because," he replied, slowly, "he knows the secret of your birth, knows +who you really are." + +Zita had no further chance to question Balcom, for at this instant Eva +and Locke, still carrying the inventions, were leaving the library. +Locke turned down again toward the stairway leading to the Graveyard of +Genius, while Eva, nodding pleasantly to Zita and Balcom, mounted the +stairs leading to her father's room. + +Zita turned questioningly again to Balcom. + +"Half of everything that girl possesses rightfully belongs to you," he +whispered. + +Zita apparently did not understand. "What shall I do to obtain my +rights?" she asked. + +"Do as I say," returned Balcom, as he left quickly. + +It was some hours later that in the dark corner of the Graveyard of +Genius the huge rock slowly swung outward. There was a clanging and +clanking of metal. Two fiery eyes gleamed through the aperture and out +stalked the hideous monster, the Automaton. With strange ominousness it +went directly to the two models which Locke had returned, took them, +turned and went back through the great gap in the wall from which it had +come. Again slowly the huge rock swung back into place. + +Locke, with some sort of intuition, had deduced that young Paul Balcom +by his very absence might have played a leading part in all the events +in which both Eva and himself had been thwarted and almost killed. +Accordingly he determined to find and trail Paul. + +It was some time after the models had been stolen in his absence that, +in a taxicab, Locke, having gone from place to place which he knew Paul +frequented, at last caught sight of him leaving a dance-hall of very ill +repute. Paul was just stepping into a car which whisked him off rapidly +and Locke gave an order to his own driver to follow him. + +They wove in and out of various streets and finally turned up the Drive, +where, after a few minutes, Paul's car came to a stop before a palatial +apartment-house and Paul alighted. Looking up and down the Drive and +seeing nothing to cause him suspicion, Paul entered the house. + +Locke carefully noted the address, then leaned back in his cab to await +developments. + +Paul was taken to the third floor and there was admitted to a gorgeous +apartment. + +"I thought you'd never get here," languidly greeted the feline De Luxe +Dora. + +She led him to a chaise-longue seductively, taking care, however, that +he should see a pile of unpaid bills that lay upon a table near it. + +Paul was not entirely at his ease and wasted no time in coming to the +point. + +"Look here, Dora," he began; "I know you can't run this shack on air. I +got your note this morning. I've been busy and I've got an idea. I've +made up my mind to take a couple of those inventions the company owns +and sell them. It means coin." + +Dora's eyes gleamed avariciously. + +"Be patient," Paul added, "and I'll have you swimming in gold." + +At this juncture three young fellows of the cabaret type, better known +as "lounge lizards," were admitted to the apartment. + +Paul cast a glance at Dora which clearly spelled jealousy and reproach. +He knew the fellows. In fact, there were few denizens of the underworld +whom he did not know. Concealing his vexation, he tried to greet them +easily. + +The fellows returned the salutation hastily. + +"Say, Balcom," hastened one of them, "some one is on your trail, +shadowing you." + +Paul was startled and furious, but in this emergency it was Dora who +thought out the plan of action. + +"In a taxicab?" she repeated, as the others told what they had seen +outside. "Listen to me, Paul. Go to the window and show yourself. Then +leave the house. This fellow Locke will investigate--and we'll tend to +the rest." + +Paul moved to the window, opened it, and stepped out on a small balcony. +Dora slipped to his side and for a moment they stood there gazing +apparently at the view of the river. Then they re-entered the apartment. + +"Now go, Paul," said Dora. "Whoever this fellow is, we'll handle him." + +Paul started to get his hat, then stopped and from his pocket drew out a +small package. + +"I was going to use this elsewhere," he said, "but it might come in +handy to--" + +Dora reached for the package, but Paul withdrew it hastily. + +"Careful, Dora," he admonished. "There's a small gas-bomb inside." + +The five now conferred a bit and it was agreed that this time the +inquisitive Mr. Locke would surely trouble them no more. + +"With Locke out of the way," promised Paul to Dora, "the road to our +fortune is clear." + +A moment later Paul left the apartment, descended in the elevator, and +jumped into a taxicab and was off. + +Locke from his cab had, of course, seen all this, had seen Paul and Dora +on the balcony and the departure. But he knew nothing of the three men +who had gone to the same apartment. + +He waited until Paul passed out of sight, then stepped out of his cab, +making a careful calculation as to the exact location of the woman's +apartment, for he had determined to find out about her. From the hall +boy he learned that it was De Luxe Dora, of whom he knew, and it was +only a matter of seconds when he was admitted. + +Dora swept over graciously toward him. + +"Will you answer me one question?" he asked, in answer to a query from +her. + +She nodded assent. + +"How long have you known Mr. Balcom's son?" + +"He is an old friend," she replied. "I'm expecting him to return at any +moment. Won't you be seated? Please excuse me just a moment." + +Before Locke could say a word she had left the room. Left alone himself, +Locke took in all the details of the room and again and again his eye +wandered to a Louis XIV desk. + +Feeling certain that this woman was without doubt connected in some way +with the plots, he felt justified in opening the desk to obtain +evidence. He tiptoed over to it and tried to open it. It stuck at first, +but after one or two silent, well-directed blows which he so well knew +how to administer the sliding panel stood unlocked. + +He glanced around. There was no one to be seen. He moved back the panel. +There was a flash and a tiny puff of smoke. Locke coughed once, clutched +at his throat, and lay gasping on the floor. + +Immediately the three men rushed out, carrying ropes and holding +handkerchiefs to their nostrils. One ran to the window and threw it wide +open, admitting gusts of air to clear away the fumes. The others began +to bind Locke as De Luxe Dora appeared in the doorway and calmly +directed operations. + +On the roof of the apartment several moments later in the just-gathering +dusk five figures might have been seen. Three men and a woman were +conferring, while at their feet was a man tightly bound and unconscious. + +In the background was a huge water-tank, with a ladder leading to its +brim. + +Suddenly the conspirators straightened up. They had come to a decision. +The three men lifted the unconscious figure and bore it up the ladder. +The tank was empty. One of the men jumped down into it, while the others +lowered their victim after him. Then they passed down ropes. + +There were two spouts at the bottom of the tank through which water was +pumped. Also there were pipes running upward. To these pipes they tied +Locke. Then the men climbed out and, as their last fiendish act, turned +the water on. + +With a sneer Dora turned and led the way down-stairs again. + +"They'll find his body when they have to clean the tank again," she +exclaimed. + +At Brent Rock, during the absence of Locke, Eva had donned her street +clothes, since it was nearing the hour of eight when she and Locke were +due to be at the inventor's workshop to render the restitution. She went +down-stairs and asked the butler about Locke. But the man replied that +Mr. Locke had not yet returned. + +Eva was very uneasy by this time, and, thinking to save time, was about +to go down to the Graveyard of Genius to get the models of the two +inventions, when Zita came down the hall carrying a fair sized package +which she tried hard to conceal. Eva greeted her and continued down to +the cellar, as Zita, with a sort of grim smile, left the house. + +Eva came to the great door, pushed the secret spring, and in a moment +was inside the gloomy place. She went directly to the spot where the two +inventions had been kept. They were gone. + +Alarmed, she rushed up-stairs. + +Still Locke did not return. Nor did any word come from him. It was now +very near to eight. Eva decided to go, for surely Locke would be there. + +When Zita arrived at the inventor's, in her hands was still the +mysterious package. She carried it gingerly, then raised it to her ear. +From within it there came a faint ticking sound. What was it inside? + +She looked at her wrist-watch. It was still some minutes before eight. +She knocked at the inventor's door. + +The inventor at once admitted her. It was a neat little workshop in +which every detail had been thought out with care--the home, one might +say, of a methodical workman. + +The inventor manifested some surprise at seeing Zita, but politely asked +her to enter, and offered her a chair. Zita declined and plainly showed +her nervousness. + +"Will you please give this package to Mr. Locke and Miss Brent when they +come at eight?" she asked. + +Winters agreed and accepted the package, looking quizzically at her as +he did so, just as he had earlier in the day. + +Zita, unable to control her curiosity, burst out with the question +uppermost on her mind. + +"Why do you look at me in such a strange manner?" she queried. + +The inventor merely turned his gaze away and shrugged. + +"Mr Balcom tells me that you know the secret of my birth," pressed Zita. + +The inventor looked up quickly. "Who did Mr. Balcom say you were?" he +asked. + +"He told me that I was Brent's daughter," replied Zita, keenly watching +the aged face. + +"Balcom lied to you," hastened the inventor. + +Already there was a ponderous tread on the stairs, but Winters did not +seem to notice it. + +"You are not Brent's daughter," he pursued, more slowly. + +The door opened swiftly and an emissary stood framed there, a knife +poised in his hand. Behind him stood the Automaton. + +"You are--" + +At that instant the inventor caught sight of the intruders. With a look +of horror in his eyes he threw out his hands to protect himself, but he +was too late. The knife whizzed through the air and a second later +pierced his throat. He fell to the floor--dead. + +At the moment when the emissary, followed by the Automaton, entered, +Zita, watching her chance, managed to escape from the room, stumbled, +and almost half-fell down the stairs. + +Already, in the huge water-tank that stood on the roof of the apartment +of Dora, Locke had revived as he felt the water and had found himself +already half submerged, with the water rapidly pouring in. At first he +could not grasp his terrible predicament, but before long the full +horror of it burst on him and he struggled madly to free himself. Since +his body was stretched at full length, it was impossible to use the +ordinary tricks of which he was master. His arms were bound, and he well +knew that to release one of them constituted his sole chance of escape. + +He contracted his muscles and, inch by inch, he worked his right arm +free. By this time the water had risen until he was fairly beneath its +surface. Could he last long enough to free himself? + +He worked frantically. Finally, with his lungs almost bursting, he +managed to free the other arm, then the rope that bound his neck. To +release his feet was, to him, child's play, and he stood up. + +But the water had risen almost to the top of the tank before he was able +to grasp its brim and draw himself out. + +Once on the roof, there was only one thought in his mind. It was nearing +eight o'clock, and if Eva kept the appointment at the inventor's he knew +his adversaries well enough to be sure that they would take advantage of +his absence. + +He dashed down the stairs and out of the building. Dora and her evil +band could wait. He must reach the inventor's shop. As the seconds sped, +so increased his premonition that all would not be well there. + +It was at the moment that Zita came flying down-stairs that Locke burst +into the hallway to the inventor's. + +Zita saw him. Above, she knew was the terrible Automaton and his +bloodthirsty emissary. More horrible yet, she had her fears of the +package that had been given her by Balcom to deliver. + +"You must not go up there!" she cried, impulsively, flinging her arms +about Locke's neck. + +Locke tried to remove her arms as he questioned her. But Zita either +would not or could not tell more. Instead she merely clung to him. + +Thus it was that Eva, determined at keeping her appointment with the +inventor at all costs, entered the hallway at just this unpropitious +moment. To her it looked as if Locke and Zita were very familiar. Could +it be that Quentin was such a cad? She could not deny the evidence of +her eyes. + +Indignantly she brushed past them and rushed up the stairs. Locke called +after her, but she refused to heed him. He flung off the arms of Zita +and dashed after her. But Eva was too quick for him. She opened the door +to the inventor's and went in, slamming it behind her. The lock snapped. +In an instant Eva saw what she had fled into. There was the Automaton, +near him the emissary with the knife--and on the floor their victim in a +pool of blood. She shrieked and tried to escape. But the lock had +snapped. Besides, the emissary, now directed by the monster, blocked her +retreat. + +Outside, Locke pounded on the door, but could not open it. It was of +stout oak and would take some moments to break down. + +The emissary circled in one direction. Eva turned, and there was the +Automaton advancing on her from the other side of the room. + +On the table the clock-work bomb, delivered by Zita, whether with full +knowledge or not, ticked out the last few seconds before its timing at +precisely eight! + + + +CHAPTER XIV + + +Eva flattened herself against the door at her back. She could feel and +hear Locke pounding on the other side. She thought that she would die of +sheer terror. + +The Automaton raised his mighty fist, and Eva instinctively ducked under +the monster's arm. There was an inner room. Could she reach it in time? +Would the door be unlocked? At most she could only try. + +The emissary tried to catch her, but she proved too quick for him. She +reached the door. It opened, and she flew into the room, slamming and +bolting it behind her. + +Now she could hear the thunderous blows of the Automaton raining against +the door. One huge fist of the monster crashed through the panel. Eva +crouched down in a far corner and closed her eyes. At that instant the +time bomb exploded and the house was rocked to its foundations. + +Everything was demolished. One entire side of the house was blown out. +The door leading to the workshop which a moment before Locke had been +vainly striving to open crashed full upon him and felled him, +half-stunned, to the floor. + +The force of the explosion had dazed Eva. As for the Automaton and the +emissary, they had both been blown through a gaping aperture in the wall +to land in the garden beneath. Only Zita, in the lower hallway, was +totally untouched by the catastrophe. + +Locke, dazed, crawled from under the door and made his way into the +demolished room in search of Eva, a cold fear gripping his heart. How +could any living thing have lived after such an occurrence? But in +another instant he saw her, as she half swooned and staggered into the +room. + +"Quentin!" she gasped. + +He caught her in his arms. But the next moment she remembered what she +had witnessed in the hallway below and she drew herself away from him. + +"Go to the girl you really love," she scorned. + +"The girl--I really love?" repeated Locke; then there ran through his +mind what had happened, as though it had been ages ago. + +He protested and tried to explain. But protestations and explanations +only made matters worse, as usual. Had she not with her own eyes seen +Locke in Zita's arms? + +"Eva," he persisted, manlike, "I swear that she was only trying to save +my life. I cannot help it if she--" + +Locke saw that his defense was only making an innocent matter worse, and +checked himself. His mind recalled that some one had once said that a +jealous woman believes a man guilty until he proves himself innocent; +when he has proved himself innocent she merely still suspects. Eva's +manner was very constrained. + +At that moment a policeman, followed by Zita, entered, and Zita, running +up to Locke, cried, anxiously, "You're not hurt--are you?" + +Locke answered in an annoyed negative. + +The policeman now questioned them very closely and examined the dead +inventor's body. Then he entered their names and addresses in his +note-book. + +Next the officer lead the entire group down to the garden. There the +horribly injured emissary was trying miserably to crawl away. + +The Automaton had totally disappeared. + +Eva immediately ordered that the injured man be taken to Brent Rock in +her car. Then she turned sharply to Zita. + +"How did you come to be here?" she demanded. + +Zita was startled and confused. It lasted only a minute. Then, her mind +made up, she replied, defiantly: + +"I came here to discover the secret of my birth. I have been told that I +am Mr. Brent's daughter." + +Eva was stricken dumb with astonishment at this startling claim, but +Locke laughed outright. + +"What nonsense!" he scoffed. "Eva, don't listen to it." + +Zita glared at him and with a haughty nod to Eva swept out of the +garden. + +Eva was still frightfully indignant with Locke and insisted on going +home alone. However, they arrived at Brent Rock at about the same time. + +The emissary had been placed on a lounge in the library and a doctor was +called. The case was quite hopeless and they merely hoped to obtain a +confession before he passed away. + +When Eva arrived she went directly to her father's room, but, as he was +receiving every attention from a trained nurse and she could do nothing +further to aid him, she returned to the library. + +Locke, too, after changing his clothes, still wet from the water-tank on +the top of the apartment, also went to the library. + +At his entrance the doctor glanced at him in a manner to indicate that +there was no hope of saving the man's life. Locke went over to examine +him. He was struck by the sly rascality of the professional criminal, +but he thought little of it at the time. He tried to question the +emissary, but, except for a labored breathing, could extract no +response. + +There were voices in the hallway. For a moment the dying man showed some +signs of returning consciousness. A crafty look came over his face. What +was he contemplating? + +The door opened and Balcom and his son Paul entered. Balcom walked +jauntily, but with a suavity of manner that was always his. Paul looked +at his best, except for the fact that he carried his left arm in a +silken sling. + +Balcom greeted them all, and at his voice the dying man actually showed +a sort of agitation. A strong shudder seemed to pass through his body, +then, like a spring suddenly uncoiled, he sat up. + +He was fully conscious now and strove to rise to his feet. It was a +tremendous effort, but he succeeded, and stood confronting Balcom, while +the ominous light of hatred that gleamed from his eyes as they +encountered those of Balcom made even that well-poised man recoil and +shudder. + +With the muscles of his face working convulsively the dying thug tried +to speak. All those standing in the library realized that it was to +accuse, to denouce. + +However, the effort proved too great, and with a groan that was ghastly +the man fell backward on the couch, dead. + +Murdering brute that he had been, still to Eva and Locke he now +represented nothing but a stricken human being, with a human soul, +blackened and warped. But Balcom and Paul seemed to show unmistakable +signs of joy and relief. It was so evident, Locke thought, that he +turned to them. + +"Your coming seemed to have an unfortunate effect," he hinted. "The man +seemed to know one of you--at least." + +"Nothing of the kind," retorted Balcom, nettled. + +Locke turned to Paul and regarded his injured arm questioningly. Paul, +however, never lost his accustomed aplomb. + +"I was hurt in an automobile accident," he explained, though with what +seemed to be a trifle of nervousness. + +Locke turned to the doctor. He was rubbing his hands, and smiling, with +great unction, an action very unbecoming, to say the least, in a medical +man who had just lost a patient. Taken all in all, Locke felt he could +now sense the web of conspiracy tightening around him. The cards were +still in the hands of his enemies. + +He determined to incur any risk, to leave no stone unturned in order to +bring the criminal to justice, whoever he might be. One thing encouraged +him. The events seemed to have mollified Eva. He made an almost +imperceptible signal to Eva, who left the room to dress for the street. + +Meanwhile Locke left the library and went to a private telephone that +connected the garage to the house. He ordered the chauffeur to have a +fast runabout ready for instant call. Then, at the other telephone, he +notified the coroner's office of the death of the emissary. + +By this time Balcom, Paul, and the doctor came out of the library, the +doctor in high good humor, for had he not received a huge fee? He left +in his car. + +Balcom and Paul, however, were slower in going, and paced the hallway in +earnest conversation. Once they came to a dead halt close to the +stairway leading down to the Graveyard of Genius. They listened +intently. Evidently they came to a decision on something, for they left +the house very hurriedly. + +Immediately Locke called for the runabout. Eva came running down-stairs +and in a moment they took up the trail of the Balcom car. + +It seemed as if they traveled for miles, and Locke was commencing to +think that it was merely a wild-goose chase, when Balcom's car came to a +halt in one of the lower quarters of the city, before a house that was +apparently tenantless. + +To avoid discovery, Locke backed his car around a corner, got out, and +watched their movements from a safe distance. + +He saw Balcom, senior, alight, but Paul did not leave the car. Locke was +in some quandary what to do. To attempt to enter the house without +Paul's seeing him and raising the alarm would, he realized, be +impossible. Therefore he waited for nearly half an hour before his +patience was rewarded by seeing Balcom come out of the house, jump into +the car, and drive off hurriedly with Paul. + +Locke walked to the house and looked closely over the exterior. It was +little different from others in the same street. Then he walked +thoughtfully back to Eva and they argued pro and con about the +advisability of attempting to enter. + +Locke insisted on entering alone, but Eva would not hear of it. +Therefore, it was decided that they would go in together. + +When Balcom had alighted from his car half an hour before he had merely +stood for a moment in front of the door of the house when, mysteriously, +the door had opened. + +There was no one in sight. But he was so familiar with the house that it +might have been his own. He descended a flight of stairs and stood +before another door, where the same door-opening process was repeated. + +Balcom entered a darkened room and for a moment seemed quite alone. Then +from out the shadows, with a little half run, half lope, a strange +figure of man came toward him. + +He was in reality large of frame, but stooped and bent with age. An old +frock-coat was wrapped about him. But the most remarkable things about +the man were a pair of weirdly fascinating eyes with a mad glint in them +and an enormous full beard, snow white, that fell almost to his waist. + +At times the man talked rationally, in fact with the forcefulness of a +great savant. Then, abruptly, he would leave off and the rest of his +conversation was that of a babbling child. He was seldom at rest, +scampering here and there, not unlike a bird-dog on a fresh scent. +Seeking--always seeking--what? + +Balcom grasped his arm in order to arrest his attention. + +"Doctor Q," he addressed him, "you can have the revenge you have sought +so long. Have you prepared everything?" + +The old man chuckled and wagged his head in senile fashion. Balcom +grabbed both his shoulders so that the old man was facing him, and shook +him slightly. + +"Your enemies are here," he emphasized. "Have you prepared for their +reception?" + +And then the haze beclouding the old man's brain seemed to pass away and +his next moments were lucid. + +"Ah, it's you, Balcom. You were just saying--" + +Balcom explained that Locke and Eva had tracked him and on his departure +would undoubtedly enter to investigate the place. Doctor Q, for such was +his odd name, understood now, and an evil grimace distorted his wrinkled +face. + +"Let them come," he growled. "I am prepared. Why, I have even improved +certain features of the Chair of Death." + +He led Balcom into an inner room where many electric bulbs were dimly +glowing. At their entrance two brutal-looking men straightened up from +their task and saluted Balcom with great deference. Then they resumed +their tasks as electricians. + +"Want to see her work, sir?" one of the pair asked. + +Stepping around a partition that separated the knife-switch from the +room in which stood the electric chair, Balcom watched. + +The chair was of practically the same construction as the chairs used in +prisons for the supreme penalty, with electrodes to connect at the head, +arms, and legs of the man to be electrocuted. + +"Stand back, sir," called one of the men as he shot the switch home. + +Instantly a snapping sound was heard as the current surged through, and +the crackling sound such as the now familiar wireless makes as the long +sparks leap from pole to pole. It was Force. + +A satisfied look came into Balcom's eyes and he warmly congratulated the +mad inventor, who followed him to the door and watched him as he mounted +the stairs to depart with his son. + +Soon after the departure Doctor Q went to a strange-looking instrument +that seemed to have many of the characteristics of the periscope. He +pulled a lever, a panel opened, and immediately the space directly in +front of his street door was revealed to him. He stood there, watching +intently, much as a spider watches for a fly. + +Soon Locke and Eva showed in the panel above. He next pressed a button +and saw the two enter. Then he went to a huge divan on the other side of +the room and whipped off a covering that was concealing some gigantic +thing beneath. + +It was the Automaton, prostrate, at full length, without motion. At +least it seemed so. + +The madman glanced around, and then glided into an inner room from the +larger one. He was just in time, for a moment later Locke and Eva +entered. + +They, too, glanced around fearfully. They saw the dread form of the +Automaton and, although it did not move, Locke would have admitted he +was ready to beat a retreat. + +It was uncanny, weird. In the dim light the monster seemed to assume +gigantic proportions. But he lay so still that their jangling nerves +became quieted. They even approached him, Locke with automatic in hand +in case the iron terror were shamming. But there was no sign of life--or +whatever it was that animated this thing. + +Locke, handing his gun to Eva, determined to investigate further. He +went to the inner door and listened. But he could hear no sound. He +turned the knob and entered. He was amazed at what he saw. But, as there +was apparently no living thing about, he took courage and entered +farther. He took note of the switches, saw the deadly chair, and was +about to test the apparatus to see if it could be possible that a +practical electric chair existed in the heart of a peaceful city, when +he heard Eva shriek in heart-rending terror. + +He rushed madly back to where he had left her. But as he passed through +the door some one dealt him a blow on the head, and as though pole-axed +he dropped to the floor. + +After Locke had left her to go into the inner room Eva's fears revived +and she wished to follow him. But she was ashamed to have him think her +a coward. She forced herself to remain rooted to the spot. + +Her eyes had followed Locke through the doorway and her ears were +strained to hear the faintest sound from the other room. In her anxiety +about Locke's safety she even forgot the Automaton, and, in turning the +better to watch the doorway, she drew nearer to the divan upon which the +monster lay. + +It was this action that had brought her into peril. Slowly one of the +monster's arms commenced to move, and before Eva could spring away she +was enfolded in his deadly embrace. It was that that made her shriek +madly, wildly, in utter terror. + +Then she saw Locke running through the door to her, saw him struck from +behind, and she fainted. + +The Automaton, evidently thinking Eva dead, let her limp body slip to +the floor. For a moment it towered over her, as though contemplating +whether to trample on her or no. At this juncture an emissary distracted +its attention and the terror left her lying there without further +injury. + +The Automaton now assumed command of Locke's electrocution. + +Under its direction the emissaries picked up Locke's body and placed it +in the electric chair. They slit his trousers so that the deadly +electrodes might form a better contact with his flesh. His sleeves were +rolled back for the same reason. Next the headpiece was firmly adjusted. +Now all the straps were tightly clinched. + +The Automaton waved his arm. + +A man stepped to the switch. + + + +CHAPTER XV + + +There was a moan from the front room. Eva was recovering from her faint. +The Automaton indicated to the emissary at the switch to do nothing +until he had found out what was going on. + +Locke had, meanwhile, recovered consciousness and realized his awful +position. Here was a situation which, on its face, seemed unescapable. +Yet Locke would not give in. + +Straining every effort, he tried to extricate himself before the deadly +current could sever the thread of life. Seconds seemed ages. Still he +tried. + +With a mighty effort he strained every muscle of his gigantic chest and +the very straps that held him groaned from the force of his muscular +exertion. Even now the death-man was at the switch and it was barely a +question of seconds or heart-beats between him and death. + +With a quick twist of his giant shoulder he threw his whole weight +against the chest strap and it parted. Lurching forward, he freed his +head and neck from the cruel straps, which snapped and parted. + +The death-man paused for a fraction of a second to see what caused the +commotion in the chair. To that pause Locke owed his life. With a final +supreme effort he threw himself on the floor just as the knife-switch +swung into position and the wicked blue flame of death leaped across the +head electrodes. + +Once freed, he catapulted himself across the room and with a vicious +upper-cut sent the emissary sprawling unconscious to the floor. Without +a thought of himself he rushed into the next room where Eva now stood in +panic, glued to the spot, in fear of the Frankenstein monster that would +crush her in its grasp. + +With murderous mien the thing crossed the room slowly, until only the +table stood between her and destruction. + +Like a wild animal Locke hurled himself into the room and with a master +stroke of quick wit flung the heavy oaken table over at the monster. +Then he seized Eva, and before the monster could turn in its tracks, +half dragged, half carried her from the room. + +In the hall further difficulty confronted Locke, for the place was well +guarded. Several henchmen darted forth from dark corners of the murky +place and would have intercepted him. + +As the first approached, Locke, with a quick jiu-jitsu thrust, hurled +him for a fall that would have broken the back of a less hardy man. The +next one was just turning the top of the stairs, and Locke, quick to +take advantage of the situation, adopted the only means of escape. + +He seized the man bodily about the waist and, lifting him over his head, +threw him upon his other oncoming foe. The result was that the two were +flung down the stairs. + +"Run!" he cried to Eva in a voice that was a command. + +Without waiting he picked her up and carried her over the sprawling mass +of legs and arms to safety below. + +Once outside, he felt a little embarrassed at having the beautiful girl +in his arms and he half murmured an apology as he placed her feet gently +on the ground. + +Life at Brent Rock was far from monotonous. + +Like a great game of checkers, the various members of the establishment +were being moved about, guided by some strange hand, it seemed. + +Now one, then another seemed to gain the advantage, and as each strove +for control of the vast fortune, the battle of wits surged back and +forth. + +Balcom was playing a game, it was plain. But to what extent? Sometimes +it seemed as though Zita was his aide and would stop at nothing to +succeed. Again it was that Zita played the game alone, still fostering +her secret but hopeless love for Locke. Again it seemed as if Paul were +playing the game, either alone or with some one else. + +Just now it was apparent that Balcom and Zita, for their own ends, +whatever might be the identity of the Automaton, planned a coup for +themselves. + +During one of Locke's absences Zita had secured access to his +laboratory, and while looking around had discovered the dictagraph +hidden in the desk drawer. Often Balcom and Zita, either together or +alone, had taken advantage of the discovery. + +It was at a time when both were using the mechanical eavesdropper on +Locke and Eva in the library that Locke suddenly decided to return to +the laboratory, without saying anything about it. + +Zita's quick ear heard him down the hall. + +"Quick!" she warned. "Some one is coming!" + +She sprang toward the closet door, which stood ajar, and in an instant +Balcom was with her. The two were concealed in the closet as the +laboratory door opened and Locke entered. + +Locke walked to his table of test-tubes and picked up one containing +mercury. What prompted this action he did not know. Perhaps it was his +fascination for the elusive metal. Perhaps it was some subconscious +feeling. At any rate, he held it aloft and gazed at it in the light. As +he did so a strange thing happened. Reflected in its surface on the +glass, yet distorted like a convex mirror, he could see the door of the +closet open just a crack and the evil faces of Balcom and Zita peer out. + +He did not move nor did he in any way betray what he saw, but +nonchalantly set the tube of precious metal down and pretended to seek +something from the table. He turned slowly and retraced his steps to the +library below, where he entered, holding his fingers to his lips in +warning to Eva not to speak. He walked quickly over to a writing-desk, +took a pencil, and began to write. + +"Balcom and Zita are listening on the dictagraph. Pretend to quarrel +with me." + +Eva read in amazement as he wrote. Quickly she comprehended. Then they +walked silently until they were almost under the chandelier which held +the transmitter of the dictagraph. + +"I have something I want to say to you, Mr. Locke," began Eva, with a +wink and a smile at him, "and it grieves me to say it." + +"What is it?" asked Locke, with distinct anxiety, winking back. + +"I am afraid I shall have to dispense with your services," continued +Eva, as she reached out her hand and gave Locke's a little squeeze. + +Up-stairs, Balcom and Zita listened intently, their heads close together +so that each could catch every word. Balcom was nodding with +satisfaction. Each looked at the other as though they could hardly +believe their ears. + +"But I have tried to serve and protect you," protested Locke, as his +face wreathed in smiles at Eva, who was carrying the deception off +perfectly. Then he added, plaintively, "I am sorry that I have failed." + +"Your protection has led me into danger," returned Eva, in her best +voice to denote anger, "and your seeming interest is out of place--and, +besides, _Mr._ Locke, Paul Balcom does not like your being here. You +know he is the man I am to marry." + +As she said this, Eva looked roguishly at him. Locke's face clouded a +little, although he knew it was only in a joke. + +"But, Miss Brent," he continued to protest, "I had hoped--" + +"Not another word, Mr. Locke," interrupted Eva, as she edged very close +to him and gazed into his eyes. "Please leave this house at once--I hate +you!" And, not suiting the action to the word, she reached out and gave +his hand a squeeze that told more than words what her true thoughts in +the matter were. + +Locke leaned over and was on the point of kissing her when she held up +her hand and pointed to the receiver above in the chandelier as if it +really had eyes as well as ears. He looked up and was forced to check a +laugh lest it be heard by the listeners above. + +In the laboratory, Balcom had heard enough. He turned to Zita, and with +a hurried command told her to go down-stairs. + +"Keep an eye on him and tell me where he goes," was the parting +instruction of Balcom as the two separated on the stairs at the very +time that Paul blustered in the front door. + +"Morning, Governor," nodded Paul, as he gave his hat to the butler. + +"A very good morning, Paul," emphasized Balcom, quite unctuously, as he +went on to tell his son of the supposed quarrel between Eva and Locke +which he had overheard. + +A light of triumph came into Paul's eyes. Eva's happiness, even her +life, meant nothing to him. She was merely a means to his own evil ends +and he now felt sure that he held her in his grasp. Besides, in so far +as such a selfish nature can care for another human being, Paul cared +for De Luxe Dora. There was a fascination for him in her tigerish, +unscrupulous nature that a good woman could never inspire. + +And now, as he eagerly listened to his father, he visualized new +motor-cars, a yacht, rivers of champagne, a life of mad gaiety with his +favorite pals, men and women. + +Locke, in the library, was laughing quietly with Eva over the success of +the ruse. But there was, notwithstanding, an undercurrent of seriousness +running through their thoughts. For, although they had scored against +their adversaries in misleading them as to their intentions, both +realized that Balcom was a tremendously clever man, astute and wise +beyond the average in the ways of the world, and that the slightest lack +of caution, the smallest flaw in the acting of the parts they had +elected to play, would inevitably lose for them the advantage they had +gained. + +They went into the most minute details of the plans they had formulated, +and they realized that in order to keep the wool pulled over Balcom's +and Paul's eyes it was necessary that they separate, at least +apparently, for a few days. Locke gave out that he was to seek evidence +in the lower quarters of the city, while Eva was to play the game at +home. It was to Eva that the more difficult role fell. + +Locke bade her an affectionate farewell and left by a door opposite to +the one leading to the main hallway, where the voices of Paul and his +father were now audible. + +Eva opened the hallway door and greeted Paul, feigning delight and +chiding him for his long absence--which had not been even a +day--intimating that there must be some woman in whom he was interested. +She made a pretty show of jealousy. + +Paul, wearing his vanity on his sleeve, was delighted and his eyes shone +with satisfaction. He took a step forward and attempted to take Eva in +his arms. But she evaded him playfully, while he pursued her. Finally +she could bear no more. The game revolted her. She made the excuse that +she must attend her father, and ran up-stairs. + +So a day or two passed, days which were sheer torture to Eva. Paul +called every day, bringing her little gifts, and it must be acknowledged +that he showed exquisite taste. + +They took long walks together. On horseback they cantered all over the +country. Friends called, and it was at such times that Eva found her +only relief from Paul's attentions. Many a rubber of bridge she played +just to escape being alone with him. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + + +At last, late one afternoon, the faithful old butler announced to Eva +privately that Locke was on the wire and wished to speak to her. + +Eva almost ran to the telephone, and her hand shook with sheer joy as +she took the receiver. + +"Yes, everything is moving along even more rapidly than I expected," +replied Locke to her eager inquiry. "Whenever Paul leaves Brent Rock he +goes directly to a miserable café and there I see him with a number of +people of the underworld. He seems to have a great deal of influence +over them. I'm sifting all the clues, and as soon as I unmask him I will +send for you." + +Eva gave him a brief outline of how she had fared in his absence and an +account of her father's condition, which was now very bad. Everything +the doctor had done seemed to be without effect. + +Locke assured her that he hoped soon to lay hands on the antidote that +would restore Brent to health and sanity, and begged Eva to be brave in +the mean time. + +When the conversation was over Eva felt certain that no one had +overheard what she and Quentin had said. But she was mistaken, as she +was to learn at her cost. For, far down in the bowels of the earth, in +the den of the Automaton, an emissary had tapped in on the telephone +wire and had heard every word. + +Down-town, among the haunts of Paul, on the west side, was the Black Tom +Café. Every attempt had been made to make the place bizarre. About the +walls were palings that represented a back fence, along which crawled +painted black cats in every conceivable state--a rather odd conceit for +a cabaret. + +Although the sun had not yet set, the electric lights were already +agleam. On a raised platform three weary-eyed musicians were pounding +and thumping out the latest Broadway hit. + +There were not half a dozen people in the place, and these were +obviously denizens of this quarter of the town. They were listless and +weary, mere shells of human beings. And yet it was such as these that +the slumming parties at night romantically dubbed bohemians. + +They showed scant interest as De Luxe Dora, unaccompanied for once, +swept into the place. Dora was gorgeously and flashily dressed and +fairly scintillated with jewels. She seated herself not far from the +door and ordered a cocktail. Then she whistled a bar of music +suggestively to the piano-player, who immediately caught it, and the +"orchestra" with a show of animation strummed out her suggestion. She +sent over drinks for them and was rewarded with more song hits. + +Jauntily now Paul came in. A couple of men roused themselves and +slouched over to him. They held a whispered conversation, and Paul was +insistent on some point. He evidently had his way, for the men slunk +back to their places and, sprawling out, were in a moment as listless as +before. + +Paul nodded to Dora in greeting, but she turned her back. He gave a low +whistle of astonishment and went over to her. + +"Say, Dora, why the grouch?" he asked. + +For a moment she disdained to answer and glared at him witheringly. Then +she blurted out, "You're throwing me down for that baby face with the +money!" + +Paul gave a short laugh and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't be silly," he +laughed. "She'll be our meal-ticket." + +He sat down, and over a couple more cocktails he had Dora quite +mollified. + +A few moments later Locke entered and slipped quickly into a chair, +since he did not wish to be seen. In his hand he carried a newspaper +which he now unfolded and held up in front of him so that it hid his +face. Next he poked a hole through the center of the sheet so that he +could see without being seen. + +At this moment, seemingly in all earnestness, Paul and Dora resumed +their quarrel, and Dora's strident voice echoed through the café. + +"If you throw me down you'd better look out," she bawled. + +Paul jumped up, and for a moment it looked as though he would strike +her. But he changed his mind, cursed her, and finally stalked out of the +café. + +Locke folded his paper, paid his bill to the sleepy waiter, and started +after Paul. At the entrance he stopped, thought a moment, and then went +directly to Dora's table and sat down. + +"Why, what are you doing here?" she gasped, in great surprise. "Don't +you know that you may be _killed_?" + +"It's a risk that I must run," replied Locke. "But tell me--you tried to +kill me once--why?" + +"Because I was a fool, controlled by my love for Paul Balcom--the beast! +I hate him!" + +Dora drank viciously, then, with jealous venom, leaned over to Locke, +and asked, "If that girl, Eva Brent, finds out about him, will she throw +him over?" + +Locke played the game diplomatically, and apparently succeeded in +further incensing Dora against her lover, for, suddenly she jumped up. + +"Meet me here in an hour. I'll have everything arranged to spoil Paul +Balcom's game," she whispered, as she swept out of the café with +demi-mondaine majesty. + +Locke was elated at the thought of having won so powerful an enemy to +his side. But, had he heard Dora's remark to Paul as she met him around +a convenient corner, his elation would have given way to caution. + +Paul eagerly questioned her with a glance as she approached. + +"Well, he fell for it," she announced, toughly, then added, "just as you +fell for his dictagraph game with the girl." + +There was just a bit of jealousy yet in the tone of Dora. She was not +yet convinced of her complete triumph over Eva. + +At the same time Locke left the café and entered a telephone-booth, from +which he called up Eva. + +"Come to the Black Tom immediately," he said. "Dora is now on our side +and we'll learn the truth, she promises." + +Eva at once started to get ready so that she would arrive at the time +Locke had fixed, while he loitered in the neighborhood, waiting until +the hour agreed upon with Dora was almost gone. + +Dora was already waiting for him outside the place when he returned to +the Black Tom. + +"How is everything?" inquired Locke. + +"All arranged. You'll get Paul right." + +Just then a man slouched past. + +"Follow that fellow," whispered Dora. + +Locke nodded and did so. + +The man proceeded into the café and Locke followed. But instead of +sitting down in the main room the man passed through into an inner room. +Locke followed. He looked about. It seemed to be a sort of storeroom, as +nearly as he could make out. + +His guide pressed a secret panel and, stepping through an aperture, +beckoned Locke to follow. Locke drew his automatic and went ahead in the +inky blackness that lay beyond the panel. The next moment the very floor +under his feet seemed to give way. He felt himself thrown down bodily +into a sort of subcellar. + +Locke was immediately pounced upon by lurking emissaries who seized him +after a terrific battle and held him firmly. + +"Where's a rope?" growled one. + +There was no answer as the men struggled. The question was repeated. +Apparently one of them looked about. + +"Use the wire," he growled. + +The questioner gave a grunt of brutal satisfaction. There in this +storeroom lay a huge roll of barbed wire. Coil after coil of this barbed +wire was wound about Locke as he struggled, but ever more feebly, for +with each coil now the barbs began to cut cruelly into his flesh. + +Some one lighted a candle and by its light he saw many carboys of acid +standing in a row. + +Directly behind them, so that there could be no doubt of the horrible +fate in store for him, stood the Automaton. + +Already at the entrance to the Black Tom Café Eva's speedy runabout came +to a stop. Dora was at the curb to meet her and was all winning smiles. + +Instinctively Eva shrank from this overdressed woman. But it had been +Locke's desire that she come to this place, and she decided to follow +the woman, for would it not lead to the unmasking of Paul, whom she +hated? + +Once or twice on the descent into the café Eva hesitated, but was gently +urged on by Dora. + +Eva was utterly disgusted by the flotsam and jetsam in human guise that +she found sprawling at the tables, but she decided to brave the place. + +"Wait a moment and I'll get Mr. Locke," smiled Dora. + +For a moment, the better to blot out the distasteful scene, Eva closed +her eyes. + +When she opened them again it was to look into the ferocious, bestial +face of the giant emissary who, with fingers clutched like the talons of +some foul bird, was reaching toward her to grasp her by the throat. + +In the noisome cellar Locke lay as though fascinated by the dread form +that confronted him, as well as by its more dreadful purpose. + +The Automaton drew back its massive foot and deliberately kicked over +one after another of the carboys. + +A pungent odor at once permeated the cellar air as the acid ate into the +floor. + +Its purpose accomplished, the Automaton stalked toward Locke, and stood +towering above him. + +Would it crush out Locke's life under its ponderous heel? Or would it +leave him to a death more horrible? + +Like writhing serpents, the rivulets of seething, burning acid crept +closer, closer. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + + +The Automaton and its emissaries left the cellar. In the distance a door +slammed and Locke was left to his terrible fate. + +Except for the gurgling of the flowing acid and the scampering of the +rats all was silent. + +Locke tried to move. But the sharp barbs of the wire cut into his flesh, +a torture to test the fortitude of a stoic. + +Moreover, Locke had barely recovered from the shock of his fall into the +cellar. Thus for a few seconds that seemed to him to be ages he lay +there watching the fiery death creep closer. Then the will to live +surged through him and he struggled furiously to escape from the deadly +path of the acid. Gone now was his flinching and shrinking as the sharp +barbs lacerated his tender flesh. Gone was the calmness that denoted +surrender and the acceptance of his fate. + +With bunching muscles he writhed inch by inch to one side, out of the +path of the flow of the acid. He was just in time, for, at his last +mighty effort, the consuming fluid flowed past, not an inch from his +face. + +To extricate himself from the coils of the wire was a slow and painful +task. Wounded with a hundred wounds, with each movement of his body +adding a further injury, many times Locke was forced to desist in his +efforts to free himself. However, he persisted, though, strong man that +he was, the tears of agony burned his eyes and beads of cold sweat stood +on his brow even before the first coil was loosened. + +He could not, even to save his own life, have persisted in this +self-inflicted torture had it not been for the thought of Eva hurrying +to this dreadful den. That thought almost drove him mad and spurred him +to furious effort. + +It was well that it did. For at this very moment the beastly emissary in +the café above was closing in on her. + +Locke gave a final heave and tugged at the last strands of the wire that +held him prisoner. His clothes ripped to tatters and his flesh torn and +lacerated, he at last stood free. + +Without an instant's pause he collected packing-cases and even barrels. +He stacked them one upon the other, pyramiding them under the trap-door +through which he had fallen into the cellar. Then he climbed upon them, +leaped, and tried to grasp the edge of the floor above him, but fell +short and came tumbling down amid the boxes and barrels, only to start +stacking them up all over again. + +Finally he managed to grasp the edge of the floor with one hand and draw +himself up. For a few moments he lay panting on the floor, then groped +for the panel through which he had entered not half an hour before. It +was locked, but a shrewd kick above the lock opened it to him and he +rushed through the storeroom and out into the now brilliantly lighted +café. + +He was barely in time. + +The emissary already had Eva in his grasp and was choking her into +unconsciousness. The foul habitués of the resort, far from aiding the +poor girl, seemed for the first time that day to be showing interest and +to be thoroughly enjoying the brutal sight. + +With a shout Locke charged. His right swing landed just behind the +emissary's ear and the man dropped, pulling Eva down with him. But Locke +had her up and behind him in a second. + +Three other emissaries appeared as though by magic and attacked him on +all sides. + +Locke's automatic had been lost when he fell into the cellar. +Consequently he grabbed up one of the café chairs, which he wielded like +a club. + +One emissary had worked around until he was at one side of Locke and +almost behind him, a blackjack raised in his hand. But Eva warned Locke +in time. Whirling about, he made a full swing with the chair and caught +the emissary full in the face with it. The man went down and stayed +down. + +"Run quick as you can," panted Locke to Eva. "Get the car started." + +She was reluctant to leave him, and Locke saw that delay was dangerous. +He hurled what remained of the chair into the faces of the last two +emissaries, then turned and rushed up the steps, carrying Eva along with +him. + +A whir of the starter, the throbbing of the engine as the gas in the +cylinders ignited, and they were streaking toward Brent Rock, safe. + +In a still fashionable, but older, part of the town, the elder Balcom +had his quarters. They were spacious and furnished in Oriental style, +with many a suggestion of the Indian Ocean. + +Balcom was evidently annoyed, and seriously so. He was striding up and +down the apartment, scowling and puffing furiously at a black cigar. In +his hand was a letter, and from time to time he halted and glanced at +it, then fell back to his quick walking again, while a sinister light +came into his eyes. Yet the contents of the note were hardly such as +would have seemed likely to cause a man of honest purpose any agitation. + + MR. HERBERT BALCOM, + + International Patents, Inc. + + DEAR SIR,--A special meeting of the executive board of + International Patents, Inc., will be called at Brent Rock + this afternoon to determine the future policies of this company. + + [Signed] EVA BRENT. + +Balcom had read the notice for the tenth time when a negro servant +entered and announced that his son Paul wished to see him. + +"Show him in--then," growled Balcom to the servant. + +Paul entered. He was evidently somewhat chagrined and crestfallen. Nor +did his father's next words tend to cheer him up. + +"I suppose you'll acknowledge that you've made a miserable mess of it," +accused the older man. "When will you stop mixing women with business?" + +Paul was silent. Indeed there was nothing that he could say. + +"And now look at this note," pursued Balcom, in growing rage. "It brings +things to a head. What can we do?" + +He thrust the note at Paul, who read it. Balcom himself reread it, +crumpled it in anger, tore it, and threw the pieces in violence on the +floor. + +This time it was to be Paul who was to formulate a plan. It was of such +a dark and criminal nature that even Herbert Balcom, hardened as he was +himself, was for the moment appalled at his son's temerity. But as he +listened to Paul's words they fascinated him and he leaned forward the +better to take in the scheme. + +As Paul and his father planned, it seemed that here was power unlimited, +wealth beyond all counting and without the possibility of discovery. +For, like most men of his caliber, the approbation of the community was +dear to Balcom. + +"Good, Paul!" approved Balcom. "Go to it at once." + +Paul looked keenly at his father. + +"Haven't you anything to add?" + +"No, I have nothing to advise. The scheme is perfect, and as you +conceived it you can also execute it. The best of luck to you, my boy." + +A few moments later Paul went out, his dark face beaming at being +reinstated in his father's good graces. He was full of his plan. + +Down in one of the city's worst sections and near the river-front there +stood an old ramshackle building. Why it had not been condemned by the +building inspectors was a mystery. But it stood in all its squalid +ugliness. The door and the windows were locked and shuttered. One could +see at a glance that the building had been long unused. + +There was an alley strewn with tin cans and other refuse leading to the +back of the house, and it was down a flight of broken brick steps that +Old Meg, the fortune-teller, had her den where through the superstitions +of those inhabiting the neighborhood she managed to eke out a miserable +existence. The interior of the den was unspeakably filthy. The furniture +consisted of a broken-down couch, a chest of drawers in a like +condition, a card-table, a few kitchen chairs, and some boxes. Most of +the panes in the windows had been broken and the empty spaces had been +covered with old newspapers. Consequently, a candle thrust into an old +wine-bottle supplied the only real light. + +At the table, idly shuffling a pack of grimy cards, sat Old Meg, a +horrible old hag, wrinkled in face like a mummy, with only the stumps of +teeth which had more the appearance of tusks. Her unkempt hair was +matted and ugly wisps of it hung down over her bleary eyes. For clothes +she wore an old-fashioned faded gingham wrapper and around her shoulders +a dirty torn shawl. On her feet was a pair of man's shoes, many sizes +too large, which had evidently been cast away as useless by some former +owner, himself squalid. These she managed to keep on by tying the tops +with wrapping-cord. A more unlovely human being it would have been hard +to find in all the great city. There she sat, crooning a ballad to +herself in a high, cracked voice. It sounded like an incantation. + +A step sounded in the alley and Old Meg looked up and listened intently. +The sound came nearer. She got up and retreated into a dark corner, for +she knew the neighborhood well, and many a time some thug, brutal with +drink, had entered her den and wrung her last few pennies from her. + +But it was no inhabitant of this quarter of the town who entered this +time. It was Paul Balcom. + +The hag grinned in a horrible way at him, for it was not unusual for +people of his kind to visit her and it always meant money. With her +apron she dusted off the chair that stood at the table and begged him to +be seated. Then she shuffled the cards and cut, shuffled and cut, and +then as though at last satisfied she laid them face downward on the +table and spoke. + +"Wish, my handsome gentleman, and may your wish come true." + +"Go ahead with the hocus-pocus," growled Paul. + +Mother Meg picked up one card after another and her cracked voice was +evidently following a set formula. + +"If the queen of spades comes between the king of clubs and the queen of +hearts--" + +Paul listened with a strained intentness as the hag singsonged on and +on. Then a look of satisfaction came into his eyes and he smiled +happily. Next his look changed to a nasty look of determination, and he +abruptly got up, tossing a bank-note on the table which Old Meg grabbed +with avidity, calling down Heaven's blessings on the handsome gentleman +until Paul, running up-stairs, could hear no more. + +Paul returned immediately to his father's apartment, where Balcom was +impatiently waiting for him. He described minutely Old Meg, her +eagerness for money, and the squalid quarters in which she lived. The +elder Balcom seemed satisfied and they left the apartment together. + +"Paul," directed Balcom, "get out to Brent Rock as soon as you can while +I make arrangements with this Old Meg." + +Balcom stepped into his own car, while Paul hailed a taxicab, and a few +minutes later Balcom alighted before the house of Old Meg. He walked +down the alley and descended into the den. + +As before, Meg was in hiding in a dark corner until she could ascertain +just who her visitor might be. Seeing Balcom, she came out and +courtesied and scraped as she had for Paul. + +Balcom announced the object of his visit immediately, and while he was +speaking he fingered a roll of bills which he had taken from his pocket +the better to arouse the old hag's avariciousness. + +It had the desired effect and her eyes fairly gleamed with the craving +of possession. + +"Do as I tell you, Meg," directed Balcom, "and I'll make you rich. Do +you understand? Rich!" he emphasized, rolling out the last word silkily +on his tongue. + +Old Meg's last scruples, had she ever had even one, fell before this +temptation and she became almost the slave of Balcom. + +Balcom now gave a command and the old hag sidled to the door of an inner +room. + +"Jimmy! Jimmy!" she called. "Come here to me." + +In a moment a boy slunk into the room. He was sharp-faced, pinched for +food, and in tatters, as disreputable-looking as the hag herself. Meg +whispered something to him, and, as though galvanized by an electric +current, the boy shot up-stairs. He was soon back again with two +brutal-looking men who looked suspiciously at Balcom and then shuffled +into a corner, where they conferred eagerly with Old Meg. + +At first it was plain to be seen that they were refusing to do her +bidding, but Meg made a movement as though she were counting money. +After that it was equally plain that they agreed. + +Meg sidled over to Balcom and he unwrapped a few bills of large +denomination and handed them to her. She immediately hid them in her +dress, with many a furtive look toward her accomplices. + +Balcom's eyes followed those of the old hag, and, realizing that his +whole conspiracy might fail unless the men were assured of further +reward on the completion of their task, he approached them smoothly. + +"Of course," he insinuated, "you understand that if you three follow +instructions to the letter I'll double that amount." Then he left the +place, brushing his coat with his handkerchief as he did so. "Brent +Rock," he said to his chauffeur, curtly, as he stepped into his car. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + + +Eva and Locke were seated at a long table in the library of Eva's home. +Before them were many ledgers of International Patents, Incorporated. +Eva was reading certain entries in the books, while Locke was making +notes to be used at the coming directors' meeting. + +Eva closed the ledger from which she had been reading and announced, "I +intend, at the meeting, to insist that the patents held in the Graveyard +of Genius be released to the world." + +"It is the only honorable thing to do," agreed Locke. "You will +undoubtedly meet with violent opposition from Balcom and some few who +owe their fortunes to him, but in the end you will win." + +"If we could only have found the antidote," sighed Eva, "and my father +could only be again in control of things." + +"All we can do is to act as we think he would have acted if he were in +control," soothed Locke. + +"May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Locke?" interrupted a voice. + +It was Zita who had entered noiselessly and now stood well within the +room. + +How long had she been there? How much had she overheard? Both Eva and +Quentin exchanged worried glances. + +Locke rose and went over to Zita, who spoke to him in a whispered +undertone. + +The matter was so trivial that it hardly warranted her intrusion. Locke +was puzzled. But he was a man and, therefore, did not understand. For, +as Zita continued, there was a world of longing in her eyes. She even +went so far as to finger the lapel of his coat. + +Eva understood only too well, and her face crimsoned. She bit her lips, +and in vexation at Zita her finger-nails pressed into her palms. Paul's +entrance at this moment was a distinct relief, much as she despised the +man. + +"What's all the fuss about?" he inquired. + +Paul had a gaiety of manner that he could slip on like a coat, and it +was this quality that made him dangerous. He was popular and attractive. + +Paul took Eva's hand and managed to hold it just the fraction of a +second longer than was necessary to convey friendship. Then Eva withdrew +her hand, but not before Locke saw it and scowled. + +It was not long before the elder Balcom also arrived. + +"Good afternoon, my children," he greeted, jovially. "I'm just a bit +ahead of time, I imagine. But why you children don't leave dry matters +of business to us older heads I'm blessed if I know." + +"Mr. Balcom," retorted Eva, keenly, "the older head that would protect +my interests and the interests of those poor inventors lies stricken, as +you know, in the room above. In his absence the children, as you are +pleased to call us, will do their best." + +Balcom glared, while Zita with a strange glance toward Eva left Locke +and joined Balcom in a far corner of the room. + +"Zita," Balcom whispered, "the time has arrived to take you out of this +false position." + +Zita trembled with suppressed excitement as she heard this, and followed +Balcom back toward the table, where the others were already seating +themselves. + +It was approaching the hour, when Eva rose and was about to speak. +Balcom motioned and stopped her with a gesture. + +"One moment, please, Miss Brent," he interrupted. "Before the others +arrive I am going to establish Zita's real position in this house." + +All at the table looked at one another in openly expressed astonishment. +Zita, with eyes cast down, hands clasped in her lap, seemed almost +demure, though about her mouth played a faint smile. + +Even Paul did not understand this phase of the conspiracy and looked at +his father as much as to say, "I wonder what the old man is up to now?" + +Locke was the first to recover his coolness. "Just what, Mr. Balcom, do +you mean?" he asked. + +"I mean--" began Balcom, then stopped. "But first I will produce a +witness who can vouch for all the facts which I am about to relate." + +Balcom went to the door and opened it. There, bobbing her head and +smirking mechanically, stood that loathsome creature, Old Meg. In these +rich surroundings her frightful squalor was all the more accentuated. +Those at the table drew back in utter disgust as she tottered into the +room. As she passed Zita she paused. + +"I held you in these arms when you were but a wee baby," she muttered, +hideously. + +Zita drew away from her and looked at Balcom questioningly. Balcom now +leaned far over the table and spoke impressively. + +"Twenty years ago Brent was secretly married to his secretary. There was +a child. But Brent craved money, and power that the money would bring. +Saddled with a wife and child, he was barred from his ambition, which +was to marry some rich woman. So he made a hell on earth for his wife +until, in desperation, she consented to an annulment of their marriage." + +The room was breathlessly quiet as Balcom continued. + +"Years passed and then his conscience smote him. He made his own child +his secretary." Then he turned to Zita, pointing at her. "There she +sits," he exclaimed, "and half of the voting power of this company +belongs to her--Zita Brent, Zita Dane _Brent_." + +Instantly Locke was on his feet. + +"Balcom, you lie!" he rasped. + +"Lie or no lie," retorted Balcom, "as vice-president of the company I +refuse to permit any action to be taken until Zita's position is legally +established." + +Locke turned to Eva. "Miss Brent," he asked, with a bow, "may I speak +for you?" + +Eva nodded. + +"Then, Balcom," remarked Locke, "we shall carry the proposed motion over +your head. You cannot produce sufficient proofs to retard our action." + +"My protests," sneered Balcom, as he strode toward the door, "will be +entered in the minutes of this meeting." + +Zita, in the excitement, had already disappeared. Paul bowed to Eva and +Locke mockingly and followed his father. + +Old Meg squeezed herself against the walls of the library and was trying +to get out of the room without being detected. But Locke was too alert +for her and caught her by the shoulder, detaining her. She tried to +fight him off with her feeble arms. Again and again he tried to question +her. + +"The story is true, I tell you, gospel true," Meg repeated over and over +again. + +Locke let her go and she started toward the door. Then the habit of a +lifetime overcame her and she turned. + +"If you would know the truth, my pretty," she croaked at Eva, "come to +Old Meg." Then she hobbled out. + +Eva was naturally perturbed, although Locke tried to comfort her. Yet +she could not forget what had happened between him and Zita just before +the meeting, and, woman-like, she now held aloof. + +"Eva," pleaded Locke, "won't you trust me? Things are in such a critical +state that we must not have any misunderstanding." + +But Eva merely tossed her pretty head. "I don't care for Zita or her +actions," she replied, petulantly. + +Locke diplomatically changed the subject. "I believe," he said, slowly, +"that that old hag is in the pay of either Paul or his father, and I +mean to find out which it is." + +Locke had started across the hallway when Eva called him back. + +"Quentin," she said, earnestly, "I trust you--absolutely." Then she hid +her face in her hands and almost ran into the dining-room. + +Had she been a moment sooner she would have caught that mysterious +person, Doctor Q, who had entered the house some time before, and, on +overhearing heated words coming from the library, had remained with his +ear glued to the keyhole, absorbing every word that was said until +Balcom left. But he had shuffled away before she ran in. + +Back in Old Meg's den some time later the little gutter rat who, a few +hours before, had brought the two thugs back to Balcom and Old Meg was +coiled up in a corner, asleep. + +With light footsteps that did not awaken the sleeping boy, a strange +little figure now came scurrying down the brick stairs. The figure +hesitated a moment, then entered the foul den. + +In tatters, like the sleeping street gamin, this other boy still had +something winsome, something elusively handsome, about him, a certain +refinement of features. However, a black patch over one eye showed that +this gamin was manly enough, evidently, when it came to fighting. He +stirred the sleeping boy with his foot, and the boy, cursing volubly and +beyond his years, roused himself. + +They talked excitedly in whispers and the boy who had just entered gave +the street arab some money. Then together they tiptoed into the other +room and down a flight of rickety steps into the cellar. This cellar +connected with another cellar of large size that was used as a +storehouse. + +The boys barely spoke and, when it was necessary, only in whispers. They +came to a pile of cotton bales, found a convenient space between the +bales, crawled in, and lay still. + +Night was coming fast as the hag, trailed by Locke, left Brent Rock. She +walked fast for so old a woman, but, finally, coming to a street-car +line, she took the first car that came along. Locke had had the +foresight to have himself followed by one of the numerous Brent cars and +so was able to keep the street-car in sight until the old woman alighted +in her squalid quarter of town. Locke got out of his machine and +followed her on foot, keeping close to the walls of the buildings to +avoid having her see him. + +Old Meg turned the corner that ran alongside her dwelling, and there, +for the first time, gave an indication that she was aware that she was +being followed. She chuckled to herself, gave a few stumbling capers +which might have been an imitation of a dance step, then waved her hand. +Was it a signal? + +Locke was never to reach the alley. Old Meg had whipped around the +corner so quickly that for a moment he was puzzled as to just where she +had disappeared. He stopped with his back half turned to a flight of +stairs leading down to the cellar entrance of a big warehouse. Suddenly +he was sent stumbling forward to his knees, half dazed by a treacherous +blow dealt from behind. + +He was up again in an instant and was defending himself from the attack +of half a dozen thugs. He put up a splendid fight, but the odds were too +great, and in a few minutes he was down on the ground, unconscious and +bound. + +The emissaries of the Automaton, for such they were, carried him down +the steps and into the warehouse cellar. + +Already, on leaving Brent Rock, Paul Balcom had not been idle. He had +been immediately driven to a telegraph-office, where, after having used +nearly an entire pad of blanks, he succeeded in composing the following +message: + + DEAREST QUENTIN,--Have proofs that Old Meg spoke the + truth. Meet me immediately at her place. + + ZITA. + +The message was addressed to Locke at Brent Rock and was marked +"Important." + +"That ought to fetch her!" muttered Paul, as he left the office. + +Twenty minutes or so later the telegram was delivered to the butler at +Brent Rock, who brought it at once to Eva. + +At first she was loath to open a message addressed to some one else. But +Quentin's affairs and her own were so intertwined by this time that she +felt that the telegram would, in all probability, concern her as well as +Locke. She tore it open. + +"Dearest Quentin," she read and for a minute could get no farther, for +it seemed as if a mist had formed before her eyes. She clutched at the +balustrade. Then pride, jealousy, and a certain anger surged up within +her and she finished reading the telegram. + +Eva was in a quandary what to do. She paced up and down the hallway, +biting her lips and repressing the tears. + +Could it be possible, after all, that Locke was faithless? Was this the +man who had been so kind, who had saved her from a thousand dangers? At +any rate, she would find out once and for all. + +Faint and heart-sick, she gave orders to have her runabout brought +around. It was a long drive from Brent Rock, but Eva's fast speedster +covered the ground quickly. Twice policemen tried to stop her and, +failing, probably took the number of her car. Nothing could deter her. +And, as the cool evening wind lashed her face, faith in Locke revived +and the suspicion came that she might be rushing into danger. But no +thought of herself entered her mind as she stepped on the accelerator +and the car shot forward. Her single thought was of speed, more speed, +to get to Locke quickly. + +She was appalled at the squalor of the neighborhood in which she finally +found herself. Disgusted and revolted at the filth of Old Meg's abode, +still not for an instant did she falter or hesitate. She ran down the +steps to Old Meg's home. + +The old hag was evidently awaiting her, for this time she did not hide +at the sound of approaching footsteps, but came forward, courtesying and +mumbling greetings, while her eyes gleamed with a satisfaction that was +positively hellish. + +"Mr. Locke--where is he?" Eva gasped. + +"All in good time, my pretty, all in good time," mumbled the hag. +"You're to wait for him here." + +But Eva insisted on seeing Locke at once and the old hag lied volubly. +He had been here, and had stepped out for a moment. No, she did not know +where--to get a cigar, maybe. Would the pretty lady hear her fortune +told while she waited? + +As there was apparently nothing that she could do until Locke returned, +Eva sat at the card-table while Old Meg droned her old fortune-telling +rigamarole. + +In spite of her growing fear and agitation Eva became interested. There +was something calming in the monotonous voice of the old crone. + +"When the queen of spades comes between the jack of hearts and the king +of diamonds and the--a--the--" + +A door directly behind Eva silently and slowly opened. Stealthily a +boy's head was thrust out. On the young face was a world of deadly +hatred. As the sputtering candle burned brighter for a moment, +startlingly, a vague change was noticeable in the lineaments of the +features. + +It was the same gamin who had given the sleeping boy money. But now, in +the candle-light, with only the head showing, it was no boy who glared +malevolently at Eva, but a woman--and that woman was the implacable +Zita! + +The head disappeared to give place to the visages of two +horrible-looking men, the same brutes who were present when Balcom had +spread the net of his conspiracy. + +"When the jack of clubs," droned the witch, "and the--" + +With barely a sound the two thugs entered the room behind Eva. In the +hand of one was an old gunny sack. + +"--and the queen of hearts--" + +Eva was so interested now that she leaned far over the table, her eyes +fastened on the cards as they fell. + +A thug stumbled. Eva, startled, sat back quickly and tried to rise. But +the next instant she felt herself struggling in the heavy folds of the +grimy gunny sack. + +The emissaries, carrying Locke, had staggered with their burden into the +warehouse cellar until, coming to a closed door, one of them rapped on +it in a peculiar manner that was evidently a signal. An instant, and the +door opened. + +Through it stalked the Automaton. + +The monster gazed intently at Locke as though to determine whether it +were indeed he, then waved the emissaries on to the shaft of a huge +freight elevator. + +In the shaft, directly under the elevator platform, they now cast +Locke's unconscious body. + +"Are you sure the watchman's still up above?" asked one. + +"Sure." + +"Then give a ring for the basement." + +A thug pressed the button that signaled. In a moment, creaking and +groaning, the massive elevator started to descend. + +A shuffling of feet was heard and down the stairs leading from Old Meg's +quarters came the two thugs carrying Eva. A few feet behind them, still +in boy's clothes, was Zita. + +The jar to his body as the emissaries threw him on the concrete floor +had tended to bring Locke back to consciousness. For a moment he lay +still. Then the sound of the descending elevator attracted his +attention. He gazed upward and dimly saw the slowly moving platform. In +a flash he realized his danger. + +Locke struggled fiercely to dislodge his bonds. He contorted his body, +expanded his powerful chest in an effort to break the ropes that held +him a prisoner. + +At this moment the thugs that were carrying Eva passed by, followed by +others. Apparently they took no notice of him, but continued on their +way with the helpless girl. + +Locke, his own danger forgotten, became frantic with apprehension for +her and tore savagely at the restraining ropes. + +Zita stopped. Her face was a study of conflicting emotions as she saw +Locke struggling at the bottom of the shaft. + +Floor by floor, inch by inch, the enormous elevator, that would crush +out Locke's life as though he were an insect, continued to descend. + +Zita stepped to an electric switch. That switch would stop the elevator +immediately and save Locke's life. + +She raised her hand--and then, looking after the retreating thugs and +emissaries, she saw Eva again. Zita's lips formed a cruel line and a +flinty hardness came into her eyes. + +Her hand dropped. + +There were only a few feet between Locke and the descending elevator. +Locke was struggling frenziedly to escape and rescue Eva. + +Zita's hand went out again and grasped the handle of the switch. + +She hesitated, hate on her face. + +Would she, for love of Locke, who had not returned her love, save him? + +Could she bring herself to save this man--for a woman she hated, who had +won him from her? + +If she saved him it would be only to lose him to the other woman. + +With a great creaking the massive elevator was within only a few short +inches of Locke. + + + +CHAPTER XIX + + +Every fiber of Zita's body was galvanized into action as she threw the +whole weight of her body against the elevator emergency-control switch. + +There was a sputtering of blue flame as the connection was made, and +Zita closed her eyes. With a shudder she heard the great elevator strike +the cellar floor and then rebound. + +She dared not open her eyes. The last thing that she had seen was Locke +struggling frantically to escape from under the elevator that was only a +few inches above him and seemed destined to crush out his life. + +Slowly, fearfully, she opened her eyes. Locke's body lay motionless at +her feet, separated almost literally by only the breadth of a hair from +the shaft. + +The relief, the reaction from her terrible emotions, made Zita half +hysterical. Trembling in every limb, she made her way to Locke and fell +on her knees by him. She wrapped her arms about him and held his head +up. + +It was thus that she was holding him when his eyes slowly opened and +gazed questioningly into her own, his brow knitted in perplexity. + +Then, with a rush, it all came back to him--the descending elevator, +Zita standing at the switch, while his life hung in the balance, his +last frantic effort to escape just before the descending elevator had +grazed his head, rendering him unconscious. That Zita, at the last +moment, had attempted to save his life he did not know, nor why she now +gazed at him frankly with eyes of love. + +It was all inexplicable to him. + +Another instant and he had wrenched himself loose from Zita's arms and +was struggling with the ropes that still bound him even after he had +managed to roll out from under the elevator in the last nick of time. + +He had suddenly realized that the sight of Eva being carried off by the +emissaries had not been a hideous dream, but a terrible actuality, and +that at this very moment she was probably in the most imminent danger. + +Zita realized that he wanted freedom to rush to Eva's assistance. Had +she dared, she would have refused to release him from her arms, would at +least have hindered his untying his bonds. But there was a masterful +something about his silent demand to be released that would admit of no +refusal. + +In a few seconds Locke completed the freeing of himself and was dashing +madly toward the door through which the gang, carrying Eva, had passed. + +The door was unlocked, and, hesitating not an instant, Quentin dashed +through and into a large room. + +Eva, the gunny sack removed and still unconscious, lay on the floor. The +emissaries were grouped around her. In the background, dimly visible, +stood the iron monster. + +Startled, they looked up as Locke rushed into the room. But before they +could do more, Locke had whipped out his automatic and, point-blank, was +blazing away at the murderous crew. Two emissaries fell dead or mortally +wounded. The others scattered. + +Only the Automaton, man of iron that he was, showed no sign of fear. +Instead, he advanced ponderously upon Locke. + +The automatic barked again, but did not succeed in deterring the +monster. Locke realized the futility of using this puny weapon against +such a foe. + +He dashed toward Eva. It was the work of only an instant to snatch her +up, practically from under the monster's feet, to turn, and to carry her +through the door by which he had been brought in. Holding her in one +arm, he slammed the door shut and shot the bolt. + +He was just in time, for the next instant the door bulged out beneath +the dead weight of the Automaton as it hurled its massive form against +the other side. + +Zita vas still waiting at the elevator shaft when Locke, carrying Eva in +his arms, entered. At the sight Zita's whole body expressed her +unquenched hatred of the unconscious girl. Her eyes narrowed, her lips +became livid, and her hands clenched as though she would like to strike +the helpless Eva. + +"Zita," demanded Locke, suspiciously, "why did you hesitate to save my +life?" + +"Because," she replied--and her voice indicated the force of her answer +whether it were really the truth or not--"I love you, and would not save +you--for _her_." + +Zita turned and ran up the stairs leading to Old Meg's as Locke turned +to try to revive Eva. + +But the hammer blows of the monster resounded throughout the cellar. At +any moment the door might come crashing down and Locke and Eva might +again be at the mercy of the iron fiend. + +Locke caught up Eva in his arms again and, groping, sought the exit of +the warehouse. + +He dared not follow Zita through Old Meg's den. Love that could for any +reason hesitate or injure the one loved was incomprehensible to him. He +felt that the hag's den might now be but an ambush and that Zita might +have run ahead to warn the uninjured emissaries of his coming. + +By a lucky chance he found the path leading directly to the warehouse +steps and the street. Eva's speedster had not been moved or tampered +with and he placed Eva gently in the seat, climbed in, and started the +motor. As he did so three emissaries came running out of the alley +leading to Old Meg's. But shooting the gears into high speed, Locke +easily evaded them and turned up the first corner. + +He was going to take Eva to the first doctor's or a drug-store, but it +proved not to be necessary. The rush of the air as the car moved rapidly +revived her, and in a few moments she was quite herself again, eagerly +questioning him about her rescue. + +Although they were thankful for their escape, still they could not blind +themselves to the fact that all their efforts had been in vain, that +they stood no nearer to their great desire, and that, at least until +now, their enemies had proved too wily and too strong for them. + +But they were young, courageous, and resourceful, and as they drew up +before Brent Rock they were busily engaged with plans for the future. + +It was the following afternoon in the Chinese quarter. The Celestials +were celebrating one of their numerous feasts. Long multicolored banners +and streamers were hanging from every window and balcony and were even +strung across the narrow street, almost brushing the faces of the motley +throng that passed beneath. Tom-toms and cymbals beat and clashed, while +from the Chinese theater came the shrill piping of reeds and the +high-pitched chanting voices of Chinamen. + +Street venders cried their wares and the windows of the Oriental shops +were gaily bedecked for the holiday. + +Through the dense happy throng a man made his way. He, too, was an +Oriental, but of a different race. A giant in size, he calmly pushed and +shoved the smaller Celestials out of his path, and, although they +chattered angrily at him, their resentment went no farther, for his size +and the menace of his swarthy face made them pause. + +Before the entrance of a curio-shop he halted and consulted a card. +Then, satisfied that he had found his destination, he picked up a wicker +carrying-case that for the moment he had placed on the curb and entered +the shop. + +A Chinaman stepped forward, scrutinized him closely, and, nodding +significantly, bade the new-comer follow him. + +They went to the back of the shop. The Chinese clapped his hands, and a +panel in the wall slid back, disclosing a stairway. The new-comer +stepped through the aperture and the panel closed behind him. He mounted +the stairs and came to a room, magnificent in its Oriental splendor. + +Priceless rugs covered the floor and walls, while on wonderfully carved +teakwood stands reposed ancient porcelains, specimens of bygone +dynasties, antique arms and armor cunningly wrought, jades and ivories +marvelously fashioned by master craftsmen long since dead. Seen through +the filmy haze of rising incense, the room was a veritable +treasure-house of Oriental art. + +On low settees a few richly clad Chinese were reclining, and in a far +corner, gazing intently into a globe of crystal, sat a man of the same +race as the new-comer, a Madagascan. + +Startled at the entrance of the giant, he left off his shadow-gazing and +came hastily forward, cringing as he did so. + +The giant, in an impressive, booming voice, now spoke for the first +time. + +"I, the Strangler, have come from Madagascar with the Great Torture." + +A door opened and Doctor Q entered the room, his head wagging from side +to side. + +As he caught sight of the Madagascan he stopped short and put his hand +to his head with a gesture of perplexity, striving piteously to place +the stranger. He could not succeed. With a half-running, half-stumbling +gait he withdrew to a corner of the room and furtively watched the two +Madagascans. + +There came the sound of a gong. A panel slid back, and into the room +there majestically swept a Chinaman of pure Mongolian type. + +He was gorgeously clad in flowing silks and wore the princely cap with a +button. At a glance his piercing eye took in every detail of the room. +Then he went directly to the Madagascan, whose overbearing air of +assurance immediately forsook him at the Chinaman's approach. + +He bowed low and reverently, for it was Long Fang to whom he made +obeisance, Long Fang, leader of a great Tong, and implacable foe to all +others, a Chinese whose tentacles of power reached into every corner of +the underworld, spreading terror. + +In an incisive, icy voice that sent a chill through the big man's frame, +he now spoke. + +"You have been overlong on your journey and we have been waiting for +you." Then with a menace in his voice he snarled, "It is well for you +that you came at last." + +The big man shuddered and remained silent. Long Fang crossed to Doctor +Q. + +"The instrument of torture is here," he said. "The Madagascan has just +brought it. He is an unrivaled strangler." + +"Let him approach," commanded Doctor Q. + +Long Fang beckoned, and the Strangler came forward. His eyes had been +fixed on the Chinese, but now they roved to the figure of Doctor Q, and +he fell back in consternation, clutching the other Madagascan by the +shoulder and gasping in awestruck tones. + +"In our country his magic is supreme!" + +With difficulty he controlled himself and bowed low, his forehead almost +touching the floor. Then he looked away, cringing. + +"I see that you recognize me," Doctor Q chuckled, fiendishly. "Good! You +will not be so foolish as to fail me." + +"No, no, master, I swear it by--" + +"Never mind your oath. My power is my guaranty. Go--follow Long Fang. He +will direct you to the torture-chamber." + +Doctor Q turned on his heel and hobbled out of the room. + +Long Fang and the Strangler were about to proceed to the torture-chamber +when footsteps were heard on the stairway that led to the curio-shop +below. Long Fang and the Madagascan stopped and listened. + +Another moment and De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom stepped into the room. +With a curt command Paul called Long Fang to him and the Chinaman, +important as he was, hastened to obey. + +What was this strange power that Paul, at will, could exercise +throughout the underworld? + +With a few terse questions Paul ascertained the exact condition of +affairs. + +"You say, Long Fang, that all is ready?" + +"All, master. We only awaited your coming." + +Then with a graceful gesture he asked, "Will you so far honor your +humble servant?" as he indicated the way into another room. + +Dora, followed by Paul and the Chinese, stepped through the portal and +came to a Chinese temple. + +It was a large room and the decorations, although equally well executed +as those in the room they had just left, were actually terrifying. +Flying dragons and serpents done in bronze hung from the ceiling, while +on a raised dais at the farther end of the room was an enormous +squatting figure of the seven-handed god. Before it, in braziers, fire +gleamed, giving off a heavy, pungent odor that was almost overpowering +to Occidental nostrils. + +On either side of the huge image hung silken curtains, in all +probability covering doorways into yet other chambers. + +For the first time Dora showed signs of interest. With the shop and the +first chamber she was already familiar, but this was something new, +something to give the spur to her satiated, _blasé_ nature. She moved +about the place, fingering the rare tapestries, contemplating probably +what gorgeous hangings they would make for her own apartment. + +Dora's preoccupation gave Long Fang his opportunity to confer with Paul +alone and he moved closer to him. + +"Master," he nodded, "why not use the beautiful lady to lure the other +one into our power?" + +Paul shook his head negatively. He knew that Eva was aware that Dora was +her enemy. + +"But, master," persisted the Chinese, "you told me that this Miss Brent +loves her father, and that she would do anything for his recovery. Let +this lady tell her that the Madagascan has brought an antidote that will +restore his reason. She will come here and we shall trap her." + +For a moment Paul stood in deep thought, then called to Dora. + +At first she laughed at the idea that Eva would even listen to her. But +Dora was clever and conceited and in the end she agreed that at least +she would make the attempt. + +At this moment in another quarter of town Paul's father was ready to +leave his apartment, yet from his nervousness it could readily be seen +that he was waiting for some one. A Madagascan servant entered and +salaamed. + +"Master," he announced, "the Strangler has arrived from Madagascar." + +Balcom's face lighted up with intense satisfaction and cunning at the +news. He waved the servant away, picked up his hat and stick, and +hurried out. + +In the library at Brent Rock Eva and Locke were having an earnest +conversation. Locke had on his motoring togs and was on the point of +going out. + +"By elimination," he was saying, "I will prove that either Paul or his +father is the Automaton. I am going to trap Paul." + +"Quentin," cautioned Eva, "for my sake be careful." + +Locke strove to quiet her fears, pointing out that his scheme was +necessary in order to save her father, and in the end Eva reluctantly +consented. + +She went with him to the porte-cochère where his car was already +waiting. + +"Good luck!" she tried to call cheerfully, in spite of her misgivings. + +Long after his car had disappeared in the distance she stood there +gazing after it, a world of anxiety in her eyes. + + + +CHAPTER XX + + +Darkness had settled down upon Brent Rock, following the departure of +Locke, when a trim runabout drew up under the porte-cochère and Dora +stepped lightly out of it. + +She paused for a moment and looked about curiously. For some time she +hesitated. In this house lived the girl whom in her heart Dora hated +bitterly. + +What sort of reception might she expect? Yet Paul and his +underworldlings had played on Dora's pride until they had prevailed on +her to undertake the mission. As she looked about all her old assurance +came back to her and Dora turned and approached the door boldly. + +Eva was just about to go up-stairs to her room when she heard the butler +at the door and a woman's voice asking whether Miss Brent was at home. +Eva paused a moment. + +There was evidently a slight altercation between the butler and the +new-comer as the latter raised her voice sharply. + +"You will tell Miss Brent I must see her," reiterated Dora. + +There was a pause, during which the butler was heard to murmur +something, and then the woman's voice was heard again. + +"Tell Miss Brent that if she refuses to see me she will regret it all +her life." + +Eva was intensely interested now, for she recognized the voice of De +Luxe Dora. But with her interest there came a feeling of repulsion with +which this woman always inspired her, and her first impulse was to have +Dora shown out of the house. + +The very nature of the danger with which they were all surrounded, +however, prohibited such a drastic course. Yet how dare that woman enter +Brent Rock? + +Still, the very fact of her so daring pointed to some serious matter +which Eva felt she ought to know. At any rate, there could be no harm to +listen to Dora's reason for coming, and there would probably be much to +be learned. + +Eva called to the butler and he stepped aside, and Dora, all smiles now, +and with her hand extended in greeting, advanced toward Eva, who ignored +her extended hand. + +"Need I tell you," remarked Eva, coldly, "that I am astounded at your +presumption in coming here?" + +"Miss Brent," replied Dora, "believe me, nothing but my present mission +could have induced me to do so. There are wheels within wheels which +have made it appear that I am your enemy. But that is far from being the +truth, as my present mission to you will prove." + +Dora was clever and played her cards cleverly. However, Eva was on +guard. + +"Please come to the point," she insisted. "Tell me exactly why you have +come." + +Dora paused a moment, then replied, impressively, "I have come to save +your father's life." + +Eva caught herself almost gasping in astonishment as Dora covertly +watched the effect of her words. "You have the antidote, then?" asked +Eva, breathlessly. + +"Not exactly that," replied Dora, quickly. "But I can take you where you +can obtain it. A man has arrived from Madagascar who has it in his +possession." + +"What shall I do?" almost wailed the poor girl. "How can I know that you +speak the truth?" + +Dora's voice now assumed a cold decisiveness. "That is for you to +decide," she said merely. "Refuse to come with me and your father will +surely die of his madness. Consent--and he may live." + +Eva could hesitate no longer. Bidding Dora wait, she ran up the stairs, +returning in a few moments garbed for the street. + +They left the house together, but not before the butler had +surreptitiously slipped a large automatic into Eva's hand-bag. + +In the Chinese temple, or Joss-house, the last devotee had departed. The +hanging lights had been dimmed and now the fantastic shapes with which +the place was decorated, seen in the subdued light, stood out in all +their shadowy weirdness. + +From the raised dais, the seven-handed god assumed an added majesty and +awfulness, while, deep-seated as though from a smoldering caldron, two +points of fire gleamed from the god's eyes with utmost malevolence. + +Slowly a panel in the wall slid back and the bestial visage of the +Strangler peered out. + +After making sure that there was no one about, with noiseless tread he +glided into the temple. + +Like a shadow, a second figure, that of a Chinaman, followed him. The +two made a complete circuit of the temple, stopping now and again to +examine some object which arrested their attention. Then, as if by a +prearranged signal, they both prostrated themselves before the fire god. + +After making many obeisances they got to their feet and, as mysteriously +as they entered, slipped away in the same manner that they had come. A +panel closed behind them, but not the same panel. + +The inner room in which they now found themselves was divided by a +partition that extended a few feet out into the temple room itself. + +This room was vividly painted with weird figures depicting Chinese forms +of torture, a veritable charnel-house of what in Europe would be called +the Dark Ages. There were plenty of evidences that at no very distant +date this chamber had been in use to punish horribly those who had +offended against the fire god or the commands of the Tong leaders. + +On one side of the partition was a large iron wheel to which was +attached a rope extending through the partition and forming a loop or +noose on the other side. The purpose of this device was only too +apparent. Once the neck of a victim was in the noose, a few turns of the +wheel, the noose would tighten, and the victim would be inevitably +strangled to death. In a slightly changed form it was the +garroting-machine of old Spain. + +The Strangler tested the rope, twisted the wheel, while his companion +occupied himself by watching the effect of the wheel on the noose on the +other side of the partition. + +Apparently satisfied that the machine was in good working order, the +Madagascan straightened up and waved his companion out of the room. + +The Chinaman returned by means of the sliding panel into the temple +again. + +As she left Brent Rock behind, Eva's fears increased. Speeding through +the night with this woman whom she instinctively dreaded, whom she had +every reason to distrust, many times on the trip Eva wished herself back +at her home. + +On the other hand, to remain inactive while there was a chance to save +her father's life was unthinkable. And so, for his sake, she kept on and +the car sped ahead. + +Dora, on the contrary, anxious to allay Eva's fears, was very voluble, +expressing many sentiments which even to a young girl of little worldly +experience were palpably at variance with the woman's character. + +In and out of the narrow streets of the city's lower quarter the car +twisted and turned, and at last entered gaily decked Chinatown, where it +came to a halt. + +If Eva was afraid before she was now doubly so. The strange Oriental +faces which seemed to leer at her from street and curb seemed to be +almost of another world, and she thought of the many tales she had +heard, of their treachery and cunning. + +Dora, sensing what was passing through her mind, kept up a patter of +small talk as she urged Eva forward. + +By another entrance than the one that led through the Chinese curio-shop +they entered the Joss-house and came to the worshiping-room of the +temple. + +Eva gazed fearfully about her now at all the fantastic decorations with +which she was surrounded. Her only comfort was the handle of the +automatic that the butler had pressed on her as she was leaving home. + +"This Madagascan with the antidote," asked Eva, tremulously, "where is +he?" + +"Don't worry, dearie," quieted Dora. "Wait a moment here and I will +bring him." + +Dora turned on her heel and left the temple by the door leading into the +beautiful lounging-room beyond. + +Eva stood transfixed by the solemn awfulness of the place and the grim +visage of the fire god. Why had she been brought to such a place? What +new terrors awaited her here? + +She seemed alone--yet was she? + +She felt a thousand eyes regarding her, as though a thousand dangers +lurked to destroy her just beyond those fearful walls. + +She was staring now at the god. What made his eyes gleam so banefully? + +She thought she heard a sound! + +Was the wall at the right of the statue moving? Or was it merely her +heightened imagination? + +Fascinated, she watched. + +Yes, she was sure now. Slowly, slowly a portion of that wall was +actually sliding back. + +Now she saw a hand. Then an arm followed. With a slow, gliding movement +that even to Eva's strained ears was noiseless, a man, his back toward +her, slid into the room. + +Eva, shrinking back, wanted to shriek. But instead she whipped out the +automatic and in an instant had the man covered. + +The man was still evidently unconscious of her presence. But suddenly he +must have heard Eva move. For he wheeled around, and instinctively his +hands went above his head. + +As for Eva, the cry that she had suppressed at his appearance was +suppressed no longer, for the man whom she held at her mercy was--Locke! + +"How did you come here?" gasped Eva. + +Hurriedly he told her his story--how he felt that the clue that would +lead to the unraveling of this mystery was now to be found in Chinatown, +how he had made his way, therefore, to the Chinese quarter, how he had +tracked the Madagascan. + +Knowing the futility of trying to enter any private place of the +Orientals, much less their temple, in Occidental garb, he had waylaid a +Chinaman in an alley, had stripped him, and had changed clothes with +him. + +Disguised thus, Locke had managed to enter, to observe, and was only now +on his way to summon assistance. For he had decided to have the place +raided. Only now he was stricken almost dumb with astonishment at being +confronted by Eva. + +There was no time for more. Before Eva could explain her own presence +there the door burst open, the panels slid back, and a horde of +emissaries and Chinamen swarmed about them. + +Eva fired her automatic again and again, but could not stay the rush. + +Locke fought with the courage of despair. But they were too many and +soon bore him down. + +As they carried Locke into the chamber of torture the last thing he saw +was Eva surrounded by her foes, who were closing in on the poor girl. + +Towering above them all, he saw the gigantic form of the Automaton. + +In the torture-chamber Locke was shackled hand and foot to the +partition, while the noose of the garroting-machine was placed about his +neck. + +The Madagascan supervised this work, then waved the emissaries out of +the room. They were alone there now, these two--the professional +murderer and his victim. + +With a sneer the Madagascan turned and went to the other side of the +partition where the wheel was by which the noose was tightened, +strangling the victim. + +But the Strangler little knew with whom he had to deal, for already +Locke was struggling at his shackles. + +With almost incredible dexterity Locke succeeded in loosening them, one +after the other, so that, as the Madagascan started to turn the wheel, +Locke, with a marvelous effort, bracing his feet against the wall and +grasping the staples to which the shackles had been attached, managed to +pin-wheel his body around and around, as the Strangler turned the iron +wheel that tightened the noose which was to stifle out his life. + +Fortunately the Madagascan turned slowly, so that Locke managed to turn +his body faster than the wheel was being turned, thus gaining on the +noose and at each revolution loosening it a trifle. + +Another quick turn of his body, the pressure against his neck had become +less! + +Yet another complete circle, and, tearing at the noose, he managed to +get his head free. + +It was the work of only an instant to dash around the partition and beat +the Strangler to the floor. Another instant, and he had torn back the +panel into the temple. + +The sight that confronted him was sickening. + +Two fiends were holding Eva close to the floor, while now from the fire +god's eyes a blinding glare of flame blazed forth, the two rays +converging and scorching the very ground as they traveled slowly nearer +and nearer, in their fatal focus, to the helpless girl. + +With a wild shout, Locke charged on them all. + +Taken by surprise, the brutes holding Eva were easy to handle, for the +others had gone. + +Fortunately, the automatic which Eva had been carrying was lying, +neglected, on the floor. Locke snatched it up and, shooting one of the +thugs, managed to cower the other. + +Half supporting Eva, he retreated through the torture-chamber into an +outer room. There was no time to lose. Already the alarm had been spread +to the other emissaries and Chinamen, and it was only a matter of +seconds when all the murderous crew would again be piling after them. + +Locke looked about in desperation. There was a window. He flung it open. +Below, the air-shaft or court was blind. But there was a balcony by +which he could reach an adjoining low roof. He had no idea where it +might lead, but any unknown danger was preferable to the known dangers +that threatened behind him. + +Through the window he passed with Eva, and so across balconies and roofs +until they came to a fire-escape, which they descended. + +In another moment they were free of Chinatown. + +Many a curious glance was cast at them, a young girl, well gowned, and a +disheveled white man in Chinese garb. + +Locke hailed a night-hawk cabman and they were soon speeding on their +way back to safety and Brent Rock. + + + +CHAPTER XXI + + +At the cove fishing-village, set on the extreme outskirts of the town, +there stood an old fisherman's shack that was shunned by all the good +folk of the city. + +While there was nothing definite that could be said of the evil deeds of +the inhabitants, there was much shaking of heads and wagging of tongues +to the effect that all was not as it should be at the cove. + +The owner of the old shack, Old Tom, was an ill-favored, taciturn man +who would have naught to do with any of his neighbors, and asked only +that they keep out of his path and leave him alone. He even evinced an +aversion to dogs and to little children, driving them away from his +shack whenever he found them near it. + +The threat that "Old Tom will catch you" would make a cove +fishing-village tractable at any time. + +Old Tom rarely put to sea, and when he did it was more often than not +after nightfall, a time when the good folk of the village were preparing +for a night's rest. + +It was stated by one old crony that often at night other men came to Old +Tom's shack, that they entered slyly, and that well into the morning +revelry, and often oaths and brawls, could be heard from within. + +Some hinted that Old Tom was a smuggler; others, even, that he was a +wrecker. True it was that often strange lights were seen to flicker +outside the bar to the cove. + +Also there had been wrecks, and often, in the morning, when the +fishermen put out to a wreck, after a storm, it would be discovered that +some one had been there before them, since valuable and readily portable +parts of the wreck were frequently missing. + +But while suspicion pointed to Old Tom and the strange men that +frequented his place, proofs positive of a crime were invariably +lacking, and so the village tolerated Old Tom's presence and predicted +his bad end. + +It was to this shack that there came very early one morning, before the +break of day, a wounded man assisted by a woman. The woman gave a +peculiar rap at the door. There was a quick scurry inside, as of +fast-moving feet, then silence. + +The woman rapped again, and this time with more force. After a moment a +sash was raised and a querulous voice demanded what was wanted. + +"It's De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom, and he's wounded. Quick, open the +door!" + +There was a rush to open the door now and rough hands gently assisted +the wounded man to a seat inside. + +While Paul was not perhaps so dangerously wounded, yet it was easy to be +seen that the wound was not to be trifled with, for the cut had been +severe and the blood flowed copiously. + +Dora, whatever her attitude toward others, had a true solicitude for +Paul, and all the womanliness of her nature came to the surface as she +tenderly bathed Paul's head and attempted to bind the wound with the +rough bandages at hand. + +There were several tough-looking men standing about, and from their +ready sympathy, real or feigned, it was easy to be seen that these men, +too, like the others of the underworld, stood ready to do Paul's +slightest bidding, to guard him with their lives if need be. + +What was this strange power that this man, scarcely more than a youth, +wielded over these outlawed men? + +"Quick!" exclaimed Dora. "Watch the window. We've probably been +followed." + +A grim-visaged man moved lumberingly over to the window and glued his +head against the pane, straining his eyes as he peered out. + +For a long time he did not move, while, with the others grouped around, +Dora tried to stanch the flow of blood from Paul's injured head. + +Suddenly the watcher at the window turned and shouted, "Man comin' up +the lane!" + +Instantly there was confusion within the shack. The men scattered in all +directions, while one old hag, the only woman in the shack besides Dora, +hobbled over to a stool and took up the mending of a huge net where she +had left off. + +Old Tom ambled over to Dora and for a moment they talked hurriedly. +Finally Dora came to a decision, as she pointed to the old rickety +stairway to an attic above. + +"Carry him to the attic," she directed. "He can be well hidden there. As +for the rest of you, remember, no one has come here to-night." + +Two of the men lifted Paul, who, while not in an absolutely unconscious +condition, was much too weak by this time from loss of blood to assist +himself. + +They carried him up the stairs and into an old, disused room to which +Dora followed, and when the two men had descended the stairs she +remained, alternately ministering to Paul and listening for what might +happen below. + +Paul and Dora had left the main room of the shack not a moment too soon. +For barely had the two men who had carried Paul to the attic returned +when a face was momentarily seen outside, while a pair of eyes peered +into the room. + +A moment later there was a peremptory knock at the door. + +"Come in!" growled Old Tom. + +With eyes that scanned every cranny and nook and searched every face, +Locke stepped into the shack. + +The men came forward a step, then halted. There was something in Locke's +face that showed that he was in deadly earnest and not to be trifled +with. + +Locke looked from one to the other, then turned to Old Tom. "The wounded +man who was brought here," he demanded, "where is he?" + +"There 'ain't been no wounded man brought here," retorted Old Tom. + +The men crowded a little closer, all denying vehemently that any one had +entered. + +At this instant a drop of blood fell on Locke's sleeve from the ceiling +above. Quickly he checked the impulse to look up, although he was +startled by it. He recovered himself on the instant and waited until +under a pretext he could divert their attention to something else. Then +he glanced hastily upward, as they looked in another direction. There, +forming slowly, was another drop of blood, and it was about to fall. + +Locke had gained his object. As surely as though he had been brought +face to face with Paul, he knew that he was lying on the floor of the +attic above. + +Single-handed, against so many and in this shack, Locke realized that he +could do nothing. He apologized gruffly for his intrusion, conveying the +impression that he felt he had made a mistake, and backed his way to the +door. + +In an instant the door to the attic stairs was flung open and Dora +rushed into the room. + +"You fools!" she snarled at the surprised men who were just +congratulating themselves on how they had put one over on Locke. "I tell +you he's wise. He saw the blood. Look up above you. Now go get him." + +But the fishermen had no desire for this outside work and hung back, +while Dora raved at them. + +From the ceiling, drop by drop, blood was falling, forming a little pool +on the floor. Paul could not be moved now. They must make the best of it +and be ready for any raid Locke might prepare. + +At Brent Rock Eva was conversing with her lawyer. Matters had reached +such a state in the affairs of International Patents that it was +evident, even to her, that some drastic action must be taken, and at +once. + +In a corner of the room, coiled up in a big armchair, Zita was +apparently reading a new magazine, but was, in reality, listening +intently to every word that was being uttered. + +Finally Eva and the lawyer were in full accord, and she accompanied the +elderly attorney to the door. As they parted, Zita strained her ears to +hear the last words. She did not get it all, but quite enough to tell +her what they had decided upon. + +"As my lawyer," she overheard Eva say, "I wish you to have Mr. Locke +appointed receiver." + +There was some more she missed, but that was quite enough for Zita. She +got out of the chair quickly and left the room without being observed, +and a few moments later she had left the house. + +In a telephone-booth, not far from the cove fishing-village, Locke by +this time had his chief of the Department of Justice on the wire. + +"I've located him, Chief," he telephoned, excitedly, "but it will take +four good men to capture him." + +"I'll send them at once," the chief replied, as both hung up their +receivers hurriedly. + +Meanwhile, in Herbert Balcom's sumptuous, semi-Oriental apartment two +men were in earnest conversation. One was the owner, Balcom, the other +that strange, half-demented being, Doctor Q, whose mind now, for the +moment, seemed to be lucid. + +The matter under discussion was undoubtedly a weighty one, for both men +sat with knitted brows, and for the moment, at least, seemed in a +quandary about something. + +Suddenly there came a hurried ringing at the outside-door bell and +Balcom leaped to his feet. They could hear the door opened, quick +footsteps in the hallway, and then, without ceremony, the door was flung +open and Dora burst into the room. + +Balcom scowled a welcome, for he hated this woman, who had, as he +thought, spoiled the chances of his son with Eva. But Dora did not wait +for the threatened outburst. + +"Hurry!" she cried. "You must do something. Paul has been wounded--never +mind how--but he lies in a fishing-shack down at the cove--and they are +going to arrest him--Locke is!" + +For the moment both men seemed to be stricken dumb, while Dora, in a +state of wild excitement, pleaded for them to do something--anything to +save the one person she loved. + +It was at this juncture that the door opened again, admitting another +woman. It was Zita, very agitated, though, of course, under better +control than Dora. Besides, Zita did not know what had happened to Paul, +nor did she love him. It was merely that she felt that things could be +made to play into her own hands if the news she brought were immediately +acted upon. + +Hastily she told what she had overheard about the proposed receivership, +and all four now--Balcom, Doctor Q, Dora, and Zita--talked excitedly. + +But it was plainly Balcom who was in command of the situation. Although +livid with rage at the news he had heard, yet he maintained control of +the others, directing what they should do with a decisiveness that was +truly remarkable. It showed the mental force of the man, demonstrating +how greatly he was to be feared by any bold enough to be his enemy. For +Balcom loved that spoiled son of his and would hesitate at no act, not +even at a crime, to save him from even what he justly deserved. + +At last their plan was formed, and all four departed their several ways +to execute it. + +Balcom had decided upon going directly to Brent Rock. His ire had not +abated one iota during the trip, either, and, as he almost ran up the +steps to the mansion, he pushed the astounded butler to one side as +though he were merely a piece of furniture. + +"Tell Miss Brent I want to see her at once," he threatened. + +The butler raised a hand deprecatingly at Balcom's tone, but Balcom, +beside himself, smashed it down and strode toward the library just as +Eva, hearing the voices, was coming out. For an instant she drew back in +apprehension and amazement as Balcom advanced on her, still snarling. + +"See here, Eva," he hissed, "if Locke tries to arrest my son--he'll be +killed." + +For the instant Eva was stunned. What did the man mean? But as Balcom +showed no signs of regaining control of himself, and every moment became +more abusive and violent, indignation gave place to every other +sentiment, and she sharply ordered Balcom to leave the house. + +Threatening dire things and hinting even more if there were a +receivership, Balcom strode out. + +Eva stood for a long time shocked into inaction. Then, slowly, fears for +Locke's safety came uppermost and she paced back and forth the length of +the hall. + +Finally the old butler came to her deferentially. + +"And did you notice, ma'am," he asked, "that during his tirade he +mentioned about a cove fishing-village? Might I suggest that that is +where Mr. Paul is and Mr. Locke will not be found far off?" + +Eva thought a moment, recognized the sound sense of the remark, and +ordered that her car be brought. A few moments later she had taken the +wheel and was soon out of sight of Brent Rock. + +Close pressed against a wall of a back lane of the cove fishing-village, +Locke was standing, waiting for the men whom his chief had promised to +send. + +Finally they came to him, first making their coming known to Locke by a +peculiar low whistle. + +"The other two will be along directly," whispered one of the pair. +"Thought it better not to come in a bunch." + +As Locke laid his plans, the other two came from out of the shadows. + +The entire party now moved cautiously toward Old Tom's shack. Just +before they arrived one of the men said that he could see two figures +entering the place. But as Locke had seen nothing, no attention was paid +to the remark. + +Locke now placed one of his men on either side of the door. The other +two he sent to the rear, so that they could surround the gang. + +He knocked at the door. This time it was immediately opened. Followed by +the detectives with revolvers drawn, Locke rushed boldly into the shack, +while his other two men closed in from the rear. + +The emissaries, finding themselves surrounded, would have capitulated, +probably without a struggle, had not the old hag, to whom no one had +paid much attention, picked up a small anchor and thrown it at Locke and +the advancing detectives. + +As it was, the anchor struck Locke a glancing blow and he stumbled +backward against one of his own men, upsetting him. That, of course, +gave the advantage to the thugs, and they advanced, attacking savagely. + +It was at too close quarters, in the midst of such a mêlée, to use guns +without danger of getting one of one's own party. Thus it was a +primitive battle of brute force. + +Locke and the detectives were trained men, however, and were surely +gaining the upper hand, so much so that Locke managed to tear himself +loose and dash for the door leading to the attic. He opened it, and +there, with revolver leveled at his head, stood De Luxe Dora. + +It was the work of only an instant to disarm her, however, and he rushed +up the stairs, Dora after him. + +There was a body lying on the floor--Paul, undoubtedly, thought Locke. + +He took it by the shoulder and turned it over, then fell back in +amazement, for there, smiling mockingly at him, was Zita! + +"You think you're pretty clever, don't you?" jeered Dora. + +But it was no time to bandy words, and Locke left them and rushed down +the stairs just as a horde of emissaries swarmed up to meet him, +reinforcements to the fisher thugs. + +For in some way the Automaton had been warned of Locke's presence, and +with all the emissaries it could summon had hastened to Old Tom's shack. + +Most unfortunate of all, the Automaton and its men had arrived just +behind the car bearing Eva, and she, not suspecting the danger, had +entered the shack. + +Although she did not see Locke, she was overjoyed to see that the +detectives held the upper hand. She had started to search for him, when +there came a terrifying crash at the door and more emissaries, followed +by the Automaton, came into the room. + +The detectives were almost instantly overpowered, and the mob made for +the stairs just as Locke was descending. + +In that narrow space a most terrible battle took place. Man after man +Locke hurled against his fellows, and they went crashing down, only to +rise again and attack. + +Finally they came to hand-grips, and Locke, lunging furiously to free +himself, threw his body against the partition of the stairway and it +came crashing down, hurling Locke and the emissaries to the floor below. + +Locke was badly stunned, and before he could rise the emissaries had +swathed him in the huge net that the old hag had been mending. Next they +bound him with ropes until he was utterly helpless in the meshes of the +net. + +Eva, half crazed with horror, was in a far corner, and the Automaton was +advancing upon her. She was paralyzed with fear. + +What fate was in store for her--what for Locke? + + + +CHAPTER XXII + + +The sharp crack of an automatic echoed through the shack. The detective +known as Jim had come back to consciousness, and now, from behind an +overturned table where he had fallen, he started to fire shot after shot +into the mob of emissaries. + +He had fallen in a far corner and could be reached only after an attack +of some paces, and even the emissaries, numerous as they were, hesitated +to advance on a determined man placed in such an advantageous position. +Furthermore, the diversion caused by the shots had other effects. The +sound of the shots brought Locke fully out of his stunned condition and +he started to struggle frantically in the meshes of the net that held +him prisoner. + +The Automaton, for the moment, ceased to follow Eva, and moved over to +its men in order to take command and to direct their movements, while +yet another detective came to his senses and began to threaten the mob. + +Locke was threshing about and was slowly but surely freeing himself. An +emissary threw a chair, and for a moment Locke lay still in pain. But in +another moment he was working even more frantically at the ropes and the +net that held him. + +Eva started over to help him, but he shouted to her to stand back, since +that would bring her in line with the detectives' fire. The shots were +flying over Locke's body as he struggled. Some of the emissaries went +down; others found places of refuge behind which they hid. + +Finally Locke managed to kick his feet free of the net and, rolling and +tossing, managed to work the meshes up about his shoulders and neck, +thus releasing his hands. It was the work of an instant only, now, to +slip the enveloping net over his head and he was free. + +Locke rolled out of the direction of the revolver-shots and toward Eva, +who was now standing before a huge open fireplace. + +He was none too soon, for the moment that the Automaton saw that Locke +had escaped the iron terror left the men and stalked ponderously over to +crush out Locke's life. + +The two detectives fired point-blank at the monster and both shots took +effect with a ringing, metallic sound. But they did not halt the +Automaton an instant. Locke, reaching the fireplace, seized a pair of +old tongs and threw firebrand after firebrand in the path of the +advancing terror. + +To the Automaton fire was evidently quite another affair from mere puny +bullets, for it not only paused, but came to a full stop, looking around +as though in a quandary as to what to do against such a defense. + +This moment of hesitation gave Locke and Eva their opportunity. Calling +to the detectives to cease firing a moment, they passed between friends +and foes, dashed over to and up the attic stairs. + +As they reached the attic above they were just in time to see Zita, +still dressed in Paul's clothes, and Dora, jump from the attic window. + +Although it was a low, rambling building, still it was a high jump, even +for a man, and Locke was astounded that they should attempt such a +thing, even in their undoubted state of panic. + +However, it gave Locke a splendid idea, which he acted upon immediately. +Hooking his feet on the window-frame, he took hold of Eva's wrists +firmly and swung her far out of the window. Held in this way, Eva was +only a few feet from the ground, and when Locke released her she landed +safely and almost without a jar. + +For Locke, always in perfect training, the jump offered no difficulties. +In an instant he had rejoined her and they were running away from the +shack toward Eva's waiting car. + +Locke had an almost overpowering desire to return to assist his +detectives, whom he realized might be in sore straits, but he also +realized that his first duty was to this girl who was in his charge, on +whom the events through which they had just passed had had a +nerve-racking effect. Again, he reflected, as he saw people coming down +the beach, that the Automaton and his men would soon be outnumbered and +glad to flee. + +Quentin and Eva had almost reached the motor which Eva had left at some +distance from Old Tom's shack, and were passing a low clump of bushes, +when a low moan fell upon their ears. + +At first Locke thought that it might be a trap and was for paying no +attention to the sound, but Eva, woman-like, insisted. He investigated. +Reclining on the ground, and looking more like a little boy in man's +clothes, lay Zita. + +She was holding one ankle and her face showed that she must be in great +pain. + +"Help me," she moaned. "When I jumped from the window I sprained my +ankle. Dora helped me to this place and then she left me and drove +away." + +Although this girl was his enemy, no thought of leaving her in this +condition entered Locke's mind. Gently raising her from the ground, with +the help of Eva, Locke supported her to the car. + +Locke still held Zita to ease her pain, while Eva took the wheel, and, +although they could hear shouts and even shots behind them, Eva drove +slowly in order not to add to Zita's misery. It showed the sympathy of +their characters that, much as Locke and Eva felt that Zita had injured +them, nevertheless, pausing in a flight from deadly peril, they found it +in their hearts to be kind to an enemy. + +Arriving at Brent Rock, they carried Zita to her room and the family +physician was sent for. He pronounced the injury slight and more of a +strain than a sprain. + +While the doctor was at the house he also paid a visit to Brent, who, +while his mental condition had remained as apparently hopeless as ever, +had gained much in strength, owing to the diet and restful care. He was +now able to sit up, fully dressed. As it was a case of drug poisoning, +the doctor had thought it best not to allow the patient to relax too +completely. But, whatever the strange drug that had stolen away Brent's +reason, the effect showed no signs of departure, and they were as much +in the dark as to the antidote as ever. + +A few moments after the doctor had left, when he made his morning call +the next day, the counsel of the corporation was announced. He was shown +into the library immediately and it was there that Locke and Eva went +into conference with him. + +The attorney had brought with him many share-holders' proxies, and these +he handed over to Eva. + +"These proxies," he was declaring, "give you absolute control, Miss +Brent. With them you can force Mr. Balcom completely out of +International Patents." + +"What's that you say?" + +It was Balcom himself who spoke. How the man had got past the butler, +who certainly had no love for him, was mystifying. Yet here he was, +ready and eager to defend his interests. + +"I was just telling Miss Brent," informed the lawyer, coldly, "that with +these proxies which I have obtained and just handed to her, she was in +complete control of the company." + +"And you, Mr. Balcom," interposed Locke, stepping forward, "will play no +further part in the activities of the company. Miss Brent desires your +resignation, to take effect immediately." + +"Why--why--this is unheard of--absurd!" sputtered Balcom. "I'll--I'll--" +And his rage got the better of him. + +"No, Mr. Balcom," again interrupted Locke, "you will do nothing. It is I +who will give you twenty-four hours to arrange your affairs with the +company before I order your removal--or arrest." + +Balcom tried to remonstrate, to plead his innocence of any wrong-doing. +Finding no sympathy by taking this attitude, his manner changed abruptly +and he attempted to bluster. + +A decisive movement toward the telephone on the part of Locke checked +this and, chameleon-like, Balcom's usual suave manner came to the fore. +He bowed himself out. + +"It will, of course, be as you say." He smiled oilily. + +Once in the hall, however, his manner changed again, and, darkly +scowling and biting his thin lips, he was about to quit the place, when +Zita, limping only slightly, intercepted him. + +"Mr. Balcom," she pleaded, "come out the back way. I must see you alone +a moment." + +They tiptoed out to the grounds, and, behind a hedge where they could +not be observed from the house, talked. + +"Tell me what has happened," demanded Zita. + +"Happened?" repeated Balcom. "Why, they've thrown me out of the +company--at least, they think they have." + +His mind was working quickly, and after a pause he turned to Zita +sharply. "Can you get Brent out of the house and bring him to me here +behind this hedge at eight o'clock to-night?" + +Zita nodded an eager acquiescence and left him, returning to the house. + +That evening Locke, returning from a stroll around the grounds, noticed +a movement in some shrubbery at the side of the foot-path. He went +closer to investigate, and a rough-looking individual broke from cover +and ran away through the underbrush as fast as he could go. It was too +dark to follow and Locke hastened his steps to the house, fearing some +new deviltry on the part of the Automaton or his emissaries. + +He had just entered the darkened hallway when, much to his surprise, he +saw the figure of a man, leaning heavily on the arm of a woman, +descending the stairs. + +He stepped behind some portières and waited until they reached the foot +of the stairway. Then he stepped out and confronted them. + +Zita gave a startled cry, and would have fled had not Locke caught and +held her. As for poor Brent, he simply stood there, swaying from side to +side and smiling foolishly. + +Eva heard the commotion and came running down the stairs. She was amazed +until Locke explained the situation to her. Then her indignation knew no +bounds. Putting her arms around her father, she turned to Zita. + +"How dare you?" she demanded, scathingly. "For doing this you will leave +this house immediately and--never return." + +Zita, for a moment, was on the verge of breaking down, but recovered +herself and, with an angry retort on her lips, went out, slamming the +door behind her. + +Zita slipped around the house and to the hedge designated by Balcom as +their meeting-place. + +She was surprised but relieved when she did not find him there, and +glanced at her wrist watch, which stood at a few minutes past eight. She +was about to turn around when she caught sight of a bit of paper. Taking +it, she read: + + Bring him to my rooms. + +That was all, and the message was unsigned. + +Zita greatly feared Balcom's wrath at her failure, but, nevertheless, +she started for his apartment. + +At that moment Balcom and the mysterious Doctor Q were talking in the +latter's dingy laboratory. Doctor Q's mind, for the time being, at +least, seemed perfectly clear, and he had formulated a daring plan. + +"Send Locke word that you will give yourself up," he was saying, "but +tell him that he must come to your apartment to get you. I will do the +rest." + +Balcom left hurriedly and was driven directly home, where he got Locke +on the telephone and repeated the instructions that Doctor Q had +suggested. + +"Am I to understand that you intend to turn state's evidence?" +questioned Locke, doubtfully. + +"Assuredly," hastened Balcom. + +"Then I'll be right over." + +As Balcom hung up the receiver he chuckled sardonically. He was just +turning to an antique brazier to arrange for Locke's reception when Zita +was announced and at once admitted. + +"I've failed, Mr. Balcom," she apologized, "failed miserably. Locke took +Mr. Brent away from me--and they ordered me never to return to the +house." + +"You little idiot!" Balcom almost hissed. "I'll not tolerate a failure, +either. Get out!" + +Although Zita almost went on her knees in her pleading to him, Balcom +was adamant, and finally she left in utter despair. + +Outside, she telephoned to Paul to see if she might induce him to use +his influence in reinstating her in his father's good graces. + +As soon as Zita was gone Balcom busied himself with the ancient brazier +and was standing before a small image of Buddha. He took a small package +and from it poured a powder into the bowl of the brazier. Then, going to +the table, he wrote a short note, after which he went to a divan and +awaited Locke's coming. + +Balcom had not long to wait. A ring came at the door and Balcom leaped +to his feet and lighted the powder in the brazier. Then he adjusted a +gas-mask that Doctor Q had given him, and, returning to the divan, lay +down, pulling a camel's-hair coverlet well over himself as he awaited +results. + +There was a rap at the door and a peremptory demand for entrance--a +pause--and a whispered consultation outside. + +"Open the door!" cried Locke, again. + +As there was no answer, heavy blows were rained upon the door, and +finally it gave way. + +Three men stumbled into the room. They stared about, then started to +search the place. One by one they started to cough. Locke, who was the +farthest away from the brazier, seemed to be the least affected. + +Finally he spied the note on the table and snatched it up. By the dim +light he read: + + You will never live to capture me. The deadly gas is + even now killing you. + +Locke gasped. There was the sound of a heavy fall behind him. He turned +and saw that one of his men was down. + +He took a step forward, when the other pitched on his face. + +Locke tried to rescue them, but by this time the deadly fumes had +reached him and he, too, fell to the floor, coughing his life away. + +At that moment Balcom got up from the divan and, stepping over Locke's +prostrate body, left the place, forgetting to close the door behind him. + +When Zita telephoned Paul, Paul made an immediate appointment for her to +meet him at Doctor Q's, and when she arrived there Paul was already in +conference with the doctor. + +Over the telephone Zita had already given Paul a brief account of what +had happened, and thus the two men were prepared with a plan when she +arrived. + +"Get Eva to the hypnotist's on River Street," instructed Doctor Q. "Tell +her that I have been hypnotized and that under the spell I will tell +all." + +It was a desperate thing for Zita to attempt, after treating the Brents +so shamelessly. But there was no alternative. For she knew well that, +with Balcom, only a success would offset her miserable failure earlier +in the evening. Besides, were not her fortunes tied up with Balcom--or +perhaps with Paul? She did not demur, but left immediately for Brent +Rock to make the attempt, revolving in her mind how she was to do it. + +Zita had difficulty in persuading Eva to see her at all, but, once she +had succeeded, the possibility that all the mystery might be cleared up +appealed strongly to Eva. For Zita had framed her story cleverly and was +playing desperately. + +"Then I'll meet you at the hypnotist's in about half an hour," agreed +Eva, after Zita had told her how friendless she herself was and how both +Balcom and Paul had refused her aid. + +Zita left Brent Rock alone and was passing a dark corner when a hand +reached out and grasped her by the arm and she heard a voice that she +recognized. + +"Your failure has made me redouble my efforts," it hissed. "I have just +killed Locke in my apartment and I--" + +It was Balcom. But Zita waited to hear no more. Secretly she had always +loved Locke. Though she had worked against him, the very thought that he +might be dead shocked her. She tore herself from the grasp of Balcom +before she could hear more and ran like a deer toward the apartment. + +Fortunately, it was not far. She tore up-stairs and through the door +that Balcom had left open. + +Everything was as Balcom had left it, except that now the three men lay +quite still. Zita staggered over to a window and threw it open. + +Next she got water and extinguished the still smoldering powder. Then, +falling on her knees, she tried to help the stricken men. + +Not much time did she spend with the others, but to Locke with great +tenderness she gave most of her attention. Tenderly she bathed his brow +and frantically tried even to breathe her breath into his burning lungs. + +Finally she was rewarded by seeing him open his eyes and gaze around. He +looked up at her. + +"I'll atone for all the wrong I've done," she sobbed, "only--" + +She would have asked him to love her, but she knew that it was useless +and the thought of Eva, caused the words to stick in her throat. + +Locke did not understand, and the look on his face showed it. + +"I didn't want to give you up," wailed Zita, now forgetting herself. "I +loved you. To prove it--I will help you now. The--the girl you love is +in terrible danger--you must hurry." + +It was only too true. Eva had driven immediately to the hypnotist's, and +he had been instructed about her coming. At his door she had knocked, +and an old, evil-visaged man, in flowing robes which were marked in +cabalistic signs, had opened the door. In true fakir fashion he salaamed +almost to the floor while in flowery language he bade her enter. + +Fearfully Eva stepped within. Signs of the zodiac, of cross-bones and +skulls, on walls and ceiling met her gaze everywhere. In an alcove Eva +could see a noosed rope hanging, for what purpose she knew not. But its +presence she felt was sinister. + +"I--I was told that a Doctor Q would be here," Eva faltered. "I do not +see him." + +"Gracious lady," bowed the hyponotist, "I will bring him at once. Pray +be seated." + +Eva seated herself before a table upon which there stood a curious +stand, supporting many mirrors. She examined it closely, and as she did +so they all began to move. Each mirror moved on its own axis and she +watched with fatal curiosity. For now a bright light was cast from +behind her on the revolving mirrors and they formed a scintillating +kaleidoscope that was bewildering in its intricacy. + +Eva quickly became fascinated. Then she was conscious of a drowsy +feeling stealing over her. She strove to rise, but her knees refused to +support her and she fell back in her chair. + +The hypnotist now shut off the machine and, stepping before Eva, made +several passes with his hands. + +Eva's eyes closed. The hypnotist turned and made a signal. Several +panels opened simultaneously and into the room there came a number of +emissaries, who crept upon the now completely hypnotized girl. + +Nor was that all. A sound, as of the clanking of chains, was heard, and +through an aperture in the wall larger than the others there stalked the +Automaton. + +At this very instant Locke and Zita burst into the room and rushed +toward Eva. + +The hypnotist slipped around them both and in a moment had caught Zita +in his arms. She struggled to escape, beating him with her little fists +in a fury of rage and fear. But he held her, and an emissary, bringing +ropes, with his help bound her securely. + +As for Locke, he made a frantic attempt to reach Eva, but his way was +blocked by a score of emissaries and the Automaton himself. Desperately +Locke dashed at the iron monster, only to be hurled to the floor as +though he were a tiny child. + +In another moment the emissaries had bound him and carried him to the +alcove in which hung the noosed rope. + +The hypnotist now pulled a lever and the method of the death intended +for Locke was revealed. Directly under the suspended rope was a +trap-door, which opened. Locke gazed down into blackness, nothingness. +An emissary threw some small, heavy object into the yawning hole. For a +long time nothing was heard. Then finally, far, far below there came to +their ears the sound of a distant splash. + +The fiendish plan was simple--to hang him and then to cut the rope. His +body would go hurtling down to the subterranean river below and be +carried out to sea. + +The hypnotist reversed the lever. The trap-door closed. Locke was +dragged beneath the rope and it was adjusted around his neck. + +Even in this awful moment his sole thought was of Eva. Would they throw +her, unconscious, down the same yawning trap? + +Powerless, he stood bound, fascinated, as he saw three emissaries seize +her. But instead of dragging her to the trap, they dragged her toward +one of the panels in the wall. + +What nameless torture was in store for her? + +He struggled furiously to get free to rush to her, but the noose only +tightened on his neck. + +The hypnotist stepped to the lever that operated the trap under Locke's +feet and began to pull the lever down. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + + +With a crash the hypnotist dropped unconscious to the floor as the +hypnotic machine started to revolve rapidly. The emissaries turned from +Locke and were dazzled by the blinding flashes from the whirling +mirrors. + +It was Zita who caused all the commotion. Unnoticed by the thugs, who +were intent on sending Locke to his death and dragging Eva through the +panel, Zita had managed to free herself from her bonds and, true to her +promise to Locke that she would help him, she had risked all for his +sake. + +Once free from the ropes, she had seized a heavy bronze vase and, at +just the critical moment of danger, had hurled it at the hypnotist's +head, striking him a terrific blow that had felled him and left him +unconscious on the floor before he could spring the trap. She had then +set the mechanical hypnotic machine in motion, and, standing behind it, +was herself practically invisible. It all happened so quickly that it +seemed like a miracle. + +Locke, his hope revived, swiftly grasped the one chance for life that +was left to him. By contracting his muscles he was able to slip out of +the ropes which bound his arms. But since the noosed rope around his +neck held him so that his toes barely touched the floor of the trap, he +could not, try as he might, manage to get the noose free. + +Suddenly a plan flashed across his mind. Hanging from the ceiling a few +feet in front of him he could see an enormous chandelier. Throwing his +hands above his head, he grasped the rope, thus relieving the strain on +his neck. Then, snapping his body backward, his feet came in contact +with the wall. With tremendous force he kicked out, causing his body to +swing in an arc toward the chandelier. + +It was not until he had wrapped his legs about the branches of the +chandelier that the emissaries noticed what he was doing, so fascinated +were they by the revolving mirrors. Even then they could scarcely resist +the auto-hypnotic powers of the contrivance. Finally, however, with a +shout they came to the attack. + +Locke was now hanging head downward. With one hand he succeeded in +loosening the noose from about his neck, while with the other he struck +out, hitting an emissary a fearful swinging blow that sent the fellow +staggering backward, to fall against the lever controlling the +trap-door. + +With a crash the trap was sprung, with the pit yawning beneath it. +Struggling, striking, grappling with his assailants, Locke managed to +hurl three of them to their deaths in the underground river below. + +Horror-stricken at the fate of their companions, the other emissaries +stepped back, when, to add to their confusion, Zita, with remarkable +strength for so frail a girl, lifted the stand of mirrors and hurled it +among them. + +Locke somersaulted to the floor and, seizing the broken stand, used it +as a weapon with deadly effect. + +The emissaries turned and fled. + +An instant later Locke started to the panel through which Eva had been +dragged, when he heard steps from the other side. It was the emissaries +who had seized Eva, coming back to see what all the rumpus was about. +Locke, forewarned, slipped close to the wall, and, as they passed +through the panel, one at a time, he was able to fell them to the floor. + +Then he rushed through the panel just in time to see Eva, pursued by the +Automaton, running toward him. + +The very strangeness of her terrible adventure had brought Eva out of +the hypnotic state into which she had been thrown and she clung to Locke +as though she were a child. + +Locke took her in his arms and, swiftly evading the slow-moving monster, +dashed back to the hypnotic room, calling to Zita to run to the street. +Thus all three were able to make good their escape. + +Eva had purposely left her motor turning over, and therefore it was +barely an instant after they were in the street before they were +streaking out of that quarter of the town. + +Zita was now overwhelmed by her feelings, but it was Eva herself who +spoke first. + +"Forgive me, Zita," begged Eva, in the rush of her emotions forgetting +all that Zita had done. "But for you, both of us would now be dead." + +For some moments Zita could not reply in her silent sadness at seeing +the joy of Locke with this girl. + +"I--I forgive you?" she murmured, at length. "It is for you to forgive +me." She paused a moment and choked back a sob; then added, bravely, +"I--I can even wish for your happiness, my dear; my hope is dead." + +Only Locke understood, and as he watched Zita he resolved to do all he +could for her, realizing that some one else had made her a victim of her +love and jealousy. + +All breathed a sigh of relief when at last they came again in sight of +the lights of Brent Rock. + +There was just the trace of a shadow to cloud the momentary happiness at +their safe arrival, as, on the steps, Zita refused to enter. + +"I--I must say good-by," she murmured, wistfully, turning to go out into +the night alone. + +Nothing that either Locke or Eva could say seemed to swerve her purpose. + +"Can't you see?" she exclaimed, finally, turning to Locke. "Balcom, +Paul, and Doctor Q all trust me now. I can help you solve the mystery +better if I leave the house." + +This was so evident that Locke and Eva were forced to consent. They took +her back to the city, leaving her where she could be unobserved, then +returned in a very hopeful mood again to Brent Rock. + +"I think she can and will help us," declared Eva, intuitively. + +"Yes," agreed Locke, slowly, "and if Zita finds the record of her birth +I believe we shall solve the mystery." + +Worn out with the terrors through which she had passed, Eva bade Locke +an affectionate good-night and went to her room, while he went to the +laboratory and tried again to find an antidote for the Madagascar +madness, a work that kept him up late and to which he returned again +early the following morning. + +It was on that following day, in the River Road apartment of De Luxe +Dora, that Paul and she were having a demi-monde lovers' quarrel. Paul +was intoxicated, and Dora may have been angry about that. Or it may have +been that she was jealous of some other woman. However, they were +quarreling fiercely when there came a knock at the door. + +"You open it," flashed Dora to Paul. + +He demurred a moment, then, changing his mind, consented and crossed to +the door, while Dora ran to her own room and hid. + +Paul was very much surprised to find that the visitor was Zita, much +excited. + +"I want you to help me on something of great importance," she exclaimed, +almost before she had entered. + +"Why, certainly! Anything you desire!" hiccoughed Paul. "Come on in." + +Zita entered the apartment and they crossed over to the chaise-longue, +where Zita made her direct plea. + +"Help me find the record of my birth," she begged. + +Paul pulled his wandering wits together and thought a moment; then a +particularly crafty look came into his eyes as he detached a key from +his key-ring. + +"Here, take this," he directed. "It's the key to my father's apartment. +The records you want are there. He and I have quarreled and you can go +as far as you like." + +Zita took the key eagerly, thanked Paul profusely, and started for the +door. + +She had barely passed the threshold before Dora, who had heard all, was +at the telephone in her own room and was angrily calling up Balcom at +his apartment. + +Balcom, assisted by his Madagascan servant, was at the moment packing a +trunk, perhaps preparatory to a hasty flight, should that become +necessary. The moment the telephone rang he picked up the receiver and +nearly choked with anger as he heard Dora's whispered voice over the +wire. + +"Paul has given Zita the key to your apartment," Dora hastened, "and she +is coming over to steal the record of her birth." + +"She is--eh? Well, I'll take care of that," growled Balcom, as he rang +off. + +Balcom went to a drawer in the table and from it took a large book. +Rapidly he turned over the pages until he found what he wanted. Then he +made an erasure and an entry and replaced the book in the drawer. Next +he called the servant. + +"When she comes, you make her a prisoner," he directed. "Understand?" + +The Madagascan nodded and raised one of Balcom's hands to his own +forehead as a sign of his fidelity. + +Balcom went out and the servant stepped into the empty trunk to await +the arrival of Zita. + +But it was a very different person with whom the Madagascan had to +contend in the end. + +On leaving Dora's apartment, Zita telephoned Brent Rock, and Locke +answered immediately. Locke readily agreed to make the search of +Balcom's apartment in Zita's stead. + +When the Madagascan heard a key in the door he stealthily peeped from +his hiding-place and saw, instead of Zita, Locke. + +Locke's back was turned, and the Madagascan, undaunted, sprang from the +trunk and leaped, catlike, on Locke's back. But he had not reckoned on +his antagonist. Locke, always on guard, was not taken quite by surprise. +He caught the savage in a jiu-jitsu hold, throwing him over his head to +land in a far corner of the room. + +In spite of the fall, the Madagascan bounded to his feet, like a rubber +ball, but a few stiff jabs from Locke soon took all the fight out of him +and he lay still, completely knocked out. + +Locke made a hurried but systematic search of the room, and finally +found the book that he sought, taking it and returning to Eva at Brent +Rock. + +After telephoning, Zita went directly to Doctor Q's laboratory, to which +she was admitted after he had seen her through his periscope +annunciator. + +The doctor was fumbling with a test-tube, from which some heavy fumes +were issuing. He motioned her to a chair, near a table upon which were +many papers which looked to Zita as though they might be of importance. +Always quick to act, Zita raised her hand as if to arrange her hair, and +as she did so she purposely knocked the test-tube out of the doctor's +hand. The acid spattered on some of the papers, quickly setting them +afire. + +Doctor Q, wildly excited, started to beat out the flames, and in so +doing allowed several unseared letters to flutter to the floor. One in +particular arrested Zita's attention. It was a drawing, a plan of some +sort, and was marked, "Plan of Den." + +Zita placed her foot on it, and, while Doctor Q was engaged with the +small blaze, she reached down and, hastily folding it, thrust it into +one of the low shoes she was wearing. Then she went to Doctor Q's +assistance and in a jiffy the fire was out. The doctor was furiously +angry at her, and, feeling that she had accomplished all that she might +expect, she expressed her regrets for the accident and went out before +his anger became any worse. + +Thus it was that Zita arrived at Brent Rock only a few moments after +Locke, whom she found in the library with Eva, turning over the pages of +the record he had secured at Balcom's. + +The record purported to be a record of marriages of Wallace County, New +York, and Locke finally found an entry that read, "Peter Brent and Rita +Dane." + +For a moment Zita was stunned. It was her mother's name. + +Locke smiled. "Yes, Zita," he said, quietly, "for a moment Eva and I +were surprised, too. But it's a palpable forgery. Balcom has tried to +prove that you and Eva are half-sisters, but look." + +He handed her a powerful magnifying-glass and through it the clumsy +forgery stood out in all its crudeness, showing plainly where other +names had been erased and these inserted. + +Zita was greatly disappointed, for she had thought that at last she +would establish her identity. Then she remembered the paper she had +hidden in her shoe. She slipped the paper out and handed it to Locke, +who was greatly excited over its importance. + +They were still studying it when Locke heard a strange noise, as of +shuffling feet, in the hallway. He jumped to the door, and there, in the +dim light of the stairway leading down to the Graveyard of Genius, he +saw a knot of men carrying another man, who was evidently helpless. +Locke started forward, but they were gone. + +Eva hurried up-stairs to her father's room, fearing something was wrong. + +"Father's gone!" she cried, despairingly. + +Locke threw himself full against the door at the head of the cellar +stairs which the men had slammed shut. He tried to batter it down, but +it was too strongly built. Then he drew his revolver and with the barrel +started to push out the pins from the hinges. He worked feverishly and +succeeded in driving the top pin out. Then, using it as a lever, he was +able to pull the door from its frame. + +He dashed down the stairs, but was late by only the fraction of a +second, as a metal hand was just closing the huge door to the Graveyard +of Genius. He fumbled at the secret combination, and as he was doing so +Eva and Zita joined him. + +The door swung open and they rushed through. But the place was deserted. + +"They've carried your father through some secret passage," exclaimed +Locke. "That would explain much that is strange that has happened about +the house, too." + +Just then Zita stepped forward with the plan in her hand. "See," she +cried, "there is a secret passage marked on this." + +Locke studied the plan for some time, but whoever had drawn it had +carefully concealed both the exact location of the passage and the +method by which it was reached. As he searched, however, an idea +occurred to Locke. + +"I'll rig a trap with a camera," he decided, finally. + +A few minutes later he returned to the room with his special +quick-shutter camera, a flash-bag, and a ball of light twine. Carefully +he focused the camera on the wall where the plan showed the secret +passage to be. Then he rigged up the flash-bag and connected the whole +with the twine, which he strung all about the Graveyard of Genius, so +that, should any part of the wall move, it would cause the twine to +break which in turn would at the same time release the shutter of the +camera and explode the powder of the flashlight. Thus, without any +direct human agency, a photograph would be taken. + +Next he attached wires and ran them to the library above, where he +installed an annunciator, the needle of which would indicate when the +trap was sprung and the picture taken. Fascinated, the two girls +watched. Eva was almost fainting with grief at the terrible fate that +had overtaken her father. Even in his sickness, at least she had had +him. But now he was gone--to what she could only guess. Locke tried to +console her as they paced the library above, even though he realized +that such consolation was hollow. + +It was perhaps half an hour later when suddenly the needle of the +annunciator began to vibrate rapidly. All leaped to their feet and ran +down the stairs to the Graveyard. + +At once Locke rushed to the camera, put in a slide, and took out the +plate-holder. Then they hurried up to his laboratory. + +There Locke procured a developing-bag and started to work. Nervously and +impatiently Eva and Zita watched him at his task. + +At last the negative was ready and Locke drew it from the bag and held +it to the light. + +There, glaring out of the plate, was the devilish face of Balcom! + +Eva and Zita both uttered a cry of astonishment and consternation. Even +Locke was amazed. But the strongest feeling he had was anger as he +turned to them. + +"You two take this plan," he exclaimed. "It shows a den with an exit +indicated. Get some one to go with you; find the place and wait for me +there. I can find the secret entrance from the Graveyard from this +negative--and I'm going through it." + +Balcom, in the passageway between the Graveyard of Genius and the +Automaton's den, was livid with fury. He realized that his picture had +been taken, surmised that the secret passage would be found and that +some assault on the den would be attempted. But he had had no time to +locate the camera, which Locke had hidden well, nor had he dared to +search longer for it when he heard Locke bounding down the stairs from +the library. + +Accordingly, he had retreated and hastened back through the passageway +into the Automaton's den. + +"Quick!" he shouted to the horde of emissaries in the place. "Bring +dynamite, electric wires, and a rack-bar. They think they have us +trapped. But if they try to follow me here, I tell you it will mean +certain death to them." + +The emissaires hastened to obey him. They brought the explosive and the +means to detonate it, and carried the stuff into the passageway, where +they made the connections. An emissary stepped forward and volunteered +to use the rack-bar when the time came, but Balcom waved him away. + +"No," he growled. "No one can take my revenge from me. I'll do the +killing." + +The emissaries fell back and went into the den. + +Balcom was making some final adjustments when the great rock separating +the passageway from the Graveyard of Genius swung slowly on its balanced +hinges. + +Startled from his work, even though he had expected the thing, Balcom +looked up, and in the passageway caught a glimpse of the dim outline of +his arch-enemy, Locke. + +Balcom had been right. Locke had found the clue to the secret entrance +to the tunnel. + +He worked feverishly to complete the final connection, but almost before +he finished Locke charged and the battle was on. + +Up and down the passageway they fought. Although Locke was the younger +man, yet in Balcom he found a giant of strength. + +It was a fight between these two alone, for no emissary, no Automaton, +now entered that passage of death. + +Neither uttered a sound. Neither had a weapon. It was the primitive +struggle of man to man for life. + +But now Locke's youth and clean living began to tell in his favor and he +sensed that his adversary was weakening. He redoubled his efforts. + +After a particularly vicious blow from Locke, Balcom threw up his hands +and toppled over backward--in the direction of the rack-bar itself. + +Locke tried to throw Balcom's body out of the way. It was too late. With +a thud Balcom crashed full upon the plunger, driving it home. + +There was a blinding flash, a dull roar, and the earth rocked. Huge +boulders were tossed about like feathers and the roof of the passage +caved in. + +Balcom was killed instantly. Locke, with better fortune, had been hurled +to the ground, where the earth and rocks, in falling, had formed a sort +of arch over his body. + +He was alive, though barely conscious. He knew that soon a search would +be made for him. But, buried under tons of earth and rock, could any +rescuers reach him in time? Was this the end? + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + + +For a long time Locke lay quite still. The shock to his nervous system +had been terrific, and, although physically almost uninjured, he had +lost his usual grip on himself and felt very helpless. + +He felt terribly tired. The thought came to him that he had done enough, +reached his limit of endurance. He craved sleep, a long sleep, and +forgetfulness. + +But youth and the undying desire for life and accomplishment won over +this deadly mood and he began to take note of his position. His mind +became clearer and the ringing in his ears, caused by the explosion, +gradually passed away. + +Then, like a flash, the question entered his mind of how he was able, +buried under tons of debris, to breathe so freely. Why was the air not +vitiated? + +He tried to move slowly and quietly so as not to dislodge any of the +rocks that formed an arch over his body. He succeeded beyond his +expectations, for his body was in a sort of natural pocket and not one +of his limbs was inextricably bound. Thus, twisting his body, he managed +to draw himself into what seemed to be an even more open space. + +He hardly dared to breathe, so fearful was he that any moment he might +reach a point where further progress would be impossible. He moved +slowly, gropingly, then suddenly he recoiled in horror, for his hand had +come in contact with something which he recognized to be a man's face. + +In his shaken condition it was some seconds before he could control the +wild jangling of his nerves. Then he searched his pockets and, finding a +match, lighted it. There, covered to the armpits by dirt and rocks, was +the body of Balcom, whose last act before his own death had been an +attempt to murder Locke. + +Locke shuddered and redoubled his efforts to escape from the gruesome +place. There still remained a small hole through which he must climb. +But he negotiated it successfully, and in another moment he was +aboveground and free. + +Eva and Zita had followed Locke's instructions, but had not waited to +find any one to go with them to the exit from the den. Nor did they wait +at the exit more than a few minutes. + +Eva had taken a small electric torch with her, and, becoming impatient +at the non-appearance of Locke, she flashed it about as she followed the +lines and marks indicated on the plan of the den. + +She and Zita were surprised at the magnitude of the entrance passageway +they uncovered. They had had to make a detour in order to reach the +beach at a point where it was indicated that the exit of the den would +be found, and even with the plan, which they consulted at every step, +they almost missed their objective, for the cleft in the rocks slanted +inward and was difficult to see even when one was standing directly in +front of it. + +They had peered into the cavern and were waiting when they heard the +explosion. They gazed at each other questioningly and with apprehension. + +"What do you think it is?" asked Eva, questioningly. + +Zita could, of course, offer no explanation and did not try. + +Impulsively both girls took a very foolish chance. Both had thought of +Locke and they started to run into the cave entrance and toward the +sound of the explosion. + +Zita was in the lead, and it was at this moment that the panic-stricken +emissaries came tumbling and fighting their way from the den. Zita +shrieked to Eva to save herself, and Eva, although unwilling to leave +her, knew that now she could do nothing to save Zita, and took her only +chance of escape. + +As for Zita, the emissaries were too frightened to pay any attention to +her. But behind them came the iron monster, without nerves, it seemed. +The Automaton saw her and pinned her to the rock wall until she was +unconscious. Then, picking her up as though she were a feather, it +carried her out to the beach. + +Locke, the moment he freed himself from the hole which had so nearly +been his grave, ran staggering toward the beach, for he felt +instinctively that Eva and Zita were in danger. + +Eva and Locke must have started at about the same time, she in her +flight away from the Automaton, and Locke to find the den exit, for they +met on the cliffside. + +"Thank God you are safe!" exclaimed Eva. + +Locke impulsively threw his arms about her and kissed her as they +related their narrow escapes. + +Locke resolved to follow the trail of the Automaton and to rescue Zita. +Also he had hopes of rescuing Eva's father at the same time. Eva wished +to accompany him, but he would not think of it, and insisted that she +return to Brent Rock and keep all the doors barricaded. In fact, he +followed her almost to the house and saw that she entered safely, then +hurried back to the beach. + +With the aid of Eva's electric torch, which she had given him, it was no +difficult task to trace the huge footsteps of the Automaton, though, one +by one, the footprints of the emissaries took divergent directions, +probably for the very purpose of confusing just such a pursuit. + +He followed the main track, however, until he came to the banks of a +small stream, and there the trail was completely lost, for the monster +had stepped into the water. Locke waded to the other bank and hunted for +further tracks, but there were none to be found. The Automaton had +undoubtedly waded up-stream to the point where he had decided to dispose +of Zita. + +Nothing daunted, Locke started wading upstream. This stream ran in a +gully between the rocks and the cliffs on either side, which were very +high. Time and time again Locke thought of turning back for more +searchers. But he hated to return to Eva without at least some news, and +therefore he persisted. + +He was at last rewarded, for just as he was about to turn to the right +where the stream made a bend, he thought he heard a low laugh. He +stopped dead in his tracks. Again the sound of the broken laughter came +to him. + +Cautiously Locke moved slowly forward until he could see around the +bend. + +It was a strange sight that met his gaze. Under an enormous overhanging +rock he saw about fifteen men standing, while against the cliff he could +distinguish the form of a girl. It was undoubtedly Zita. Sitting on a +rock and quite close to her was Peter Brent. + +The emissaries were clustered around the central figure, which was +waving its arms of steel and indicating what they should do. As the +Automaton gesticulated, tiny points of fire gleamed from its eyes. + +Seen in the light of the lanterns held by the emissaries, the Automaton +never looked more terrifying. Even Locke himself, who had encountered +the monster so often, felt a cold chill as he watched him and his men. + +Locke turned noiselessly, for well he knew that alone he could do +nothing. He started to retrace his steps to Brent Rock, and no sooner +had he arrived there than he told Eva that her father still lived and +was uninjured, and that Zita was safe in the new den of the Automaton +which he had discovered. Then he telephoned to his chief to send +officers immediately to Brent Rock. + +After the explosion that had killed Balcom and had come so near to +killing Locke, when he had finally rescued himself and had drawn himself +out of the hole, there was one who watched him. + +It was none other than that mysterious being, Doctor Q. What twist of +that disordered brain had brought him to the spot was not at once +evident. However, as soon as Locke had left to go toward Eva, Doctor Q +came from his hiding-place, madly smiling and wagging his head. He +peered into the hole and, seeing nothing, lighted a match and thrust it +far down into the darkness. + +There was a sharp intake of his breath, for the match revealed to him +the dead face of Herbert Balcom. + +Doctor Q drew back and stood erect. + +"Dead!" he muttered, as he ran his fingers through his hair dazedly. + +"Dead!" + +A strange thing happened. The mad light fled from the eyes of Doctor Q +and the twisted brain seemed to become clear. + +Suddenly in the very field the old man knelt down and prayed a thankful +prayer for his recovery. + +What was the strange power which Balcom had wielded over him, which +death had snapped? + +The officers arrived at Brent Rock and Locke was ready. The party left +immediately to go to the rescue of Brent and Zita, and it took them only +a short time to reach the spot which Locke had located. + +Disposing some of his force below the hanging rock, Locke and some +others went farther upstream. The two parties looked at their watches, +waiting a certain time agreed on. + +Then the two parties moved toward each other. As they came in sight of +the spot, Locke experienced a keen disappointment. He could see no one. +Advancing farther, he discovered Brent still on the same rock. Guarding +him were three emissaries. That was all. Zita, the Automaton, and the +other emissaries were gone. + +The three emissaries, seeing the numbers opposed to them, did not even +offer to resist. They were placed under arrest, but nothing could induce +them to tell where the others had gone. + +To fail Zita after she had so nobly saved his life in the lair of the +hypnotist was an unwelcome thought to Locke, and he resolved to rescue +her at any risk. But first he felt he must restore Brent to his +daughter, and therefore the party returned to Brent Rock. + +Eva was beside herself with joy at the safe return of her father, and +led him tenderly to his room and sent immediately for the doctor in +order that he might not suffer from his exposure. + +While this was going on at Brent Rock, Paul Balcom was rifling his +father's papers in the apartment where Balcom had lived. He had +unceremoniously thrown letters and documents all over the floor in his +mad search for something. Finally he found what he was looking for, and, +smiling triumphantly as he read the paper, he thrust it into his pocket +and hurriedly left the place, not stopping even to pick up the papers +scattered all about. + +Zita had evidently been watching the house, for no sooner had he left +than she ran up the front steps of the Balcom apartment. + +In some way she had procured a key and let herself in. Then began a +feverish search very similar to that which Paul had instituted. Only, +this time Zita picked up all the papers, arranging them and placing them +back in the drawers, after scanning their contents. + +She had almost finished when a small book lying in a distant corner of +the room caught her eye. + +At a glance she saw that it was a diary. Turning the pages rapidly, she +finally came to one over which she fairly gloated, for its information, +sold to the proper parties, might make her independent for life. + +Even as she was gloating over her find there came the sound of many feet +in the front hallway. Zita had no time to run out of the room before the +door opened, giving entrance to six emissaries, surrounding her. + +The emissaries locked all the doors and tramped out. Only their leader +remained for a moment to throw a parting shot. + +"Remember," he threatened, "this house is watched. See that you act +accordingly. You will, if you know what's good for you." + +Then he slammed the door and locked it behind him. + +For a long time Zita sat there, too despairing to move. Then her ear +caught the sound of stealthy footsteps in the hall, and she ran and hid +behind the portières. The door opened slowly and Paul stole again into +the room. + +Having nothing to fear from him, Zita came from her hiding-place and +confronted him. Paul was startled for a moment at her sudden appearance, +but recovered himself on seeing that it was Zita. + +The paper that he had stolen from his father's desk had proved to him +that Zita had become highly desirable, and he was not one to miss such +an opportunity. + +As he questioned her, Zita told him briefly her story, or, rather, such +portions of it as she thought it desirable for him to know. Paul, in +turn, assured her of his undying friendship and something more. His +earnestness almost made it seem true, and he talked in his most +fascinating and attractive manner. He finally ended his conversation +with a direct proposal of marriage. But he had overstepped the mark and +Zita was not to be fooled. + +"Paul"--she laughed scornfully now--"you should be on the stage. It +needed only this proposal to prove to me that I am really Peter Brent's +daughter." + +"Peter Brent's daughter!" he exclaimed. "No, not his daughter--the +daughter of Doctor Q." + +"Impossible!" recoiled Zita, astounded at the assertion. + +"True, Zita," he asserted, "absolutely true. Here, look at this paper." + +With hands that trembled, Zita took the paper and read an amazing table. +Unless the paper lied, she was indeed the daughter of Doctor Q. + +There was only one thing to do and that was to confront Doctor Q at once +and force him to a full explanation. + +In order not to antagonize Paul, Zita was now particularly nice to him. +Her object was to get him to consent to her escape, so that she could +inform Locke and Eva of her discovery and all three confront Doctor Q +and wrest from him the story. + +At first Paul would not let her go unless she consented to marry him, +but Zita played him skilfully, so that finally he unlocked the door. + +Then Zita flew down the stairs and to a telephone around the corner, +where she called up Locke, to whom she told as much as she dared over +the wire. + +Locke told her that he and Eva would meet her within an hour in the +lobby of one of the city's largest hotels, and Zita hastened there, +where she waited impatiently until they arrived. + +Doctor Q admitted them immediately, and they noticed with astonishment +the wonderful change for the better that had taken place in the man. For +with the restoration of his mind all the evil lines of his face had been +obliterated, as it were, and in the place of the doddering half-imbecile +they found a genial, kindly, and distinguished gentleman who, with the +utmost hospitality, brought chairs and begged them to be seated. + +Zita, in her anxiety to know the truth, could hardly contain her +impatience. Tossed from pillar to post, dominated once by the strong, +evil mind of Balcom, Zita had run the gamut of human emotions before she +had barely passed her girlhood. + +Seeing her agitation, Locke undertook to interrogate the doctor. + +"Doctor Q," he began, "I believe you know the perpetrator of the crimes +to which we have all been subjected, and we have come to you in all +friendliness to ask you to clear this mystery up for us. Balcom is +dead," added Locke, pointedly. + +"Yes, I know that," interrupted Doctor Q. + +"You know?" all asked. "How do you know?" + +The doctor told of having seen Balcom's body. But at first he could not +explain why he was in the spot at the time. + +Then Locke went on to tell him of the document that Paul had shown to +Zita. + +Doctor Q sank heavily into a chair. + +"That document that Paul Balcom showed Zita," he exclaimed, after a +moment, "told the truth." + +All were startled. Zita would have risen with a cry had not Locke gently +touched her arm. + +"Tell us the story," demanded Locke of Q. + +For some moments Doctor Q seemed to be collecting his scattered +thoughts, as though still a haze hung over his mind. Then he began to +speak, becoming more certain of his strange story. + +"It was many years ago," he began, as all drew closer about him, +listening breathlessly to his narrative, "and all these years I have +been quite mad. The man now lying dead, Balcom, was the cause of all +these years of misery." + +The old man passed his hand over his head as though to wipe away a +recollection of hate and fear, then resumed: + +"I was an inventor in those days, and very successful. I had built up a +great fortune, had built a great house, and in that house I had a +beautiful wife and two of the loveliest children, a boy and a girl, that +ever man had." + +He paused again, then went on: + +"One day, a man entered my life and proposed to put my inventions on the +market very advantageously. He was suave, polished, and apparently a +gentleman. At any rate, I trusted him. You all knew him. It was Herbert +Balcom. + +"At the time I did not know that in order to give my inventions a clear +field the inventions of hundreds of poor inventors were to be +suppressed. I know now, Miss Brent, that your own father was led along +in the scheme, even as I was. Balcom possessed the master mind and we +were all as children in his hands." + +Doctor Q stopped a moment. It was evident that he was speaking with +restraint when it came to Peter Brent, perhaps glossing over what the +man had done. Though he did not say so, the mere fact that at last Brent +had seen the light and had planned a wholesale restitution weighed +supremely in Doctor Q's mind. + +"One day," he resumed, "Balcom came to me in what I know now was merely +feigned excitement and fear. 'They're after us!' he cried. 'Brent and I +have done our best--but the government is after you, and we can't +protect you any longer.' + +"Then for the first time Balcom told me of the real purposes of the +company, told me that he had been drawn into it by Brent. It was all a +tissue of lies--lies that drove me from my home and country. I hated +your father with an undying hate, Miss Brent. + +"Well, to make the sad story short, I took my wife and children and +sailed secretly for the farthermost parts of the world. Off the coast of +Madagascar, in the Straits, a typhoon came up. The vessel was driven on +the rocks and wrecked. I was cast ashore, and I vaguely remember how, +for days and weeks, I patrolled that beach, subsisting on shell-fish, +imploring God, day and night, to restore my wife and children to me. +Then my mind gave way. + +"The natives took me in, thinking me a god. They took me many miles +inland. Savages, the world over, are superstitious about the demented, +and so they treated me kindly. They installed me in a thatched hut of my +own and made me a leader. + +"How many months, years, I stayed with them I do not know. But, true to +my mechanical instinct, I rigged up a forge and improved many of the +crude instruments of the natives, principally those of agriculture. + +"But transcending every other feeling, I hated Brent. In my madness, I +conceived the idea that I would construct an iron giant that, upon its +completion, if I could only procure the brain of a man who had died of a +lightning stroke or other electric agency, I could, by installing this +brain in the brain cavity of the giant, give it volition, make it a +superman without feeling or conscience. It was a mad idea--but I was +mad. + +"At about this time Balcom came to Madagascar. He found me and, knowing +my intense hatred of Peter Brent, he cruelly added fuel to the fire. +Already he must have known that Brent was coming to his senses and +planning his great restitution to genius. + +"He promised me that if I would come to New York with him he would +secure an electrocuted brain so that I could perfect my steel automaton +and obtain my revenge. I was easily persuaded and I sailed with Balcom, +bringing the iron monster with me." + +A strange light gleamed in the old man's eyes as he spoke, not the light +of madness, but of kindliness now. + +"Children," he said, at length, "I have, during these lucid moments, +watched you all closely. Call it instinct if you will, but you, Zita, +and you, Quentin, seem to be particularly dear to me now. To-day, +returning from the scene of the explosion, with every faculty not only +clear, but rather sharpened by long disuse, I pieced the years, the +months, even the days together. I searched in an old trunk and I +found--this." + +It was a list of those rescued from the steamer _Magnifique_, and with +amazement they read the names among the passengers: + + QUENTIN LOCKE + ZITA LOCKE + +There was a short note at the bottom of the list, to the effect that no +trace of either the father or the mother of the two children had been +found. + +Paper after paper which Doctor Q had found, where they had been +preserved by Balcom, proved the identification and the story. + +Locke's head was in a whirl at the sudden change in relationships, but +not more so than Zita's. Finally Zita could stand the strain no longer. +What had been a hopeless love was now explained. + +"My--my brother!" she sobbed, as she buried her head on Quentin's +shoulder. + +Both turned to Doctor Q--Doctor Q no longer, but really Quentin Locke, +senior, whence had come the "Q." + +His eyes filled with tears and his voice choked. + +"My--children," he murmured, "I see that it is not too late for me to +find happiness, after all. Our enemy is dead. It was Balcom, of course, +who was in that frame of armor, who used that terrible poison that stole +away Brent's mind. The iron monster will walk no more. Henceforth Peter +Brent and Miss Eva and you, Quentin--will--" + +Doctor Q had not time to finish the sentence. + +The door burst inward. + +The Automaton, its eyes aflame, stalked in among them! + + + +CHAPTER XXV + + +As the Automaton crashed its way into the room all sprang back +terrified, aghast. + +For this monster, they had felt sure, was now nothing but an inanimate +shell of armor, since Balcom was dead. + +Yet here it was, stalking toward them and evidently as bent on +destruction as ever. + +What did it mean? + +In an instant Locke had helped Eva through an open window and turned to +assist Zita. But Doctor Q forestalled him and had already taken her in +his arms and had fled with her into another room. + +For the moment Locke was surprised to see that the Automaton totally +ignored him. Instead, it stalked to the door and wrenched it open. +There, cowering in the hall, in abject terror, was De Luxe Dora. + +How and why she had come there was a mystery. But the Automaton did not +hesitate. It raised its hands and, as it did so, long flashes of blue +flame leaped from the steel finger-tips toward the unfortunate woman. +Once she shrieked, then crumpled and fell dead. + +The monster then turned its attention to Locke, striding toward him with +a menacing gesture. But the diversion due to Dora had given all just the +time they needed to make good their flight. Locke threw a chair to +impede the progress of the monster, and then, as he saw that all the +others were safe, he lightly vaulted out of the window himself, to find +them waiting for him in the little yard below. + +"What do you make of it now--father?" asked Locke of Doctor Q. "Balcom +is dead. Who is now in the iron man?" + +Doctor Q shrugged. It was a mystery to him as much as ever, and he +seemed unable to throw any light on it. + +"But De Luxe Dora," queried Zita. "What had she come for? Why was she +struck down--first?" + +Again Doctor Q shook his head. + +From the yard they could hear the Automaton's heavy tread in the room +and, as there was nothing to be gained by remaining, they left the yard +and hurried away out of the neighborhood. + +They had not gone far, however, when Doctor Locke came to a full stop. + +"I must go back," he exclaimed. + +For a moment all thought he had again taken leave of his senses. Yet he +was obdurate. + +"Miss Brent--Eva," he explained, "you know that a grievous wrong has +been done your father through me. He lies ill of that most terrible of +diseases, the laughing madness. I alone possess the antidote, and it is +in the laboratory that we have just left. I pray that that iron beast +has not destroyed it." + +At the mere words Locke turned as if to go back for it. + +"No, Quentin," remonstrated his father. "You must remain to guard Eva." + +"Then I will go," insisted Zita. "I am not afraid now. Even when the +monster carried me off I overcame my fear, watched my chance, and +escaped from his den, where he left me. I will go." + +Finally Doctor Locke agreed that Zita might return with him, remain +outside, and give the alarm if anything happened to him. Thus, after +many remonstrances, it was agreed, and Eva and Quentin went on to Brent +Rock. + +No one had molested Brent in the mean time. The terror caused by the +explosion, as well as the loss of Balcom, for the time, at least, had +evidently cowed the emissary band. + +While Eva made Brent comfortable, Locke went immediately to the +laboratory, where he had something which he considered very important. + +"Quentin," remarked Eva, as she joined him, "your father spoke the +truth, I believe, when he said that it was Balcom in the Automaton, But +if that was the case, who is in it now?" + +Locke shook his head dubiously. "I give it up," he replied. "It's too +deep for me. But whoever it is, he won't trouble us long, I'll wager. +I've been perfecting a special gun and an explosive-gas bullet. No one +can shoot the monster. Nothing seems to stop it. But this weapon, I +think, will at last prove a match for it." + +Eva, who had always had the deepest interest in Quentin's work, listened +attentively as he explained in detail the working of the new weapon. + +"And now we come to the actual loading of these asphyxiating-poison +bullets," concluded Quentin. "I really must ask you, Eva, to go into +another room, for it is dangerous work and you must not risk your life +here." + +"But, Quentin," remonstrated Eva, "we've risked our lives so often +together that I have ceased to be afraid of anything." + +Quentin was insistent, and finally Eva agreed. + +As Doctor Q and Zita neared the former's laboratory, they saw that all +the lights in the house were out. Doctor Locke, against Zita's advice, +insisted on going in, and told his daughter to wait outside. It was then +that Zita disobeyed her father for the first time, for she flatly +refused to be left behind. + +"No," she insisted. "I found a father to-night and what we must risk we +risk together. It is no worse than the peril from which I once escaped." + +There was no reasoning with Zita, and they let themselves into the +little yard and went up the back steps. When they came to the door of +the laboratory they listened intently. + +There was no sound. Then they mustered up courage and cautiously entered +the room. For a long time they stood quite still, not daring to move. +Finally Doctor Q suddenly lighted a match. + +The room was in terrible confusion, as though cyclone-swept. + +Doctor Locke turned on an electric bulb and the room was flooded with +light. + +Everywhere there were traces of the Automaton. But the monster itself +had left the place. Doctor Locke crossed to the other door. There was a +sight that made them shudder. The body of De Luxe Dora was still huddled +in a heap on the floor. She was quite dead. + +But Doctor Locke had no time now to waste. Moments were precious. At any +instant they might again be attacked. Feverishly he began to search for +the bottle containing the antidote. + +At last he found it, carefully hidden, and in a bottle fortunately not +broken. + +They left everything as it was and hurriedly left the place, on their +way to Brent Rock. + +Meanwhile, in one of the worst quarters of the city, down in the cellar +of a huge warehouse, a mob of emissaries were gathered. They were +discussing the things that had led up to the explosion in the +Automaton's den, Balcom's death, and the arrest of their three pals. +Plans for the future they discussed, but, with their leader gone, these +hardened men were still as helpless as children. + +Suddenly above the din of voices a strange, familiar sound was heard, a +sound as of clanking chains, and the blood froze in the veins of every +man present. Then with wild shouts of terror they scattered in every +direction, for the Automaton was stalking toward them. + +Balcom, the man who had given the iron man life, was dead. And yet the +Automaton was among them! + +That night, in the holds of many vessels and on the brake-beams of many +trains pulling away from the city, emissaries who once were slaves of +the Automaton were fleeing the city in every direction. + +When Zita and her father arrived at Brent Rock, Locke was still working +at his new gas-gun. Eva was in the library, but when she heard the +voices in the hallway she ran to welcome them. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you've both returned safe," she cried. Then, unable to +withstand the suspense longer, she asked, "Have you brought it--the +antidote?" + +When Doctor Locke told her that the bottle that contained it was safely +stowed in his pocket Eva sank, overwrought, into a chair and cried with +simple relief and joy. + +In a moment, however, she had gained control of herself, dashed the +tears from her eyes, and almost seized the bottle from Doctor Locke. + +"Bring him down here, my dear," cautioned the doctor, still holding the +bottle. "You would not know how to administer it." + +Eva ran to her father's room, stopping only long enough to summon +Quentin, then together they led Brent down-stairs. + +Brent's condition was still pitiable. His mind was a total blank. These +people--Doctor Q, Zita, Quentin, even his own daughter--meant nothing to +him. He lived and breathed. But no ray of light entered the poor brain. + +They guided his halting steps into the library as if he had been +something less than a child, and placed him in the same big armchair on +which he had sunk the fatal morning that the fumes from the candles had +overcome him. + +Doctor Q drew out the bottle and, telling Zita to bring a glass of +water, measured out a few drops of the antidote, pouring them into the +glass. Then he moved over to Brent and tried to get him to drink it. For +a long time Brent merely clenched his teeth, but, once he was induced to +taste the mixture, he drank it eagerly. + +For ages, it seemed to those watching, Brent sat as before, vacantly +gazing straight ahead of him--so long, in fact, that a terrible fear +entered Eva's heart that, perhaps, after all, the antidote would fail +and that her father would remain without reason until the day of his +death. + +Then slowly a change was noticeable in his eyes, and all leaned forward +with overpowering intentness. What they were watching was like a +miracle. Slowly, very slowly, they saw the soul creep back into those +poor, mad eyes. + +Brent had been staring directly at his daughter as she watched him +anxiously. Now a puzzled look came over his face and, raising a hand, he +rubbed his forehead. + +Then a wonderful light seemed to shine from his eyes and he held out his +arms to Eva. + +With a sob of excited happiness Eva rushed to embrace him. + +As Locke stood behind him, Zita and Doctor Q walked to the other end of +the room, turning sidewise to the group. + +Suddenly Brent turned his eyes away from Eva and noticed Doctor Q for +the first time. + +"Who is that?" he asked Eva. + +"Why, father, that is--" + +At the sound of voices Doctor Q had turned around. + +"You!" gasped Brent, as he sank back into his chair. + +The look on his face was strange, perhaps half fear, half shame. + +Doctor Q came no nearer for a moment, while Eva hastened to explain what +had happened. Then unsteadily Brent rose and walked over to the doctor. + +"You are alive!" he exclaimed. "You have come again into my life so that +at last I can make restitution. My daughter has explained to me all that +you have suffered. Believe me it was through my own weakness. It seems +incredible that any man could be so infamous, so utterly without moral +scruples, as was Balcom. I believed the villain implicitly. That is, and +can be, my only excuse." + +The doctor placed his hand on Brent's shoulder. + +"I can understand only too well," he remarked, "for I, too, believed in +Balcom. You were a reticent man and so my dealings were all with him. I +was gullible, an inventor, not a business man. I should have come to you +before I fled the country, I suppose. Say no more about it, for I +forgive you from the bottom of my heart." + +But Brent insisted on explaining that at least he had had a desire to +right the great wrongs. + +"I can remember it all now," he continued. "I was about to make +restitution when a man connected with the company--I am sure now that he +was an adventurer, a crook, in the pay of Balcom, although Balcom +probably tried to hide it--came to me. His name, as I remember it, was +Flint. I was about to write a letter that showed that it was my +intention to right a wrong, when--something interrupted me and--the rest +I can't remember." + +Quentin, who had been standing behind the chair, now drew from his +pocket a piece of paper which he handed to Brent. + +"Yes--that is it," cried Brent, excitedly, taking it, and spreading it +out before them. "See!" + +It was a note addressed to Quentin Locke and read: + + I have done you a great wrong about which you know + nothing, but for which I will make amends-- + +"It was broken off," exclaimed Brent, making a sad effort to recollect +what had happened. "I don't remember how. But this Flint had been +telling me something about an iron monster. He had a model--said he had +seen the real thing in Madagascar, that it had a human brain, that it +walked and fought, that it had strength and life--but no conscience. He +hinted that the thing would do me harm if I persisted in a course that I +had determined for myself of giving back to inventors we had robbed the +things of which we had robbed them. I did not believe him. I thought the +thing absurd, and started to write the note, going a step farther than I +had ever threatened Balcom." + +Quentin, Doctor Q, and Zita exchanged glances as Eva's father resumed +his narrative. + +"Then I felt a choking sensation at my throat. I remember the effrontery +of Flint's laughing at me, in a maudlin sort of way, and then--a blank. +The next I recall was just now--Eva gazing at me with a worried +expression in her dear eyes. I called to her and kissed her, tried to +comfort her. Then I saw you, Locke, and Zita." + +Peter Brent, from the time he and Flint had been overcome by the fumes +from the candelabra until he received the antidote and recognized his +daughter, had not known a thing! + +As they talked there were many matters the two aged men discovered while +they pieced together the happenings of years. + +Each had been duped by the same man. Each had suffered great trouble +through this man's machinations and duplicity. + +As they talked, the attention of both turned to the younger Quentin +Locke, who seemed overjoyed at the recovery of his former employer. + +Brent had a very great feeling of affection and respect for the younger +man, for had he not really brought him up? + +As all questioned one another, they asked Brent much about the past, and +he told them all. + +He told how he had become finally suspicious of Balcom, of how he +insisted upon instituting a search for the doctor, his wife, and +children. He told how Balcom had opposed him up to the last moment. Then +he described his sailing half the world over in search of them, how at +times he found a trail, only to lose it again. + +Finally he told how at last he had found that the mother had been lost, +but the children saved. + +"I was in Bombay," he continued, "in despair that I would ever find any +of you. At that time I was an old man before my time, for my conscience +gave me no rest. I went down to the quay to purchase a ticket for my +return to New York, and, true to the habit I had formed, I asked the +ticket-seller if he had ever heard anything of the survivors of the +steamer _Magnifique_. + +"'Do I know anything of it?' repeated the ticket-seller. 'No, but +there's a man working on this dock now who never talks of anything else. +He was a sailor on the ship and one of the few who survived.' + +"You can believe me when I tell you that I ran down that dock and found +the man. He remembered you all well, remembered you children when you +were taken up with some other survivors, and he said he thought that +some family had taken you to Hong-Kong. + +"I canceled my passage to Liverpool and immediately sailed for China. +Still, my troubles were not over, for it was weeks before I finally +located you babies, Quentin and Zita. + +"I won't burden you with the difficulties I encountered before the +English family, the Danes, with whom I found you, would consent to give +you up. Nor will I take time to tell of our return to New York through +San Francisco. + +"Let it suffice for you to know that we arrived safely after I had +completely circled the world. I sent you to good schools, and when Zita +was old enough I made her my secretary so that I could watch over her. +Quentin, being older, I had not dared to have around at first. I feared +he might question me too closely. And what answer could I give him? +Could I tell him that International Patents had driven his father into +exile, that I had been partly the cause, the indirect cause, it is true, +but still the cause of his mother's death? I never found the courage to +do that and so I sent him to a preparatory school and later to college. +Years wiped out his childhood recollections and when he came here he +came as a stranger employed in the company's laboratory. I make no +defense, but I assure you all that my own sufferings have atoned for all +the wrongs I have done." + +Brent broke down and was almost weeping, when Quentin and Eva moved over +to his side and reassured him. + +As soon as Brent had recovered from his weakness he wanted to know all +that had happened since he had been unconscious under the drug, and as +he listened he was aghast at the Automaton and Balcom's villainy. + +"I've something here that will stop him, though," added Quentin, as he +showed the new gas-gun he had invented and explained its deadly +properties. "Bring him on again--I'm ready." + +"Quentin--please don't joke about that terrible monster," shivered Eva. +"It has injured us so often--I don't even want to talk about it--or +about the government that asked you to come here and set things right. +Let us forget--now that all is right." + +Quentin smiled at her and his quick mind saw that the time had come to +guide the conversation into pleasanter channels. He moved close to +Brent. + +"It looks, Mr. Brent," he said, quietly, "as though we all were at about +the end of our troubles. But there are two of us here who are not quite +happy--yet. Mr. Brent, I am going to claim a reward." + +"Anything, my dear Locke, anything I have is yours." + +"Then I may as well tell you that Eva and I love each other and I want +your consent to our marriage." + +Brent beamed. + +"That, Quentin, is the dearest wish my heart can have." + +Quentin turned to Eva to take her in his arms when there was a terrific +crash of glass in the conservatory, the splintering of wood, and the +Automaton, arms swinging like flails, charged like a mad thing into the +room. + +Its terrorizing eyes were agleam, its one desire destruction. A large +table stood in its way and it demolished it as though it were matchwood. + +The interruption came so abruptly that Brent, who in his right mind had +never seen the fiend and was now seeing it for the first time, was +paralyzed with horror. He tried to rise from his chair, but in his weak +condition fell back, helpless. + +Quentin made a flying leap over the demolished table and placed himself +directly in front of Brent and in the path of the monster. Doctor Q, +Zita, and Eva started for Locke's side, but he waved them back +frantically. + +Locke reached into his pocket and drew out his gas-pistol. The Automaton +was almost upon him when he raised his arm and fired. + +There was a blinding flash and a dull report. The Automaton stopped in +his tracks and, raising one mighty hand to its chest, staggered +backward. Again Quentin fired, and the Automaton slowly crumpled, +sinking to one knee. There was no need to fire again, for suddenly the +monster crashed to the floor and lay still. + +Locke started forward, but Eva shrieked for him to stand back. She had +not forgotten that once she had thought the monster dead and it had +suddenly seized her and almost crushed out her life. + +There was, however, nothing to fear this time. Quentin reassured her +that the gas fumes had passed away, then knelt by the iron terror. He +tried to remove the steel headpiece, but before he could accomplish it +the doctor came forward and in a moment had unfastened the bolts. + +As they were doing so a thick voice from inside could be distinguished, +muttering words about the capture of Brent and Zita just before Balcom +was killed, the escape of Zita, the rescue of Brent, the killing of +Dora, who had evidently come to betray something in jealousy. It was all +incoherent and Doctor Q and Quentin hastened to uncasque the man within. + +They lifted off the helmet and there was the contorted and dying face of +Paul Balcom, who had, in desperation, taken his father's place in a vain +hope to secure the fortune for himself. + +The poison was too strong, and as the girls turned, sickened, away, the +evil features froze, more evil than ever they had been in his evil life. + + * * * * * + +A few days later a brilliant wedding took place at Brent Rock, which +itself was a present to the bride and groom. + +After the guests had thinned out, Quentin and Eva strolled into the +garden, no longer in fear of attack from the steel Automaton. + +Eva glanced at her ring, musing. + +"After all the things from which you have escaped, dear," she murmured, +a bit timidly, "I am afraid nothing in the world can hold you." + +Quentin drew her into his arms, while her hand rested on his shoulder, +and kissed the little golden ring that encircled her finger. + +"Nothing but that band of love," he smiled. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY*** + + +******* This file should be named 16168-8.txt or 16168-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Reeve and John W. Grey</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ + <!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + h3 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em; } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body {margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + .blockquote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; } + + .author {text-align: right; margin-right: 5%; margin-top: -1em; } + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .block {margin-right:30%; margin-left: 30%; text-align: justify; } + .photos {margin-right: 5%; margin-left: 5%; font-variant: small-caps; } + .photos p {margin: 1em 0; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -2em;} + + a:link {text-decoration:none} + link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:#ff0000} + .figure, .figcenter, .figright + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img + {border: none;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + + div.trans-note {border-style : dotted; border-width : 1px; + margin : 3em 15%; padding : 1em; } + --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Master Mystery, by Arthur B. Reeve and +John W. Grey</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Master Mystery</p> +<p>Author: Arthur B. Reeve and John W. Grey</p> +<p>Release Date: July 1, 2005 [eBook #16168]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo, Eva Sweeney,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (https://www.pgdp.net)</h4> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + <h2>THE</h2> + + <h1>MASTER MYSTERY</h1> + + <h4 class="smcap">novelized by</h4> + + <h2>ARTHUR B. REEVE</h2> + + <h4 class="smcap">and</h4> + + <h2>JOHN W. GREY</h2> + + <p> </p> + + <h4><i>From Scenarios by Arthur B. Reeve<br /> + in Collaboration with John W. Grey and C.A. Logue</i></h4> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <div class="block"> + <h4 class="smcap">profusely illustrated with + photographic reproductions taken from + the houdini super-serial of the same + name. a b.a. rolfe production</h4> + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <h4 class="smcap">new york</h4> + + <h4>GROSSET & DUNLAP</h4> + + <h4 class="smcap">publishers</h4> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p class="center">Published May, 1919</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h4>PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS FROM THE<br /> + HOUDINI SUPER-SERIAL</h4> + + <div class="photos"> + <p><a href="#image309">the automaton, the iron + terror</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image310">locke comes upon startling + evidence</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image311">in the path of the deadly + acid</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image312">the fight in the cafe after the + escape from the acid</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image313">the hag aids balcom in his nefarious + plans</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image314">eva is imprisoned in the chinese den + upon de luxe dora's orders</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image315">locke in the coil of the + garotte</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image316">the escape from the garotte</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image319">in the clutches of the iron + terror</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image320">reviving from the effects of + chlorine gas, locke is much surprised to see it is zita who + has resuscitated him</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image321">locke is bound in the "death + noose"</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image322">locke perfects his explosive-gas + bullet firing-arm to use against the automaton</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image308">bound at last</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image317">"and i will marry her in spite of + you," paul told locke</a></p> + + <p><a href="#image318">locke foils the conspirators</a></p> + </div> + + <div class="trans-note"> + <p>The last two photos in the above list appear to be from a + scene that does not occur in this text.</p> + </div> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <h2>THE MASTER MYSTERY</h2> + + <h3>CHAPTER I</h3> + + <p>Peter Brent sat nervously smoking in the library of his + great house, Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>He was a man of about forty-five or -six—a typical, + shrewd business man. Something, however, was evidently on his + mind, for, though he tried to conceal it, he lacked the + self-assurance that was habitually his before the world.</p> + + <p>A scowl clouded his face as the door of the library was + flung open and he heard voices in the hall. A tall, spare, + long-haired man forced his way in, crushing his soft black hat + in his hands.</p> + + <p>"I <i>will</i> see Mr. Brent," insisted the new-comer, as he + pushed past the butler. "Mr. Brent!" he cried, advancing with a + wild light in his eyes. "I'm tired of excuses. I want justice + regarding that water-motor of mine." He paused, then added, + shaking his finger threateningly, "Put it on the + market—or I will call in the Department of Justice!"</p> + + <p>Brent scowled again. For years he had been amassing a + fortune by a process that was scarcely within the law.</p> + + <p>For, when inventions threaten to render useless already + existing patents, necessitating the scrapping of millions of + dollars' worth of machinery, vested interests must be + protected.</p> + + <p>Thus, Brent and his partner, Herbert Balcom, had evolved a + simple method of protecting corporations against troublesome + inventors and inventions. They had formed their own + corporation, International Patents, Incorporated.</p> + + <p>Their method was effective—though desperate. It was to + suppress the inventor and his labor. They bought the sole + rights from the inventor, promising him glittering royalties. + The joker was that the invention was suppressed. None were ever + manufactured. Hence there were no royalties and the + corporations went on undisturbed while Brent and Balcom + collected huge retainers for the protection they afforded + them.</p> + + <p>Thus Brent Rock had come to be hated by scores of inventors + defrauded in this unequal conflict with big business.</p> + + <p>The inventor looked about at the library, richly paneled in + oak and luxuriously furnished. Through a pair of folding-doors + he could see the dining-room and a conservatory beyond. All + this had been paid for by himself and such as he.</p> + + <p>"Sit down, sir," nodded Brent, suavely.</p> + + <p>The man continued to stand, growing more and more excited. + Had he been a keener observer he would have seen that under + Brent's suavity there was a scarcely hidden nervousness.</p> + + <p>Finally Brent leaned over and spoke in a whisper, looking + about as though the very walls might have ears.</p> + + <p>"My dear fellow," he confided, "for some time I have been + considering your water-motor. I will return the model to + you—release the patent to the world."</p> + + <p>He drew back to watch the effect on the aged inventor. Could + it be that Brent was lying? Or was it fear? Could it be that at + last his seared conscience was troubling him?</p> + + <p>At that exact moment, up-stairs, in a private laboratory in + the house, sat a young man at a desk—a handsome, + strong-faced, clean-cut chap. All about him were the scientific + instruments which he used to test inventions offered to + Brent.</p> + + <p>A look of intent eagerness passed over his face. For Quentin + Locke was not testing any of Brent's patents just now. Over his + head he had the receivers of a dictagraph.</p> + + <p>It was a strange act for one so recently employed as manager + of Brent's private laboratory. Yet such a man must have had his + reasons.</p> + + <p>One who was interested might have followed the wire from the + dictagraph-box in the top drawer of the desk down the leg of + the desk, through the very walls to the huge chandelier in the + library below, where, in the ornamented brass-work, reposed a + small black disk about the size of a watch. It was the + receiving-end of the dictagraph.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the young man's face broke out into a smile and + without thinking he stopped writing what the little mechanical + eavesdropper was conveying him from below. He listened intently + as he heard a silvery laugh over the wire.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I didn't know you were busy. I thought these + flowers—Well, never mind. I'll leave them, anyway."</p> + + <p>It was Eva Brent, daughter of the head of the firm, who had + danced in from the conservatory like a June zephyr in + December.</p> + + <p>"My dear," Locke could hear the patent magnate welcome, "it + is all right. Stay a moment and talk to this gentleman while I + go down to the museum."</p> + + <p>Locke listened eagerly, glancing now and then at a + photograph of Eva Brent on his own desk, while she chatted + gaily with the inventor. It was evident that Eva had not the + faintest idea of the hard nature of the business of her + father.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, Brent himself had left the library and passed + through the portièred door into the hall. He did not turn up + the grand staircase in the center of the wide hall, but + hurried, preoccupied, to a door under the stairs that opened + down to the cellar.</p> + + <p>He started to open it to pass down. As he did so he did not + hear a light footstep on the stairs as his secretary, Zita + Dane, came down. But he did not escape her watchful eye.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brent," she called, "is there anything I can do?"</p> + + <p>Brent paused. "Wait a moment for me in the library," he + directed, as he turned again to enter the cellar.</p> + + <p>He closed the door and Zita watched him with an almost + uncanny interest, then turned to the library to join Eva and + the new-comer.</p> + + <p>Down the cellar steps Brent made his way, and across the + cellar floor, pausing at the rocky wall of the foundation of + the house blasted and hewn out of the cliff on which it towered + above the river. A heavy steel door in the rock wall barred the + way.</p> + + <p>Brent whirled the combination and shot the bolts, and the + door swung ponderously open, disclosing a rock-hewn cavern. + Three walls of the cavern were lined with shelves containing + inventions of all kinds—telegraph and telephone + instruments, engine models, railroad-signaling and safety + devices, racks of bottles containing dangerous chemicals and + their antidotes—all conceivable manner of mechanical and + scientific paraphernalia. It was literally a Graveyard of + Genius—harboring the ghosts of a thousand inventors' dead + hopes.</p> + + <p>Brent entered hastily and went directly to a shelf. There he + picked up a model of a motor. He blew the dust from it and + examined it approvingly.</p> + + <p>Suddenly he saw something that caused him to start. He + looked down at his feet. There was a piece of paper on the + floor.</p> + + <p>He picked it up and read it, and as he did so he started + back, frightened—then angry. He looked about at the + rock-hewn cavern walls—then read again:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><span class="smcap">Brent</span>—This is my last + warning. If you persist in your course you will be struck + down by the Madagascar madness.</p> + + <p class="author">Q.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Under his breath, Brent swore. Again he looked about the + cavern, then turned hurriedly, picked up the motor, passed out + the steel door, clanged it shut, and locked it.</p> + + <p>No sooner had Brent shut the door, however, than it seemed + as if the very face of the outer rocky wall of the cavern began + to move—to tilt, as if on hinges.</p> + + <p>If a human eye had been in the Graveyard of Genius at that + instant it would have sworn that it perceived in the inky + blackness of the tilting rock a passage, and in the shadows of + that passage a huge, weird, grotesque figure peering in.</p> + + <p>Then the tilting rock door closed again, as the figure + disappeared down the rocky passage on the opposite side—a + menace and a threat to the owner of Brent Rock, insecure even + in his millions.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER II</h3> + + <p>When Brent arrived back at the library he had quite + recovered his poise, at least to the eyes of those in the + library. Zita had joined Eva with the old inventor, Davis.</p> + + <p>As Brent entered, Davis uttered an exclamation of joy at the + sight of his motor. For the moment Brent almost glowed.</p> + + <p>"Along with your invention," he beamed, as he handed the + model to the old man, "I am going to release many others to the + world."</p> + + <p>All this not only Locke was noting, but Zita, too, appeared + to be an almost too interested listener.</p> + + <p>The others were chatting when Zita heard a noise in the hall + and hurried out. She was just in time to see a rather + hard-visaged man, with cruel, penetrating eyes. It was Herbert + Balcom, vice-president of the company.</p> + + <p>Zita whispered to him a moment and Balcom's hard face grew + harder.</p> + + <p>"Go up-stairs—watch <i>him</i>," he ordered, passing + down the hall.</p> + + <p>Balcom entered the library just as Davis was about to leave, + hugging close to him his brain child. Davis clutched it a bit + closer at sight of the other partner.</p> + + <p>A glance would have been sufficient to show that Brent was + secretly afraid of his partner, Balcom, and that Balcom + dominated him.</p> + + <p>"Go to the gate with him, my dear," whispered Brent to his + daughter, who was clinging to his arm, convinced of the + goodness of her father, ignorant of the very basis on which the + Brent and Balcom fortune rested.</p> + + <p>Balcom's mouth tightened as he came closer to Brent, + menacing, the moment they were alone.</p> + + <p>"How long has this double crossing been going on?" sneered + Balcom, jerking his head toward the door through which Eva had + just gone with the inventor, and shoving his face close to + Brent's.</p> + + <p>"It's not double crossing, Balcom," Brent attempted to + conciliate, "but—"</p> + + <p>"No 'buts,'" interrupted Balcom, with deadly coldness. "Keep + on, and you'll have the government down on us for violating the + anti-trust law. What's the matter? Have you lost your + nerve?"</p> + + <p>As Balcom almost hissed the question, up in the laboratory + Locke was now writing furiously in his note-book, when he was + interrupted by a knock at the door. He whipped the dictagraph + receiver off his head and jumped to his feet, hiding all traces + of the dictagraph in the desk drawer. Then he moved over to the + door, unlocked it, and flung it open.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I hope I haven't interrupted you in any important + experiment," apologized Zita, innocently enough.</p> + + <p>"Nothing important," camouflaged Locke.</p> + + <p>Though Locke did not seem to notice it, another would have + seen that Zita cared a great deal for him.</p> + + <p>"May I come in?" she asked, wheedling.</p> + + <p>"Certainly. I am charmed, I assure you."</p> + + <p>While Zita was gushingly effusive, Locke was correct and + formally polite as he bowed his acquiescence. Zita felt it.</p> + + <p>For a moment she stood looking at a half-finished experiment + on the laboratory table, then finally she turned to Locke with + a calculated impulsiveness.</p> + + <p>"Why do you treat me so coldly," she asked, "when you know I + admire your wonderful work?"</p> + + <p>"Really, Miss Dane," he apologized, "I didn't mean to be + rude."</p> + + <p>Yet there was an air of constraint in his very tone.</p> + + <p>"Do you know," she flashed, "I can't help feeling that you + are so brilliant—you must be something more than you + seem."</p> + + <p>Locke suppressed a quick look of surprise. Was she trying to + worm some secret from him? He masked his face cleverly.</p> + + <p>"Indeed, you must be imagining things," he replied, quietly, + turning and strolling toward the window of his laboratory.</p> + + <p>The moment his back was turned Zita picked up the photograph + of Eva on the desk. For a moment she stood glaring at it + jealously.</p> + + <p>Out of the window Locke smiled. For, down on the gravel + path, walking slowly toward the gate to the Brent Rock grounds, + he could see Eva and Davis.</p> + + <p>The smile faded into a scowl. He had seen a young man enter + the gate. It was Paul Balcom, son of Herbert Balcom, and Paul + was engaged to Eva—thus giving Balcom a stronger hold + over Brent.</p> + + <p>Locke knew enough about Paul to dislike him thoroughly and + to distrust him. Had Locke been able to see over the hedge he + would have confirmed his suspicions. For Paul had actually + driven up to Brent Rock in the runabout of as notorious a woman + as could have been found in the night life of the + city—one known as De Luxe Dora in the unsavory half-world + in which both were leaders. Had his dictagraph been extended to + the hedge he would have heard her voice rasp at Paul:</p> + + <p>"Your father may make you pay attention to this girl, Paul, + but remember—you had not better double cross me."</p> + + <p>Paul's protestations of underworld fidelity, would have + added to Locke's fury.</p> + + <p>However, Locke had not seen or heard. Still, it was + unbearable that this fellow Paul should be engaged to a girl + like Eva. Tall, dark, handsome though he was, Locke knew him to + be a man not to be trusted.</p> + + <p>Paul hurried up to Eva, not a bit disconcerted at the near + discovery of his intimacy with Dora. And, whatever one may + believe about woman's intuition, there must have been something + in it, for even at a distance one could see that Eva mistrusted + Paul Balcom, her fiancé. Locke scowled blackly.</p> + + <p>Paul thrust himself almost rudely between Davis and Eva. + Again Davis shrank, as he had from the young man's father, then + bowed, excused himself, and hurried off, hugging his motor to + him, while Paul took Eva's hand, which she was not any too + willing to give him. Locke watched, motionless, as the couple + turned back to the house.</p> + + <p>Somehow Eva must have felt his gaze. She turned and looked + upward at the laboratory window. As she saw Locke her face + broke into a smile and she waved her hand gaily. Paul saw it + and a swift flush of anger crossed his face. He pulled Eva + abruptly by the arm.</p> + + <p>"Let's go into the house," he said, almost angrily.</p> + + <p>Seeing the action, Locke also turned from the window to + encounter Zita, still watching. Without a word he left the + laboratory.</p> + + <p>While this little quadrangle of conflicting emotions of + Locke, Eva, Paul, and Zita was being enacted the two partners + in the library were disputing hot and heavy. As they argued, + almost it seemed as if Balcom's very face limned his + thoughts—that he desired Brent out of the way, as a + weakling in whom he had discovered some traces of conscience + which, to Balcom, meant weakness.</p> + + <p>Balcom leaned forward excitedly. "I do not intend to let you + wreck this company because your conscience, as you call it, has + begun to trouble you," he hissed.</p> + + <p>Brent's hand clutched nervously. He was afraid of + Balcom—so much so that he fought back only weakly.</p> + + <p>Locke was down in the hallway just in time to meet Eva and + Paul as they entered.</p> + + <p>"Oh—do you know, I'm so glad—I think my father + is the most kind-hearted of men," Eva trilled to Locke, as she + recounted what had happened in the library with Davis.</p> + + <p>Locke listened with restrained admiration for the girl, + whatever might have been his secret opinion of her father or of + the story he already knew.</p> + + <p>On his part, Paul did not relish the situation, nor did he + take any pains to conceal it. He shrugged and turned away.</p> + + <p>"Come," he said, with a tone of surly authority, "I think I + hear my father in the library."</p> + + <p>Eva looked back swiftly at Locke and smiled as Paul led her + toward the library door. But that, also, made Paul more + furious.</p> + + <p>"Why do you make me ridiculous before that fellow?" he + demanded.</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry," replied Eva, in surprise. "I didn't meant to do + that."</p> + + <p>Vaguely Paul understood. The girl was too unsophisticated to + have meant it. Somehow that made it worse. Though she did not + know it, he did. Unknown to herself, there was a response in + the presence of Locke which was not inspired in his own + society. He hurried her into the library.</p> + + <p>It was as though the entrance of Paul and Eva had been + preconcerted. The partners, in their dispute, stopped and + turned as the young people entered and moved over to a divan. + Balcom lowered his voice and plucked at Brent's sleeve as he + nodded toward the couple.</p> + + <p>"I could trust you better if they were married within a + week," suggested Balcom.</p> + + <p>Brent recoiled, but Balcom affected not to notice.</p> + + <p>"Then I will believe that you are dealing fairly with me," + he emphasized.</p> + + <p>Brent studied a moment, then nodded assent. Balcom extended + a cold, commanding hand and the partners shook hands.</p> + + <p>Outside, Locke had paused, about to enter the library. The + pause had been just long enough for him to hear—and it + was a blow to him. He watched, dazed, as the two older men + walked over to the younger couple; then he turned away, heart + sick.</p> + + <p>"My dear," began Brent, as he patted the shoulder of the + girl, the one spot of goodness that had shone in the otherwise + blackness of his life, making him at last realize the depth to + which lust of money had made him sink, "we were just saying + that perhaps it would be advisable to—er—hasten + your marriage to Paul—say—perhaps next week."</p> + + <p>The words seemed to stick in his throat.</p> + + <p>As for Eva, she felt a shiver pass over her. Without knowing + why, she drew back from Paul, at her side, shrank even closer + to her father, trying not to tremble. Did Paul realize it?</p> + + <p>Brent felt the shudder with a pang. He leaned over. "Promise + to do this—for my sake," he whispered, so low that there + was no chance of the others hearing. "By to-morrow all may be + changed."</p> + + <p>There was something ominous about the very words.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER III</h3> + + <p>Brent had no intention of keeping the promise which Balcom + had extracted from him by a species of moral duress that + afternoon.</p> + + <p>In fact, already he had gone too far in his plans for + restitution—or was it self-preservation?—to turn + back. It was late in the night that he himself secretly + admitted to the house a tall, dark-haired stranger who + evidently called by appointment.</p> + + <p>"Well, Flint," he greeted, in a hushed tone, "what was it + you asked to see me about?"</p> + + <p>Flint replied not a word, but impressively tapped a bundle + which he carried under his arm and began to undo the cord which + bound it.</p> + + <p>Brent looked startled, then caught himself. He had known + Flint for some time—an adventurer, more or less + unscrupulous, who had been the foreign representative of + International Patents.</p> + + <p>Flint took off his coat and threw it on a chair with an air + of assurance that seemed to increase Brent's anxiety, then + began again to untie the bulky package.</p> + + <p>"Just a moment, Flint," cautioned Brent, stopping him.</p> + + <p>With an air of uneasy secrecy Brent hurried to the door that + led from the dining-room to the conservatory and bolted it + securely. Then he made sure that the door to the library was + bolted.</p> + + <p>As he did so he did not see his secretary, Zita, watching in + the hall, for the footsteps of Locke, approaching, had caught + her quick ear and she had fled.</p> + + <p>"Locke!" called Brent, hearing his laboratory, manager. + "Under no circumstances allow me to be disturbed to-night."</p> + + <p>"Very well, sir," responded Locke.</p> + + <p>Just then the light step of Eva was heard on the stairs.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter, father?" she asked, still upset by the + events of the afternoon. "Is there anything wrong?"</p> + + <p>"No, my dear, nothing," hastily replied Brent. "In the + morning I shall have something to say to you. Now run along + like a good girl."</p> + + <p>Dutifully Eva turned. Brent watched her out of sight. Then + with a keen look at Locke he pulled out a paper from his pocket + and handed it to the young scientist, who read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><span class="smcap">Brent</span>,—This is my last + warning. If you persist in your course you will be struck + down by the Madagascar madness.</p> + + <p class="author">Q.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Locke looked up from the scrawl in alarmed perplexity.</p> + + <p>"What does this mean?" he queried.</p> + + <p>Brent merely shook his head cryptically.</p> + + <p>"Study this message. I shall have something very important + to tell you in the morning."</p> + + <p>As Brent turned back into the library he paused a moment and + looked after Locke, hesitating, as if he would call him back. + Then he decided not to do so, turned, and carefully locked the + door from the dining-room into the hallway.</p> + + <p>Eva was waiting at the head of the stairs as Locke, + perplexed by the strange actions of his employer, came up.</p> + + <p>"What <i>is</i> the trouble?" she repeated, anxiously. + "Please tell me. Is there anything wrong?"</p> + + <p>"No—nothing," reassured Locke, in spite of his own + doubt. "Everything is all right."</p> + + <p>"I hope so." Eva lingered. "Good night."</p> + + <p>Locke bowed admiringly. But there was the same restraint in + his look that had been shown in the afternoon.</p> + + <p>"Good night," he murmured, slowly.</p> + + <p>Eva quite understood, and there was a smile of encouragement + on her face as she turned away and flitted down the hall to her + room.</p> + + <p>Outside, Zita had hurried from the house to the nearest + public telephone-booth and was frantically calling Balcom at + his apartment.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Balcom," she repeated, breathlessly, as the junior + partner answered, "Flint has returned. I have seen him."</p> + + <p>"The devil!" exclaimed Balcom, angrily, then checked himself + before he said any more. "Keep me informed."</p> + + <p>Abruptly he hung up.</p> + + <p>It was scarcely a moment later that Paul Balcom entered the + Balcom apartment, admitted by a turbaned black suggestive of + the Orient.</p> + + <p>Paul was surly and had evidently been drinking, for he + shoved the servant roughly out of the way as he strode toward + his father.</p> + + <p>Apparently outside Paul had overheard and had gathered the + drift of what Balcom had been saying. Or perhaps, from his own + sources of information, he already knew. At any rate, as Balcom + turned from the telephone, father and son faced each other + angrily.</p> + + <p>"Brent's lying," exclaimed Paul. "That marriage to me must + take place to-morrow."</p> + + <p>Talking angrily, sometimes in agreement, at others far + apart, the two left the room.</p> + + <p>Back in the dining-room by this time Brent had rejoined + Flint and now watched him eagerly as he took the last wrappings + from the package which he had carried so carefully.</p> + + <p>As the last wrapping was stripped from it, on the table + before them lay a small steel model, perhaps three feet + high—a weird-looking thing in the miniature shape of a + man, designed along lines that only a cubist could have + conceived—jointed, mobile, truly a contrivance at which + to marvel.</p> + + <p>Brent gazed incredulously at the strange thing. "An + automaton!" he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"More than that," replied Flint, calmly.</p> + + <p>Flint unrolled a chart of the human nervous system and + spread it out on the table. Pointing to the brain, he leaned + over tensely, and whispered:</p> + + <p>"This model is merely a piece of mechanism. But the real + automaton possesses a human brain which has been transplanted + into it and made to guide it."</p> + + <p>For a moment Brent listened incredulously, then sat back in + his chair and laughed skeptically. But even Flint recognized + that there was a hollowness in the laughter.</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to tell me," demanded Brent, "that a human + brain has been made to control a thing of no use except as a + terrible engine of destruction?"</p> + + <p>"Not only possible," reiterated Flint, "but it is true."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Flint," rallied Brent, with a sort of uneasiness, "you + can't tell <i>me</i> that!"</p> + + <p>"Believe it or not," insisted the adventurer, "I have been + in Madagascar and I know."</p> + + <p>For a moment Brent paused at the vehemence of Flint's + answer. What had Flint to gain by misrepresentation? A thousand + images of the past flitted through Brent's brain. Then slowly a + look of terror came over Brent's face. Suppose it were indeed + true—this Frankenstein, this conscienceless inhuman + superman? Brent gripped himself and composed his features and + his voice.</p> + + <p>"But this thing," he rasped. "What does this prove?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, this is merely automatic—a piece of + mechanism—a model which I stole. It works when it is + wound up—not like the real one. Look."</p> + + <p>Flint put a pencil in the little steel hand of the model and + pressed a lever as he held a piece of paper under the pencil. + Brent leaned over, fascinated.</p> + + <p>Instantly the tiny hand began to trace on the paper one + letter—the simple letter "Q."</p> + + <p>As the hand finished the tail of the "Q" Brent gripped the + table for support. His eyes bulged and stared wildly.</p> + + <p>"My God!" burst from his lips. "It is the + warning—Q!"</p> + + <p>For minutes Brent strove to regain his composure.</p> + + <p>Nor was Flint less impressed than the man before him.</p> + + <p>What would have been the emotions of both if they had been + able to penetrate with the eye through the rocky cliffs on + which the stately mansion of Brent Rock stood would have been + hard to say.</p> + + <p>For, down in a rock-hewn cavern, not many hundred yards away + and below them, reached by a secret entrance from the shrubbery + of the cliffs near the shore, already had congregated several + rough characters. They were playing cards and drinking, now and + then glancing furtively at the passage entrance, as though they + were expecting the arrival of some one or something.</p> + + <p>Suddenly came a dull metallic clank through the passage, + strangely echoing. At once all leaped to their feet, at + attention, not unmixed with awe and fear that sat strangely on + their desperate features. What was it that they, who feared + neither God nor man, feared?</p> + + <p>They strained their eyes, looking into the passage that led + darkly away into blackness.</p> + + <p>Dimly down it now could be seen two gleaming spots of light, + points in the Cimmerian darkness. They seemed to be growing + larger and coming nearer as with each hollow reverberation the + dull metallic thuds increased.</p> + + <p>Faintly now could be made out in the blackness a huge, + stalking figure, having the shape of a man, with gigantic, + powerful shoulders, powerful arms, a thick body, hips, and + thighs that spelled terrific strength, legs and feet that + suggested irresistible force.</p> + + <p>"The Automaton!" escaped involuntarily from all lips.</p> + + <p>Slowly, irresistibly, the horrendous figure stalked forth + into the dim light. There it paused for a moment—a figure + of steel, larger than most men, yet not so large but that it + might have incased a man. And yet its motions, its every + action, were like nothing mortal. Even these hardened denizens + of the underworld shuddered.</p> + + <p>In its hand the Automaton carried a five-branched + candlestick, for what purpose none seemed to know. Yet all + bowed and quaked at every pantomime motion of the figure, ready + to do the bidding of the least motion of their inhuman + master.</p> + + <p>Still holding the candlestick with its five huge yellow + candles before him, the Automaton stalked forward to the table + and impressively deposited the candlestick on it, then stepped + back a pace and waved his ponderous hand at the assembled + emissaries, who scarcely repressed their own abject terror.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> + + <p>At a motion from the Automaton a dark-skinned Madagascan + stepped forward and lighted the five candles. At once a dense + smoke began drifting from the candles.</p> + + <p>The men looked at one another, showing an uncomfortable fear + of what the negro and the Automaton were doing. Even the negro + edged away fearfully and all crouched back, afraid of the + fumes.</p> + + <p>A moment later the Automaton, with a mighty blast of air, + snuffed all the candles at once, then, without a word, picked + up the candlestick and stalked off through the passage on the + opposite side of the den from the entrance, the passage that + led to the Graveyard of Genius.</p> + + <p>A few moments later the secret rock door from this passage + into the Graveyard swung open and the Automaton stalked in, + going carefully, noiselessly, now. Across the floor he walked + to the steel door, which he swung open, then on out into the + cellar of Brent Rock and up the steps to the door under the + stairs that led to the hallway of the great house.</p> + + <p>In the hall the Automaton halted beside a small stand on + which stood a candlestick exactly like the one he carried. + Quickly he picked up the original candlestick and replaced it + by the one he carried. Then he set the original back of the + portières, and with a glance at the library door turned back to + the cellar, closing the door noiselessly behind him.</p> + + <p>Down the steps he went, toward the open door of the + Graveyard of Genius. Beside the door was the fuse-box of the + lighting system of the house.</p> + + <p>The Automaton reached out and began rubbing sharply at the + insulation of the feed wires.</p> + + <p>Up-stairs, in the dining-room, Brent had by this time flung + off his coat and was examining with Flint the curious model the + adventurer had brought from Madagascar. Brent was very excited + and questioned Flint eagerly.</p> + + <p>"I tell you, Flint," cried Brent, at length, huskily, as he + seized a pen and dipped in into the ink, "the time has come for + me to do what I have long intended. I am going to do now what I + should have done years ago."</p> + + <p>Brent started to write feverishly:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><span class="smcap">Quentin Locke</span>,—I have + done you a great injury about which you know nothing, but I + am willing to—</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>His hand had scarcely traced the last word when the room was + plunged into absolute darkness.</p> + + <p>Down in the cellar the Automaton had succeeded in rubbing + off the insulation of the feed wires. There was a flash of + light as he laid his steel hand over the two feed + wires—then darkness.</p> + + <p>In the dining-room Brent and Flint, already keyed to the + highest pitch, leaped to their feet with an exclamation of + terror.</p> + + <p>Late as it was, Locke was working in his laboratory on the + second floor of the house when the lights winked out. Surprised + for the moment, he ran out into the hall.</p> + + <p>Already there was the butler, groping about with a + candle.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter, Quentin?" asked a breathless voice + behind them.</p> + + <p>It was Eva in a filmy dressing-gown. Locke turned to vision + a creation of loveliness in the candle-light which set his + heart thumping.</p> + + <p>"Nothing," he reassured. "Just the lights short-circuited, + that's all. I'll see."</p> + + <p>Just then the dining-room door opened and Eva saw her + father, disheveled and preoccupied, stride out and take the + five-branched candlestick from the hall table. Nervously he + began to light the candles. They sputtered a bit and he turned + quickly, still holding the candlestick, as the smoke drifted + away from them all.</p> + + <p>"Fix the fuses in the cellar," he directed the butler.</p> + + <p>"Is anything—really the matter—father?" implored + Eva.</p> + + <p>"No, no, my child," he answered, hastily. "Go back to bed. + And, Locke, please don't let us be disturbed."</p> + + <p>He was about to say more, then decided not to do so, and + turned back into the dining-room.</p> + + <p>Again Brent carefully locked the door to the dining-room and + rejoined Flint.</p> + + <p>He had placed the candles on the table, not noticing in the + half-light that the smoke from them was growing denser as they + burned down.</p> + + <p>The smoke drifted over as the draught carried it. Flint + coughed and moved a bit, his hand at his throat.</p> + + <p>Brent seized the pen again and was about to write, when the + smoke from the candles drifted into his own face. He, too, + coughed.</p> + + <p>Uneasy, Brent glanced over at Flint. Flint laughed, a bit + hysterically.</p> + + <p>"What the devil's the matter?" demanded Brent, with lowered + brows, a strange dryness in his throat.</p> + + <p>Flint was now leaning forward on his elbows and laughing + foolishly, stupidly. It was a queer laugh, and struck terror + into Brent as he himself coughed and clutched involuntarily at + his throat. Brent stared at Flint.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" he repeated, anxiously. "Have you suddenly + gone mad, man?"</p> + + <p>But there was no reply. Instead, Flint laughed all the more + madly.</p> + + <p>Brent was more than startled. If he could have seen himself + in a glass he would have seen that he was already wide-mouthed + and disheveled. Suddenly the smoke again blew in his face. He + coughed again. His head reeled.</p> + + <p>Then, in a flash, it all dawned on him.</p> + + <p>He shielded himself from the candles. But it was too + late.</p> + + <p>"My God!" he exclaimed, starting up. "The Madagascar + madness!"</p> + + <p>Brent looked about wildly. He rushed to Flint and shook him. + But Flint only laughed. He turned and moved toward the candles, + reaching out for them. But even as he did so his hand + faltered.</p> + + <p>He stopped and passed his hand across his tightening + forehead. Slowly over his face came a stupid expression. He + felt himself going, without power of retraining himself. His + lips twitched and he swayed.</p> + + <p>Then he began to laugh uncontrollably.</p> + + <p>Flint rose and clapped him on the shoulder. Then both + laughed foolishly, loudly.</p> + + <p>They were beyond help. It was the laughing madness.</p> + + <p>Outside, in the hall, Eva and Locke had been standing, + talking for a moment, when suddenly, below, they heard a + terrific noise in the cellar. Involuntarily Eva's hand clutched + Locke's arm. Locke drew a revolver and, in spite of Eva's + fearsome caution, hastened down the cellar stairs.</p> + + <p>About in the blackness of the cellar he groped until his + foot touched something soft, a mass on the floor. He bent over. + It was the butler, in a heap, unconscious, but still + breathing.</p> + + <p>There was not a sound, not another being in the cellar.</p> + + <p>Together Eva and Locke helped the now half-conscious man to + his feet and pushed and pulled him up the stairs; as slowly he + recovered his power of speech.</p> + + <p>"What was it—tell us?" urged Locke.</p> + + <p>"I—I went down to fix the fuses—as the master + ordered," muttered the butler, incoherently. "A huge + figure—steel hand—it flung me across the + floor—the last I remember."</p> + + <p>He passed his hand over his head as though recollection even + was too horrible for description.</p> + + <p>Locke listened a bit doubtfully, then sent the butler on his + way to bed, while Eva could scarcely restrain her fears.</p> + + <p>Over to the dining-room door Locke strode and listened. + There was nothing but the sound of merriment inside, of + uncontrollable laughter. Could it be that Brent and Flint were + drinking? He dared not betray a fear to Eva. Instead he + knocked.</p> + + <p>At that moment he could hear the sound of some heavy body + falling; then more laughter as Brent in his hysteria struck the + model of the automaton to the floor.</p> + + <p>With the model, unnoticed by Brent, now fluttered to the + floor the letter he had been writing. But the madman paid no + attention to that now as it sifted through the air and + fluttered under the sideboard.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Brent," called Locke, "please open the door."</p> + + <p>Instead of an answer came a loud and insulting laugh, + followed by an incoherent mouthing of words. Eva looked + startled, blanched. It was so unlike her father. For the moment + Locke was piqued. But he tried not to show it as he turned away + from the door.</p> + + <p>"I am your father's employe," he said, sadly, "and it is his + privilege, I suppose, to laugh at me." He hesitated.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but, Quentin—Mr. Locke—I'm—I'm so + sorry. Surely he could not have meant it."</p> + + <p>At the head of the stairs Locke tried to smile.</p> + + <p>"Don't worry," he said, repressing his feelings. "It will + make no difference between us. Good night."</p> + + <p>They parted, Eva closing her door for a sleepless night, + Locke to work far into the night in his laboratory until sheer + exhaustion overcame his feelings.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, in the dining-room, the two men kept terrible + vigil, hour after hour, oblivious of time, in wild and wanton + laughter—maniacal abandon.</p> + + <p>A terrible blow had been struck and Reason was tottering on + her throne.</p> + + <p>Two men had been stricken by an unknown hand—stark, + stark mad.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER V</h3> + + <p>"Father—please—open the door!"</p> + + <p>It was early the following morning that the butler with + frightened face had called Eva Brent to tell her that her + father and Flint had been locked in the dining-room all night + and were still laughing madly.</p> + + <p>Eva had hurried down-stairs, encountering Zita as she ran. + It was true. She could hear the voices inside. Nor could she + get any answer from the two men.</p> + + <p>"Oh—Zita—please—can't something be + <i>done</i>?" Eva implored.</p> + + <p>With a hasty word Zita hurried away just as Herbert Balcom + himself entered the house from the street.</p> + + <p>In utter surprise Balcom nodded at Zita as she poured forth + the story of what had been discovered in the morning, then + pushed past her in high excitement.</p> + + <p>"What's wrong?" he asked as he came upon the butler and Eva + still knocking excitedly at the dining-room door.</p> + + <p>Eva was almost in a panic as she answered, "Father and Mr. + Flint have been in there laughing ever since last night."</p> + + <p>Balcom tried to comfort her. But somehow his sympathy sent a + cold shudder through the poor girl.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Zita had encountered Locke hurrying down at the + sound of the commotion. To him she told the story, again hurt + that his interest was solely for Eva, not in herself.</p> + + <p>Locke paused long enough to seize an umbrella from the rack, + rip the cover off, and break out a rib, to which he tied a + piece of string while he hurried to the group at the door.</p> + + <p>"Break down the door and call the police," ordered + Balcom.</p> + + <p>The butler reached for a chair and was about to swing it + over his head to break down the door.</p> + + <p>"Stop!" interrupted Locke.</p> + + <p>The young scientist knelt down, inserted the umbrella steel + through the keyhole, and bent it by the string as he fished + about with it on the other side to find the bolt. Meanwhile the + butler telephoned frantically for the police.</p> + + <p>It was at this height of excitement that Paul Balcom + entered. A moment's talk with Zita, and he, too, joined the + group.</p> + + <p>Sympathetically he spoke to Eva, but Eva scarcely responded + in the fashion of a girl to the man whom she was going to + marry. Her attention was riveted on Locke, who was kneeling + before the door. Paul saw it and an ominous scowl crossed his + face.</p> + + <p>Carefully Locke worked the umbrella steel and the string + until he had caught the bolt. Then he shot the bolt back and + rose to his feet. All watched him expectantly as he threw open + the door.</p> + + <p>Such a sight as met their eyes one could scarcely + picture.</p> + + <p>There were Brent and Flint at the + table—laughing—laughing. The candles had long since + burned out. On the floor lay the automaton model.</p> + + <p>"Father!" cried Eva, running to him.</p> + + <p>But there was no look of recognition on Brent's face.</p> + + <p>"Don't you know me? Speak to me! Father!"</p> + + <p>Instead, Brent merely patted her shoulder and laughed + hollowly. Eva, on her knees by him, sobbed and smoothed his + head by turns.</p> + + <p>Locke, bending over Flint, found him in much the same + condition.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, Balcom and Paul had picked up the model of the + automaton and exchanged a quick glance.</p> + + <p>"This man Locke's actions are suspicious," exclaimed Balcom, + hastily. "He was in the house last night."</p> + + <p>Outside they could hear the arrival of the detectives + summoned by the butler.</p> + + <p>"Go to Eva," nudged Balcom to Paul.</p> + + <p>A moment later the butler entered with the detectives.</p> + + <p>At the sight of the automaton model in Balcom's hands the + butler cried out:</p> + + <p>"That is what attacked me last night—only + larger—much larger!"</p> + + <p>All eyes were now on the butler. Quickly Balcom took + advantage of the situation thus created. Locke, also, left + Flint and moved over to the group examining the model. As he + did so his eye caught a piece of paper under the sideboard. He + was about to pick it up when he realized that all were looking + at him. Quickly he covered his discovery and faced them.</p> + + <p>"This man is the stranger in the house," cried Balcom, in + anger. "Arrest him and make him explain."</p> + + <p>It was the work of only an instant for the chief detective + to step up to Locke and slip the bracelets on his wrists.</p> + + <p>"Don't!" cried Eva.</p> + + <p>"Please—my dear—your father," remonstrated + Paul.</p> + + <p>At that instant Brent was seized with another violent fit of + coughing and laughter. Eva, distracted, was half fainting.</p> + + <p>Thus, with Locke handcuffed, Balcom and Paul were + triumphant.</p> + + <p>Locke saw his chance. But the handcuffs prevented him from + using his hands. In the instant that all were diverted toward + Brent, with incredible deftness Locke slipped his hand from the + cuffs, one link of which fell open as if by magic, through a + secret all his own. He reached down and picked up the paper + under the sideboard and read it. It was the letter Brent had + been writing and served only to increase his perplexity. He + read it again, then crushed it into his pocket, and before any + one had discovered his trick had slipped his hand back into the + cuffs and they were locked again.</p> + + <p>At that very moment the telephone rang and the chief of the + detectives answered. As he did so a perplexed expression + crossed his face and he walked over quickly to Locke.</p> + + <p>"I—beg your pardon," he apologized as he began to + unlock the handcuffs.</p> + + <p>"Here, my man, what are you doing?" interrupted Balcom.</p> + + <p>"I know my business. You lay off," growled the + detective.</p> + + <p>A moment later Locke, with a slight smile on his handsome + face, was answering the telephone.</p> + + <p>Not a soul save the detective, even yet, suspected the true + identity of Locke, even as he answered over the telephone with + a respectful, "Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>The fact of the matter was that the message had come most + opportunely. It was from the chief of the Department of Justice + himself, ordering Locke to stay at the house until he had + secured the evidence that would allow the department to proceed + against the company under the anti-trust law. That, then, was + the explanation of the secret dictagraph which Locke had + installed, the explanation of his apparent faithlessness to his + employer.</p> + + <p>But weightier matters were now on Locke's mind. Here he was + faced by the case of his life, involving the happiness of the + very girl whom he had so soon come to love. His incentive was + double—love and success: triple—above all, + justice.</p> + + <p>By this time the household themselves were sufficiently calm + to help Brent to his bedroom and Flint to a guest-chamber.</p> + + <p>Balcom was about to follow, when Locke, returning from the + telephone, touched him on the shoulder and shoved the threat + message which Brent had given him the night before under the + face of the junior partner.</p> + + <p>"Read that," he demanded.</p> + + <p>Balcom read, controlling his features admirably, if control + were necessary.</p> + + <p>"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded, coldly.</p> + + <p>"Were you in Madagascar lately?" shot back Locke.</p> + + <p>Locke could not be sure whether or not Balcom suppressed a + start. At any rate, he did not conceal anger at the + insinuation.</p> + + <p>"Certainly," he replied. "With my son I cruised through the + Mozambique Channel and touched at Madagascar last summer. + Why?"</p> + + <p>Locke nodded and the detective made a note of the reply.</p> + + <p>"What do you mean to insinuate by that question?" demanded + Balcom.</p> + + <p>Without reply Locke shrugged nonchalantly and smiled.</p> + + <p>Not ten feet away, in the conservatory door, Paul listened, + and his face darkened as he clenched his fists.</p> + + <p>There was a murderous glare in Paul's eyes as Locke + unconcernedly withdrew, whispering to the detective, who nodded + deferentially to the young scientist who had been assigned by + the Department of Justice, strangely, to the very case which + now he realized in some unknown way must concern himself and + the very mystery of his own identity.</p> + + <p>So wore along the morning, with growing mystery and + excitement.</p> + + <p>It was not long before the Brent family physician was + summoned, and after a careful diagnosis pronounced Brent in a + hopeless state as far as his own science was concerned. Eva was + by this time more than frantic. The consolation of Paul seemed + to add to her nervousness. She was almost distracted when she + heard Balcom and the doctor discussing the case in low tones in + her father's room.</p> + + <p>"Don't you think, Doctor," she overheard, "that he would be + far better off in a sanitarium?"</p> + + <p>She shuddered as the doctor agreed with Balcom, and Balcom + sought to persuade her that the course was best. Even the + solicitations of Paul annoyed her. Paul was more than vexed at + this new repulse from his bride-to-be. His anger knew no bounds + as he caught sight of Locke, who had overheard and showed his + doubt over the whole proposal for the care of Brent. He plucked + at his father's sleeve and nodded toward Locke.</p> + + <p>Balcom needed no prompting from his crafty son.</p> + + <p>"I'll have you understand, Locke," he cried, his face + growing apoplectic red, "that I am in charge here now. Your + services are no longer required."</p> + + <p>"I quite understand," returned Locke, quietly. "We shall + see."</p> + + <p>Balcom stormed down from the room to the telephone, where, a + moment later, he telephoned to an asylum, asking them to send a + conveyance with nurses, keepers, and whatever paraphernalia was + necessary to take care of his partner, Brent.</p> + + <p>"Is he violent?" demanded the doctor over the telephone.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Bring a strait-jacket," snapped back Balcom. "And the + sooner he is under your care the better."</p> + + <p>With that Balcom stamped out of the house.</p> + + <p>In Brent's room, Paul was attempting still to ingratiate + himself with Eva, who was growing more distant toward him with + every moment. Finally Paul could stand it no longer. He turned + on his heel and faced Locke angrily in the hall.</p> + + <p>"You'll regret this, confound you!" he ground out, as he + swung out of the room rapidly in a high state of feeling.</p> + + <p>Unconcernedly Locke turned on his heel.</p> + + <p>"Don't worry," he whispered to Eva. "I'll see that no harm + comes to your father."</p> + + <p>For answer, her own heart too full for words, Eva pressed + the hand of the young scientist. It was reward enough for + Locke.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, at Doctor Shaw's sanitarium, to which Balcom had + telephoned with the permission of the doctor, elaborate + preparations had been completed for the reception and + transportation of Brent.</p> + + <p>It was perhaps an hour later that the ambulance, with three + white-uniformed attendants, pulled out, carrying all those + appurtenances necessary for the care of the insane, including + the strait-jacket which Balcom had so testily suggested.</p> + + <p>That same hour had seen intense activity in another quarter. + In the den of the Automaton, the hard-visaged emissaries had + been already roused by the entrance of the Automaton.</p> + + <p>Hasty directions had been uttered by the metallic, + phonograph voice of the monster, and already four of the most + desperate of the characters had hurried through the entrance + out on the cliffs. The Automaton himself had turned toward the + passage through the Graveyard of Genius to Brent Rock + itself.</p> + + <p>Thus it happened that when the ambulance from Doctor Shaw's + sanitarium came bowling along the road to Brent Rock as fast as + its motor would permit, the driver was forced suddenly to put + on the brakes to save himself from being wrecked by a huge log + that lay squarely across the road.</p> + + <p>No sooner had the attendants jumped out to remove the log + than four desperate men fell upon them from ambush, beat them, + and left them trussed up and unconscious, while they donned the + jackets and uniforms of Doctor Shaw's men, seized the + ambulance, and swung off again at a fast clip in the direction + of Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Lulled into a false security, as her father slept now for a + time under an opiate, Eva was sitting beside him with loving + care when she heard the noise below of the arrival of the car + from Doctor Shaw's sanitarium. At once she was in wild alarm. + Nor was Locke off his guard. While Zita tried to reassure Eva, + Locke met the men.</p> + + <p>There were four of them, and as the first passed, Locke + halted him. The parley gave another a chance to push past, + while Locke held three at bay.</p> + + <p>A moment later there was a scream from Eva, who had hurried + from her father's room at the sound of the high voices. The + emissary had seized her.</p> + + <p>It was a signal for the other three, who leaped on Locke all + at once. With almost superhuman strength Locke seized one of + them and flung him over his head for a fall down the whole + flight of steps as he fought the other two single-handed.</p> + + <p>Even then the third came back to the attack and Locke was + forced to give back step by step down the stairs.</p> + + <p>Another scream from Eva.</p> + + <p>In the heat of the fray Locke caught a glimpse of her + battling on the landing above with the first emissary. It gave + him redoubled strength.</p> + + <p>Flinging the two men off and eluding the third, he leaped to + the chandelier in the hall and with a giant swing wrapped his + legs about the fellow struggling with Eva. Literally throttling + him, he pulled him backward over the balcony railing for a fall + clear to the lower hall.</p> + + <p>At the moment when Locke was actually subduing all of his + assailants the door to the cellar suddenly opened and the huge + figure of the Automaton strode out.</p> + + <p>With one blow of his steel fist the monster struck Locke + senseless, then turned and began ascending the grand + staircase.</p> + + <p>Almost paralyzed with fear, Eva screamed again and fled + through the nearest door, locking it. On strode the Automaton, + crashing down the door as if it had been a mere shell.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the emissaries had seized Locke, still unconscious + and unable to resist. Feverishly they began to bind him in the + strait-jacket which they had taken from the ambulance. Then + they carried him and flung him roughly on the floor of the + library.</p> + + <p>Still screaming, Eva fled to the next room, again bolting + the door and piling furniture frantically to barricade it. + Again the Automaton rained blow after blow on the door. It + splintered, and his powerful fist began breaking and + overturning the barricade which the unfortunate girl had + improvised.</p> + + <p>Wildly she looked about. Only a closet now offered refuge. + The door was splintered through. She could see the terrible + face of the monster.</p> + + <p>In the library, Locke, recovering by this time, began + flopping and twisting, spurred by the muffled screams from + above-stairs as he worked with miraculous dexterity to release + himself from the strait-jacket.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> + + <p>Locke struggled with superhuman effort to release himself + from the strait-jacket in which he was held prisoner. The + throat-straps pressed against the neck muscles and the strain + on the straps could be heard like pistol-shots as the leather + stretched under his prodigous efforts.</p> + + <p>With every nerve keyed up and his reflexes answering his + keen brain, he swayed backward and forward, rolled from side to + side until his shoulder-blades were thrown completely out of + joint. The pain was intense, but he summoned every ounce of + strength at his command and finally succeeded in getting one of + his arms free by gradually working his body toward a settee, + where, with his elbow on the seat, he pushed his disjointed arm + over his head.</p> + + <p>Agony was written all over his face as at last with a final + effort he extricated his arms and was in a position to loosen + the straps which bound them, with his teeth.</p> + + <p>Nor was his labor over now. The canvas jacket cut into his + flesh and the buckles bruised his muscles. His body ached with + weariness, yet he clung to his task. Like a thing incarnate he + toiled as he realized the danger that confronted Eva.</p> + + <p>Up-stairs, the monster was pursuing Eva. The heavy oaken + doors were as straws to him, and he plunged through them as a + mad elephant dashes through a canebrake. Destruction lay in his + wake as he crashed through the improvised barriers which Eva + had constructed to delay his onslaught. A crouching, desolate + figure, she waited for what she knew to be her end. There was + only one barrier left between her and this engine of + destruction. It was only a moment now when she would be a + crushed, mangled mass. With terror in her heart she waited for + the thing to crash through the last remaining barrier, and even + now she could hear his ponderous step as he crossed the room + toward the door which would only momentarily stay his progress. + Her lips moved in prayer as she waited and the dread moments + seemed eons to her.</p> + + <p>Suddenly she heard a crash, and she could see the panels of + sturdy oak in the door give way as though they were egg-shells. + The gigantic fist of the monster crashed through and she could + discern the dim outline of the enormous head, and the glaring + eyes of fire looking toward her. With a shrill shriek she + raised her arms above her head and fell swooning to the floor + just as a pistol-shot rang out.</p> + + <p>Locke, disheveled and weak, had released himself from the + strait-jacket, and with the speed of a panther had ascended the + stairs. He saw the monster crashing through the last remaining + barrier, and without hesitation he fired at the thing as he + closed in. His one thought was to delay it or make it swerve in + its course momentarily, with the hope that by some chance Eva + might have time to escape. Could he only accomplish this, he + thought his mission successful, regardless of the outcome as + far as he himself was concerned.</p> + + <p>He pulled the trigger of his automatic again and again as he + rushed forward. By some strange trick of fate the figure reeled + for a second and one of its arms dropped swinging to its side. + The bullet had entered a joint. Had it in some way deranged the + mechanism, causing the Automaton to turn in its tracks and + confront Locke as he charged forward? Or was some human being + concealed in the armored creature and wounded?</p> + + <p>Eva, in her semi-conscious state, saw the mass of metal + charge toward Locke, and closed her eyes so as not to be a + witness to his end. She waited, dumb and helpless with fright, + and before her surged the meaning of this man's great sacrifice + for her. In the brief interval she realized that men of his ilk + were few. She realized that her interest in the young chemist + was more than a passing fancy and the truth was driven home to + her in his hour of peril. She closed her eyes and all before + her went blank.</p> + + <p>As the Automaton faced Locke voices could be heard in the + hall, and the gardener of Brent Rock, who had summoned aid, + came to Locke's assistance. Armed with clubs and garden tools, + the men charged the monster. Like a lion at bay, the thing + turned from its task of destroying Locke to face its new + enemies. <i>En masse</i> they attacked the Automaton, but it + shook them off, one by one, as a terrier would rats, and made + its way toward the grand staircase. Some of the gardener's aids + suffered broken bones, while others were left unconscious as a + result of the conflict.</p> + + <p>Locke picked himself up and rushed to Eva's side. He took + the prostrate form in his arms and looked down into her + beautiful face. The room was in ruins, and Eva slowly opened + her eyes and looked up at him. Her hand went out in a momentary + caress, but as she fully recovered consciousness she moved her + hand away lest he really know. She looked up at him gratefully, + and Locke, a little confused, took his arm from around her + waist. With boyish bashfulness he hung his head and asked her + if she was all right. The sound of his own voice amid the ruins + brought back his composure.</p> + + <p>"We must see about father. Perhaps something has happened to + him," said Eva, as she started toward the door.</p> + + <p>Locke looked after the girl, then followed her.</p> + + <p>Propped up in bed, Peter Brent presented a pitiable sight. + His glassy stare and shrill laugh like a coyote baying at the + moon sent cold chills down Eva's back as she entered the room. + This man, at one time a power in the business world, was only a + shell of his former self, and his inhuman laughter caused even + Locke to shudder a little as he entered the room.</p> + + <p>Eva walked over to her father and put her hand to his brow, + looking wistfully in his eyes for some sign of recognition.</p> + + <p>She kissed him on the forehead and called him, but he still + stared blankly ahead of him, unconscious of even her presence. + Locke felt the pulse of the patient and looked at the dilated + pupils.</p> + + <p>"There must be some antidote for this Madagascar madness, + and I shall move everything to find it," he said, as he looked + at Eva with determination.</p> + + <p>She turned toward him eagerly as he spoke and his words gave + her a little cheer. Eva continued her caresses, but the + demented man showed no signs of recognizing even his own + daughter.</p> + + <p>From another room the shrill laughter of Flint could be + heard as he raved in delirium. Bereft of reason, he fought an + unseen enemy.</p> + + <p>"Q did it, I tell you—it's Q," he raved and shrieked + in his insane way as he rocked back and forth in bed. He was + fighting his own conscience, and kept pushing some unseen thing + from him as he shook in a paroxysm of fright.</p> + + <p>The front-door bell rang and Balcom entered. He was suave in + manner, but this time he seemed a little excited as he gave his + hat and stick to the butler.</p> + + <p>"Tell Miss Brent I must see her at once," he ordered.</p> + + <p>As the butler turned to mount the stairs, Balcom reached his + hand up and rubbed his shoulder as though he were in pain. + Perhaps the gesture meant nothing, but a keen observer would + have noticed that his arm did not move with the freedom that + one would expect of a man of his frame and build. As he rubbed + his shoulder his eyes followed the butler up the stairs and his + lips tightened. He watched him until he was out of sight, then + turned and entered the library.</p> + + <p>As Balcom entered the library the door-bell rang and the + three ambulance men who had been overpowered by the emissaries + of the Automaton entered. Balcom approached them and hasty + explanations were forthcoming. In his suave manner he quieted + the most noisy of the trio, who by this time had found the + strait-jacket from which Locke had just released himself.</p> + + <p>"This looks like a put-up job to me," growled the driver, as + he confronted Balcom, holding the strait-jacket toward him. + "And I believe you know something about it."</p> + + <p>"My dear man, I am the person who telephoned for you to come + for my stricken partner," said Balcom, "and I still insist that + he is in dire need of treatment."</p> + + <p>As he spoke Eva entered the library in time to hear him. She + was followed by Locke.</p> + + <p>"My father shall not be taken from this house," she cried, + in reply to Balcom's orders to the attendants.</p> + + <p>As she spoke she turned toward Locke and looked at him for + his acquiescence. He quietly nodded toward her in an assuring + manner, and as he did so one might have noticed Balcom's face + cloud up with evil purpose. He was thinking of this young + whipper-snapper and his interference with his plans. As he + stood meditating he noticed that Locke was looking at him, so + he turned toward the young chemist and his whole expression + changed. A bland smile crept across his face as he spoke.</p> + + <p>"I was only suggesting that my partner be taken to an + institution, because I believed that he would receive better + treatment there." He addressed Locke, but looked toward Eva as + he did so. "Miss Brent should have trust in me. I have only her + interest at heart."</p> + + <p>"It would be better for Mr. Brent to stay here," said Locke. + "The treatment his daughter can give will be better than that + of an outsider."</p> + + <p>As he spoke he sauntered away with an air of finality, while + Balcom shrugged his shoulders and gave orders to the ambulance + men to go.</p> + + <p>Locke walked toward the dining-room, and there amid the + candle drippings and the wreckage of the night before espied + the miniature automaton. He picked it up and examined it + minutely as Balcom strolled in.</p> + + <p>Balcom's quick gaze caught what Locke was looking at, and he + approached the young chemist and sauvely said:</p> + + <p>"It seems almost unbelievable, Mr. Locke, that a giant form + like that could be endowed with a human brain."</p> + + <p>As he spoke he pointed toward the miniature automaton in + Locke's hands. Locke turned and faced him, his jaw tightening + with a snap.</p> + + <p>"Not unbelievable, but impossible, Mr. Balcom," he said. "I + believe that there is some one in this thing that attacks us + and calls himself Q."</p> + + <p>He eyed Balcom as he spoke, to see the effects of his words. + But if Balcom knew anything, he cunningly concealed it. Locke + walked to the table and closely examined the candles and other + stuff strewn about. He was looking for some clue to what had + caused the madness of Brent and Flint. The crumpled anatomy + chart lay on the floor, and as Locke stooped to pick it up Eva + entered and came toward him. She shuddered slightly as she + passed the miniature of the monster, and Balcom, with an air of + satisfaction, noticed her fear. He turned and was about to go + out, when the butler entered with the duplicate candlestick in + his hands.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Locke, in cleaning the hall I found this behind the + portières at the entrance to below-stairs," he announced. "I + was quite puzzled for a moment, for I knew the master had taken + it into the dining-room with him last evening."</p> + + <p>As he spoke he handed the candlestick to Locke, who quickly + compared it with the one on the dining-room table which + contained the burnt candles.</p> + + <p>In appearance the candelabra were identical. Locke with + great care examined every feature of them, looking for a clue. + He took one of the whole candles from the candlestick which the + butler had brought in and scraped the wax from in with his + penknife. He examined the particles carefully, then approached + the candlestick which stood on the table the fatal night, and + very carefully removed the wax from the stumps of candles which + were still in the sockets.</p> + + <p>"The Madagascar madness came from <i>that</i> candlestick," + he announced, with assurance, as he pointed toward the one on + the table.</p> + + <p>While he was so busily engaged Balcom was eying him + cunningly. He watched his every move and was most intent in + seeing just how the young man would prove his contention.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, every one!" came the clear voice of Paul as + he entered the room and crossed over to the side of his + fiancée. He was particular to ignore Locke in his greeting, and + as he approached Eva he bent over her hand and kissed it.</p> + + <p>A close observer would have noticed that the girl rather + drew her hand back from his caress.</p> + + <p>"I am so sorry about your father, Eva," whispered Paul. "I + trust the ailment is but temporary."</p> + + <p>As he spoke Eva thanked him mechanically for his + solicitations, while Balcom glanced at his son in + admiration.</p> + + <p>Locke, who was still engaged in looking at the candle + drippings through his pocket magnifying-glass, paid slight + attention to Paul, but glanced up in time to see that there was + a look of insincerity on his face.</p> + + <p>Could it be that this young scion of the Balcom fortune + could in any way be connected with the Automaton? Could this + man, this suave, polished gentleman, have any motive for + seeking the ruin or death of his fiancée? Locke seemed to be + busily engaged in his task, but he was making mental notes on + the conduct of young Balcom. He looked up finally and turned to + Eva.</p> + + <p>"Miss Brent, I find minute particles of some foreign + substance in the wax of these candles," he announced. "They + seem to be of organic origin and I am certain that they contain + the poison which has robbed your father of his mentality. I am + going to take them to a chemical laboratory where there will be + proper facilities to have them analyzed. Perhaps there is an + antidote that will restore your father's sanity."</p> + + <p>As Locke spoke he carefully wrapped up the particles of + drippings in a piece of paper and put them in his pocket. As he + did so, both Balcom and Paul exchanged hurried glances, and + Balcom left the group and started toward the hall.</p> + + <p>During all this procedure Zita, clad in a sumptuous morning + frock hardly befitting a secretary, was standing behind the + portières in the hall and listening intently to all she could + hear within the dining-room. As she heard Balcom's footsteps + she hurriedly turned and seemed to be going up the hall. He + looked after her and then called.</p> + + <p>She came toward Balcom with a nod of understanding, and, as + she approached, he led her to a corner of the hall and + whispered to her.</p> + + <p>"It is imperative that we get Flint out of the house + to-night. I can trust you to take care of this if I arrange the + details?"</p> + + <p>Zita quickly nodded acquiescence, looking furtively over her + shoulder to see if they were observed.</p> + + <p>"I will get him to your apartment," she hurriedly said, as + she looked up at him for further instructions.</p> + + <p>Balcom turned quickly from her, got his own hat and sack, + and departed, just as Locke came into the hall, bound for the + chemist's shop. He looked after the disappearing form of + Balcom, and then turned and noticed that he was being watched + by Zita. Zita in turn hastily entered the library, without + looking over her shoulder.</p> + + <p>"I wonder what her real position in this house can be," + mused Locke, as he took his hat and went toward the front + door.</p> + + <p>In the dining-room Paul was now standing close to Eva and + had taken her hand.</p> + + <p>"You know it was your father's wish that we be married," he + was saying, "and I know that he would be happy if we had the + ceremony performed at once."</p> + + <p>His eyes narrowed as he said this, but Eva was too + preoccupied to see it. With a shudder, ever so slight, she + looked up at his handsome face and spoke.</p> + + <p>"I will not even speak of marriage until my father recovers, + Paul, and I don't know how you can ask me to at such a + time."</p> + + <p>She was not thinking so much of her father as of a certain + young chemist who had risked his life for her. Why had fate + thrown him in her way, she wondered. What was there about + Quentin Locke that compelled her attention—that made her + feel secure when he was about? What was the difference between + the young chemist and Paul that she felt perfect trust in the + one whom she had known only a short time and distrust and + uncertainty in the other to whom she was about to be + married?</p> + + <p>She hung her head and went into the drawing-room, leaving + Paul standing there. He looked after her, and a slight smile + crossed his face as he thought of what a fool she was to think + that he cared for her. His self-assurance led him to believe + that the reason that Eva was not consenting to his proposal was + indeed because of her father's condition, for he little + dreamed, nor would his egotism permit him to believe, that + anything else could be the case.</p> + + <p>His mouth hardened in a subtle smile as he sauntered after + Eva to bid her farewell. He remembered that De Luxe Dora was + waiting outside for him in her speedster.</p> + + <p>He had made this paramour of his take him to the very door + of his fiancée's home, and there wait until he had paid his + respects to the moneyed lady who would make happiness possible + by supplying him with the funds to pursue his pleasures and + insure his father's hold on the International Patents, + Incorporated.</p> + + <p>Paul looked at his watch, then, after a few words of + condolence which would hardly sound sincere from any one less + gifted, made a hurried departure toward the corner where the + speedster was waiting.</p> + + <p>"Who was the funny gink that hurried by a little while ago?" + queried Dora, in the vernacular of her calling. "He gave me the + double O as though he had something on me."</p> + + <p>"That's a fellow we've got to look out for, kid," answered + Paul, in the same terms by which he was addressed, for, if + nothing else, Paul could be as much at home in the underworld + as in a mansion on the Drive. "Brent claimed that he was a + chemist before he went 'bugs,'" continued Paul, "but I have my + doubts; in fact, I'm very leery of him because I think he's a + fly cop."</p> + + <p>He took his place beside Dora, who started the car and + headed down-town.</p> + + <p>After Paul's departure Eva hurried to her father's room and + tried to comfort him. He was seated in a chair, staring blankly + ahead of him. He was quieter now, but his body twitched + nervously from time to time.</p> + + <p>The tears started to come to Eva's eyes as she saw her + father's plight, and she knelt down beside him and took his + hand in hers. She stroked it with her own hand and bent over + and kissed it. As she knelt, crying softly, she sobbed + half-aloud:</p> + + <p>"Why can't I confide in you, father? Why can't you advise + me? I don't love Paul Balcom and could never marry him. I know + I love Quentin Locke—I do—I do—"</p> + + <p>As she sobbed she bent over his hand and pressed it to her + lips.</p> + + <p>Peter Brent sat staring into space, staring like a graven + image.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> + + <p>After her brief encounter with Balcom in the hallway Zita + stealthily mounted to Flint's room.</p> + + <p>Flint's condition was unchanged. He lay sprawled out in a + huge arm-chair, his head swaying from side to side, as he + muttered and mumbled incoherently, while his leering smile + caused even Zita to shudder.</p> + + <p>She was, however, alive to the importance of her mission. + Steeling herself, she raised Flint from the chair and steadied + him with one hand while she tried to smooth out the wrinkles of + his clothing so that his mad condition would not be too + apparent when they went outdoors. It was a hard task, but Zita + soon accomplished it and, half supporting, she led him through + a door on the farther side of the room. They crept down a back + stairway and so away from the house.</p> + + <p>At times Flint stumbled and almost fell, and once that + insane laugh startled a passer-by, who started after them, then + changed his mind and proceeded on his way. It was then that + Zita's heart almost stopped beating. She realized that the + situation would be unexplainable to a stranger and she urged + the insane Flint on faster.</p> + + <p>Renewed hope came to her with each step. She had almost + relaxed her precautions when, suddenly, from a clump of bushes, + several men leaped out. They seized Flint, who merely started + babbling afresh. Zita, ignorant of what was really happening, + struck out right and left in the hopeless encounter, until one + of the men with a grin seized her wrist in his powerful grasp + and twisted it until she screamed with pain. Then she realized + for the first time that she had fallen into the hands of the + emissaries of the Automaton. Had Balcom planned it, or had that + mechanical monster taken advantage of what Balcom had + ordered?</p> + + <p>In the mean time, the other thugs, with Flint between them, + made off hurriedly. With a last push that almost threw Zita to + the ground, the last of them dashed into the shrubbery, and for + several moments Zita dazedly stood there as he crashed through + the underbrush, making good the escape and capture. Then she + turned and ran back to Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Locke, in the mean time, had arrived at the laboratory of + his old friend Hadwell, the chemist, where he was warmly + welcomed.</p> + + <p>It was the usual dusty workshop of one devoted to one + idea—science—with no touches of comfort. Hadwell + fairly lived amid retorts, Bunsen burners, and reagents.</p> + + <p>He was a man of profound research, rather than the + commercial chemist, and it was from him that Locke, in earlier + days, had learned many lessons so well that now his career was + watched with interest by many distinguished men of science.</p> + + <p>Hadwell was delighted at the chance to examine the strange + scrapings of wax which Locke had dug out of the sockets of the + candlestick, the more so as they must contain some mysterious + poison. First he studied them under a powerful lens, then by + chemical reactions, until he made visible some peculiar + crystals. Locke himself was amazed as his friend worked.</p> + + <p>"You don't know it all—yet—my boy," smiled the + aged professor. "There's still something the old teacher can + add to your education, and I'm glad, Quentin, very glad, for it + will draw you closer to me again. I need you to carry on my + work when I must lay it down. I'm not positive," he continued, + "but I believe these crystals to be those of <i>Dhatura + stramonium</i>, and, as you say speed's the thing, we'll begin + by noting the effect of the stuff as a gas on that guinea-pig + over there."</p> + + <p>"Have you masks?" asked Locke, with true scientific + caution.</p> + + <p>"Yes—on the shelf. You're keen, Quentin. These fumes + can penetrate the tiniest aperture and, if my guess is right, + without a mask, you would quickly laugh yourself to death."</p> + + <p>"Don't, Professor, don't joke, for there is no joy in that + mad laughter. It is horrible, maddening, even to the hearer. + Let us get to work. The father of the girl I love may even now + be sinking to his death. We must determine the nature of this + deadly stuff, and then find an antidote."</p> + + <p>The chemist brought out the cage in which the guinea-pig was + placidly munching a lettuce leaf, and placed it in a convenient + spot on the table. Then, after Locke, as well as the professor, + had carefully adjusted the masks, the latter lighted a Bunsen + burner and applied the flame to the deadly crystals. A pungent + fume was given off and collected in a rubber bag, or cone, from + which a long tube protruded.</p> + + <p>This tube the chemist introduced into the cage. For a moment + there was no perceptible change in the animal's actions. Then + it stopped eating, sniffed at the strange odor, and commenced + to twitch violently. This twitching continued for several + minutes, when the creature started to revolve in circles, like + a Japanese dancing-mouse. Finally it became subject to spasms, + and, although the professor withdrew the tube, these symptoms + continued.</p> + + <p>"I was right!" he cried. "It is an especially poisonous + variety of that almost unknown Oriental drug, <i>Dhatura + stramonium</i>. I think I can find an antidote to it, also. To + work, my boy, to work!"</p> + + <p>One experiment after another resulted in failure, however, + and it was while they were so engaged that the telephone bell + rang and a feminine voice inquired for Locke.</p> + + <p>It was an excited Eva who called. "Quentin," she burst + forth, breathlessly, "what do you think has happened? The + strangest thing! Flint has escaped. Tell me what to do. Can't + you come to me at once? I need you."</p> + + <p>Locke needed no further urging. Important though the work of + finding the antidote was, Eva's call was more imperative to + him. He reassured her as best he could over the wire, for he + had no idea what had really happened. Zita, as might have been + expected, on her return to Brent Rock had been far too clever + to disclose the exact truth that Flint had been abducted, and + that while in her own charge.</p> + + <p>When she arrived at Brent Rock she had mounted by the same + stairway by which she and Flint had departed. Entering Flint's + room, she had raised the alarm and had acted her part so well + that Eva thought that she had discovered Flint's absence at the + precise moment at which Zita had cried out and she had come + running in answer to her call.</p> + + <p>Locke gave Hadwell a brief outline of what had just occurred + at Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>"Professor," he pleaded, "for Heaven's sake don't fail me. + Try as you never tried before to find the antidote for this + strange combination of poisons. Telephone me when you have + it."</p> + + <p>Locke seized his hat, and Hadwell redoubled his efforts to + fathom the toxic secret.</p> + + <p>At Brent Rock, in the mean time, everything was in + confusion, Eva was almost distracted, and, to add to her + discomfort, Paul took occasion to call.</p> + + <p>In the past few days her distrust of him, for she could call + it by no other name, had grown, and the furtive glances which + he exchanged with Zita, little trouble-maker, were not + reassuring. But when Eva's maid, motioning her aside, told her + that she had been a witness to the departure of Zita and Flint, + Eva's suspicions from a vague misgiving became a stern reality. + She longed for Locke's return and protection from the very man + to whom she was engaged.</p> + + <p>As Locke left the chemist's he noticed a light runabout + across the street, half hidden in the shadows. But he failed to + notice the evil face of De Luxe Dora peering at him from + beneath the rim of a well-pulled-down hat.</p> + + <p>"Huh!" she muttered. "We'll get his number and here's where + I go after it."</p> + + <p>Locke hailed a passing taxicab, gave a hurried direction to + the chauffeur, and jumped in. The taxi snorted, cut out open, + and jumped forward as the driver clumsily shifted the worn + gears. But out of the shadows there glided a low-hung runabout + with a purling motor that without effort kept Locke's taxi just + in sight without seeming to be following.</p> + + <p>At the time that the emissaries abducted Flint he had been + roughly handled and some of his clothing had been torn. But as + he had been incapable of the slightest degree of real + self-defense, the thugs had soon desisted beating him up, with + the result that he had escaped bodily injury except for a few + slight scratches.</p> + + <p>The emissaries of the Automaton led him by devious winding + paths down to the shore, and, half walking, half running, + pressing close to the high cliffs, they urged him forward.</p> + + <p>Soon they came to a cleft in the rock, and, with one hand + using a well-hooded electric torch to light the way, they + dragged the poor unfortunate into the cave entrance to the + den.</p> + + <p>This cave was a marvel of nature, hewn out of the solid rock + by countless tides, its dome lost in the darkness. It gave an + impression of immensity, while in many directions passageways + gave off from what might be called a main chamber.</p> + + <p>Flint was roughly thrown on a rock, where, head in hands, he + swayed backward and forward, now moaning, now chuckling, now + laughing outright. The echo of that laugh resounded hollowly in + the dismal place and must have notified the supreme master of + this underground world that his domain had been invaded.</p> + + <p>A metallic clanging in the distance, as of struck anvils, a + crunching, as the smaller rocks broke in twain under the + enormous weight of the iron monster, then far, far down the + passageway two points of fire—the eyes of the + thing—and with arms swinging like flails, from out the + passageway there stalked—the Automaton.</p> + + <p>Even the emissaries, slaves to this monster through fear, + and seeing it often, fell back in awe and consternation, so + terrible was its menace.</p> + + <p>It strode over to Flint and, pushing him backward, glared at + him with burning eyes that seemed to search his soul. The + monster then turned to one of the emissaries and, with a + sweeping gesture, gave a command.</p> + + <p>The emissary understood and immediately ran up one of the + passageways, returning in a few moments with a bottle which + contained a purplish mixture. At another sign from the + Automaton the emissary took a drinking-glass and poured out a + portion of the purple fluid. Then he forced the draught between + Flint's clenched teeth.</p> + + <p>A violent trembling shook Flint from head to foot, a shudder + of so exhausting a nature that after the spasm Flint, weakened, + reclined against the cold wall of the cave, his body in a + clammy perspiration. But gradually there came a change in his + dazed, mad eyes. The iris contracted and became more normal. + Even the leaden hue of his face slowly passed away. The face + muscles relaxed and gradually the light of reason appeared in + his eyes.</p> + + <p>In a questioning manner Flint gazed about him. He saw the + cave with its scintillating points of fire, as the man with the + torch gesticulated. He saw the emissaries, and the realization + that his position was perilous came to him. But it was only + when he saw the towering form of the Automaton that his blood + froze with horror and he made a frantic effort to escape the + very thing which he had feared existed in Madagascar and had + attempted to betray to Brent on the fatal night.</p> + + <p>It was useless. He was soon borne down by the thugs, who + stationed two of their number to guard him. Seeing the utter + hopelessness of any attempt to escape, Flint sat quietly, while + his crafty mind schemed for some other plan. Suddenly he saw + the bottle, the contents of which had restored his reason. + Reaching out slyly, he turned it around until he could read the + label, and then, even in his predicament, he exulted over his + discovery. It was the antidote. Like a flash came to him a + shrewd scheme to use the knowledge.</p> + + <p>An emissary who seemed to be a leader came over to him.</p> + + <p>"Flint," he snarled, "you get one chance—see? Beat it + back to Brent Rock and see that you get that Brent girl to come + to the place where we will turn you loose. Understand? If you + fail it means death. Think it over."</p> + + <p>Flint could only agree.</p> + + <p>They bandaged his eyes and quickly led him back over the + road by which they had come.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/309.jpg" + name="image309" + id="image309"><img width="400" + src="images/309s.jpg" + alt="THE AUTOMATON, THE IRON TERROR" /></a> + the automaton, the iron terror + </div> + + <h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> + + <p>Brent Rock was brilliantly lighted against Locke's coming. + At the foot of the great stairway a group of excited servants + had gathered, as if for mutual protection.</p> + + <p>"Not another day will I stay in this house," quavered the + cook. "What with crazy laughing and the other carryings-on, I'm + fair distracted."</p> + + <p>"Take shame to yerself, Mary Dolan, for yer gab of quittin', + with the master and Miss Eva in sore trouble," answered the + second girl. "But as you say," she continued, shaking her head, + "it's a gloomy old place, and if it wasn't for Miss Eva I'd not + be long in going myself."</p> + + <p>"'Ave you no loyalty?" asked the butler, turning on them + both.</p> + + <p>"Hould yer jaw, Johnny Bull," threatened the cook. "Indade + no foreigner can tell Mary Dolan her duty."</p> + + <p>So they wrangled back and forth, and the underlying cause of + all the discord was the old one—fear.</p> + + <p>Nor was Eva exempt from its baneful influence. She was here, + there, everywhere, allaying one servant's apprehension, + commanding another to perform some task in order to occupy that + servant's mind—but, for herself, she knew that the strain + would not lessen until Locke arrived. She ran up-stairs and to + a window from which she could obtain a better view of the drive + along which he must come.</p> + + <p>In a very short time, which, nevertheless, seemed an age to + her, Eva was rewarded, and she fairly flew down the stairs, out + of the house, and far down the drive. Locke's taxi stopped, he + leaped out, and, regardless of the chauffeur, took Eva's + hand.</p> + + <p>"Tell me quickly what has happened?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>From a distance Dora was a witness, exulting.</p> + + <p>"Paul stands a swell chance with her," she sneered.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm so glad you're here," confided Eva, letting down + just a bit of her restraint as, like a frightened child, she + told of what she had learned about the disappearance of + Flint.</p> + + <p>Locke dismissed the driver, and together they walked slowly + toward the house.</p> + + <p>Not only Eva, but the entire household was relieved by + Locke's presence. The cook rushed forward and, with a "God + bless you, sir!" would have embraced him had he not stepped + aside. Even the dignified old family butler tried to take his + hand, an unheard-of liberty on his part. For, unknowingly, all + had come suddenly to rely upon this quiet, unassuming young + man.</p> + + <p>Locke immediately asked to be shown to Flint's room in the + hope that Flint might have left some clue behind. But, although + they searched high and low, no success met their efforts.</p> + + <p>It was then that they faced their darkest moment. Feeling, + as they did, that they were encircled by hidden enemies, the + very air they breathed became a menace. Every attempt to find + the thread that might unravel the dark mystery proved futile. + It was not to be wondered at that they despaired. Even the + weird laughter of Eva's stricken father, echoing hollowly + through the house, seemed to be mocking their efforts.</p> + + <p>The Automaton's emissaries were anxious to do their job and + return to the cave, for, like rats, they preferred the security + best found underground. They did not lead Flint very far.</p> + + <p>At the edge of the Brent estate there was an Italian marble + fountain decorated with bronze dolphins and water-nymphs + disporting themselves. It was at this fountain that the men + halted Flint and, with a final warning, left him.</p> + + <p>For a few moments, such was his fear, Flint did not remove + the bandage from his eyes, but moved groping around until his + hand came in contact with the edge of the fountain. For a + moment he stood quietly, listening for sounds of the + emissaries. Then, as he heard nothing, he tore the bandage from + his eyes, gazed wonderingly around him until his mind grasped + his exact location, then, with a bound, started to run toward + Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Had he noticed the bestial face of an emissary peering from + the shrubbery he would have been even more frightened. + Retribution, he would have known, would be swift and sure had + he disregarded their commands and moved in another + direction.</p> + + <p>As Flint left the fountain Balcom, suave and well groomed as + usual, was just giving his hat and stick to the butler when + Locke and Eva, returning from Flint's room, encountered him in + the hallway.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mr. Balcom," exclaimed Eva, "Mr. Locke and I are at a + loss to account for Mr. Flint's disappearance! I told the + gardeners, and they have hunted for him all over the estate and + beyond, but he has disappeared as completely as though the + ground had swallowed him."</p> + + <p>Balcom expressed his utmost astonishment and at once + insisted on going to Flint's room to solve the mystery + himself.</p> + + <p>Eva and Locke went directly into the library, where Locke + for the first time had an opportunity to tell Eva the result of + his visit to the chemist. The fact that they had discovered the + nature of the toxin was in itself encouraging, and Eva felt + that, even now, she could see the glimmer of a silver lining to + the clouds.</p> + + <p>"If we can only locate Mr. Flint, Quentin," she murmured, "I + feel that much would be explained."</p> + + <p>Hardly had the words passed her lips when, breathless and + disheveled, Flint staggered up the stairs from under the + porte-cochère and into the hallway. Balcom, just descending + from his brief inspection of Flint's room, hailed him.</p> + + <p>"What has happened?" he demanded. "Don't go into the + library."</p> + + <p>"I've just escaped from the Automaton," shouted Flint, "and + I've found the antidote!"</p> + + <p>Before Balcom could stop him he rushed into the library, + Balcom following in a towering rage. Eva gave a startled little + cry at the wild intrusion and Locke moved closer to her.</p> + + <p>"Is the antidote that will restore your father's reason + worth ten thousand dollars to you?" demanded Flint; then, + before Eva could reply, added: "Speak quick! I've got to get + out of the country to-night."</p> + + <p>"Ten thousand!" gasped Eva. "Ten times ten thousand! Tell me + what it is."</p> + + <p>"Show me the money first," haggled Flint, "and remember I + must have the hard cash."</p> + + <p>"Just a moment, Eva," interrupted Locke. "Consider this + thing well. We can deal with this fellow as a final + resort."</p> + + <p>Eva looked from Locke to Balcom, her mind in a turmoil, as + the telephone-bell rang and Locke hurried to answer it.</p> + + <p>In the room now there was a conflict of emotions and desires + that fairly electrified the place. Eva ardently craved her + father's recovery at all costs. Flint's avaricious mind wavered + between a scheme nearing success and the possibility of failure + and the fear of the Automaton. Balcom strained to hear the + purport of the message that Locke was receiving.</p> + + <p>At the sound of the chemist's voice Locke was tense with + suppressed excitement.</p> + + <p>"I've found the antidote," hastened to report the + professor.</p> + + <p>With a cordial word of thanks Locke turned from the + telephone and faced the group in the room. As he made the + announcement, Eva almost embraced him in the flood of relief at + the thought of her father restored.</p> + + <p>"Eva," growled Balcom, "you forget yourself. As Paul's + father, I cannot countenance such actions."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Balcom," interrupted Locke, "I am sure you will be kind + in your criticism of Miss Brent. She has merely overrated my + service to her."</p> + + <p>"Paul shall hear of this," stormed Balcom.</p> + + <p>"If your son cares to take the matter up with me," returned + Locke, now on his dignity, "I am always to be + found—here."</p> + + <p>"Never mind," interposed Flint, who feared to see his chance + slipping, "I've got to get out of the country. Mr. Locke, your + antidote is probably valueless; mine is the certain one. Look + at me, Miss Brent. Am I not cured?"</p> + + <p>"You miserable sneak," scowled Locke, stepping over to him, + "we don't need your assistance now."</p> + + <p>"I'm dealing with Miss Brent," insisted Flint, + insolently.</p> + + <p>Eva, a bit nervous over Balcom's overbearing manner, + interposed. "Mr. Locke," she said, with just a touch of dignity + for effect on Balcom, "this is a matter of life and death, and + I am not in favor of permitting a proven antidote to be taken + out of the country by this—this man. I have every + confidence in you, but suppose—just suppose—that + your chemist friend is mistaken."</p> + + <p>Flint immediately saw his advantage and pressed it home. + "Are you going to let ten thousand dollars stand in the way of + your father's recovery?" he insinuated. "Here," he added, + taking pencil and paper from his pocket and writing + hurriedly.</p> + + <p>"Baker's dock," Eva read, as he handed her the paper, "until + five o'clock."</p> + + <p>Flint bowed decently enough to her, glanced upward, and, as + he thought of Eva's father lying stricken with the Madagascar + madness in the room above, an evil leer came over his fox-like + face. As he left he completely ignored both Locke and Balcom, + unless it was that the look in his eyes meant a sort of + sinister triumph.</p> + + <p>Locke followed him out of the library, and for a few moments + Eva and Balcom were alone.</p> + + <p>Balcom had been quick to realize that it would not further + his plans if he continued to antagonize this high-spirited + girl. He took another course. The kind and fatherly manner + which he could assume so readily was now apparent.</p> + + <p>"Eva, my dear child," he ingratiated, "I am really sorry for + the hasty way in which I spoke, but, aside from our duty to + International Patents, your marriage to my son has been my + greatest hope and ambition."</p> + + <p>"I can't see why you should wish a daughter-in-law of whose + actions you disapprove," retorted Eva, pointedly.</p> + + <p>It was a facer for Balcom and he quickly guided the + conversation into less dangerous channels.</p> + + <p>Eva's candid nature could not comprehend treachery of any + kind in others, and yet, although she was unable to put a name + to it, she had a vague feeling of insecurity in dealing with + her father's partner. This feeling had been heightened by + Balcom's actions. In speaking of the proposed marriage to Paul + he had come quite close to her. She shuddered, for, out of the + corner of her eye, only a few moments before, she remembered + him in the same position when Flint had handed her the address, + and she knew that Balcom had surreptitiously read it. Why had + he taken that underhand method when, if he had only asked + frankly to see the paper, she would have handed it to him + without hesitation or suspicion.</p> + + <p>Eva started to leave the library, but Balcom stopped her + with a gesture. "My dear," he said, "your father is stricken + with a deadly malady. His affairs are in your hands to protect + his interests. I must urge that you marry Paul at the earliest + possible moment."</p> + + <p>Eva scarcely knew what to say. "I can't," she blurted out, + then tried to cover her confusion and made it worse, + "only—as a last resort—to save my + father—Oh—good-by!" And she almost ran from the + room.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> + + <p>Meanwhile, as Flint left Brent Rock, his fear of the + Automaton returned to him with redoubled force. He had been + false to his mission. Nor had he even succeeded in his + treachery. A few minutes he had been certain that Eva would + come to Baker's dock at the time set, but now doubts began to + assail him. With her obvious faith in Locke, she might decide + on the chemist's antidote, and there was always a possibility + that it might restore Brent, in which case Flint realized that + his life would be forfeit to the Automaton.</p> + + <p>Nor were his fears unfounded. He had barely passed the + fountain where, half an hour before, he had been set free, when + an emissary came out from behind a neighboring tree and took up + his trail.</p> + + <p>De Luxe Dora also had waited only long enough to see Eva and + Locke enter Brent Rock, when she turned her runabout around and + drove rapidly back to Professor Hadwell's. She arrived there + just in time to meet an automobile coming from the opposite + direction and containing three emissaries of the Automaton.</p> + + <p>In answer to an inquiry, Dora pointed out the chemist's + house to them. They piled out, and their leader knocked at the + door, while Dora drove off.</p> + + <p>The chemist answered, and the leader produced a vial, glibly + lying as he handed it over.</p> + + <p>"The Williams Drug Company sent me to have this stuff + analyzed," said the leader. "I'll wait."</p> + + <p>As the professor admitted him he did not see the other two + men pressed close to the wall on either side of the door. The + moment the professor's back was turned they slinked after their + leader into the house. In a dark corner of the hallway they + crouched as their leader went into the laboratory with the + chemist.</p> + + <p>The professor sniffed at the vial, which contained nothing + but pure water, and in surprise turned to the emissary for an + explanation. But it was too late. The emissary dealt him a blow + with a blunt instrument that stunned him and, as he reeled back + and grasped at a table, the other thugs rushed from the hall + and rained blow after blow on his venerable head and beat him + to the floor. A convulsive shudder—a long-drawn-out + sigh—and he lay still.</p> + + <p>With barely a glance at him the emissaries set to work to + smash all the paraphernalia of the place, sparing nothing in + order to make sure that the antidote would be destroyed. Glass + tubes, retorts, bottles, even furniture were smashed to bits in + their orgy of ruin—and there, in the midst of the debris, + his life's work finished, lay the old chemist, dead.</p> + + <p>Tiring of their own efforts, the murderers at last desisted. + One of them went to the street door and peered out, but in a + moment was back with the others.</p> + + <p>"Quick—that fellow Locke is coming."</p> + + <p>He was right. Locke had immediately quit Brent Rock and had + come directly to the chemist's in the hope of forestalling any + further attempt by Flint to inveigle Eva into dealing with + him.</p> + + <p>The door had been left ajar and, although he thought it + strange, Locke was without suspicion and entered the hallway. + He called to his old friend, but the dead lips could not answer + and the emissaries would not.</p> + + <p>Greatly alarmed now, Locke strode to the laboratory. For a + moment he stood as though petrified as the horrid scene burst + upon his vision. He ran to the chemist and knelt beside his + battered body.</p> + + <p>With a rush the emissaries darted from their hiding-place + and were upon him.</p> + + <p>Although taken unawares, Locke was, in a measure, ready for + them. One he grabbed in a clever jiu-jitsu hold and sent him + hurtling through the air to crash in a heap in a far corner of + the room. Leaping to his feet, he beat another to the floor. + The third villain was of tougher fiber. Up and down the + laboratory they battled, stumbling over broken furniture, now + falling to the floor, where they rolled over and over, first + one, then the other gaining the mastery, while the broken glass + with which the floor was littered cut their clothing to ribbons + and bit into their flesh.</p> + + <p>Locke was slowly gaining the upper hand when the thug whom + he had thrown over his head recovered. The brute took the + situation in at a glance, saw his pal in trouble, and, sneaking + treacherously behind Locke, dealt him a terrific blow with the + butt of a revolver. Locke dropped to the floor as if pole-axed + and lay still.</p> + + <p>One of the thugs kicked him as he lay defenseless, and then, + spying a row of coat-hooks in an inner hallway, with fiendish + ingenuity directed the others who had joined him. They strung + Locke up by his thumbs so that he hung, half suspended, with + his toes just off the floor.</p> + + <p>As one of them searched him Locke was still unconscious. + They found nothing but a few bank-notes and the automatic + revolver that Locke always carried.</p> + + <p>Slowly Locke regained his senses. The agony of his strained + thumbs was almost unbearable. But he was not the man to give + up.</p> + + <p>By this time two of the emissaries had gone, leaving one, + who seated himself quite close to Locke, where he was examining + the revolver. With the stoicism of an Indian, Locke manfully + tried to evolve a plan by which he might escape. Like a flash + it came to him, but it was a plan so fraught with the + possibility of failure that he would not have decided on it + except for the agony of the strain on his thumbs.</p> + + <p>Directly opposite him and at a distance of four or five feet + was a door leading to a back alley. This door the emissary now + guarding him had locked as a precaution against surprise and + had carefully placed the key in his vest pocket.</p> + + <p>Locke weighed each detail of his plan and then, bracing his + feet firmly against the wall, he suddenly shot his lower limbs + forward and, like the closing of a pair of giant shears, he + wrapped his legs about the neck of the emissary and immediately + exerted enormous pressure with his knees.</p> + + <p>The emissary, taken totally by surprise, struggled to break + the hold, and Locke's thumbs were almost wrenched from their + sockets. But he held on grimly. Soon the thug's struggles + subsided, Locke released him, and he slipped to the floor.</p> + + <p>Locke was wearing a low-cut shoe. Strange that a man's life + may hinge on such a slight detail, but this fact enabled him to + work off his right shoe and his sock. He extended his bare + foot, and with his toes searched the pocket of the emissary for + the key to the door. Finally he found it.</p> + + <p>Locke held the key as firmly as he might between his toes + and, projecting his body by a muscular effort far away from the + wall, he managed to insert the key in the lock. He turned it. + The door was unlocked now. A swift downward movement of his + foot against the knob and the door swung open.</p> + + <p>He braced himself against its edge and, with his back firmly + pressed against the wall, relieved the strain on his thumbs. He + rested a moment and then, as it were, walked up the edge of the + door until his feet reached the top. Swinging one leg over the + door, by patient effort he was enabled to release one swollen + thumb, then the other. An instant later he dropped down and + leaned exhaustedly against the wall.</p> + + <p>While Locke was held in the room things had happened which + would have set him nearly crazy with anxiety. Eva, having heard + nothing from him, had become alarmed and had telephoned to the + chemist. This was at quarter to five, and she had supposed that + it was the chemist who answered her. In reality it had been an + emissary, and he had told her that the final experiment to find + an antidote for her father's malady had been really a failure + and that Locke had left some time before.</p> + + <p>After all that she had endured, this was almost the final + blow to Eva. She thought of Flint and Baker's dock and five + o'clock. There was no time to lose if she were to save her + father. So she pulled herself together, seized her hat and + cloak, and started for the door.</p> + + <p>Here Zita stopped her and offered to accompany her, but she + declined. She hastily asked the direction of Baker's dock from + the butler, and then ran out of the house and sprang to the + steering-wheel of her waiting car. With a whir of the starter + she was away.</p> + + <p>Flint had arrived at the dock long before and was now + slinking in and out among the crates and boxes as he sought + diligently for a safe hiding-place. But his nerves, none too + strong at the best, were now running riot, and nowhere could he + feel a sense of security so that he could remain quiet.</p> + + <p>It was while he was sneaking from one pile of bales to + another that an emissary hailed him.</p> + + <p>"Are you Flint?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"Y-e-s," came quaveringly from Flint.</p> + + <p>"Well, there's a lady in the office asking for you."</p> + + <p>Such was the fascination of any of the emissaries of the + Automaton over Flint by this time that he followed the man + without question, particularly as he felt that he would be + spared, since the lady in the office could be none other than + Eva.</p> + + <p>Together they walked toward the entrance and, with an order + to wait, the emissary halted Flint close to a pile of crates + and left him. Flint dared not move. A premonition of impending + disaster must have come over him, for his knees shook and a + clammy sweat broke out on his forehead.</p> + + <p>Without sound a gigantic iron hand and arm protruded from + behind a crate and, for a moment, hung suspended over Flint's + head. Then, with a swift encircling movement, that hooklike arm + wrapped itself around Flint's neck and drew him into the + shadow. The mighty form drew the victim close—and it was + over.</p> + + <p>The Automaton picked up the body as though it had been a + mere feather-weight and stalked out to the waiting emissaries. + A trap-door was opened and Flint's body was dashed into the + river. Thus it was that all his scheming came to an end and his + secret from Madagascar, which he had told Brent, but which now + lay locked in that mad-man's mind, was stilled with Flint's + dead lips.</p> + + <p>At the chemist's shop Locke was by this time recovering from + the terrible ordeal through which he had passed. He bathed his + swollen thumbs, and by rubbing them was able somewhat to + restore the circulation. Then he stepped to the telephone and + gave the Brent Rock number.</p> + + <p>It was Zita who answered him.</p> + + <p>"Eva has gone alone to Baker's dock," she answered to his + inquiry, in half-triumphant jealousy.</p> + + <p>Locke did not wait to hear more. There was not a moment to + be lost. He rushed out, disheveled as he was, into the street, + slamming the door after him. It seemed hours before he could + find a taxicab.</p> + + <p>"Baker's dock!" he yelled. "And twenty dollars if you make + it in ten minutes."</p> + + <p>He did not know that the emissaries had robbed him of + everything, nor would it have made any difference, for he could + easily have fixed it with the driver through his police and + Secret Service connections.</p> + + <p>In the mean time Eva's car had met with misfortune, and she + had been compelled to stop. She jumped out and busied herself + with a missing cylinder.</p> + + <p>Locke's taxi was running smoothly and arrived at the dock + well within the time he had ordered. Locke jumped out and + started to pay. It was then that he discovered that he was + without money. The driver became angry and hard to pacify with + the story of the robbery, but Locke finally convinced him that + all was right with the Department of Justice.</p> + + <p>Locke walked through the gates to the dock and for a moment + stood nonplussed. This dock had none of the turmoil and bustle + naturally associated with docks when a steamer is about to + leave.</p> + + <p>He cautiously proceeded between the piles of merchandise + toward the end of the wharf. Of one thing he was now certain + and a prayer of relief came to his lips. He was there before + Eva and able to guard her from any danger that might arise.</p> + + <p>His eyes were keen, but he failed to notice the emissaries + who, from behind crates and bales, were watching his every + move. Nor did he see that fiend of iron, the Automaton, which, + standing rigid, glared at him from behind an enormous + packing-case.</p> + + <p>He continued down the wharf as, slinking like coyotes, those + sinister forms glided from hiding-place to hiding-place and + were never far from his heels. He reached the end of the wharf + and gazed up and down the dark river. Here and there he could + distinguish the colored lights that marked a tugboat or some + other small craft, but of a large steamer there was no sign. It + is rarely that a boat warps into a dock just a few moments + before leaving for foreign parts, and it flashed upon Locke's + mind that Flint had deceived them about his leaving for + Madagascar that night.</p> + + <p>He was still wondering what it could all mean when the + emissaries leaped upon him. Although weakened by his previous + battle, Locke proved no easy customer for them. Time after time + he struggled free from them and with arms working like + piston-rods for a while he kept them at a distance. But, like a + pack of wolves, they were not to be denied, and they finally + succeeded in holding him firmly.</p> + + <p>One of them brought leg-irons which he snapped around + Locke's ankles. Once again Locke managed to get one of his arms + free and, before they could prevent him, two emissaries lay + prostrate on the wharf. But that effort marked his last, for + the Automaton, stalking up behind him, pinioned his arms as + though he was a baby.</p> + + <p>An emissary now placed a pair of handcuffs on his wrists + and, to bind him more securely, fastened a chain that extended + from the handcuffs to the leg-irons.</p> + + <p>Two of the thugs now carried him to the edge of the wharf, + while a third attached a heavy weight to Locke's feet. Locke + realized his helplessness, realized that his death was + imminent. But he determined to rid the world of at least one + murderer. By a mighty effort he shook off his captors and, as + one rushed forward, he grabbed him in his manacled hands and + leaped with him into the river as they grappled.</p> + + <p>At the shore end of the wharf an emissary was leading Eva, + as she thought, to Flint.</p> + + <p>Locke and the thug sank immediately to the bottom of the + river and, under water, there ensued a terrific battle. Locke, + semi-helpless because of his shakles, had the greatest + difficulty in preventing the thug from breaking loose. But he + was determined that the fellow at least would pay for his + crimes with his life.</p> + + <p>The thug's struggles gradually became more feeble. Air + bubbles rose from his bestial lips and he became limp in + Locke's grasp. Locke released him and, feet first, he floated + upward, dead.</p> + + <p>Locke's lungs were almost bursting now as he struggled at + his chains; his senses reeled; he thought of Eva, and redoubled + his efforts. If he could only get rid of that great weight that + was holding him down. A singing came in his ears.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER X</h3> + + <p>As Eva hurried down the dock, looking for the renegade, + Flint she found herself cornered between the emissary and the + terrible Automaton himself. With a scream of terror she ran + until she came to a door that divided the dock into fireproof + sections. Through it she darted, the Automaton following + relentlessly.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Locke, his lungs almost bursting and the blood + surging to his head, had managed to free himself from his + shackles and had floated to the surface of the water. As he + came up he swam to the piles of the dock just as several + boatmen saw him and hurried to his aid.</p> + + <p>They heard the screams of Eva, and all started running up + the dock, but not in time to capture the Automaton, who, warned + by the emissaries, crashed through the side of the dock house + nearest the shore and escaped.</p> + + <p>A moment later Locke, searching through the piles of boxes, + bales, and crates, found Eva, just recovering from her fright, + and in the joy of having saved her by his timely return forgot, + for the moment, to pursue the terrible villain, who managed to + reach a waiting closed car and was whisked away.</p> + + <p>Thus it was that after their return to Brent Rock, on the + following day Eva was ministering to her father, still + hopelessly insane through the failure to discover the antidote + to the madness.</p> + + <p>While Eva was engaged in her ministrations up-stairs Locke + was finishing some experiment in his laboratory. Down-stairs, + Balcom had just arrived in the hall, where he was met by Zita + with a report of what had happened the day before.</p> + + <p>"Tell it to me in the strong-room while I place this package + there," Balcom whispered, indicating the package which he had + brought.</p> + + <p>Together Balcom and Zita descended to the cellar and made + their way to the Graveyard of Genius as Zita poured forth her + story, unmindful of the fact that the butler had seen them go + down and was watching very skeptically. In the Graveyard Balcom + unwrapped a small model of a motor and placed it on the + shelf.</p> + + <p>Eva, having left her father, came upon Locke in the hall, + and there they stood talking for a moment, when the butler + approached apologetically.</p> + + <p>"Begging your pardon, Miss Brent," he reported, "but I just + saw Mr. Balcom go down to the strong-room with Miss Zita, and I + thought you might like to know."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," nodded Eva, dismissing the butler and trying to + show no concern in the matter.</p> + + <p>But Locke shot a quick glance at her as the servant left, + and it was evident that both felt the same suspicion, for Locke + immediately excused himself and hurried down-stairs.</p> + + <p>In the Graveyard Balcom and Zita were talking in subdued + tones as Zita whispered.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you know," she nodded, "that before Mr. Brent + went mad he wrote a confession with a list of these inventions + which International Patents has suppressed?"</p> + + <p>Balcom could scarcely conceal his rage. "Yes, I know it," he + replied, savagely. "That confession would cause a great deal of + trouble."</p> + + <p>Low as they were talking, they would have been even more + careful had they known that Locke was listening outside and + that, even as they turned to leave the strong-room, he had + sidled out of the way and was rejoining Eva in the library.</p> + + <p>Locke had scarcely told Eva what he had heard when she moved + over to the safe and would have tried to open it had he not + stopped her. For he had heard the other two coming from the + cellar, and even as it was they were at the hall door.</p> + + <p>"My dear," remarked Balcom as he entered and went to Eva, + "since your father is not likely to recover, I must ask you to + transfer all the company papers from his private safe to the + office of the company."</p> + + <p>Eva did not respond to the fatherly manner assumed by + Balcom. Instead she almost point-blank refused to do as he had + requested.</p> + + <p>Just then Locke, whom Balcom had almost ignored up to the + present, heard the noise of some one coming through the + conservatory. It was Paul Balcom, his coat on his arm, his + sleeves rolled up, and a tennis-racquet in his hand, as he had + come just from the courts.</p> + + <p>Paul glanced surlily at Locke, who bowed pleasantly to him, + as well he might, considering their relative positions in Eva's + real affections. Catching sight of his father with Eva, Paul + paused a moment.</p> + + <p>It was just at that instant that Balcom had been saying to + her: "Why don't you marry Paul, as you promised your father and + me? That would settle all the difficulties."</p> + + <p>Paul had suspected the nature of the conversation, though he + approached as if ignorant of it. Apparently catching the drift, + he deftly urged her, but Eva tactfully changed the subject, + greatly to Paul's chagrin and his father's ill-suppressed + anger.</p> + + <p>The suspense of the situation was relieved for Eva by the + nearer approach of Locke, who must have had some inkling of + what was going on. Paul and his father exchanged glances as the + young chemist and detective joined Eva, and it was evident that + no love toward him was wasted by either.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me," she apologized, walking away with Locke, "but + there is something very important that I must attend to for my + father's interests."</p> + + <p>Locke and Eva walked to the safe, while Balcom and Paul + watched like hawks.</p> + + <p>A moment later Eva was kneeling before the safe, after + giving Locke a paper which contained the combination numbers to + open the bolts. Locke glanced at it, then held it where Eva + could read:</p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Combination of + Safe</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 4em;">Turn once left to + 40</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 4em;">Three right to 18</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 4em;">Once left to 40</span><br /> + + + <p>As Locke held the paper and Eva's slender hand spun the + combination lock, Balcom and Paul moved silently forward. + Although Locke was holding the paper with the combinations for + Eva, he heard them come up behind him and knew that they were + watching. With a quiet smile to himself he moved the paper over + so that they could see it, nor were they slow to take advantage + of the chance. Locke's mind was working fast, and he had a + purpose in what seemed to be carelessness or even + foolishness.</p> + + <p>A moment later Eva opened the safe and from it she took a + typewritten document of many pages.</p> + + <p>It read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p class="smcap">Board Of Directors,</p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">International Patents, + Inc.,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">New York.</span></p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Gentlemen</span>,—In view of + the government's anti-trust investigation, I have prepared + this list of inventions we have suppressed. I think we + should discuss at our annual meeting the advisability of + surrendering our rights to these inventions, no matter what + may happen to the corporations we have been protecting.</p> + + <p class="center">Very truly yours,</p> + + <p class="author">Peter Brent.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Following this letter was a bulky paper, or rather set of + papers, which detailed the inventions and their history, + exposing some of the nefarious operations of the + corporation.</p> + + <p>Balcom, as he read the top letter, showed great agitation. + As Locke took the package from Eva, Balcom interrupted:</p> + + <p>"That's very dangerous," he said. "If it gets out, the + corporations are ruined."</p> + + <p>Locke scarcely replied. Instead, he very ostentatiously + replaced the document in the safe, refusing to intrust it + either to Balcom or to Paul, who withdrew sullenly, leaving Eva + alone with Locke in the library as Locke whirled the + combination of the closed safe door.</p> + + <p>It was perhaps half an hour later in the secret den of the + Automaton in the rock-hewn foundation of Brent Rock that the + emissaries were watching the arched and dark passage. Suddenly + there was the warning clank, and the huge steel monster strode + in.</p> + + <p>For some time he stood before the table, giving his + instructions by means of mysterious, cryptic motions.</p> + + <p>Meantime, above in Brent Rock, Locke had been busy, for he + had conceived an entirely new plan to capture the Automaton. It + was nothing short of an electric trap, and deadly in its + simplicity.</p> + + <p>From the wall switch Locke had led wires carrying the house + current. Already, also, he had let Eva in on his secret plan, + and she was all eagerness as he planted his trap.</p> + + <p>Before the safe, now, Locke paused, and there for a moment + twisted the combination so that he could get his correct + position. That done, he noted the place where he had been + standing, and removed a mat from the floor in front of the + safe. At that place he set in on the floor a fairly large iron + plate. To this iron plate he attached a wire, then replaced the + rug, but in such a way that a part of the plate was exposed, + though it would never be noticed.</p> + + <p>"If the Automaton attempts to open the safe," he remarked to + Eva, as he worked, "he will complete the electric circuit and + it will hold him until we capture him."</p> + + <p>"How clever!" Eva exclaimed, involuntarily.</p> + + <p>"Now for making my signaling connection to the laboratory," + continued Locke. "Then I must get some of my men up here from + the department."</p> + + <p>However, while Locke and Eva were busy arranging this + electric trap, they did not notice that they were being watched + by Zita, who had stolen into the conservatory and was eying + them eagerly from the protection of the fronds of a palm. Zita, + moreover, was greatly excited, as she gathered with her quick + perception just what it was that they were doing. Nor did she + wait to see the work finished, but stole out of the door and + away hurriedly.</p> + + <p>Locke had finished his preparations, and as he and Eva were + discussing the possibilities of what he had devised, he + remarked, in answer to her eager inquiry about his suspicions, + "I am sure we shall prove that there is a man inside the + terrible machine that attacks us."</p> + + <p>"Then you don't think it is really an automaton?" asked Eva, + with great respect for Locke's opinion, though it was + sufficiently in evidence that she was not at all convinced that + the monster was not really of steel and controlled by something + that resembled a human brain.</p> + + <p>Locke was non-committal. "This trap will tell us," was all + that he would say.</p> + + <p>Zita, hurrying out from the conservatory, and wishing to + waste not an instant in notifying Balcom, sought a near-by + telephone pay-station, and there in frantic haste she demanded + Balcom's number.</p> + + <p>It was some moments before Central could make the + connection, and then it was only to Zita's disappointment and + growing fear. The Madagascan servant of Balcom answered in the + absence of his master.</p> + + <p>"Is Mr. Balcom there?" asked Zita, adding, "Or Mr. + Paul?"</p> + + <p>The black shook his head. "Neither Mr. Balcom nor Mr. Paul + is at home," he replied.</p> + + <p>Zita was now thoroughly alarmed. Had she some connection + with the Automaton? Or was it her fear that either Balcom or + Paul might know more than they would care to have the + authorities know? Or was the Automaton really an iron monster, + after all?</p> + + <p>That and many other questions were surging through the minds + of all who had encountered this unique mystery.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> + + <p>It was midnight when, far down in the rock-hewn cavern in + which the Automaton had his secret den, the steel monster and + one of his men stalked out through the arched passage that led + to the very cellar of the house above them.</p> + + <p>A few moments later the swinging rock door in the Graveyard + of Genius tilted and the two entered the strong-room, passing + across the room and out through the steel door into the cellar. + Up the cellar steps they proceeded until they reached the hall, + then noiselessly they crossed into the library. With his human + companion the monster approached the safe deliberately. Just as + deliberately the Automaton reached out to turn the handle of + the combination.</p> + + <p>There was a flash as the current passed through the arm of + steel to the foot of steel resting on the plate Locke had set + in the floor. A suppressed cry escaped from the henchman. As + for the monster, he strove with superhuman force to wrench + himself away from the electric trap.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, up in his laboratory in the house, Locke and four + men from the Department of Justice had been waiting.</p> + + <p>"The Department expects us to get this evidence + <i>right</i>," he had emphasized as he gave them their + instructions.</p> + + <p>Hardly had he finished when a signal light which Locke had + arranged on the wall flashed, giving the information that the + trap had worked.</p> + + <p>Out of the laboratory all piled, running down the hall, + Locke paused only a second to tap on Eva's door, as she had + asked, if anything happened, so that she might be present at + the capture. An instant and Eva, too, had joined the + pursuit.</p> + + <p>Down in the library the Automaton struggled with the + current. As the rug was kicked aside, the emissary saw the wire + from the plate and quickly traced it to its source.</p> + + <p>The result was that in a few seconds the emissary had found + a wall switch and pulled it. Instantly the Automaton was + released from the power that held him.</p> + + <p>Quickly the man of steel raised and lowered his arms, as + though to be sure that he could do so, at the same time + indicating orders to his follower, who leaped to guard the + entrance to the room. Then the Automaton turned to open the + safe, making swift use of the remaining seconds before the + alarm might bring interference.</p> + + <p>In almost no time he had the safe open, reached in, and + seized a packet of precious papers, apparently. Then he turned + and was gone, regardless of the man whom he had sent to guard + him.</p> + + <p>In the hall, Locke's sharp ears had detected the approach of + the emissary. Not knowing whether it might be the villain + himself, he cautioned the men to wait an instant. The emissary, + coming along, crouching and listening, did not see Locke, and + thus Locke was able to seize him and with a spectacular throw + project him literally into the hands of the law in the person + of one of his own men, who snapped the bracelets on the + astonished thug as Locke, followed by Eva and the rest, ran on + to the library.</p> + + <p>No one was in the library as Locke ran in and looked about. + He turned toward the door to the hallway where the portières + were drawn. As he was standing there, looking about, the + portières moved behind him. Suddenly they were jerked aside + from their fastenings and flung over his head. As this + happened, the ponderous hand of the Automaton descended on + Locke's head and he sank to the floor as the portières wrapped + about him.</p> + + <p>When the department agents with Eva arrived, they were + merely in time to untangle Locke from the curtains. The + Automaton had fled safely.</p> + + <p>Although his head was still reeling from the blow, Locke + started to question the prisoner, but gave it up as a bad job + and hurried over to examine the safe, followed by Eva.</p> + + <p>Their dismay was mutual. Not only was the safe door open, + but the paper was gone.</p> + + <p>Question the emissary as they would, they could get nothing + out of him. Such men have keenly developed the gang instinct of + silence. They would sooner die than squeal.</p> + + <p>Even a night in jail failed to break the reticence of the + emissary, although he had been subjected to the most strenuous + third degree.</p> + + <p>Not only had his spirit not been broken, but the fellow was + keenly alert and planning a way to secure his own release.</p> + + <p>As a prison guard was taking the emissary back to his cell, + after a thorough quizzing by Locke in the warden's office, the + emissary whispered:</p> + + <p>"Want to make a piece of change—safe?"</p> + + <p>The guard looked about, saw that the coast was clear to + speak, but before he could do so the emissary spoke again.</p> + + <p>"Give me a piece of paper and a pencil."</p> + + <p>Quickly the thug scratched away at a note.</p> + + <p>"Deliver that," he said to the guard, handing him the note + he had written, "and you'll get something worth while."</p> + + <p>The guard nodded as he shoved the thug into his cell and + locked the door, then walked off, while the fellow watched + eagerly through the bars.</p> + + <p>Locke in the warden's office, unsuccessful in making the + prisoner talk, had evolved another scheme.</p> + + <p>"Put me in the cell next to him," decided Locke. "I have a + plan."</p> + + <p>It was while the false guard was reading the address on the + note that Locke and the warden entered the cell row. The guard + hastily stuffed the message in his pocket as Locke and the + warden passed up toward the empty next cell.</p> + + <p>Locke went through all the actions of one who was being + thrown into a cell, and the emissary in his own cell listened + without suspecting anything. Locke had arranged with the warden + to leave the cell unlocked, but no sooner had the warden left + than the guard, who had been observing, moved over and shot the + bolts.</p> + + <p>Here, then, was a predicament. Locke could not give the + alarm without putting the emissary in the next cell on guard. + Rapidly Locke revolved in his head scheme after scheme. He was + an expert on bolts and knew that at any moment he could release + himself. Should he do so now? Instead he concluded to wait + until the guard returned, for by the man's actions Locke was + sure that something queer was going on, although, naturally, he + did not know what it was. Accordingly Locke lay down on the + bunk in the cell and decided to wait.</p> + + <p>Some time later, at a deserted house not far from the + rock-hewn den of the Automaton, the false prison guard might + have been seen delivering the message which the prisoner had + written to two other emissaries of the Automaton.</p> + + <p>After a hasty conference they decided on their course of + action. Not only did he receive the money the prisoner had + promised him, but the emissaries gave him minute instructions + regarding the rescue which they planned. A cap and a pair of + goggles for the prisoner were given to the guard and he was + sent on his way.</p> + + <p>Scarcely had he gone when the Automaton himself entered the + deserted house, and under his direction one of the emissaries + wrote a note which he addressed to Eva. For, with Locke out of + the way, it was a splendid time to take advantage of the poor + girl.</p> + + <p>The note read simply: "Our prisoner has confessed. Meet me + at the Cliff House at eight o'clock," and bore the signature of + Locke.</p> + + <p>Thus, with their plans carefully laid, the Automaton and his + emissaries plotted, and soon a messenger was on his way to Eva + with the faked message.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, as the day wore on, the treacherous guard + returned on duty at the prison, and at the first opportunity + made his way to the cell in which the emissary was locked. In a + hoarse whisper he told the fellow of the success of his mission + and of the plan, slipping to him the cap and goggles through + the bars.</p> + + <p>Locke had been waiting for hours impatiently on his bunk, + but now was all attention, though he was careful not to betray + it. As the guard left and the emissary was trying on the cap + and goggles, Locke came to his cell door. Now was the time to + act.</p> + + <p>He began working noiselessly and swiftly with the bolts, + deftly determining just how the tumblers fell until he was able + to slip the bolt. He peered into the next cell. The emissary + had retired to his own bunk to await the time of rescue. Locke + saw his chance, and at once began unlocking the cell door. As + the emissary heard him, he concluded that it was the guard come + to release him, and sprang from his bunk just as Locke entered. + He suspected nothing until a stray ray of light fell on Locke's + face. But then it was too late either for him to put up much of + a fight or to make an outcry. For with a swift blow Locke + disposed of him and carried the fellow, unconscious, into his + own cell, where he locked the door again, hurrying back to the + emissary's cell, where he donned the fellow's clothes, of which + he had stripped him, and appropriated the cap and goggles. Then + Locke waited for the rescue that was to lead, he was sure, + straight to the villains he wished to capture.</p> + + <p>At Brent Rock, the faked telegram from Locke had been + delivered and Eva was overjoyed to learn of his seeming + success. As it happened, Zita was in the library when the + butler brought the message in, and, all animation, was eager to + accompany Eva to the meeting-place. But Eva would not listen to + it.</p> + + <p>So, not many moments before eight that night, while Locke + was waiting in the jail for the rescuers, Eva climbed into her + speedster, eager to keep the appointment which she was + convinced would clear up the mystery.</p> + + <p>In the darkness outside the jail, by this time, was waiting + the false turnkey when an open car drove up with its motor + silenced. He had been expecting it and so was ready when a + heavily goggled man climbed out and signaled to him. In the + back of the car was another man, also goggled, while the + chauffeur, alone, had his face also well hidden by a cap over + his eyes and his collar pulled up.</p> + + <p>Understanding perfectly, the guard hurried into the jail, + making sure that the coast was clear, and down the cell row to + the cell where Locke was waiting impatiently, now dressed and + hunched up in a perfect imitation of the emissary. The turnkey + opened the door and whispered to Locke, who nodded gruffly, and + together they sneaked quietly out.</p> + + <p>With scarcely another word, outside, Locke leaped into the + waiting car and the four were off, leaving the false turnkey + chuckling over his cleverness and ready to make a get-away.</p> + + <p>Locke glanced furtively from the driver to the other two + passengers in the car as it sped along in the direction of the + cliffs. So far everything had gone fine. When would they begin + to suspect the substitution he had played on them? He revolved + rapidly in his mind just what he would do under various + circumstances.</p> + + <p>"Well, old pal," exclaimed one, clapping him on the + shoulders, "how does it seem to be out?"</p> + + <p>Locke replied with gruff heartiness, and the others now + began to remove their goggles. Locke, however, did not do the + same. They exchanged a glance.</p> + + <p>Already Eva had arrived at the Cliff House, had left her + car, and was approaching on foot, just as Locke with the now + thoroughly aroused emissaries swung into sight.</p> + + <p>With a shout to the driver, the two in the back of the car + leaped at Locke at once, and, as the car stopped, the chauffeur + joined them.</p> + + <p>Even prepared as he was, Locke was no match for three of + them, and, fighting furiously, all four combatants rolled over + and over as they came closer to the door of an old acid-mill + that adjoined the Cliff House.</p> + + <p>"We must keep him from saving the girl," panted the leader + of the emissaries to the others.</p> + + <p>Inside the old building stood some huge tanks of acid, and + as they rolled nearer and nearer to them it became evident that + Locke was in their power.</p> + + <p>Suddenly one emissary reached out and secured a coil of + rope, which he unwound quickly. The others, too, saw their + chance. It was fiendish. Round and round they wound the rope + until they had Locke well-nigh helpless. Then one of them cast + the end of the coil over a beam, all seized the end as it fell + on the other side, and Locke found himself dangling head + downward from the beam, suspended over the vat of acid.</p> + + <p>They were about to drop him into it when one, more alert and + more fiendish than the rest, cried out, "Look!"</p> + + <p>Through a window now they could see Eva, and back of her the + terrible figure of the Automaton, stalking. She had walked + directly into the trap, but the fight with Locke had delayed + the emissaries. Wildly now Eva was running over the lawn, full + in the direction of the acid-room from the Cliff House.</p> + + <p>"Quick!" directed the emissary. "She'll come in that door. + Fasten the rope on it. Then his own sweetheart will drop him + into the acid!"</p> + + <p>It was only a matter of seconds, as the screams of Eva came + closer and closer, for the emissaries to carry the rope and jam + it into the door through which pretty soon Eva would run to + take refuge from the pursuing Automaton. Then they slunk back + through a rear door, with muttered taunts to Locke, who + struggled in the tangle of rope as he felt the stinging fumes + of the acid below.</p> + + <p>Outside, Eva, who had realized at last that it was a trap + and had no thought that Locke might be anywhere about, fled + toward the acid-room, while the emissaries hid, ready to seize + her as she opened the door which was to plunge her lover into a + horrible death in the acid seething below him.</p> + + <p>CHAPTER XII</p> + + <p>Locke's case seemed at last hopeless. The cruel ropes bit + into his flesh and increased his agony, while the acrid fumes + from the seething acid were slowly stupefying that keen brain + of his.</p> + + <p>Backward and forward like a huge pendulum his body swayed, + and in an agony of suspense he watched the fatal rope. With + writhing body he swayed far out, and then he saw just one + chance.</p> + + <p>The emissaries had thrown the rope over a beam which was far + above Locke, and it seemed an impossibility for him to reach + it. For one less resourceful or with a physique less perfectly + developed, even to try would have been useless. But there was + one chance in a thousand, and he grasped it eagerly.</p> + + <p>Alternately contracting and relaxing his muscles, Locke + succeeded in swinging himself in an ever-widening arc. Nearer + he swung—back—and again nearer. Could he make it? + Back again and a terrific effort. He was gaining.</p> + + <p>There came to him the sound of running feet. In his fear and + agony he could have shrieked, but from his parched throat there + issued no sound. Friend or foe, for him it meant the same + fate—one touch on that knob and a torturing death by + fire.</p> + + <p>With bursting muscles he redoubled his efforts. In a long + sweep his body swayed out and up. Would he be in time? Those + pattering feet, they were coming nearer and nearer. There were + now but a few yards between them and that knob.</p> + + <p>A mighty swing, a monstrous heave, his fingers crooked + talon-like, and he touched the rafter, clutched—and + missed.</p> + + <p>Downward and backward, his mind now reeling in black + despair. He had tried and failed. This was the end. The sound + of footsteps had ceased. Well he knew that some one was at the + door. He tried to pray and then—he crashed against the + rafter. Mechanically he grasped at it and clung.</p> + + <p>The door flew open, and there stood Eva. All the horrors of + imminent death, even the pain of sorely tried muscles, were + momentarily forgotten in his relief at seeing her safe and + having saved himself. But not yet was he free. The emissaries + had been thorough in their work, but it was not many moments + before the last knot was loose and he dropped to the floor.</p> + + <p>Locke peered stealthily about. To all appearances everything + was clear. He placed his arm about Eva and they started to + steal out. Well they knew that, with such enemies, not for a + moment would they dare relax their caution. For them every + angle and nook was a temporary haven. Slowly they drew away + from the dread spot, and soon came to a more populous locality + where the lights of honest shops and peaceful homes gave them a + sense of greater security and brought a feeling of unreality to + the horrors through which they had passed.</p> + + <p>A taxi-driver hailed them, and in a short time they were + rolling along the Cliff Drive and had arrived at Brent + Rock.</p> + + <p>It was the following day that the old butler handed Locke a + letter addressed to International Patents, Incorporated, from + the Diving and Salvage Company. Locke was about to read it, + when Eva entered and they read it together.</p> + + <p>"We are reliably informed," read the letter, "that the Under + Seas Corporation is trying to obtain possession of the + self-liberating diving-suit which you control in our interest. + This must be prevented."</p> + + <p>Locke was immediately interested. At once it occurred to him + that here was a patent which the company had suppressed which + might prove of incalculable value.</p> + + <p>"This suit might be very valuable to the government," he + exclaimed to Eva. "I am going to try it myself."</p> + + <p>"Please don't," pleaded Eva. "It isn't worth it. It's not + worth the risk."</p> + + <p>Locke, however, realized that here was something of extreme + importance, and as he visualized to Eva the helplessness of a + deep-sea diver, his air-line cut, struggling in vain to release + himself and rise to the surface, he began to win her over.</p> + + <p>At the moment when Quentin and Eva were in the library, Zita + was taking advantage and was ransacking Locke's laboratory, not + with any definite purpose in mind, but searching in every nook + for some clue which might tell her what he was about.</p> + + <p>The speed with which she worked was extraordinary. Yet, + before she moved an instrument, a retort, a book, its position + was minutely studied, so that she could restore it to its + former place without any one suspecting that it had ever been + moved.</p> + + <p>It was while she was thus occupied that her eye fell upon an + instrument which aroused in her an excited interest. It was + very like the headpiece used by operators of telephones, and + she hastened to adjust it. In a moment it was as though she + were in the library. She could hear Locke's earnest laugh and + in it Zita could detect an undercurrent of tenderness. Her lips + compressed and her eyes hardened as she listened. Locke was + speaking about a letter and it seemed to be something + important. Zita was all ears.</p> + + <p>But Locke's next words which she heard were his decision to + test the diving-suit, and as she listened she became tense, for + this information she knew was important. The continued note of + tenderness in Locke's voice more infuriated Zita. She removed + the headpiece of the dictagraph, slammed it back into the desk + drawer from which she had taken it, and hurried out.</p> + + <p>In the library, Locke, having persuaded Eva, left her and + went down into the Graveyard of Genius, where he touched the + secret spring and the massive door flew open. He entered the + gloomy place and went at once to the shelf upon which lay the + self-liberating diving-suit. He took the suit down and examined + its every detail minutely. As he did so he became more and more + enthusiastic and he could find no fault with any of its + features.</p> + + <p>"It's entirely practical," he exclaimed to himself. "I'm + going to try it to-day."</p> + + <p>He closed the great door and remounted the stairs, carrying + the suit with him. But had he noticed the fiery eyes that had + watched him through the secret rock door of the cavern he would + not have been so eager to try the test he had in mind.</p> + + <p>By this time Eva had called her car, and together Locke and + Eva drove to the near-by cove, where there was a little launch + which he planned to use.</p> + + <p>Out into the river they sailed, Eva at the wheel, while + Locke busied himself over the sputtering engine. Soon they + arrived at a spot which was suitable for the test of the + suit.</p> + + <p>Locke had brought along the full equipment, and, while Eva + took charge of the air-pump, Locke donned the diving-suit. Soon + all was ready and Locke descended over the side, after + carefully instructing Eva in each detail. Eva started pumping, + while with her other hand she carefully paid out the air-line + and signal-cord.</p> + + <p>But in their close attention to the task in hand, neither + had noticed a low, knifelike launch that had followed them and + that was now hovering a short distance off.</p> + + <p>Locke was now walking over the shell-strewn bottom, + examining curious objects here and there. The tide was setting + in strongly and at times it was with difficulty that he kept + his feet.</p> + + <p>He had become satisfied that this particular suit filled all + the requirements of a first-class diving-suit, and he was about + to try its special, self-liberating feature, when his attention + was arrested by a vague mass which seemingly moved against the + current.</p> + + <p>This was so extraordinary that his first thought was of a + shark. He stopped in his tracks and became motionless, for it + is a well-known fact that these sea tigers rarely see an object + unless it is in motion. Still, the vague form slowly took on + more distinctness as in its course it gradually drew nearer to + him. It was then that Locke was almost overcome with surprise. + For there, groping his way toward him, was a diver, like + himself.</p> + + <p>What was this strange being doing there on the bottom of the + sea? Whence had he come? Locke could not guess. For, like Eva, + he had not noticed the other launch. It seemed impossible to + him. Still, to him, apart from curiosity at the appearance of + the other diver, the incident had no other interest. What had + he to fear from any man at the bottom of a peaceful harbor? + Locke moved nearer.</p> + + <p>The stranger allowed him to approach, stopped, even, as + though he were himself amazed at Locke's appearance, and Locke + made gestures to reassure the man of his good intentions.</p> + + <p>Locke was quite close now, and through the glass gate in the + other's helmet he could see his eyes. But in those eyes he + could see no responding friendliness. There was a murderous + hate instead. He tried to step back and place himself in a + position for defense, but he was too late. For, with a movement + amazingly rapid for one under water, the stranger leaped upon + him, at the same time drawing a long knife. There, under the + sea, commenced a battle royal.</p> + + <p>Locke was unarmed and so from the start was at a + disadvantage. The stranger seemed not so anxious to stab him as + to come to close quarters, and before Locke could prevent him + he had done so. With his left hand he grabbed Locke's lines, + while with the other, in which was the keen knife, he slashed + murderously.</p> + + <p>Locke tried to break his grip. But the other was not to be + denied. With one stroke he cut through both lines, pushing + Locke backward and himself springing free at the same time.</p> + + <p>Immediately Locke's helmet filled with sea water, while the + pressure became enormous. Locke tried to hold his breath, while + his hand searched for the liberating knob. He gave it one + twist. It worked perfectly. Locke's suit, including the helmet, + simply opened and fell from him.</p> + + <p>Propelled as much by the pressure that the water exerted as + by his own powerful strokes, Locke shot to the surface.</p> + + <p>The day was perfect and the bay was calm. For a few seconds + Locke floated, drawing the air into his starving lungs. Then he + raised himself and gazed about him. At first glance everything + seemed the same except for the fact that, whereas before his + own boat had been alone, there were now two. Then Locke heard + an agonizing call for help—from Eva.</p> + + <p>After he had gone over the side of their launch Eva was + naturally very intent upon keeping him plentifully supplied + with air. He had been down some time before, glancing about, + she had spied the other launch. But at the time she had thought + little of it. For her, all thought of danger was centered on + the man who was now risking his life many fathoms beneath her + from pure motives of patriotism.</p> + + <p>It was only, some minutes later, when she heard the grating + of another boat against the side of her own that she realized + that she herself stood in danger. But even at that moment her + thoughts were of Quentin, who now for the first time was wholly + dependent on her efforts alone. She looked up fearfully, and + what she saw fairly congealed the blood in her veins. Directing + a murderous emissary to board Eva's launch, in the cockpit of + the other boat stood the Automaton!</p> + + <p>Not for an instant did Eva cease her efforts at the pump. + But she shrieked with terror again and again. Now, to add to + that terror, the pressure on the air-pump suddenly ceased. From + the depths myriads of bubbles of air arose.</p> + + <p>Knife in hand, the emissary leaped aboard and came toward + her. Automatically, frantically, she still turned the useless + pump, while with her free arm she tried to ward off the poised + knife.</p> + + <p>Again her shriek for help echoed across the water—and + this time her call was answered.</p> + + <p>Had she gone mad? The voice that answered her was the voice + of the man she loved. Her brain reeled and she fell at the feet + of the murderous thug.</p> + + <p>Other cries, then shouts were now heard, for some fisher + folk were putting out off shore to discover what all the tumult + was about.</p> + + <p>The Automaton made a hasty gesture to the emissary, who + sprang back from his victim and leaped to his own launch, + where, with his assistance, there was barely time to haul + aboard the chief thug, who had been sent below to attack Locke. + The launch cast off and with ever-increasing speed headed down + the river.</p> + + <p>Locke was the first to arrive and climb over the side of the + boat. Dripping though he was, he took Eva in his arms and + bathed her face, while by this time other craft arrived and + friendly hands did all they could to care for them both.</p> + + <p>It was some minutes before Eva was restored and all headed + again to the shore, eager to help Locke.</p> + + <p>As he assisted Eva to land, and they waited for a carriage, + Locke hastily offered a boatman a liberal reward for the + discovery of the precious diving-suit, for it had been his + intention to present the patent to the government.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile some strange things had happened. Paul and his + father had quarreled over money, over De Luxe Dora, over Paul's + manner of life and his ill luck in winning Eva's + affections.</p> + + <p>At the same time Dora had become more insistent in her + demands for money to meet her extravagances, and Paul conceived + an idea of selling one of the patents to a rival company. + Strange to say, it had been the self-liberating diving-suit and + the rival company was the Under Seas Company.</p> + + <p>All this took place some time after the disappearance of the + Automaton and his precious crew.</p> + + <p>Some hours later that evening a telephone message came for + Locke from the boatman that the diving-suit had been recovered + and was being held by him.</p> + + <p>Locke replied that he would be down in an hour. But during + that hour other strange things occurred. For no sooner had the + boatman hung up his receiver than a pleasant voice hailed him + and he left his house to investigate. It was Paul Balcom.</p> + + <p>It was in a clever, insinuating, affable manner that Paul + approached the real object of his visit. His appeal was + cleverly worded, cleverly presented. The sole object was to + awaken the poor boatman's cupidity.</p> + + <p>The sum mentioned, no less a sum than five thousand dollars, + would mean luxury to the poor man. And all for what? Simply to + call up a stranger, a Mr. Locke, to tell him that the boatman + demanded more money since he had telephoned before, that the + cash was to be placed by him in an old packing-case from which + a stationary engine had been removed that morning. It was just + an exchange. That was all.</p> + + <p>"Sure I'll do that," the boatman told Paul, and Paul, + smiling craftily, gave him his hand to seal the bargain.</p> + + <p>The boatman went back to his quarters and again called Brent + Rock, making his new demands. Locke was tremendously indignant, + but he wanted the suit quickly to prevent its falling into + unscrupulous hands. He agreed and immediately started for the + dock.</p> + + <p>The boatman turned from his telephone and, picking up the + suit, regarded it curiously. "Five thousand dollars," he + muttered. "Five thousand dollars." And he shook his head + wonderingly.</p> + + <p>He was standing near an open window and was commencing to + fold the suit preparatory to taking it to the end of the dock + where lay the engine-case, when, without the slightest warning, + three emissaries of the Automaton, who had appeared just a + moment before on the dock, leaped through the window and felled + him to the floor. He struggled feebly, but it was no use, and a + final blow left him unconscious.</p> + + <p>The emissaries next grabbed the diving-suit and left + hurriedly by the way they had come. But they had not completed + what it was they sought to do.</p> + + <p>The old boatman was not as badly hurt as it seemed and was + able to drag himself across the floor with just strength enough + to pull the telephone from the table and call Brent Rock. Then + as weakness again overcame him he managed to blurt out a + message to Eva, who answered.</p> + + <p>"Don't let Mr. Locke come to the dock," he managed to gasp. + "He'll be killed." Then he collapsed and fainted.</p> + + <p>Eva tried frantically to get the boatman again on the wire, + but it was useless. Quickly a plan formed in her mind.</p> + + <p>If she could only intercept Locke before he reached the + dock!</p> + + <p>She dashed out to the garage, realizing that it was almost + hopeless, since Locke had been gone some time. Hoping against + hope, she jumped into her speedster and swung out and down the + road.</p> + + <p>The fact was that even as she sped along toward the cove + Locke was passing the arched gate of the dock.</p> + + <p>He called at the boatman's little shack. Of course there was + no reply. To all appearances it was deserted. Thinking to find + him at the very end of the dock where he had been told to place + the money, he proceeded to the engine-case.</p> + + <p>He was slightly surprised at not finding the boatman there, + but as that was no part of the agreement it engaged his + attention for only a moment. He started to withdraw the money + from his pocket, groping at the same time to see if the + diving-suit was actually in the case.</p> + + <p>He was bending over when suddenly there was a rush of men + behind him and a blackjack in the hands of one of the ruffians + just missed his head.</p> + + <p>He fought, but their numbers were overwhelming. Like a pack + of wolves they pulled him down.</p> + + <p>Locke was quickly bound with ropes and forced into the + engine-case. The cover was put on and they nailed it down + solidly. To make it doubly sure this time the case was then + lashed with ropes and they were knotted.</p> + + <p>Next the emissaries carried the case to a sloping landing + stage, preparatory to casting it into the river.</p> + + <p>It was at this moment that Eva came running down the dock in + wild search to intercept Locke. Wide-eyed, in the moonlight, + she paused at what she saw.</p> + + <p>The emissaries had given the packing-case its final shove. + Scraping, it slid down the incline and toppled overboard. There + was a great splash as it struck the water and immediately began + to sink in the depths.</p> + + <p>The engine exhaust had evidently protruded from the case, as + there was a hole in its side slightly larger than a man's hand. + To Eva's horror, though she had half expected it, she saw + actually a hand thrust forth from this hole as if waving + frantically.</p> + + <p>The box sank lower as it rapidly filled with water.</p> + + <p>Eva knew not what to do. Instinctively she knew that it was + Locke. It was as though he had waved a last farewell.</p> + + <p>Only the hand now showed above the surface. Finally that, + too, disappeared beneath the waves.</p> + + <p>Despairingly she turned to see if there was anything on the + dock with which she might help Locke—and she saw the + Automaton himself advancing from the shore toward her. She + turned. The emissaries on the other end of the dock cut off any + chance in that direction.</p> + + <p>Without a moment's hesitation Eva poised herself a moment on + the edge of the dock and leaped far out into the blackness of + the river.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> + + <p>The box that held Locke a prisoner was now undoubtedly + resting on the slimy bottom. Eva had totally disappeared. The + Automaton, convinced that at last he had rid himself of his + victims, waved away the emissaries and departed.</p> + + <p>Except for the tiny lights of ships on the river and the + staccato exhaust of a tugboat, the river flowed with nothing to + remind one of the two tragedies of only a few seconds ago.</p> + + <p>As far as the eye could see, the surface of the water was + unbroken. Then, suddenly, the scene changed. For from out the + water, as though hurled up by a catapult, shot a man's + body.</p> + + <p>It was Locke.</p> + + <p>By what miracle had he escaped from the watery grave?</p> + + <p>From the time he was a small boy the study of locks and + bolts, of knots and strait-jackets, of anything that could + restrain or bind a man, had held a marvelous fascination for + him, until now he was recognized as one of the world's greatest + experts on these subjects. The great lock concerns often sent + for him to test new inventions, and invariably he could point + to any flaw in the constructions of them that existed. As he + came to manhood his knowledge had grown apace until to many he + seemed a veritable sorcerer.</p> + + <p>It was by a trick known only to himself that he had been + able to extricate himself from his desperate plight at the + river's bottom. True, his flesh was lacerated. True, he was on + the verge of total collapse. But he lived.</p> + + <p>He made his way slowly toward the dock and was resting + against one of the piles when he heard a faint cry. He strained + his ears to locate the direction whence it came. Once again + that feeble call floated across the water, and in it there + sounded something vaguely familiar.</p> + + <p>He was more rested now and he swam farther under the dock. + Again came the cry. With a thrill now he recognized the + voice.</p> + + <p>"Eva!" he called, again and again.</p> + + <p>"Here I am," came back the echo.</p> + + <p>With a powerful stroke he breasted the current and in a + moment he was supporting her half-fainting body. Precarious + though their position was, Locke felt the thrill of her words. + The effect was to spur him on to fresh efforts.</p> + + <p>Eva had become stronger now. For a few moments he swam, in + order, if possible, to find some means by which they might + escape from the water and reach the dock.</p> + + <p>They had no way of knowing but that the Automaton and his + emissaries might still be lurking above, ready to thrust them + back into the water or to reserve for them some even more + terrible fate. But it was a risk that they realized must be + taken and at once. An attempt to swim to another dock could end + only disastrously.</p> + + <p>Locke soon returned with the cheering news that he had + discovered a ladder that came even to the surface of the water, + a landing for small boats. More than that, he had mounted the + ladder, and from a short survey he had seen no sign of their + enemies.</p> + + <p>Carefully aiding Eva, Locke swam to this ladder and soon + they stood upon the dock, safe.</p> + + <p>With great caution they moved toward the street and, without + harm, finally passed beneath the arched gates again and were in + the city street.</p> + + <p>Eva went at once to her father's room. His condition was one + of great weakness. The laughing madness had abated in so far + that the poor victim was so weak that the spasms could not + maintain a very violent form.</p> + + <p>Eva practised all those little kindnesses which are known + only to women, and tears were in her eyes as she stroked his + poor gray head.</p> + + <p>How terrible was it that, after all they had attempted, all + that they had suffered, they should still stand defeated in + their aim to get the antidote that would cure her father's + malady. However, the brave girl was not one to admit herself + beaten, and even as she sat there she was planning new ways to + discover who were her terrible adversaries and to bring defeat + to them.</p> + + <p>At Brent Rock the next morning an aged inventor named + Winters arrived before Locke was down-stairs, and was shown + into the library to wait.</p> + + <p>Locke soon descended from the laboratory and went into the + room to meet him. But Winters was so agitated that at first he + could hardly speak. It was some moments before he gained + control.</p> + + <p>"What can I do for you, sir?" inquired Locke, although he + knew the man must be one wronged by the patents company.</p> + + <p>"One of my inventions was returned to me, when I protested + once," the man replied, "but nothing has been done about two + others."</p> + + <p>"Please try to have a little further patience," pleaded + Locke. "Everything is being done to assure justice to all."</p> + + <p>"But, Mr. Locke," the man persisted, "I must insist on the + return or the immediate marketing of the two inventions now in + the possession of International Patents or I will—"</p> + + <p>He paused, for Eva had entered and was overhearing what + Winters was demanding.</p> + + <p>"I am sure that, as my father returned one of your + inventions," she interrupted, "he would wish me to return the + other two, and I shall do so at once. Mr. Locke, will you be so + kind as to get them?"</p> + + <p>Locke immediately left the room and descended to the + Graveyard of Genius for the two models.</p> + + <p>In the laboratory above were Balcom and Zita, for she had + told him of her discovery of the dictagraph. Balcom had the + headpiece firmly clamped over his head and was drinking in the + purport of the conversation down in the library.</p> + + <p>Zita was almost beside herself with curiosity, as Balcom + repeated only scraps of the conversation that went on below, + but finally the real subject of the whole matter was repeated + to her and she was satisfied at last. A peculiar look came into + her eyes. As for Balcom, one would have thought that a whole + world's treasure had suddenly been placed within his grasp. Yet + each was cautious not to betray too much to the other.</p> + + <p>Over the dictagraph came the words spoken by Eva, "Mr. Locke + and I will come to your workshop at eight this evening to + complete the transaction."</p> + + <p>Locke in the mean time had brought the two models into the + library and the inventor had almost danced with joy at seeing + the children of his brain again.</p> + + <p>Sent down by Balcom, Zita had been ordered to spy on Eva and + Locke. She had been nearly caught by Locke as he was returning + from the Graveyard of Genius, but had slipped behind a pair of + portières at the end of the hall and had emerged only when + Locke had entered the library. She had crept close to the door + and was listening.</p> + + <p>She, too, now heard the inventor exact a promise from Eva + and Locke not to fail to be at his workshop at eight that + night.</p> + + <p>Zita had but a second to glide backward from the door as the + inventor came out into the hallway where she stood. He gazed at + her in such a strange, fixed manner that an uncanny feeling + came over her. Then he passed out, just as Balcom came down the + stairs.</p> + + <p>"Why did that man look at me in such a strange manner?" she + queried of Balcom.</p> + + <p>A moment Balcom considered her, as though undecided to + speak, then made up his mind.</p> + + <p>"Because," he replied, slowly, "he knows the secret of your + birth, knows who you really are."</p> + + <p>Zita had no further chance to question Balcom, for at this + instant Eva and Locke, still carrying the inventions, were + leaving the library. Locke turned down again toward the + stairway leading to the Graveyard of Genius, while Eva, nodding + pleasantly to Zita and Balcom, mounted the stairs leading to + her father's room.</p> + + <p>Zita turned questioningly again to Balcom.</p> + + <p>"Half of everything that girl possesses rightfully belongs + to you," he whispered.</p> + + <p>Zita apparently did not understand. "What shall I do to + obtain my rights?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"Do as I say," returned Balcom, as he left quickly.</p> + + <p>It was some hours later that in the dark corner of the + Graveyard of Genius the huge rock slowly swung outward. There + was a clanging and clanking of metal. Two fiery eyes gleamed + through the aperture and out stalked the hideous monster, the + Automaton. With strange ominousness it went directly to the two + models which Locke had returned, took them, turned and went + back through the great gap in the wall from which it had come. + Again slowly the huge rock swung back into place.</p> + + <p>Locke, with some sort of intuition, had deduced that young + Paul Balcom by his very absence might have played a leading + part in all the events in which both Eva and himself had been + thwarted and almost killed. Accordingly he determined to find + and trail Paul.</p> + + <p>It was some time after the models had been stolen in his + absence that, in a taxicab, Locke, having gone from place to + place which he knew Paul frequented, at last caught sight of + him leaving a dance-hall of very ill repute. Paul was just + stepping into a car which whisked him off rapidly and Locke + gave an order to his own driver to follow him.</p> + + <p>They wove in and out of various streets and finally turned + up the Drive, where, after a few minutes, Paul's car came to a + stop before a palatial apartment-house and Paul alighted. + Looking up and down the Drive and seeing nothing to cause him + suspicion, Paul entered the house.</p> + + <p>Locke carefully noted the address, then leaned back in his + cab to await developments.</p> + + <p>Paul was taken to the third floor and there was admitted to + a gorgeous apartment.</p> + + <p>"I thought you'd never get here," languidly greeted the + feline De Luxe Dora.</p> + + <p>She led him to a chaise-longue seductively, taking care, + however, that he should see a pile of unpaid bills that lay + upon a table near it.</p> + + <p>Paul was not entirely at his ease and wasted no time in + coming to the point.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Dora," he began; "I know you can't run this + shack on air. I got your note this morning. I've been busy and + I've got an idea. I've made up my mind to take a couple of + those inventions the company owns and sell them. It means + coin."</p> + + <p>Dora's eyes gleamed avariciously.</p> + + <p>"Be patient," Paul added, "and I'll have you swimming in + gold."</p> + + <p>At this juncture three young fellows of the cabaret type, + better known as "lounge lizards," were admitted to the + apartment.</p> + + <p>Paul cast a glance at Dora which clearly spelled jealousy + and reproach. He knew the fellows. In fact, there were few + denizens of the underworld whom he did not know. Concealing his + vexation, he tried to greet them easily.</p> + + <p>The fellows returned the salutation hastily.</p> + + <p>"Say, Balcom," hastened one of them, "some one is on your + trail, shadowing you."</p> + + <p>Paul was startled and furious, but in this emergency it was + Dora who thought out the plan of action.</p> + + <p>"In a taxicab?" she repeated, as the others told what they + had seen outside. "Listen to me, Paul. Go to the window and + show yourself. Then leave the house. This fellow Locke will + investigate—and we'll tend to the rest."</p> + + <p>Paul moved to the window, opened it, and stepped out on a + small balcony. Dora slipped to his side and for a moment they + stood there gazing apparently at the view of the river. Then + they re-entered the apartment.</p> + + <p>"Now go, Paul," said Dora. "Whoever this fellow is, we'll + handle him."</p> + + <p>Paul started to get his hat, then stopped and from his + pocket drew out a small package.</p> + + <p>"I was going to use this elsewhere," he said, "but it might + come in handy to—"</p> + + <p>Dora reached for the package, but Paul withdrew it + hastily.</p> + + <p>"Careful, Dora," he admonished. "There's a small gas-bomb + inside."</p> + + <p>The five now conferred a bit and it was agreed that this + time the inquisitive Mr. Locke would surely trouble them no + more.</p> + + <p>"With Locke out of the way," promised Paul to Dora, "the + road to our fortune is clear."</p> + + <p>A moment later Paul left the apartment, descended in the + elevator, and jumped into a taxicab and was off.</p> + + <p>Locke from his cab had, of course, seen all this, had seen + Paul and Dora on the balcony and the departure. But he knew + nothing of the three men who had gone to the same + apartment.</p> + + <p>He waited until Paul passed out of sight, then stepped out + of his cab, making a careful calculation as to the exact + location of the woman's apartment, for he had determined to + find out about her. From the hall boy he learned that it was De + Luxe Dora, of whom he knew, and it was only a matter of seconds + when he was admitted.</p> + + <p>Dora swept over graciously toward him.</p> + + <p>"Will you answer me one question?" he asked, in answer to a + query from her.</p> + + <p>She nodded assent.</p> + + <p>"How long have you known Mr. Balcom's son?"</p> + + <p>"He is an old friend," she replied. "I'm expecting him to + return at any moment. Won't you be seated? Please excuse me + just a moment."</p> + + <p>Before Locke could say a word she had left the room. Left + alone himself, Locke took in all the details of the room and + again and again his eye wandered to a Louis XIV desk.</p> + + <p>Feeling certain that this woman was without doubt connected + in some way with the plots, he felt justified in opening the + desk to obtain evidence. He tiptoed over to it and tried to + open it. It stuck at first, but after one or two silent, + well-directed blows which he so well knew how to administer the + sliding panel stood unlocked.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/310.jpg" + name="image310" + id="image310"><img width="400" + src="images/310s.jpg" + alt="LOCKE COMES UPON STARTLING EVIDENCE" /></a> + locke comes upon startling evidence + </div> + + <p>He glanced around. There was no one to be seen. He moved + back the panel. There was a flash and a tiny puff of smoke. + Locke coughed once, clutched at his throat, and lay gasping on + the floor.</p> + + <p>Immediately the three men rushed out, carrying ropes and + holding handkerchiefs to their nostrils. One ran to the window + and threw it wide open, admitting gusts of air to clear away + the fumes. The others began to bind Locke as De Luxe Dora + appeared in the doorway and calmly directed operations.</p> + + <p>On the roof of the apartment several moments later in the + just-gathering dusk five figures might have been seen. Three + men and a woman were conferring, while at their feet was a man + tightly bound and unconscious.</p> + + <p>In the background was a huge water-tank, with a ladder + leading to its brim.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the conspirators straightened up. They had come to + a decision. The three men lifted the unconscious figure and + bore it up the ladder. The tank was empty. One of the men + jumped down into it, while the others lowered their victim + after him. Then they passed down ropes.</p> + + <p>There were two spouts at the bottom of the tank through + which water was pumped. Also there were pipes running upward. + To these pipes they tied Locke. Then the men climbed out and, + as their last fiendish act, turned the water on.</p> + + <p>With a sneer Dora turned and led the way down-stairs + again.</p> + + <p>"They'll find his body when they have to clean the tank + again," she exclaimed.</p> + + <p>At Brent Rock, during the absence of Locke, Eva had donned + her street clothes, since it was nearing the hour of eight when + she and Locke were due to be at the inventor's workshop to + render the restitution. She went down-stairs and asked the + butler about Locke. But the man replied that Mr. Locke had not + yet returned.</p> + + <p>Eva was very uneasy by this time, and, thinking to save + time, was about to go down to the Graveyard of Genius to get + the models of the two inventions, when Zita came down the hall + carrying a fair sized package which she tried hard to conceal. + Eva greeted her and continued down to the cellar, as Zita, with + a sort of grim smile, left the house.</p> + + <p>Eva came to the great door, pushed the secret spring, and in + a moment was inside the gloomy place. She went directly to the + spot where the two inventions had been kept. They were + gone.</p> + + <p>Alarmed, she rushed up-stairs.</p> + + <p>Still Locke did not return. Nor did any word come from him. + It was now very near to eight. Eva decided to go, for surely + Locke would be there.</p> + + <p>When Zita arrived at the inventor's, in her hands was still + the mysterious package. She carried it gingerly, then raised it + to her ear. From within it there came a faint ticking sound. + What was it inside?</p> + + <p>She looked at her wrist-watch. It was still some minutes + before eight. She knocked at the inventor's door.</p> + + <p>The inventor at once admitted her. It was a neat little + workshop in which every detail had been thought out with + care—the home, one might say, of a methodical + workman.</p> + + <p>The inventor manifested some surprise at seeing Zita, but + politely asked her to enter, and offered her a chair. Zita + declined and plainly showed her nervousness.</p> + + <p>"Will you please give this package to Mr. Locke and Miss + Brent when they come at eight?" she asked.</p> + + <p>Winters agreed and accepted the package, looking quizzically + at her as he did so, just as he had earlier in the day.</p> + + <p>Zita, unable to control her curiosity, burst out with the + question uppermost on her mind.</p> + + <p>"Why do you look at me in such a strange manner?" she + queried.</p> + + <p>The inventor merely turned his gaze away and shrugged.</p> + + <p>"Mr Balcom tells me that you know the secret of my birth," + pressed Zita.</p> + + <p>The inventor looked up quickly. "Who did Mr. Balcom say you + were?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"He told me that I was Brent's daughter," replied Zita, + keenly watching the aged face.</p> + + <p>"Balcom lied to you," hastened the inventor.</p> + + <p>Already there was a ponderous tread on the stairs, but + Winters did not seem to notice it.</p> + + <p>"You are not Brent's daughter," he pursued, more slowly.</p> + + <p>The door opened swiftly and an emissary stood framed there, + a knife poised in his hand. Behind him stood the Automaton.</p> + + <p>"You are—"</p> + + <p>At that instant the inventor caught sight of the intruders. + With a look of horror in his eyes he threw out his hands to + protect himself, but he was too late. The knife whizzed through + the air and a second later pierced his throat. He fell to the + floor—dead.</p> + + <p>At the moment when the emissary, followed by the Automaton, + entered, Zita, watching her chance, managed to escape from the + room, stumbled, and almost half-fell down the stairs.</p> + + <p>Already, in the huge water-tank that stood on the roof of + the apartment of Dora, Locke had revived as he felt the water + and had found himself already half submerged, with the water + rapidly pouring in. At first he could not grasp his terrible + predicament, but before long the full horror of it burst on him + and he struggled madly to free himself. Since his body was + stretched at full length, it was impossible to use the ordinary + tricks of which he was master. His arms were bound, and he well + knew that to release one of them constituted his sole chance of + escape.</p> + + <p>He contracted his muscles and, inch by inch, he worked his + right arm free. By this time the water had risen until he was + fairly beneath its surface. Could he last long enough to free + himself?</p> + + <p>He worked frantically. Finally, with his lungs almost + bursting, he managed to free the other arm, then the rope that + bound his neck. To release his feet was, to him, child's play, + and he stood up.</p> + + <p>But the water had risen almost to the top of the tank before + he was able to grasp its brim and draw himself out.</p> + + <p>Once on the roof, there was only one thought in his mind. It + was nearing eight o'clock, and if Eva kept the appointment at + the inventor's he knew his adversaries well enough to be sure + that they would take advantage of his absence.</p> + + <p>He dashed down the stairs and out of the building. Dora and + her evil band could wait. He must reach the inventor's shop. As + the seconds sped, so increased his premonition that all would + not be well there.</p> + + <p>It was at the moment that Zita came flying down-stairs that + Locke burst into the hallway to the inventor's.</p> + + <p>Zita saw him. Above, she knew was the terrible Automaton and + his bloodthirsty emissary. More horrible yet, she had her fears + of the package that had been given her by Balcom to + deliver.</p> + + <p>"You must not go up there!" she cried, impulsively, flinging + her arms about Locke's neck.</p> + + <p>Locke tried to remove her arms as he questioned her. But + Zita either would not or could not tell more. Instead she + merely clung to him.</p> + + <p>Thus it was that Eva, determined at keeping her appointment + with the inventor at all costs, entered the hallway at just + this unpropitious moment. To her it looked as if Locke and Zita + were very familiar. Could it be that Quentin was such a cad? + She could not deny the evidence of her eyes.</p> + + <p>Indignantly she brushed past them and rushed up the stairs. + Locke called after her, but she refused to heed him. He flung + off the arms of Zita and dashed after her. But Eva was too + quick for him. She opened the door to the inventor's and went + in, slamming it behind her. The lock snapped. In an instant Eva + saw what she had fled into. There was the Automaton, near him + the emissary with the knife—and on the floor their victim + in a pool of blood. She shrieked and tried to escape. But the + lock had snapped. Besides, the emissary, now directed by the + monster, blocked her retreat.</p> + + <p>Outside, Locke pounded on the door, but could not open it. + It was of stout oak and would take some moments to break + down.</p> + + <p>The emissary circled in one direction. Eva turned, and there + was the Automaton advancing on her from the other side of the + room.</p> + + <p>On the table the clock-work bomb, delivered by Zita, whether + with full knowledge or not, ticked out the last few seconds + before its timing at precisely eight!</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3> + + <p>Eva flattened herself against the door at her back. She + could feel and hear Locke pounding on the other side. She + thought that she would die of sheer terror.</p> + + <p>The Automaton raised his mighty fist, and Eva instinctively + ducked under the monster's arm. There was an inner room. Could + she reach it in time? Would the door be unlocked? At most she + could only try.</p> + + <p>The emissary tried to catch her, but she proved too quick + for him. She reached the door. It opened, and she flew into the + room, slamming and bolting it behind her.</p> + + <p>Now she could hear the thunderous blows of the Automaton + raining against the door. One huge fist of the monster crashed + through the panel. Eva crouched down in a far corner and closed + her eyes. At that instant the time bomb exploded and the house + was rocked to its foundations.</p> + + <p>Everything was demolished. One entire side of the house was + blown out. The door leading to the workshop which a moment + before Locke had been vainly striving to open crashed full upon + him and felled him, half-stunned, to the floor.</p> + + <p>The force of the explosion had dazed Eva. As for the + Automaton and the emissary, they had both been blown through a + gaping aperture in the wall to land in the garden beneath. Only + Zita, in the lower hallway, was totally untouched by the + catastrophe.</p> + + <p>Locke, dazed, crawled from under the door and made his way + into the demolished room in search of Eva, a cold fear gripping + his heart. How could any living thing have lived after such an + occurrence? But in another instant he saw her, as she half + swooned and staggered into the room.</p> + + <p>"Quentin!" she gasped.</p> + + <p>He caught her in his arms. But the next moment she + remembered what she had witnessed in the hallway below and she + drew herself away from him.</p> + + <p>"Go to the girl you really love," she scorned.</p> + + <p>"The girl—I really love?" repeated Locke; then there + ran through his mind what had happened, as though it had been + ages ago.</p> + + <p>He protested and tried to explain. But protestations and + explanations only made matters worse, as usual. Had she not + with her own eyes seen Locke in Zita's arms?</p> + + <p>"Eva," he persisted, manlike, "I swear that she was only + trying to save my life. I cannot help it if she—"</p> + + <p>Locke saw that his defense was only making an innocent + matter worse, and checked himself. His mind recalled that some + one had once said that a jealous woman believes a man guilty + until he proves himself innocent; when he has proved himself + innocent she merely still suspects. Eva's manner was very + constrained.</p> + + <p>At that moment a policeman, followed by Zita, entered, and + Zita, running up to Locke, cried, anxiously, "You're not + hurt—are you?"</p> + + <p>Locke answered in an annoyed negative.</p> + + <p>The policeman now questioned them very closely and examined + the dead inventor's body. Then he entered their names and + addresses in his note-book.</p> + + <p>Next the officer lead the entire group down to the garden. + There the horribly injured emissary was trying miserably to + crawl away.</p> + + <p>The Automaton had totally disappeared.</p> + + <p>Eva immediately ordered that the injured man be taken to + Brent Rock in her car. Then she turned sharply to Zita.</p> + + <p>"How did you come to be here?" she demanded.</p> + + <p>Zita was startled and confused. It lasted only a minute. + Then, her mind made up, she replied, defiantly:</p> + + <p>"I came here to discover the secret of my birth. I have been + told that I am Mr. Brent's daughter."</p> + + <p>Eva was stricken dumb with astonishment at this startling + claim, but Locke laughed outright.</p> + + <p>"What nonsense!" he scoffed. "Eva, don't listen to it."</p> + + <p>Zita glared at him and with a haughty nod to Eva swept out + of the garden.</p> + + <p>Eva was still frightfully indignant with Locke and insisted + on going home alone. However, they arrived at Brent Rock at + about the same time.</p> + + <p>The emissary had been placed on a lounge in the library and + a doctor was called. The case was quite hopeless and they + merely hoped to obtain a confession before he passed away.</p> + + <p>When Eva arrived she went directly to her father's room, + but, as he was receiving every attention from a trained nurse + and she could do nothing further to aid him, she returned to + the library.</p> + + <p>Locke, too, after changing his clothes, still wet from the + water-tank on the top of the apartment, also went to the + library.</p> + + <p>At his entrance the doctor glanced at him in a manner to + indicate that there was no hope of saving the man's life. Locke + went over to examine him. He was struck by the sly rascality of + the professional criminal, but he thought little of it at the + time. He tried to question the emissary, but, except for a + labored breathing, could extract no response.</p> + + <p>There were voices in the hallway. For a moment the dying man + showed some signs of returning consciousness. A crafty look + came over his face. What was he contemplating?</p> + + <p>The door opened and Balcom and his son Paul entered. Balcom + walked jauntily, but with a suavity of manner that was always + his. Paul looked at his best, except for the fact that he + carried his left arm in a silken sling.</p> + + <p>Balcom greeted them all, and at his voice the dying man + actually showed a sort of agitation. A strong shudder seemed to + pass through his body, then, like a spring suddenly uncoiled, + he sat up.</p> + + <p>He was fully conscious now and strove to rise to his feet. + It was a tremendous effort, but he succeeded, and stood + confronting Balcom, while the ominous light of hatred that + gleamed from his eyes as they encountered those of Balcom made + even that well-poised man recoil and shudder.</p> + + <p>With the muscles of his face working convulsively the dying + thug tried to speak. All those standing in the library realized + that it was to accuse, to denouce.</p> + + <p>However, the effort proved too great, and with a groan that + was ghastly the man fell backward on the couch, dead.</p> + + <p>Murdering brute that he had been, still to Eva and Locke he + now represented nothing but a stricken human being, with a + human soul, blackened and warped. But Balcom and Paul seemed to + show unmistakable signs of joy and relief. It was so evident, + Locke thought, that he turned to them.</p> + + <p>"Your coming seemed to have an unfortunate effect," he + hinted. "The man seemed to know one of you—at least."</p> + + <p>"Nothing of the kind," retorted Balcom, nettled.</p> + + <p>Locke turned to Paul and regarded his injured arm + questioningly. Paul, however, never lost his accustomed + aplomb.</p> + + <p>"I was hurt in an automobile accident," he explained, though + with what seemed to be a trifle of nervousness.</p> + + <p>Locke turned to the doctor. He was rubbing his hands, and + smiling, with great unction, an action very unbecoming, to say + the least, in a medical man who had just lost a patient. Taken + all in all, Locke felt he could now sense the web of conspiracy + tightening around him. The cards were still in the hands of his + enemies.</p> + + <p>He determined to incur any risk, to leave no stone unturned + in order to bring the criminal to justice, whoever he might be. + One thing encouraged him. The events seemed to have mollified + Eva. He made an almost imperceptible signal to Eva, who left + the room to dress for the street.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Locke left the library and went to a private + telephone that connected the garage to the house. He ordered + the chauffeur to have a fast runabout ready for instant call. + Then, at the other telephone, he notified the coroner's office + of the death of the emissary.</p> + + <p>By this time Balcom, Paul, and the doctor came out of the + library, the doctor in high good humor, for had he not received + a huge fee? He left in his car.</p> + + <p>Balcom and Paul, however, were slower in going, and paced + the hallway in earnest conversation. Once they came to a dead + halt close to the stairway leading down to the Graveyard of + Genius. They listened intently. Evidently they came to a + decision on something, for they left the house very + hurriedly.</p> + + <p>Immediately Locke called for the runabout. Eva came running + down-stairs and in a moment they took up the trail of the + Balcom car.</p> + + <p>It seemed as if they traveled for miles, and Locke was + commencing to think that it was merely a wild-goose chase, when + Balcom's car came to a halt in one of the lower quarters of the + city, before a house that was apparently tenantless.</p> + + <p>To avoid discovery, Locke backed his car around a corner, + got out, and watched their movements from a safe distance.</p> + + <p>He saw Balcom, senior, alight, but Paul did not leave the + car. Locke was in some quandary what to do. To attempt to enter + the house without Paul's seeing him and raising the alarm + would, he realized, be impossible. Therefore he waited for + nearly half an hour before his patience was rewarded by seeing + Balcom come out of the house, jump into the car, and drive off + hurriedly with Paul.</p> + + <p>Locke walked to the house and looked closely over the + exterior. It was little different from others in the same + street. Then he walked thoughtfully back to Eva and they argued + pro and con about the advisability of attempting to enter.</p> + + <p>Locke insisted on entering alone, but Eva would not hear of + it. Therefore, it was decided that they would go in + together.</p> + + <p>When Balcom had alighted from his car half an hour before he + had merely stood for a moment in front of the door of the house + when, mysteriously, the door had opened.</p> + + <p>There was no one in sight. But he was so familiar with the + house that it might have been his own. He descended a flight of + stairs and stood before another door, where the same + door-opening process was repeated.</p> + + <p>Balcom entered a darkened room and for a moment seemed quite + alone. Then from out the shadows, with a little half run, half + lope, a strange figure of man came toward him.</p> + + <p>He was in reality large of frame, but stooped and bent with + age. An old frock-coat was wrapped about him. But the most + remarkable things about the man were a pair of weirdly + fascinating eyes with a mad glint in them and an enormous full + beard, snow white, that fell almost to his waist.</p> + + <p>At times the man talked rationally, in fact with the + forcefulness of a great savant. Then, abruptly, he would leave + off and the rest of his conversation was that of a babbling + child. He was seldom at rest, scampering here and there, not + unlike a bird-dog on a fresh scent. Seeking—always + seeking—what?</p> + + <p>Balcom grasped his arm in order to arrest his attention.</p> + + <p>"Doctor Q," he addressed him, "you can have the revenge you + have sought so long. Have you prepared everything?"</p> + + <p>The old man chuckled and wagged his head in senile fashion. + Balcom grabbed both his shoulders so that the old man was + facing him, and shook him slightly.</p> + + <p>"Your enemies are here," he emphasized. "Have you prepared + for their reception?"</p> + + <p>And then the haze beclouding the old man's brain seemed to + pass away and his next moments were lucid.</p> + + <p>"Ah, it's you, Balcom. You were just saying—"</p> + + <p>Balcom explained that Locke and Eva had tracked him and on + his departure would undoubtedly enter to investigate the place. + Doctor Q, for such was his odd name, understood now, and an + evil grimace distorted his wrinkled face.</p> + + <p>"Let them come," he growled. "I am prepared. Why, I have + even improved certain features of the Chair of Death."</p> + + <p>He led Balcom into an inner room where many electric bulbs + were dimly glowing. At their entrance two brutal-looking men + straightened up from their task and saluted Balcom with great + deference. Then they resumed their tasks as electricians.</p> + + <p>"Want to see her work, sir?" one of the pair asked.</p> + + <p>Stepping around a partition that separated the knife-switch + from the room in which stood the electric chair, Balcom + watched.</p> + + <p>The chair was of practically the same construction as the + chairs used in prisons for the supreme penalty, with electrodes + to connect at the head, arms, and legs of the man to be + electrocuted.</p> + + <p>"Stand back, sir," called one of the men as he shot the + switch home.</p> + + <p>Instantly a snapping sound was heard as the current surged + through, and the crackling sound such as the now familiar + wireless makes as the long sparks leap from pole to pole. It + was Force.</p> + + <p>A satisfied look came into Balcom's eyes and he warmly + congratulated the mad inventor, who followed him to the door + and watched him as he mounted the stairs to depart with his + son.</p> + + <p>Soon after the departure Doctor Q went to a strange-looking + instrument that seemed to have many of the characteristics of + the periscope. He pulled a lever, a panel opened, and + immediately the space directly in front of his street door was + revealed to him. He stood there, watching intently, much as a + spider watches for a fly.</p> + + <p>Soon Locke and Eva showed in the panel above. He next + pressed a button and saw the two enter. Then he went to a huge + divan on the other side of the room and whipped off a covering + that was concealing some gigantic thing beneath.</p> + + <p>It was the Automaton, prostrate, at full length, without + motion. At least it seemed so.</p> + + <p>The madman glanced around, and then glided into an inner + room from the larger one. He was just in time, for a moment + later Locke and Eva entered.</p> + + <p>They, too, glanced around fearfully. They saw the dread form + of the Automaton and, although it did not move, Locke would + have admitted he was ready to beat a retreat.</p> + + <p>It was uncanny, weird. In the dim light the monster seemed + to assume gigantic proportions. But he lay so still that their + jangling nerves became quieted. They even approached him, Locke + with automatic in hand in case the iron terror were shamming. + But there was no sign of life—or whatever it was that + animated this thing.</p> + + <p>Locke, handing his gun to Eva, determined to investigate + further. He went to the inner door and listened. But he could + hear no sound. He turned the knob and entered. He was amazed at + what he saw. But, as there was apparently no living thing + about, he took courage and entered farther. He took note of the + switches, saw the deadly chair, and was about to test the + apparatus to see if it could be possible that a practical + electric chair existed in the heart of a peaceful city, when he + heard Eva shriek in heart-rending terror.</p> + + <p>He rushed madly back to where he had left her. But as he + passed through the door some one dealt him a blow on the head, + and as though pole-axed he dropped to the floor.</p> + + <p>After Locke had left her to go into the inner room Eva's + fears revived and she wished to follow him. But she was ashamed + to have him think her a coward. She forced herself to remain + rooted to the spot.</p> + + <p>Her eyes had followed Locke through the doorway and her ears + were strained to hear the faintest sound from the other room. + In her anxiety about Locke's safety she even forgot the + Automaton, and, in turning the better to watch the doorway, she + drew nearer to the divan upon which the monster lay.</p> + + <p>It was this action that had brought her into peril. Slowly + one of the monster's arms commenced to move, and before Eva + could spring away she was enfolded in his deadly embrace. It + was that that made her shriek madly, wildly, in utter + terror.</p> + + <p>Then she saw Locke running through the door to her, saw him + struck from behind, and she fainted.</p> + + <p>The Automaton, evidently thinking Eva dead, let her limp + body slip to the floor. For a moment it towered over her, as + though contemplating whether to trample on her or no. At this + juncture an emissary distracted its attention and the terror + left her lying there without further injury.</p> + + <p>The Automaton now assumed command of Locke's + electrocution.</p> + + <p>Under its direction the emissaries picked up Locke's body + and placed it in the electric chair. They slit his trousers so + that the deadly electrodes might form a better contact with his + flesh. His sleeves were rolled back for the same reason. Next + the headpiece was firmly adjusted. Now all the straps were + tightly clinched.</p> + + <p>The Automaton waved his arm.</p> + + <p>A man stepped to the switch.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XV</h3> + + <p>There was a moan from the front room. Eva was recovering + from her faint. The Automaton indicated to the emissary at the + switch to do nothing until he had found out what was going + on.</p> + + <p>Locke had, meanwhile, recovered consciousness and realized + his awful position. Here was a situation which, on its face, + seemed unescapable. Yet Locke would not give in.</p> + + <p>Straining every effort, he tried to extricate himself before + the deadly current could sever the thread of life. Seconds + seemed ages. Still he tried.</p> + + <p>With a mighty effort he strained every muscle of his + gigantic chest and the very straps that held him groaned from + the force of his muscular exertion. Even now the death-man was + at the switch and it was barely a question of seconds or + heart-beats between him and death.</p> + + <p>With a quick twist of his giant shoulder he threw his whole + weight against the chest strap and it parted. Lurching forward, + he freed his head and neck from the cruel straps, which snapped + and parted.</p> + + <p>The death-man paused for a fraction of a second to see what + caused the commotion in the chair. To that pause Locke owed his + life. With a final supreme effort he threw himself on the floor + just as the knife-switch swung into position and the wicked + blue flame of death leaped across the head electrodes.</p> + + <p>Once freed, he catapulted himself across the room and with a + vicious upper-cut sent the emissary sprawling unconscious to + the floor. Without a thought of himself he rushed into the next + room where Eva now stood in panic, glued to the spot, in fear + of the Frankenstein monster that would crush her in its + grasp.</p> + + <p>With murderous mien the thing crossed the room slowly, until + only the table stood between her and destruction.</p> + + <p>Like a wild animal Locke hurled himself into the room and + with a master stroke of quick wit flung the heavy oaken table + over at the monster. Then he seized Eva, and before the monster + could turn in its tracks, half dragged, half carried her from + the room.</p> + + <p>In the hall further difficulty confronted Locke, for the + place was well guarded. Several henchmen darted forth from dark + corners of the murky place and would have intercepted him.</p> + + <p>As the first approached, Locke, with a quick jiu-jitsu + thrust, hurled him for a fall that would have broken the back + of a less hardy man. The next one was just turning the top of + the stairs, and Locke, quick to take advantage of the + situation, adopted the only means of escape.</p> + + <p>He seized the man bodily about the waist and, lifting him + over his head, threw him upon his other oncoming foe. The + result was that the two were flung down the stairs.</p> + + <p>"Run!" he cried to Eva in a voice that was a command.</p> + + <p>Without waiting he picked her up and carried her over the + sprawling mass of legs and arms to safety below.</p> + + <p>Once outside, he felt a little embarrassed at having the + beautiful girl in his arms and he half murmured an apology as + he placed her feet gently on the ground.</p> + + <p>Life at Brent Rock was far from monotonous.</p> + + <p>Like a great game of checkers, the various members of the + establishment were being moved about, guided by some strange + hand, it seemed.</p> + + <p>Now one, then another seemed to gain the advantage, and as + each strove for control of the vast fortune, the battle of wits + surged back and forth.</p> + + <p>Balcom was playing a game, it was plain. But to what extent? + Sometimes it seemed as though Zita was his aide and would stop + at nothing to succeed. Again it was that Zita played the game + alone, still fostering her secret but hopeless love for Locke. + Again it seemed as if Paul were playing the game, either alone + or with some one else.</p> + + <p>Just now it was apparent that Balcom and Zita, for their own + ends, whatever might be the identity of the Automaton, planned + a coup for themselves.</p> + + <p>During one of Locke's absences Zita had secured access to + his laboratory, and while looking around had discovered the + dictagraph hidden in the desk drawer. Often Balcom and Zita, + either together or alone, had taken advantage of the + discovery.</p> + + <p>It was at a time when both were using the mechanical + eavesdropper on Locke and Eva in the library that Locke + suddenly decided to return to the laboratory, without saying + anything about it.</p> + + <p>Zita's quick ear heard him down the hall.</p> + + <p>"Quick!" she warned. "Some one is coming!"</p> + + <p>She sprang toward the closet door, which stood ajar, and in + an instant Balcom was with her. The two were concealed in the + closet as the laboratory door opened and Locke entered.</p> + + <p>Locke walked to his table of test-tubes and picked up one + containing mercury. What prompted this action he did not know. + Perhaps it was his fascination for the elusive metal. Perhaps + it was some subconscious feeling. At any rate, he held it aloft + and gazed at it in the light. As he did so a strange thing + happened. Reflected in its surface on the glass, yet distorted + like a convex mirror, he could see the door of the closet open + just a crack and the evil faces of Balcom and Zita peer + out.</p> + + <p>He did not move nor did he in any way betray what he saw, + but nonchalantly set the tube of precious metal down and + pretended to seek something from the table. He turned slowly + and retraced his steps to the library below, where he entered, + holding his fingers to his lips in warning to Eva not to speak. + He walked quickly over to a writing-desk, took a pencil, and + began to write.</p> + + <p>"Balcom and Zita are listening on the dictagraph. Pretend to + quarrel with me."</p> + + <p>Eva read in amazement as he wrote. Quickly she comprehended. + Then they walked silently until they were almost under the + chandelier which held the transmitter of the dictagraph.</p> + + <p>"I have something I want to say to you, Mr. Locke," began + Eva, with a wink and a smile at him, "and it grieves me to say + it."</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Locke, with distinct anxiety, winking + back.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid I shall have to dispense with your services," + continued Eva, as she reached out her hand and gave Locke's a + little squeeze.</p> + + <p>Up-stairs, Balcom and Zita listened intently, their heads + close together so that each could catch every word. Balcom was + nodding with satisfaction. Each looked at the other as though + they could hardly believe their ears.</p> + + <p>"But I have tried to serve and protect you," protested + Locke, as his face wreathed in smiles at Eva, who was carrying + the deception off perfectly. Then he added, plaintively, "I am + sorry that I have failed."</p> + + <p>"Your protection has led me into danger," returned Eva, in + her best voice to denote anger, "and your seeming interest is + out of place—and, besides, <i>Mr.</i> Locke, Paul Balcom + does not like your being here. You know he is the man I am to + marry."</p> + + <p>As she said this, Eva looked roguishly at him. Locke's face + clouded a little, although he knew it was only in a joke.</p> + + <p>"But, Miss Brent," he continued to protest, "I had + hoped—"</p> + + <p>"Not another word, Mr. Locke," interrupted Eva, as she edged + very close to him and gazed into his eyes. "Please leave this + house at once—I hate you!" And, not suiting the action to + the word, she reached out and gave his hand a squeeze that told + more than words what her true thoughts in the matter were.</p> + + <p>Locke leaned over and was on the point of kissing her when + she held up her hand and pointed to the receiver above in the + chandelier as if it really had eyes as well as ears. He looked + up and was forced to check a laugh lest it be heard by the + listeners above.</p> + + <p>In the laboratory, Balcom had heard enough. He turned to + Zita, and with a hurried command told her to go + down-stairs.</p> + + <p>"Keep an eye on him and tell me where he goes," was the + parting instruction of Balcom as the two separated on the + stairs at the very time that Paul blustered in the front + door.</p> + + <p>"Morning, Governor," nodded Paul, as he gave his hat to the + butler.</p> + + <p>"A very good morning, Paul," emphasized Balcom, quite + unctuously, as he went on to tell his son of the supposed + quarrel between Eva and Locke which he had overheard.</p> + + <p>A light of triumph came into Paul's eyes. Eva's happiness, + even her life, meant nothing to him. She was merely a means to + his own evil ends and he now felt sure that he held her in his + grasp. Besides, in so far as such a selfish nature can care for + another human being, Paul cared for De Luxe Dora. There was a + fascination for him in her tigerish, unscrupulous nature that a + good woman could never inspire.</p> + + <p>And now, as he eagerly listened to his father, he visualized + new motor-cars, a yacht, rivers of champagne, a life of mad + gaiety with his favorite pals, men and women.</p> + + <p>Locke, in the library, was laughing quietly with Eva over + the success of the ruse. But there was, notwithstanding, an + undercurrent of seriousness running through their thoughts. + For, although they had scored against their adversaries in + misleading them as to their intentions, both realized that + Balcom was a tremendously clever man, astute and wise beyond + the average in the ways of the world, and that the slightest + lack of caution, the smallest flaw in the acting of the parts + they had elected to play, would inevitably lose for them the + advantage they had gained.</p> + + <p>They went into the most minute details of the plans they had + formulated, and they realized that in order to keep the wool + pulled over Balcom's and Paul's eyes it was necessary that they + separate, at least apparently, for a few days. Locke gave out + that he was to seek evidence in the lower quarters of the city, + while Eva was to play the game at home. It was to Eva that the + more difficult role fell.</p> + + <p>Locke bade her an affectionate farewell and left by a door + opposite to the one leading to the main hallway, where the + voices of Paul and his father were now audible.</p> + + <p>Eva opened the hallway door and greeted Paul, feigning + delight and chiding him for his long absence—which had + not been even a day—intimating that there must be some + woman in whom he was interested. She made a pretty show of + jealousy.</p> + + <p>Paul, wearing his vanity on his sleeve, was delighted and + his eyes shone with satisfaction. He took a step forward and + attempted to take Eva in his arms. But she evaded him + playfully, while he pursued her. Finally she could bear no + more. The game revolted her. She made the excuse that she must + attend her father, and ran up-stairs.</p> + + <p>So a day or two passed, days which were sheer torture to + Eva. Paul called every day, bringing her little gifts, and it + must be acknowledged that he showed exquisite taste.</p> + + <p>They took long walks together. On horseback they cantered + all over the country. Friends called, and it was at such times + that Eva found her only relief from Paul's attentions. Many a + rubber of bridge she played just to escape being alone with + him.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVI</h3> + + <p>At last, late one afternoon, the faithful old butler + announced to Eva privately that Locke was on the wire and + wished to speak to her.</p> + + <p>Eva almost ran to the telephone, and her hand shook with + sheer joy as she took the receiver.</p> + + <p>"Yes, everything is moving along even more rapidly than I + expected," replied Locke to her eager inquiry. "Whenever Paul + leaves Brent Rock he goes directly to a miserable café and + there I see him with a number of people of the underworld. He + seems to have a great deal of influence over them. I'm sifting + all the clues, and as soon as I unmask him I will send for + you."</p> + + <p>Eva gave him a brief outline of how she had fared in his + absence and an account of her father's condition, which was now + very bad. Everything the doctor had done seemed to be without + effect.</p> + + <p>Locke assured her that he hoped soon to lay hands on the + antidote that would restore Brent to health and sanity, and + begged Eva to be brave in the mean time.</p> + + <p>When the conversation was over Eva felt certain that no one + had overheard what she and Quentin had said. But she was + mistaken, as she was to learn at her cost. For, far down in the + bowels of the earth, in the den of the Automaton, an emissary + had tapped in on the telephone wire and had heard every + word.</p> + + <p>Down-town, among the haunts of Paul, on the west side, was + the Black Tom Café. Every attempt had been made to make the + place bizarre. About the walls were palings that represented a + back fence, along which crawled painted black cats in every + conceivable state—a rather odd conceit for a cabaret.</p> + + <p>Although the sun had not yet set, the electric lights were + already agleam. On a raised platform three weary-eyed musicians + were pounding and thumping out the latest Broadway hit.</p> + + <p>There were not half a dozen people in the place, and these + were obviously denizens of this quarter of the town. They were + listless and weary, mere shells of human beings. And yet it was + such as these that the slumming parties at night romantically + dubbed bohemians.</p> + + <p>They showed scant interest as De Luxe Dora, unaccompanied + for once, swept into the place. Dora was gorgeously and + flashily dressed and fairly scintillated with jewels. She + seated herself not far from the door and ordered a cocktail. + Then she whistled a bar of music suggestively to the + piano-player, who immediately caught it, and the "orchestra" + with a show of animation strummed out her suggestion. She sent + over drinks for them and was rewarded with more song hits.</p> + + <p>Jauntily now Paul came in. A couple of men roused themselves + and slouched over to him. They held a whispered conversation, + and Paul was insistent on some point. He evidently had his way, + for the men slunk back to their places and, sprawling out, were + in a moment as listless as before.</p> + + <p>Paul nodded to Dora in greeting, but she turned her back. He + gave a low whistle of astonishment and went over to her.</p> + + <p>"Say, Dora, why the grouch?" he asked.</p> + + <p>For a moment she disdained to answer and glared at him + witheringly. Then she blurted out, "You're throwing me down for + that baby face with the money!"</p> + + <p>Paul gave a short laugh and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't + be silly," he laughed. "She'll be our meal-ticket."</p> + + <p>He sat down, and over a couple more cocktails he had Dora + quite mollified.</p> + + <p>A few moments later Locke entered and slipped quickly into a + chair, since he did not wish to be seen. In his hand he carried + a newspaper which he now unfolded and held up in front of him + so that it hid his face. Next he poked a hole through the + center of the sheet so that he could see without being + seen.</p> + + <p>At this moment, seemingly in all earnestness, Paul and Dora + resumed their quarrel, and Dora's strident voice echoed through + the café.</p> + + <p>"If you throw me down you'd better look out," she + bawled.</p> + + <p>Paul jumped up, and for a moment it looked as though he + would strike her. But he changed his mind, cursed her, and + finally stalked out of the café.</p> + + <p>Locke folded his paper, paid his bill to the sleepy waiter, + and started after Paul. At the entrance he stopped, thought a + moment, and then went directly to Dora's table and sat + down.</p> + + <p>"Why, what are you doing here?" she gasped, in great + surprise. "Don't you know that you may be <i>killed</i>?"</p> + + <p>"It's a risk that I must run," replied Locke. "But tell + me—you tried to kill me once—why?"</p> + + <p>"Because I was a fool, controlled by my love for Paul + Balcom—the beast! I hate him!"</p> + + <p>Dora drank viciously, then, with jealous venom, leaned over + to Locke, and asked, "If that girl, Eva Brent, finds out about + him, will she throw him over?"</p> + + <p>Locke played the game diplomatically, and apparently + succeeded in further incensing Dora against her lover, for, + suddenly she jumped up.</p> + + <p>"Meet me here in an hour. I'll have everything arranged to + spoil Paul Balcom's game," she whispered, as she swept out of + the café with demi-mondaine majesty.</p> + + <p>Locke was elated at the thought of having won so powerful an + enemy to his side. But, had he heard Dora's remark to Paul as + she met him around a convenient corner, his elation would have + given way to caution.</p> + + <p>Paul eagerly questioned her with a glance as she + approached.</p> + + <p>"Well, he fell for it," she announced, toughly, then added, + "just as you fell for his dictagraph game with the girl."</p> + + <p>There was just a bit of jealousy yet in the tone of Dora. + She was not yet convinced of her complete triumph over Eva.</p> + + <p>At the same time Locke left the café and entered a + telephone-booth, from which he called up Eva.</p> + + <p>"Come to the Black Tom immediately," he said. "Dora is now + on our side and we'll learn the truth, she promises."</p> + + <p>Eva at once started to get ready so that she would arrive at + the time Locke had fixed, while he loitered in the + neighborhood, waiting until the hour agreed upon with Dora was + almost gone.</p> + + <p>Dora was already waiting for him outside the place when he + returned to the Black Tom.</p> + + <p>"How is everything?" inquired Locke.</p> + + <p>"All arranged. You'll get Paul right."</p> + + <p>Just then a man slouched past.</p> + + <p>"Follow that fellow," whispered Dora.</p> + + <p>Locke nodded and did so.</p> + + <p>The man proceeded into the café and Locke followed. But + instead of sitting down in the main room the man passed through + into an inner room. Locke followed. He looked about. It seemed + to be a sort of storeroom, as nearly as he could make out.</p> + + <p>His guide pressed a secret panel and, stepping through an + aperture, beckoned Locke to follow. Locke drew his automatic + and went ahead in the inky blackness that lay beyond the panel. + The next moment the very floor under his feet seemed to give + way. He felt himself thrown down bodily into a sort of + subcellar.</p> + + <p>Locke was immediately pounced upon by lurking emissaries who + seized him after a terrific battle and held him firmly.</p> + + <p>"Where's a rope?" growled one.</p> + + <p>There was no answer as the men struggled. The question was + repeated. Apparently one of them looked about.</p> + + <p>"Use the wire," he growled.</p> + + <p>The questioner gave a grunt of brutal satisfaction. There in + this storeroom lay a huge roll of barbed wire. Coil after coil + of this barbed wire was wound about Locke as he struggled, but + ever more feebly, for with each coil now the barbs began to cut + cruelly into his flesh.</p> + + <p>Some one lighted a candle and by its light he saw many + carboys of acid standing in a row.</p> + + <p>Directly behind them, so that there could be no doubt of the + horrible fate in store for him, stood the Automaton.</p> + + <p>Already at the entrance to the Black Tom Café Eva's speedy + runabout came to a stop. Dora was at the curb to meet her and + was all winning smiles.</p> + + <p>Instinctively Eva shrank from this overdressed woman. But it + had been Locke's desire that she come to this place, and she + decided to follow the woman, for would it not lead to the + unmasking of Paul, whom she hated?</p> + + <p>Once or twice on the descent into the café Eva hesitated, + but was gently urged on by Dora.</p> + + <p>Eva was utterly disgusted by the flotsam and jetsam in human + guise that she found sprawling at the tables, but she decided + to brave the place.</p> + + <p>"Wait a moment and I'll get Mr. Locke," smiled Dora.</p> + + <p>For a moment, the better to blot out the distasteful scene, + Eva closed her eyes.</p> + + <p>When she opened them again it was to look into the + ferocious, bestial face of the giant emissary who, with fingers + clutched like the talons of some foul bird, was reaching toward + her to grasp her by the throat.</p> + + <p>In the noisome cellar Locke lay as though fascinated by the + dread form that confronted him, as well as by its more dreadful + purpose.</p> + + <p>The Automaton drew back its massive foot and deliberately + kicked over one after another of the carboys.</p> + + <p>A pungent odor at once permeated the cellar air as the acid + ate into the floor.</p> + + <p>Its purpose accomplished, the Automaton stalked toward + Locke, and stood towering above him.</p> + + <p>Would it crush out Locke's life under its ponderous heel? Or + would it leave him to a death more horrible?</p> + + <p>Like writhing serpents, the rivulets of seething, burning + acid crept closer, closer.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/311.jpg" + name="image311" + id="image311"><img width="400" + src="images/311s.jpg" + alt="IN THE PATH OF THE DEADLY ACID" /></a> + in the path of the deadly acid + </div> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVII</h3> + + <p>The Automaton and its emissaries left the cellar. In the + distance a door slammed and Locke was left to his terrible + fate.</p> + + <p>Except for the gurgling of the flowing acid and the + scampering of the rats all was silent.</p> + + <p>Locke tried to move. But the sharp barbs of the wire cut + into his flesh, a torture to test the fortitude of a stoic.</p> + + <p>Moreover, Locke had barely recovered from the shock of his + fall into the cellar. Thus for a few seconds that seemed to him + to be ages he lay there watching the fiery death creep closer. + Then the will to live surged through him and he struggled + furiously to escape from the deadly path of the acid. Gone now + was his flinching and shrinking as the sharp barbs lacerated + his tender flesh. Gone was the calmness that denoted surrender + and the acceptance of his fate.</p> + + <p>With bunching muscles he writhed inch by inch to one side, + out of the path of the flow of the acid. He was just in time, + for, at his last mighty effort, the consuming fluid flowed + past, not an inch from his face.</p> + + <p>To extricate himself from the coils of the wire was a slow + and painful task. Wounded with a hundred wounds, with each + movement of his body adding a further injury, many times Locke + was forced to desist in his efforts to free himself. However, + he persisted, though, strong man that he was, the tears of + agony burned his eyes and beads of cold sweat stood on his brow + even before the first coil was loosened.</p> + + <p>He could not, even to save his own life, have persisted in + this self-inflicted torture had it not been for the thought of + Eva hurrying to this dreadful den. That thought almost drove + him mad and spurred him to furious effort.</p> + + <p>It was well that it did. For at this very moment the beastly + emissary in the café above was closing in on her.</p> + + <p>Locke gave a final heave and tugged at the last strands of + the wire that held him prisoner. His clothes ripped to tatters + and his flesh torn and lacerated, he at last stood free.</p> + + <p>Without an instant's pause he collected packing-cases and + even barrels. He stacked them one upon the other, pyramiding + them under the trap-door through which he had fallen into the + cellar. Then he climbed upon them, leaped, and tried to grasp + the edge of the floor above him, but fell short and came + tumbling down amid the boxes and barrels, only to start + stacking them up all over again.</p> + + <p>Finally he managed to grasp the edge of the floor with one + hand and draw himself up. For a few moments he lay panting on + the floor, then groped for the panel through which he had + entered not half an hour before. It was locked, but a shrewd + kick above the lock opened it to him and he rushed through the + storeroom and out into the now brilliantly lighted café.</p> + + <p>He was barely in time.</p> + + <p>The emissary already had Eva in his grasp and was choking + her into unconsciousness. The foul habitués of the resort, far + from aiding the poor girl, seemed for the first time that day + to be showing interest and to be thoroughly enjoying the brutal + sight.</p> + + <p>With a shout Locke charged. His right swing landed just + behind the emissary's ear and the man dropped, pulling Eva down + with him. But Locke had her up and behind him in a second.</p> + + <p>Three other emissaries appeared as though by magic and + attacked him on all sides.</p> + + <p>Locke's automatic had been lost when he fell into the + cellar. Consequently he grabbed up one of the café chairs, + which he wielded like a club.</p> + + <p>One emissary had worked around until he was at one side of + Locke and almost behind him, a blackjack raised in his hand. + But Eva warned Locke in time. Whirling about, he made a full + swing with the chair and caught the emissary full in the face + with it. The man went down and stayed down.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/312.jpg" + name="image312" + id="image312"><img width="400" + src="images/312s.jpg" + alt="THE FIGHT IN THE CAFE AFTER THE ESCAPE FROM THE ACID" /> + </a> + the fight in the cafe after the escape from the acid + </div> + + <p>"Run quick as you can," panted Locke to Eva. "Get the car + started."</p> + + <p>She was reluctant to leave him, and Locke saw that delay was + dangerous. He hurled what remained of the chair into the faces + of the last two emissaries, then turned and rushed up the + steps, carrying Eva along with him.</p> + + <p>A whir of the starter, the throbbing of the engine as the + gas in the cylinders ignited, and they were streaking toward + Brent Rock, safe.</p> + + <p>In a still fashionable, but older, part of the town, the + elder Balcom had his quarters. They were spacious and furnished + in Oriental style, with many a suggestion of the Indian + Ocean.</p> + + <p>Balcom was evidently annoyed, and seriously so. He was + striding up and down the apartment, scowling and puffing + furiously at a black cigar. In his hand was a letter, and from + time to time he halted and glanced at it, then fell back to his + quick walking again, while a sinister light came into his eyes. + Yet the contents of the note were hardly such as would have + seemed likely to cause a man of honest purpose any + agitation.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><span class="smcap">Mr. Herbert Balcom,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">International Patents, + Inc.</span></p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,—A special + meeting of the executive board of International Patents, + Inc., will be called at Brent Rock this afternoon to + determine the future policies of this company.</p> + + <p class="author">[Signed] + <span class="smcap">Eva Brent.</span></p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Balcom had read the notice for the tenth time when a negro + servant entered and announced that his son Paul wished to see + him.</p> + + <p>"Show him in—then," growled Balcom to the servant.</p> + + <p>Paul entered. He was evidently somewhat chagrined and + crestfallen. Nor did his father's next words tend to cheer him + up.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you'll acknowledge that you've made a miserable + mess of it," accused the older man. "When will you stop mixing + women with business?"</p> + + <p>Paul was silent. Indeed there was nothing that he could + say.</p> + + <p>"And now look at this note," pursued Balcom, in growing + rage. "It brings things to a head. What can we do?"</p> + + <p>He thrust the note at Paul, who read it. Balcom himself + reread it, crumpled it in anger, tore it, and threw the pieces + in violence on the floor.</p> + + <p>This time it was to be Paul who was to formulate a plan. It + was of such a dark and criminal nature that even Herbert + Balcom, hardened as he was himself, was for the moment appalled + at his son's temerity. But as he listened to Paul's words they + fascinated him and he leaned forward the better to take in the + scheme.</p> + + <p>As Paul and his father planned, it seemed that here was + power unlimited, wealth beyond all counting and without the + possibility of discovery. For, like most men of his caliber, + the approbation of the community was dear to Balcom.</p> + + <p>"Good, Paul!" approved Balcom. "Go to it at once."</p> + + <p>Paul looked keenly at his father.</p> + + <p>"Haven't you anything to add?"</p> + + <p>"No, I have nothing to advise. The scheme is perfect, and as + you conceived it you can also execute it. The best of luck to + you, my boy."</p> + + <p>A few moments later Paul went out, his dark face beaming at + being reinstated in his father's good graces. He was full of + his plan.</p> + + <p>Down in one of the city's worst sections and near the + river-front there stood an old ramshackle building. Why it had + not been condemned by the building inspectors was a mystery. + But it stood in all its squalid ugliness. The door and the + windows were locked and shuttered. One could see at a glance + that the building had been long unused.</p> + + <p>There was an alley strewn with tin cans and other refuse + leading to the back of the house, and it was down a flight of + broken brick steps that Old Meg, the fortune-teller, had her + den where through the superstitions of those inhabiting the + neighborhood she managed to eke out a miserable existence. The + interior of the den was unspeakably filthy. The furniture + consisted of a broken-down couch, a chest of drawers in a like + condition, a card-table, a few kitchen chairs, and some boxes. + Most of the panes in the windows had been broken and the empty + spaces had been covered with old newspapers. Consequently, a + candle thrust into an old wine-bottle supplied the only real + light.</p> + + <p>At the table, idly shuffling a pack of grimy cards, sat Old + Meg, a horrible old hag, wrinkled in face like a mummy, with + only the stumps of teeth which had more the appearance of + tusks. Her unkempt hair was matted and ugly wisps of it hung + down over her bleary eyes. For clothes she wore an + old-fashioned faded gingham wrapper and around her shoulders a + dirty torn shawl. On her feet was a pair of man's shoes, many + sizes too large, which had evidently been cast away as useless + by some former owner, himself squalid. These she managed to + keep on by tying the tops with wrapping-cord. A more unlovely + human being it would have been hard to find in all the great + city. There she sat, crooning a ballad to herself in a high, + cracked voice. It sounded like an incantation.</p> + + <p>A step sounded in the alley and Old Meg looked up and + listened intently. The sound came nearer. She got up and + retreated into a dark corner, for she knew the neighborhood + well, and many a time some thug, brutal with drink, had entered + her den and wrung her last few pennies from her.</p> + + <p>But it was no inhabitant of this quarter of the town who + entered this time. It was Paul Balcom.</p> + + <p>The hag grinned in a horrible way at him, for it was not + unusual for people of his kind to visit her and it always meant + money. With her apron she dusted off the chair that stood at + the table and begged him to be seated. Then she shuffled the + cards and cut, shuffled and cut, and then as though at last + satisfied she laid them face downward on the table and + spoke.</p> + + <p>"Wish, my handsome gentleman, and may your wish come + true."</p> + + <p>"Go ahead with the hocus-pocus," growled Paul.</p> + + <p>Mother Meg picked up one card after another and her cracked + voice was evidently following a set formula.</p> + + <p>"If the queen of spades comes between the king of clubs and + the queen of hearts—"</p> + + <p>Paul listened with a strained intentness as the hag + singsonged on and on. Then a look of satisfaction came into his + eyes and he smiled happily. Next his look changed to a nasty + look of determination, and he abruptly got up, tossing a + bank-note on the table which Old Meg grabbed with avidity, + calling down Heaven's blessings on the handsome gentleman until + Paul, running up-stairs, could hear no more.</p> + + <p>Paul returned immediately to his father's apartment, where + Balcom was impatiently waiting for him. He described minutely + Old Meg, her eagerness for money, and the squalid quarters in + which she lived. The elder Balcom seemed satisfied and they + left the apartment together.</p> + + <p>"Paul," directed Balcom, "get out to Brent Rock as soon as + you can while I make arrangements with this Old Meg."</p> + + <p>Balcom stepped into his own car, while Paul hailed a + taxicab, and a few minutes later Balcom alighted before the + house of Old Meg. He walked down the alley and descended into + the den.</p> + + <p>As before, Meg was in hiding in a dark corner until she + could ascertain just who her visitor might be. Seeing Balcom, + she came out and courtesied and scraped as she had for + Paul.</p> + + <p>Balcom announced the object of his visit immediately, and + while he was speaking he fingered a roll of bills which he had + taken from his pocket the better to arouse the old hag's + avariciousness.</p> + + <p>It had the desired effect and her eyes fairly gleamed with + the craving of possession.</p> + + <p>"Do as I tell you, Meg," directed Balcom, "and I'll make you + rich. Do you understand? Rich!" he emphasized, rolling out the + last word silkily on his tongue.</p> + + <p>Old Meg's last scruples, had she ever had even one, fell + before this temptation and she became almost the slave of + Balcom.</p> + + <p>Balcom now gave a command and the old hag sidled to the door + of an inner room.</p> + + <p>"Jimmy! Jimmy!" she called. "Come here to me."</p> + + <p>In a moment a boy slunk into the room. He was sharp-faced, + pinched for food, and in tatters, as disreputable-looking as + the hag herself. Meg whispered something to him, and, as though + galvanized by an electric current, the boy shot up-stairs. He + was soon back again with two brutal-looking men who looked + suspiciously at Balcom and then shuffled into a corner, where + they conferred eagerly with Old Meg.</p> + + <p>At first it was plain to be seen that they were refusing to + do her bidding, but Meg made a movement as though she were + counting money. After that it was equally plain that they + agreed.</p> + + <p>Meg sidled over to Balcom and he unwrapped a few bills of + large denomination and handed them to her. She immediately hid + them in her dress, with many a furtive look toward her + accomplices.</p> + + <p>Balcom's eyes followed those of the old hag, and, realizing + that his whole conspiracy might fail unless the men were + assured of further reward on the completion of their task, he + approached them smoothly.</p> + + <p>"Of course," he insinuated, "you understand that if you + three follow instructions to the letter I'll double that + amount." Then he left the place, brushing his coat with his + handkerchief as he did so. "Brent Rock," he said to his + chauffeur, curtly, as he stepped into his car.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVIII</h3> + + <p>Eva and Locke were seated at a long table in the library of + Eva's home. Before them were many ledgers of International + Patents, Incorporated. Eva was reading certain entries in the + books, while Locke was making notes to be used at the coming + directors' meeting.</p> + + <p>Eva closed the ledger from which she had been reading and + announced, "I intend, at the meeting, to insist that the + patents held in the Graveyard of Genius be released to the + world."</p> + + <p>"It is the only honorable thing to do," agreed Locke. "You + will undoubtedly meet with violent opposition from Balcom and + some few who owe their fortunes to him, but in the end you will + win."</p> + + <p>"If we could only have found the antidote," sighed Eva, "and + my father could only be again in control of things."</p> + + <p>"All we can do is to act as we think he would have acted if + he were in control," soothed Locke.</p> + + <p>"May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Locke?" interrupted a + voice.</p> + + <p>It was Zita who had entered noiselessly and now stood well + within the room.</p> + + <p>How long had she been there? How much had she overheard? + Both Eva and Quentin exchanged worried glances.</p> + + <p>Locke rose and went over to Zita, who spoke to him in a + whispered undertone.</p> + + <p>The matter was so trivial that it hardly warranted her + intrusion. Locke was puzzled. But he was a man and, therefore, + did not understand. For, as Zita continued, there was a world + of longing in her eyes. She even went so far as to finger the + lapel of his coat.</p> + + <p>Eva understood only too well, and her face crimsoned. She + bit her lips, and in vexation at Zita her finger-nails pressed + into her palms. Paul's entrance at this moment was a distinct + relief, much as she despised the man.</p> + + <p>"What's all the fuss about?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>Paul had a gaiety of manner that he could slip on like a + coat, and it was this quality that made him dangerous. He was + popular and attractive.</p> + + <p>Paul took Eva's hand and managed to hold it just the + fraction of a second longer than was necessary to convey + friendship. Then Eva withdrew her hand, but not before Locke + saw it and scowled.</p> + + <p>It was not long before the elder Balcom also arrived.</p> + + <p>"Good afternoon, my children," he greeted, jovially. "I'm + just a bit ahead of time, I imagine. But why you children don't + leave dry matters of business to us older heads I'm blessed if + I know."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Balcom," retorted Eva, keenly, "the older head that + would protect my interests and the interests of those poor + inventors lies stricken, as you know, in the room above. In his + absence the children, as you are pleased to call us, will do + their best."</p> + + <p>Balcom glared, while Zita with a strange glance toward Eva + left Locke and joined Balcom in a far corner of the room.</p> + + <p>"Zita," Balcom whispered, "the time has arrived to take you + out of this false position."</p> + + <p>Zita trembled with suppressed excitement as she heard this, + and followed Balcom back toward the table, where the others + were already seating themselves.</p> + + <p>It was approaching the hour, when Eva rose and was about to + speak. Balcom motioned and stopped her with a gesture.</p> + + <p>"One moment, please, Miss Brent," he interrupted. "Before + the others arrive I am going to establish Zita's real position + in this house."</p> + + <p>All at the table looked at one another in openly expressed + astonishment. Zita, with eyes cast down, hands clasped in her + lap, seemed almost demure, though about her mouth played a + faint smile.</p> + + <p>Even Paul did not understand this phase of the conspiracy + and looked at his father as much as to say, "I wonder what the + old man is up to now?"</p> + + <p>Locke was the first to recover his coolness. "Just what, Mr. + Balcom, do you mean?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I mean—" began Balcom, then stopped. "But first I + will produce a witness who can vouch for all the facts which I + am about to relate."</p> + + <p>Balcom went to the door and opened it. There, bobbing her + head and smirking mechanically, stood that loathsome creature, + Old Meg. In these rich surroundings her frightful squalor was + all the more accentuated. Those at the table drew back in utter + disgust as she tottered into the room. As she passed Zita she + paused.</p> + + <p>"I held you in these arms when you were but a wee baby," she + muttered, hideously.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/313.jpg" + name="image313" + id="image313"><img width="400" + src="images/313s.jpg" + alt="THE HAG AIDS BALCOM IN HIS NEFARIOUS PLANS" /> + </a> + the hag aids balcom in his nefarious plans + </div> + + <p>Zita drew away from her and looked at Balcom questioningly. + Balcom now leaned far over the table and spoke + impressively.</p> + + <p>"Twenty years ago Brent was secretly married to his + secretary. There was a child. But Brent craved money, and power + that the money would bring. Saddled with a wife and child, he + was barred from his ambition, which was to marry some rich + woman. So he made a hell on earth for his wife until, in + desperation, she consented to an annulment of their + marriage."</p> + + <p>The room was breathlessly quiet as Balcom continued.</p> + + <p>"Years passed and then his conscience smote him. He made his + own child his secretary." Then he turned to Zita, pointing at + her. "There she sits," he exclaimed, "and half of the voting + power of this company belongs to her—Zita Brent, Zita + Dane <i>Brent</i>."</p> + + <p>Instantly Locke was on his feet.</p> + + <p>"Balcom, you lie!" he rasped.</p> + + <p>"Lie or no lie," retorted Balcom, "as vice-president of the + company I refuse to permit any action to be taken until Zita's + position is legally established."</p> + + <p>Locke turned to Eva. "Miss Brent," he asked, with a bow, + "may I speak for you?"</p> + + <p>Eva nodded.</p> + + <p>"Then, Balcom," remarked Locke, "we shall carry the proposed + motion over your head. You cannot produce sufficient proofs to + retard our action."</p> + + <p>"My protests," sneered Balcom, as he strode toward the door, + "will be entered in the minutes of this meeting."</p> + + <p>Zita, in the excitement, had already disappeared. Paul bowed + to Eva and Locke mockingly and followed his father.</p> + + <p>Old Meg squeezed herself against the walls of the library + and was trying to get out of the room without being detected. + But Locke was too alert for her and caught her by the shoulder, + detaining her. She tried to fight him off with her feeble arms. + Again and again he tried to question her.</p> + + <p>"The story is true, I tell you, gospel true," Meg repeated + over and over again.</p> + + <p>Locke let her go and she started toward the door. Then the + habit of a lifetime overcame her and she turned.</p> + + <p>"If you would know the truth, my pretty," she croaked at + Eva, "come to Old Meg." Then she hobbled out.</p> + + <p>Eva was naturally perturbed, although Locke tried to comfort + her. Yet she could not forget what had happened between him and + Zita just before the meeting, and, woman-like, she now held + aloof.</p> + + <p>"Eva," pleaded Locke, "won't you trust me? Things are in + such a critical state that we must not have any + misunderstanding."</p> + + <p>But Eva merely tossed her pretty head. "I don't care for + Zita or her actions," she replied, petulantly.</p> + + <p>Locke diplomatically changed the subject. "I believe," he + said, slowly, "that that old hag is in the pay of either Paul + or his father, and I mean to find out which it is."</p> + + <p>Locke had started across the hallway when Eva called him + back.</p> + + <p>"Quentin," she said, earnestly, "I trust + you—absolutely." Then she hid her face in her hands and + almost ran into the dining-room.</p> + + <p>Had she been a moment sooner she would have caught that + mysterious person, Doctor Q, who had entered the house some + time before, and, on overhearing heated words coming from the + library, had remained with his ear glued to the keyhole, + absorbing every word that was said until Balcom left. But he + had shuffled away before she ran in.</p> + + <p>Back in Old Meg's den some time later the little gutter rat + who, a few hours before, had brought the two thugs back to + Balcom and Old Meg was coiled up in a corner, asleep.</p> + + <p>With light footsteps that did not awaken the sleeping boy, a + strange little figure now came scurrying down the brick stairs. + The figure hesitated a moment, then entered the foul den.</p> + + <p>In tatters, like the sleeping street gamin, this other boy + still had something winsome, something elusively handsome, + about him, a certain refinement of features. However, a black + patch over one eye showed that this gamin was manly enough, + evidently, when it came to fighting. He stirred the sleeping + boy with his foot, and the boy, cursing volubly and beyond his + years, roused himself.</p> + + <p>They talked excitedly in whispers and the boy who had just + entered gave the street arab some money. Then together they + tiptoed into the other room and down a flight of rickety steps + into the cellar. This cellar connected with another cellar of + large size that was used as a storehouse.</p> + + <p>The boys barely spoke and, when it was necessary, only in + whispers. They came to a pile of cotton bales, found a + convenient space between the bales, crawled in, and lay + still.</p> + + <p>Night was coming fast as the hag, trailed by Locke, left + Brent Rock. She walked fast for so old a woman, but, finally, + coming to a street-car line, she took the first car that came + along. Locke had had the foresight to have himself followed by + one of the numerous Brent cars and so was able to keep the + street-car in sight until the old woman alighted in her squalid + quarter of town. Locke got out of his machine and followed her + on foot, keeping close to the walls of the buildings to avoid + having her see him.</p> + + <p>Old Meg turned the corner that ran alongside her dwelling, + and there, for the first time, gave an indication that she was + aware that she was being followed. She chuckled to herself, + gave a few stumbling capers which might have been an imitation + of a dance step, then waved her hand. Was it a signal?</p> + + <p>Locke was never to reach the alley. Old Meg had whipped + around the corner so quickly that for a moment he was puzzled + as to just where she had disappeared. He stopped with his back + half turned to a flight of stairs leading down to the cellar + entrance of a big warehouse. Suddenly he was sent stumbling + forward to his knees, half dazed by a treacherous blow dealt + from behind.</p> + + <p>He was up again in an instant and was defending himself from + the attack of half a dozen thugs. He put up a splendid fight, + but the odds were too great, and in a few minutes he was down + on the ground, unconscious and bound.</p> + + <p>The emissaries of the Automaton, for such they were, carried + him down the steps and into the warehouse cellar.</p> + + <p>Already, on leaving Brent Rock, Paul Balcom had not been + idle. He had been immediately driven to a telegraph-office, + where, after having used nearly an entire pad of blanks, he + succeeded in composing the following message:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><span class="smcap">Dearest Quentin</span>,—Have + proofs that Old Meg spoke the truth. Meet me immediately at + her place.</p> + + <p class="author">Zita.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The message was addressed to Locke at Brent Rock and was + marked "Important."</p> + + <p>"That ought to fetch her!" muttered Paul, as he left the + office.</p> + + <p>Twenty minutes or so later the telegram was delivered to the + butler at Brent Rock, who brought it at once to Eva.</p> + + <p>At first she was loath to open a message addressed to some + one else. But Quentin's affairs and her own were so intertwined + by this time that she felt that the telegram would, in all + probability, concern her as well as Locke. She tore it + open.</p> + + <p>"Dearest Quentin," she read and for a minute could get no + farther, for it seemed as if a mist had formed before her eyes. + She clutched at the balustrade. Then pride, jealousy, and a + certain anger surged up within her and she finished reading the + telegram.</p> + + <p>Eva was in a quandary what to do. She paced up and down the + hallway, biting her lips and repressing the tears.</p> + + <p>Could it be possible, after all, that Locke was faithless? + Was this the man who had been so kind, who had saved her from a + thousand dangers? At any rate, she would find out once and for + all.</p> + + <p>Faint and heart-sick, she gave orders to have her runabout + brought around. It was a long drive from Brent Rock, but Eva's + fast speedster covered the ground quickly. Twice policemen + tried to stop her and, failing, probably took the number of her + car. Nothing could deter her. And, as the cool evening wind + lashed her face, faith in Locke revived and the suspicion came + that she might be rushing into danger. But no thought of + herself entered her mind as she stepped on the accelerator and + the car shot forward. Her single thought was of speed, more + speed, to get to Locke quickly.</p> + + <p>She was appalled at the squalor of the neighborhood in which + she finally found herself. Disgusted and revolted at the filth + of Old Meg's abode, still not for an instant did she falter or + hesitate. She ran down the steps to Old Meg's home.</p> + + <p>The old hag was evidently awaiting her, for this time she + did not hide at the sound of approaching footsteps, but came + forward, courtesying and mumbling greetings, while her eyes + gleamed with a satisfaction that was positively hellish.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Locke—where is he?" Eva gasped.</p> + + <p>"All in good time, my pretty, all in good time," mumbled the + hag. "You're to wait for him here."</p> + + <p>But Eva insisted on seeing Locke at once and the old hag + lied volubly. He had been here, and had stepped out for a + moment. No, she did not know where—to get a cigar, maybe. + Would the pretty lady hear her fortune told while she + waited?</p> + + <p>As there was apparently nothing that she could do until + Locke returned, Eva sat at the card-table while Old Meg droned + her old fortune-telling rigamarole.</p> + + <p>In spite of her growing fear and agitation Eva became + interested. There was something calming in the monotonous voice + of the old crone.</p> + + <p>"When the queen of spades comes between the jack of hearts + and the king of diamonds and the—a—the—"</p> + + <p>A door directly behind Eva silently and slowly opened. + Stealthily a boy's head was thrust out. On the young face was a + world of deadly hatred. As the sputtering candle burned + brighter for a moment, startlingly, a vague change was + noticeable in the lineaments of the features.</p> + + <p>It was the same gamin who had given the sleeping boy money. + But now, in the candle-light, with only the head showing, it + was no boy who glared malevolently at Eva, but a + woman—and that woman was the implacable Zita!</p> + + <p>The head disappeared to give place to the visages of two + horrible-looking men, the same brutes who were present when + Balcom had spread the net of his conspiracy.</p> + + <p>"When the jack of clubs," droned the witch, "and + the—"</p> + + <p>With barely a sound the two thugs entered the room behind + Eva. In the hand of one was an old gunny sack.</p> + + <p>"—and the queen of hearts—"</p> + + <p>Eva was so interested now that she leaned far over the + table, her eyes fastened on the cards as they fell.</p> + + <p>A thug stumbled. Eva, startled, sat back quickly and tried + to rise. But the next instant she felt herself struggling in + the heavy folds of the grimy gunny sack.</p> + + <p>The emissaries, carrying Locke, had staggered with their + burden into the warehouse cellar until, coming to a closed + door, one of them rapped on it in a peculiar manner that was + evidently a signal. An instant, and the door opened.</p> + + <p>Through it stalked the Automaton.</p> + + <p>The monster gazed intently at Locke as though to determine + whether it were indeed he, then waved the emissaries on to the + shaft of a huge freight elevator.</p> + + <p>In the shaft, directly under the elevator platform, they now + cast Locke's unconscious body.</p> + + <p>"Are you sure the watchman's still up above?" asked one.</p> + + <p>"Sure."</p> + + <p>"Then give a ring for the basement."</p> + + <p>A thug pressed the button that signaled. In a moment, + creaking and groaning, the massive elevator started to + descend.</p> + + <p>A shuffling of feet was heard and down the stairs leading + from Old Meg's quarters came the two thugs carrying Eva. A few + feet behind them, still in boy's clothes, was Zita.</p> + + <p>The jar to his body as the emissaries threw him on the + concrete floor had tended to bring Locke back to consciousness. + For a moment he lay still. Then the sound of the descending + elevator attracted his attention. He gazed upward and dimly saw + the slowly moving platform. In a flash he realized his + danger.</p> + + <p>Locke struggled fiercely to dislodge his bonds. He contorted + his body, expanded his powerful chest in an effort to break the + ropes that held him a prisoner.</p> + + <p>At this moment the thugs that were carrying Eva passed by, + followed by others. Apparently they took no notice of him, but + continued on their way with the helpless girl.</p> + + <p>Locke, his own danger forgotten, became frantic with + apprehension for her and tore savagely at the restraining + ropes.</p> + + <p>Zita stopped. Her face was a study of conflicting emotions + as she saw Locke struggling at the bottom of the shaft.</p> + + <p>Floor by floor, inch by inch, the enormous elevator, that + would crush out Locke's life as though he were an insect, + continued to descend.</p> + + <p>Zita stepped to an electric switch. That switch would stop + the elevator immediately and save Locke's life.</p> + + <p>She raised her hand—and then, looking after the + retreating thugs and emissaries, she saw Eva again. Zita's lips + formed a cruel line and a flinty hardness came into her + eyes.</p> + + <p>Her hand dropped.</p> + + <p>There were only a few feet between Locke and the descending + elevator. Locke was struggling frenziedly to escape and rescue + Eva.</p> + + <p>Zita's hand went out again and grasped the handle of the + switch.</p> + + <p>She hesitated, hate on her face.</p> + + <p>Would she, for love of Locke, who had not returned her love, + save him?</p> + + <p>Could she bring herself to save this man—for a woman + she hated, who had won him from her?</p> + + <p>If she saved him it would be only to lose him to the other + woman.</p> + + <p>With a great creaking the massive elevator was within only a + few short inches of Locke.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIX</h3> + + <p>Every fiber of Zita's body was galvanized into action as she + threw the whole weight of her body against the elevator + emergency-control switch.</p> + + <p>There was a sputtering of blue flame as the connection was + made, and Zita closed her eyes. With a shudder she heard the + great elevator strike the cellar floor and then rebound.</p> + + <p>She dared not open her eyes. The last thing that she had + seen was Locke struggling frantically to escape from under the + elevator that was only a few inches above him and seemed + destined to crush out his life.</p> + + <p>Slowly, fearfully, she opened her eyes. Locke's body lay + motionless at her feet, separated almost literally by only the + breadth of a hair from the shaft.</p> + + <p>The relief, the reaction from her terrible emotions, made + Zita half hysterical. Trembling in every limb, she made her way + to Locke and fell on her knees by him. She wrapped her arms + about him and held his head up.</p> + + <p>It was thus that she was holding him when his eyes slowly + opened and gazed questioningly into her own, his brow knitted + in perplexity.</p> + + <p>Then, with a rush, it all came back to him—the + descending elevator, Zita standing at the switch, while his + life hung in the balance, his last frantic effort to escape + just before the descending elevator had grazed his head, + rendering him unconscious. That Zita, at the last moment, had + attempted to save his life he did not know, nor why she now + gazed at him frankly with eyes of love.</p> + + <p>It was all inexplicable to him.</p> + + <p>Another instant and he had wrenched himself loose from + Zita's arms and was struggling with the ropes that still bound + him even after he had managed to roll out from under the + elevator in the last nick of time.</p> + + <p>He had suddenly realized that the sight of Eva being carried + off by the emissaries had not been a hideous dream, but a + terrible actuality, and that at this very moment she was + probably in the most imminent danger.</p> + + <p>Zita realized that he wanted freedom to rush to Eva's + assistance. Had she dared, she would have refused to release + him from her arms, would at least have hindered his untying his + bonds. But there was a masterful something about his silent + demand to be released that would admit of no refusal.</p> + + <p>In a few seconds Locke completed the freeing of himself and + was dashing madly toward the door through which the gang, + carrying Eva, had passed.</p> + + <p>The door was unlocked, and, hesitating not an instant, + Quentin dashed through and into a large room.</p> + + <p>Eva, the gunny sack removed and still unconscious, lay on + the floor. The emissaries were grouped around her. In the + background, dimly visible, stood the iron monster.</p> + + <p>Startled, they looked up as Locke rushed into the room. But + before they could do more, Locke had whipped out his automatic + and, point-blank, was blazing away at the murderous crew. Two + emissaries fell dead or mortally wounded. The others + scattered.</p> + + <p>Only the Automaton, man of iron that he was, showed no sign + of fear. Instead, he advanced ponderously upon Locke.</p> + + <p>The automatic barked again, but did not succeed in deterring + the monster. Locke realized the futility of using this puny + weapon against such a foe.</p> + + <p>He dashed toward Eva. It was the work of only an instant to + snatch her up, practically from under the monster's feet, to + turn, and to carry her through the door by which he had been + brought in. Holding her in one arm, he slammed the door shut + and shot the bolt.</p> + + <p>He was just in time, for the next instant the door bulged + out beneath the dead weight of the Automaton as it hurled its + massive form against the other side.</p> + + <p>Zita vas still waiting at the elevator shaft when Locke, + carrying Eva in his arms, entered. At the sight Zita's whole + body expressed her unquenched hatred of the unconscious girl. + Her eyes narrowed, her lips became livid, and her hands + clenched as though she would like to strike the helpless + Eva.</p> + + <p>"Zita," demanded Locke, suspiciously, "why did you hesitate + to save my life?"</p> + + <p>"Because," she replied—and her voice indicated the + force of her answer whether it were really the truth or + not—"I love you, and would not save you—for + <i>her</i>"</p> + + <p>Zita turned and ran up the stairs leading to Old Meg's as + Locke turned to try to revive Eva.</p> + + <p>But the hammer blows of the monster resounded throughout the + cellar. At any moment the door might come crashing down and + Locke and Eva might again be at the mercy of the iron + fiend.</p> + + <p>Locke caught up Eva in his arms again and, groping, sought + the exit of the warehouse.</p> + + <p>He dared not follow Zita through Old Meg's den. Love that + could for any reason hesitate or injure the one loved was + incomprehensible to him. He felt that the hag's den might now + be but an ambush and that Zita might have run ahead to warn the + uninjured emissaries of his coming.</p> + + <p>By a lucky chance he found the path leading directly to the + warehouse steps and the street. Eva's speedster had not been + moved or tampered with and he placed Eva gently in the seat, + climbed in, and started the motor. As he did so three + emissaries came running out of the alley leading to Old Meg's. + But shooting the gears into high speed, Locke easily evaded + them and turned up the first corner.</p> + + <p>He was going to take Eva to the first doctor's or a + drug-store, but it proved not to be necessary. The rush of the + air as the car moved rapidly revived her, and in a few moments + she was quite herself again, eagerly questioning him about her + rescue.</p> + + <p>Although they were thankful for their escape, still they + could not blind themselves to the fact that all their efforts + had been in vain, that they stood no nearer to their great + desire, and that, at least until now, their enemies had proved + too wily and too strong for them.</p> + + <p>But they were young, courageous, and resourceful, and as + they drew up before Brent Rock they were busily engaged with + plans for the future.</p> + + <p>It was the following afternoon in the Chinese quarter. The + Celestials were celebrating one of their numerous feasts. Long + multicolored banners and streamers were hanging from every + window and balcony and were even strung across the narrow + street, almost brushing the faces of the motley throng that + passed beneath. Tom-toms and cymbals beat and clashed, while + from the Chinese theater came the shrill piping of reeds and + the high-pitched chanting voices of Chinamen.</p> + + <p>Street venders cried their wares and the windows of the + Oriental shops were gaily bedecked for the holiday.</p> + + <p>Through the dense happy throng a man made his way. He, too, + was an Oriental, but of a different race. A giant in size, he + calmly pushed and shoved the smaller Celestials out of his + path, and, although they chattered angrily at him, their + resentment went no farther, for his size and the menace of his + swarthy face made them pause.</p> + + <p>Before the entrance of a curio-shop he halted and consulted + a card. Then, satisfied that he had found his destination, he + picked up a wicker carrying-case that for the moment he had + placed on the curb and entered the shop.</p> + + <p>A Chinaman stepped forward, scrutinized him closely, and, + nodding significantly, bade the new-comer follow him.</p> + + <p>They went to the back of the shop. The Chinese clapped his + hands, and a panel in the wall slid back, disclosing a + stairway. The new-comer stepped through the aperture and the + panel closed behind him. He mounted the stairs and came to a + room, magnificent in its Oriental splendor.</p> + + <p>Priceless rugs covered the floor and walls, while on + wonderfully carved teakwood stands reposed ancient porcelains, + specimens of bygone dynasties, antique arms and armor cunningly + wrought, jades and ivories marvelously fashioned by master + craftsmen long since dead. Seen through the filmy haze of + rising incense, the room was a veritable treasure-house of + Oriental art.</p> + + <p>On low settees a few richly clad Chinese were reclining, and + in a far corner, gazing intently into a globe of crystal, sat a + man of the same race as the new-comer, a Madagascan.</p> + + <p>Startled at the entrance of the giant, he left off his + shadow-gazing and came hastily forward, cringing as he did + so.</p> + + <p>The giant, in an impressive, booming voice, now spoke for + the first time.</p> + + <p>"I, the Strangler, have come from Madagascar with the Great + Torture."</p> + + <p>A door opened and Doctor Q entered the room, his head + wagging from side to side.</p> + + <p>As he caught sight of the Madagascan he stopped short and + put his hand to his head with a gesture of perplexity, striving + piteously to place the stranger. He could not succeed. With a + half-running, half-stumbling gait he withdrew to a corner of + the room and furtively watched the two Madagascans.</p> + + <p>There came the sound of a gong. A panel slid back, and into + the room there majestically swept a Chinaman of pure Mongolian + type.</p> + + <p>He was gorgeously clad in flowing silks and wore the + princely cap with a button. At a glance his piercing eye took + in every detail of the room. Then he went directly to the + Madagascan, whose overbearing air of assurance immediately + forsook him at the Chinaman's approach.</p> + + <p>He bowed low and reverently, for it was Long Fang to whom he + made obeisance, Long Fang, leader of a great Tong, and + implacable foe to all others, a Chinese whose tentacles of + power reached into every corner of the underworld, spreading + terror.</p> + + <p>In an incisive, icy voice that sent a chill through the big + man's frame, he now spoke.</p> + + <p>"You have been overlong on your journey and we have been + waiting for you." Then with a menace in his voice he snarled, + "It is well for you that you came at last."</p> + + <p>The big man shuddered and remained silent. Long Fang crossed + to Doctor Q.</p> + + <p>"The instrument of torture is here," he said. "The + Madagascan has just brought it. He is an unrivaled + strangler."</p> + + <p>"Let him approach," commanded Doctor Q.</p> + + <p>Long Fang beckoned, and the Strangler came forward. His eyes + had been fixed on the Chinese, but now they roved to the figure + of Doctor Q, and he fell back in consternation, clutching the + other Madagascan by the shoulder and gasping in awestruck + tones.</p> + + <p>"In our country his magic is supreme!"</p> + + <p>With difficulty he controlled himself and bowed low, his + forehead almost touching the floor. Then he looked away, + cringing.</p> + + <p>"I see that you recognize me," Doctor Q chuckled, + fiendishly. "Good! You will not be so foolish as to fail + me."</p> + + <p>"No, no, master, I swear it by—"</p> + + <p>"Never mind your oath. My power is my guaranty. + Go—follow Long Fang. He will direct you to the + torture-chamber."</p> + + <p>Doctor Q turned on his heel and hobbled out of the room.</p> + + <p>Long Fang and the Strangler were about to proceed to the + torture-chamber when footsteps were heard on the stairway that + led to the curio-shop below. Long Fang and the Madagascan + stopped and listened.</p> + + <p>Another moment and De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom stepped into + the room. With a curt command Paul called Long Fang to him and + the Chinaman, important as he was, hastened to obey.</p> + + <p>What was this strange power that Paul, at will, could + exercise throughout the underworld?</p> + + <p>With a few terse questions Paul ascertained the exact + condition of affairs.</p> + + <p>"You say, Long Fang, that all is ready?"</p> + + <p>"All, master. We only awaited your coming."</p> + + <p>Then with a graceful gesture he asked, "Will you so far + honor your humble servant?" as he indicated the way into + another room.</p> + + <p>Dora, followed by Paul and the Chinese, stepped through the + portal and came to a Chinese temple.</p> + + <p>It was a large room and the decorations, although equally + well executed as those in the room they had just left, were + actually terrifying. Flying dragons and serpents done in bronze + hung from the ceiling, while on a raised dais at the farther + end of the room was an enormous squatting figure of the + seven-handed god. Before it, in braziers, fire gleamed, giving + off a heavy, pungent odor that was almost overpowering to + Occidental nostrils.</p> + + <p>On either side of the huge image hung silken curtains, in + all probability covering doorways into yet other chambers.</p> + + <p>For the first time Dora showed signs of interest. With the + shop and the first chamber she was already familiar, but this + was something new, something to give the spur to her satiated, + <i>blasé</i> nature. She moved about the place, fingering the + rare tapestries, contemplating probably what gorgeous hangings + they would make for her own apartment.</p> + + <p>Dora's preoccupation gave Long Fang his opportunity to + confer with Paul alone and he moved closer to him.</p> + + <p>"Master," he nodded, "why not use the beautiful lady to lure + the other one into our power?"</p> + + <p>Paul shook his head negatively. He knew that Eva was aware + that Dora was her enemy.</p> + + <p>"But, master," persisted the Chinese, "you told me that this + Miss Brent loves her father, and that she would do anything for + his recovery. Let this lady tell her that the Madagascan has + brought an antidote that will restore his reason. She will come + here and we shall trap her."</p> + + <p>For a moment Paul stood in deep thought, then called to + Dora.</p> + + <p>At first she laughed at the idea that Eva would even listen + to her. But Dora was clever and conceited and in the end she + agreed that at least she would make the attempt.</p> + + <p>At this moment in another quarter of town Paul's father was + ready to leave his apartment, yet from his nervousness it could + readily be seen that he was waiting for some one. A Madagascan + servant entered and salaamed.</p> + + <p>"Master," he announced, "the Strangler has arrived from + Madagascar."</p> + + <p>Balcom's face lighted up with intense satisfaction and + cunning at the news. He waved the servant away, picked up his + hat and stick, and hurried out.</p> + + <p>In the library at Brent Rock Eva and Locke were having an + earnest conversation. Locke had on his motoring togs and was on + the point of going out.</p> + + <p>"By elimination," he was saying, "I will prove that either + Paul or his father is the Automaton. I am going to trap + Paul."</p> + + <p>"Quentin," cautioned Eva, "for my sake be careful."</p> + + <p>Locke strove to quiet her fears, pointing out that his + scheme was necessary in order to save her father, and in the + end Eva reluctantly consented.</p> + + <p>She went with him to the porte-cochère where his car was + already waiting.</p> + + <p>"Good luck!" she tried to call cheerfully, in spite of her + misgivings.</p> + + <p>Long after his car had disappeared in the distance she stood + there gazing after it, a world of anxiety in her eyes.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XX</h3> + + <p>Darkness had settled down upon Brent Rock, following the + departure of Locke, when a trim runabout drew up under the + porte-cochère and Dora stepped lightly out of it.</p> + + <p>She paused for a moment and looked about curiously. For some + time she hesitated. In this house lived the girl whom in her + heart Dora hated bitterly.</p> + + <p>What sort of reception might she expect? Yet Paul and his + underworldlings had played on Dora's pride until they had + prevailed on her to undertake the mission. As she looked about + all her old assurance came back to her and Dora turned and + approached the door boldly.</p> + + <p>Eva was just about to go up-stairs to her room when she + heard the butler at the door and a woman's voice asking whether + Miss Brent was at home. Eva paused a moment.</p> + + <p>There was evidently a slight altercation between the butler + and the new-comer as the latter raised her voice sharply.</p> + + <p>"You will tell Miss Brent I must see her," reiterated + Dora.</p> + + <p>There was a pause, during which the butler was heard to + murmur something, and then the woman's voice was heard + again.</p> + + <p>"Tell Miss Brent that if she refuses to see me she will + regret it all her life."</p> + + <p>Eva was intensely interested now, for she recognized the + voice of De Luxe Dora. But with her interest there came a + feeling of repulsion with which this woman always inspired her, + and her first impulse was to have Dora shown out of the + house.</p> + + <p>The very nature of the danger with which they were all + surrounded, however, prohibited such a drastic course. Yet how + dare that woman enter Brent Rock?</p> + + <p>Still, the very fact of her so daring pointed to some + serious matter which Eva felt she ought to know. At any rate, + there could be no harm to listen to Dora's reason for coming, + and there would probably be much to be learned.</p> + + <p>Eva called to the butler and he stepped aside, and Dora, all + smiles now, and with her hand extended in greeting, advanced + toward Eva, who ignored her extended hand.</p> + + <p>"Need I tell you," remarked Eva, coldly, "that I am + astounded at your presumption in coming here?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Brent," replied Dora, "believe me, nothing but my + present mission could have induced me to do so. There are + wheels within wheels which have made it appear that I am your + enemy. But that is far from being the truth, as my present + mission to you will prove."</p> + + <p>Dora was clever and played her cards cleverly. However, Eva + was on guard.</p> + + <p>"Please come to the point," she insisted. "Tell me exactly + why you have come."</p> + + <p>Dora paused a moment, then replied, impressively, "I have + come to save your father's life."</p> + + <p>Eva caught herself almost gasping in astonishment as Dora + covertly watched the effect of her words. "You have the + antidote, then?" asked Eva, breathlessly.</p> + + <p>"Not exactly that," replied Dora, quickly. "But I can take + you where you can obtain it. A man has arrived from Madagascar + who has it in his possession."</p> + + <p>"What shall I do?" almost wailed the poor girl. "How can I + know that you speak the truth?"</p> + + <p>Dora's voice now assumed a cold decisiveness. "That is for + you to decide," she said merely. "Refuse to come with me and + your father will surely die of his madness. Consent—and + he may live."</p> + + <p>Eva could hesitate no longer. Bidding Dora wait, she ran up + the stairs, returning in a few moments garbed for the + street.</p> + + <p>They left the house together, but not before the butler had + surreptitiously slipped a large automatic into Eva's + hand-bag.</p> + + <p>In the Chinese temple, or Joss-house, the last devotee had + departed. The hanging lights had been dimmed and now the + fantastic shapes with which the place was decorated, seen in + the subdued light, stood out in all their shadowy + weirdness.</p> + + <p>From the raised dais, the seven-handed god assumed an added + majesty and awfulness, while, deep-seated as though from a + smoldering caldron, two points of fire gleamed from the god's + eyes with utmost malevolence.</p> + + <p>Slowly a panel in the wall slid back and the bestial visage + of the Strangler peered out.</p> + + <p>After making sure that there was no one about, with + noiseless tread he glided into the temple.</p> + + <p>Like a shadow, a second figure, that of a Chinaman, followed + him. The two made a complete circuit of the temple, stopping + now and again to examine some object which arrested their + attention. Then, as if by a prearranged signal, they both + prostrated themselves before the fire god.</p> + + <p>After making many obeisances they got to their feet and, as + mysteriously as they entered, slipped away in the same manner + that they had come. A panel closed behind them, but not the + same panel.</p> + + <p>The inner room in which they now found themselves was + divided by a partition that extended a few feet out into the + temple room itself.</p> + + <p>This room was vividly painted with weird figures depicting + Chinese forms of torture, a veritable charnel-house of what in + Europe would be called the Dark Ages. There were plenty of + evidences that at no very distant date this chamber had been in + use to punish horribly those who had offended against the fire + god or the commands of the Tong leaders.</p> + + <p>On one side of the partition was a large iron wheel to which + was attached a rope extending through the partition and forming + a loop or noose on the other side. The purpose of this device + was only too apparent. Once the neck of a victim was in the + noose, a few turns of the wheel, the noose would tighten, and + the victim would be inevitably strangled to death. In a + slightly changed form it was the garroting-machine of old + Spain.</p> + + <p>The Strangler tested the rope, twisted the wheel, while his + companion occupied himself by watching the effect of the wheel + on the noose on the other side of the partition.</p> + + <p>Apparently satisfied that the machine was in good working + order, the Madagascan straightened up and waved his companion + out of the room.</p> + + <p>The Chinaman returned by means of the sliding panel into the + temple again.</p> + + <p>As she left Brent Rock behind, Eva's fears increased. + Speeding through the night with this woman whom she + instinctively dreaded, whom she had every reason to distrust, + many times on the trip Eva wished herself back at her home.</p> + + <p>On the other hand, to remain inactive while there was a + chance to save her father's life was unthinkable. And so, for + his sake, she kept on and the car sped ahead.</p> + + <p>Dora, on the contrary, anxious to allay Eva's fears, was + very voluble, expressing many sentiments which even to a young + girl of little worldly experience were palpably at variance + with the woman's character.</p> + + <p>In and out of the narrow streets of the city's lower quarter + the car twisted and turned, and at last entered gaily decked + Chinatown, where it came to a halt.</p> + + <p>If Eva was afraid before she was now doubly so. The strange + Oriental faces which seemed to leer at her from street and curb + seemed to be almost of another world, and she thought of the + many tales she had heard, of their treachery and cunning.</p> + + <p>Dora, sensing what was passing through her mind, kept up a + patter of small talk as she urged Eva forward.</p> + + <p>By another entrance than the one that led through the + Chinese curio-shop they entered the Joss-house and came to the + worshiping-room of the temple.</p> + + <p>Eva gazed fearfully about her now at all the fantastic + decorations with which she was surrounded. Her only comfort was + the handle of the automatic that the butler had pressed on her + as she was leaving home.</p> + + <p>"This Madagascan with the antidote," asked Eva, tremulously, + "where is he?"</p> + + <p>"Don't worry, dearie," quieted Dora. "Wait a moment here and + I will bring him."</p> + + <p>Dora turned on her heel and left the temple by the door + leading into the beautiful lounging-room beyond.</p> + + <p>Eva stood transfixed by the solemn awfulness of the place + and the grim visage of the fire god. Why had she been brought + to such a place? What new terrors awaited her here?</p> + + <p>She seemed alone—yet was she?</p> + + <p>She felt a thousand eyes regarding her, as though a thousand + dangers lurked to destroy her just beyond those fearful + walls.</p> + + <p>She was staring now at the god. What made his eyes gleam so + banefully?</p> + + <p>She thought she heard a sound!</p> + + <p>Was the wall at the right of the statue moving? Or was it + merely her heightened imagination?</p> + + <p>Fascinated, she watched.</p> + + <p>Yes, she was sure now. Slowly, slowly a portion of that wall + was actually sliding back.</p> + + <p>Now she saw a hand. Then an arm followed. With a slow, + gliding movement that even to Eva's strained ears was + noiseless, a man, his back toward her, slid into the room.</p> + + <p>Eva, shrinking back, wanted to shriek. But instead she + whipped out the automatic and in an instant had the man + covered.</p> + + <p>The man was still evidently unconscious of her presence. But + suddenly he must have heard Eva move. For he wheeled around, + and instinctively his hands went above his head.</p> + + <p>As for Eva, the cry that she had suppressed at his + appearance was suppressed no longer, for the man whom she held + at her mercy was—Locke!</p> + + <p>"How did you come here?" gasped Eva.</p> + + <p>Hurriedly he told her his story—how he felt that the + clue that would lead to the unraveling of this mystery was now + to be found in Chinatown, how he had made his way, therefore, + to the Chinese quarter, how he had tracked the Madagascan.</p> + + <p>Knowing the futility of trying to enter any private place of + the Orientals, much less their temple, in Occidental garb, he + had waylaid a Chinaman in an alley, had stripped him, and had + changed clothes with him.</p> + + <p>Disguised thus, Locke had managed to enter, to observe, and + was only now on his way to summon assistance. For he had + decided to have the place raided. Only now he was stricken + almost dumb with astonishment at being confronted by Eva.</p> + + <p>There was no time for more. Before Eva could explain her own + presence there the door burst open, the panels slid back, and a + horde of emissaries and Chinamen swarmed about them.</p> + + <p>Eva fired her automatic again and again, but could not stay + the rush.</p> + + <p>Locke fought with the courage of despair. But they were too + many and soon bore him down.</p> + + <p>As they carried Locke into the chamber of torture the last + thing he saw was Eva surrounded by her foes, who were closing + in on the poor girl.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/314.jpg" + name="image314" + id="image314"><img width="400" + src="images/314s.jpg" + alt="EVA IS IMPRISONED IN THE CHINESE DEN UPON DE LUXE DORA'S ORDERS" /> + </a>eva is imprisoned in the chinese den upon de luxe dora's + orders + </div> + + <p>Towering above them all, he saw the gigantic form of the + Automaton.</p> + + <p>In the torture-chamber Locke was shackled hand and foot to + the partition, while the noose of the garroting-machine was + placed about his neck.</p> + + <p>The Madagascan supervised this work, then waved the + emissaries out of the room. They were alone there now, these + two—the professional murderer and his victim.</p> + + <p>With a sneer the Madagascan turned and went to the other + side of the partition where the wheel was by which the noose + was tightened, strangling the victim.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/315.jpg" + name="image315" + id="image315"><img width="400" + src="images/315s.jpg" + alt="LOCKE IN THE COIL OF THE GAROTTE" /></a> + locke in the coil of the garotte + </div> + + <p>But the Strangler little knew with whom he had to deal, for + already Locke was struggling at his shackles.</p> + + <p>With almost incredible dexterity Locke succeeded in + loosening them, one after the other, so that, as the Madagascan + started to turn the wheel, Locke, with a marvelous effort, + bracing his feet against the wall and grasping the staples to + which the shackles had been attached, managed to pin-wheel his + body around and around, as the Strangler turned the iron wheel + that tightened the noose which was to stifle out his life.</p> + + <p>Fortunately the Madagascan turned slowly, so that Locke + managed to turn his body faster than the wheel was being + turned, thus gaining on the noose and at each revolution + loosening it a trifle.</p> + + <p>Another quick turn of his body, the pressure against his + neck had become less!</p> + + <p>Yet another complete circle, and, tearing at the noose, he + managed to get his head free.</p> + + <p>It was the work of only an instant to dash around the + partition and beat the Strangler to the floor. Another instant, + and he had torn back the panel into the temple.</p> + + <p>The sight that confronted him was sickening.</p> + + <p>Two fiends were holding Eva close to the floor, while now + from the fire god's eyes a blinding glare of flame blazed + forth, the two rays converging and scorching the very ground as + they traveled slowly nearer and nearer, in their fatal focus, + to the helpless girl.</p> + + <p>With a wild shout, Locke charged on them all.</p> + + <p>Taken by surprise, the brutes holding Eva were easy to + handle, for the others had gone.</p> + + <p>Fortunately, the automatic which Eva had been carrying was + lying, neglected, on the floor. Locke snatched it up and, + shooting one of the thugs, managed to cower the other.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/316.jpg" + name="image316" + id="image316"><img width="400" + src="images/316s.jpg" + alt="THE ESCAPE FROM THE GAROTTE" /></a> + the escape from the garotte + </div> + + <p>Half supporting Eva, he retreated through the + torture-chamber into an outer room. There was no time to lose. + Already the alarm had been spread to the other emissaries and + Chinamen, and it was only a matter of seconds when all the + murderous crew would again be piling after them.</p> + + <p>Locke looked about in desperation. There was a window. He + flung it open. Below, the air-shaft or court was blind. But + there was a balcony by which he could reach an adjoining low + roof. He had no idea where it might lead, but any unknown + danger was preferable to the known dangers that threatened + behind him.</p> + + <p>Through the window he passed with Eva, and so across + balconies and roofs until they came to a fire-escape, which + they descended.</p> + + <p>In another moment they were free of Chinatown.</p> + + <p>Many a curious glance was cast at them, a young girl, well + gowned, and a disheveled white man in Chinese garb.</p> + + <p>Locke hailed a night-hawk cabman and they were soon speeding + on their way back to safety and Brent Rock.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXI</h3> + + <p>At the cove fishing-village, set on the extreme outskirts of + the town, there stood an old fisherman's shack that was shunned + by all the good folk of the city.</p> + + <p>While there was nothing definite that could be said of the + evil deeds of the inhabitants, there was much shaking of heads + and wagging of tongues to the effect that all was not as it + should be at the cove.</p> + + <p>The owner of the old shack, Old Tom, was an ill-favored, + taciturn man who would have naught to do with any of his + neighbors, and asked only that they keep out of his path and + leave him alone. He even evinced an aversion to dogs and to + little children, driving them away from his shack whenever he + found them near it.</p> + + <p>The threat that "Old Tom will catch you" would make a cove + fishing-village tractable at any time.</p> + + <p>Old Tom rarely put to sea, and when he did it was more often + than not after nightfall, a time when the good folk of the + village were preparing for a night's rest.</p> + + <p>It was stated by one old crony that often at night other men + came to Old Tom's shack, that they entered slyly, and that well + into the morning revelry, and often oaths and brawls, could be + heard from within.</p> + + <p>Some hinted that Old Tom was a smuggler; others, even, that + he was a wrecker. True it was that often strange lights were + seen to flicker outside the bar to the cove.</p> + + <p>Also there had been wrecks, and often, in the morning, when + the fishermen put out to a wreck, after a storm, it would be + discovered that some one had been there before them, since + valuable and readily portable parts of the wreck were + frequently missing.</p> + + <p>But while suspicion pointed to Old Tom and the strange men + that frequented his place, proofs positive of a crime were + invariably lacking, and so the village tolerated Old Tom's + presence and predicted his bad end.</p> + + <p>It was to this shack that there came very early one morning, + before the break of day, a wounded man assisted by a woman. The + woman gave a peculiar rap at the door. There was a quick scurry + inside, as of fast-moving feet, then silence.</p> + + <p>The woman rapped again, and this time with more force. After + a moment a sash was raised and a querulous voice demanded what + was wanted.</p> + + <p>"It's De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom, and he's wounded. Quick, + open the door!"</p> + + <p>There was a rush to open the door now and rough hands gently + assisted the wounded man to a seat inside.</p> + + <p>While Paul was not perhaps so dangerously wounded, yet it + was easy to be seen that the wound was not to be trifled with, + for the cut had been severe and the blood flowed copiously.</p> + + <p>Dora, whatever her attitude toward others, had a true + solicitude for Paul, and all the womanliness of her nature came + to the surface as she tenderly bathed Paul's head and attempted + to bind the wound with the rough bandages at hand.</p> + + <p>There were several tough-looking men standing about, and + from their ready sympathy, real or feigned, it was easy to be + seen that these men, too, like the others of the underworld, + stood ready to do Paul's slightest bidding, to guard him with + their lives if need be.</p> + + <p>What was this strange power that this man, scarcely more + than a youth, wielded over these outlawed men?</p> + + <p>"Quick!" exclaimed Dora. "Watch the window. We've probably + been followed."</p> + + <p>A grim-visaged man moved lumberingly over to the window and + glued his head against the pane, straining his eyes as he + peered out.</p> + + <p>For a long time he did not move, while, with the others + grouped around, Dora tried to stanch the flow of blood from + Paul's injured head.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the watcher at the window turned and shouted, "Man + comin' up the lane!"</p> + + <p>Instantly there was confusion within the shack. The men + scattered in all directions, while one old hag, the only woman + in the shack besides Dora, hobbled over to a stool and took up + the mending of a huge net where she had left off.</p> + + <p>Old Tom ambled over to Dora and for a moment they talked + hurriedly. Finally Dora came to a decision, as she pointed to + the old rickety stairway to an attic above.</p> + + <p>"Carry him to the attic," she directed. "He can be well + hidden there. As for the rest of you, remember, no one has come + here to-night."</p> + + <p>Two of the men lifted Paul, who, while not in an absolutely + unconscious condition, was much too weak by this time from loss + of blood to assist himself.</p> + + <p>They carried him up the stairs and into an old, disused room + to which Dora followed, and when the two men had descended the + stairs she remained, alternately ministering to Paul and + listening for what might happen below.</p> + + <p>Paul and Dora had left the main room of the shack not a + moment too soon. For barely had the two men who had carried + Paul to the attic returned when a face was momentarily seen + outside, while a pair of eyes peered into the room.</p> + + <p>A moment later there was a peremptory knock at the door.</p> + + <p>"Come in!" growled Old Tom.</p> + + <p>With eyes that scanned every cranny and nook and searched + every face, Locke stepped into the shack.</p> + + <p>The men came forward a step, then halted. There was + something in Locke's face that showed that he was in deadly + earnest and not to be trifled with.</p> + + <p>Locke looked from one to the other, then turned to Old Tom. + "The wounded man who was brought here," he demanded, "where is + he?"</p> + + <p>"There 'ain't been no wounded man brought here," retorted + Old Tom.</p> + + <p>The men crowded a little closer, all denying vehemently that + any one had entered.</p> + + <p>At this instant a drop of blood fell on Locke's sleeve from + the ceiling above. Quickly he checked the impulse to look up, + although he was startled by it. He recovered himself on the + instant and waited until under a pretext he could divert their + attention to something else. Then he glanced hastily upward, as + they looked in another direction. There, forming slowly, was + another drop of blood, and it was about to fall.</p> + + <p>Locke had gained his object. As surely as though he had been + brought face to face with Paul, he knew that he was lying on + the floor of the attic above.</p> + + <p>Single-handed, against so many and in this shack, Locke + realized that he could do nothing. He apologized gruffly for + his intrusion, conveying the impression that he felt he had + made a mistake, and backed his way to the door.</p> + + <p>In an instant the door to the attic stairs was flung open + and Dora rushed into the room.</p> + + <p>"You fools!" she snarled at the surprised men who were just + congratulating themselves on how they had put one over on + Locke. "I tell you he's wise. He saw the blood. Look up above + you. Now go get him."</p> + + <p>But the fishermen had no desire for this outside work and + hung back, while Dora raved at them.</p> + + <p>From the ceiling, drop by drop, blood was falling, forming a + little pool on the floor. Paul could not be moved now. They + must make the best of it and be ready for any raid Locke might + prepare.</p> + + <p>At Brent Rock Eva was conversing with her lawyer. Matters + had reached such a state in the affairs of International + Patents that it was evident, even to her, that some drastic + action must be taken, and at once.</p> + + <p>In a corner of the room, coiled up in a big armchair, Zita + was apparently reading a new magazine, but was, in reality, + listening intently to every word that was being uttered.</p> + + <p>Finally Eva and the lawyer were in full accord, and she + accompanied the elderly attorney to the door. As they parted, + Zita strained her ears to hear the last words. She did not get + it all, but quite enough to tell her what they had decided + upon.</p> + + <p>"As my lawyer," she overheard Eva say, "I wish you to have + Mr. Locke appointed receiver."</p> + + <p>There was some more she missed, but that was quite enough + for Zita. She got out of the chair quickly and left the room + without being observed, and a few moments later she had left + the house.</p> + + <p>In a telephone-booth, not far from the cove fishing-village, + Locke by this time had his chief of the Department of Justice + on the wire.</p> + + <p>"I've located him, Chief," he telephoned, excitedly, "but it + will take four good men to capture him."</p> + + <p>"I'll send them at once," the chief replied, as both hung up + their receivers hurriedly.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, in Herbert Balcom's sumptuous, semi-Oriental + apartment two men were in earnest conversation. One was the + owner, Balcom, the other that strange, half-demented being, + Doctor Q, whose mind now, for the moment, seemed to be + lucid.</p> + + <p>The matter under discussion was undoubtedly a weighty one, + for both men sat with knitted brows, and for the moment, at + least, seemed in a quandary about something.</p> + + <p>Suddenly there came a hurried ringing at the outside-door + bell and Balcom leaped to his feet. They could hear the door + opened, quick footsteps in the hallway, and then, without + ceremony, the door was flung open and Dora burst into the + room.</p> + + <p>Balcom scowled a welcome, for he hated this woman, who had, + as he thought, spoiled the chances of his son with Eva. But + Dora did not wait for the threatened outburst.</p> + + <p>"Hurry!" she cried. "You must do something. Paul has been + wounded—never mind how—but he lies in a + fishing-shack down at the cove—and they are going to + arrest him—Locke is!"</p> + + <p>For the moment both men seemed to be stricken dumb, while + Dora, in a state of wild excitement, pleaded for them to do + something—anything to save the one person she loved.</p> + + <p>It was at this juncture that the door opened again, + admitting another woman. It was Zita, very agitated, though, of + course, under better control than Dora. Besides, Zita did not + know what had happened to Paul, nor did she love him. It was + merely that she felt that things could be made to play into her + own hands if the news she brought were immediately acted + upon.</p> + + <p>Hastily she told what she had overheard about the proposed + receivership, and all four now—Balcom, Doctor Q, Dora, + and Zita—talked excitedly.</p> + + <p>But it was plainly Balcom who was in command of the + situation. Although livid with rage at the news he had heard, + yet he maintained control of the others, directing what they + should do with a decisiveness that was truly remarkable. It + showed the mental force of the man, demonstrating how greatly + he was to be feared by any bold enough to be his enemy. For + Balcom loved that spoiled son of his and would hesitate at no + act, not even at a crime, to save him from even what he justly + deserved.</p> + + <p>At last their plan was formed, and all four departed their + several ways to execute it.</p> + + <p>Balcom had decided upon going directly to Brent Rock. His + ire had not abated one iota during the trip, either, and, as he + almost ran up the steps to the mansion, he pushed the astounded + butler to one side as though he were merely a piece of + furniture.</p> + + <p>"Tell Miss Brent I want to see her at once," he + threatened.</p> + + <p>The butler raised a hand deprecatingly at Balcom's tone, but + Balcom, beside himself, smashed it down and strode toward the + library just as Eva, hearing the voices, was coming out. For an + instant she drew back in apprehension and amazement as Balcom + advanced on her, still snarling.</p> + + <p>"See here, Eva," he hissed, "if Locke tries to arrest my + son—he'll be killed."</p> + + <p>For the instant Eva was stunned. What did the man mean? But + as Balcom showed no signs of regaining control of himself, and + every moment became more abusive and violent, indignation gave + place to every other sentiment, and she sharply ordered Balcom + to leave the house.</p> + + <p>Threatening dire things and hinting even more if there were + a receivership, Balcom strode out.</p> + + <p>Eva stood for a long time shocked into inaction. Then, + slowly, fears for Locke's safety came uppermost and she paced + back and forth the length of the hall.</p> + + <p>Finally the old butler came to her deferentially.</p> + + <p>"And did you notice, ma'am," he asked, "that during his + tirade he mentioned about a cove fishing-village? Might I + suggest that that is where Mr. Paul is and Mr. Locke will not + be found far off?"</p> + + <p>Eva thought a moment, recognized the sound sense of the + remark, and ordered that her car be brought. A few moments + later she had taken the wheel and was soon out of sight of + Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Close pressed against a wall of a back lane of the cove + fishing-village, Locke was standing, waiting for the men whom + his chief had promised to send.</p> + + <p>Finally they came to him, first making their coming known to + Locke by a peculiar low whistle.</p> + + <p>"The other two will be along directly," whispered one of the + pair. "Thought it better not to come in a bunch."</p> + + <p>As Locke laid his plans, the other two came from out of the + shadows.</p> + + <p>The entire party now moved cautiously toward Old Tom's + shack. Just before they arrived one of the men said that he + could see two figures entering the place. But as Locke had seen + nothing, no attention was paid to the remark.</p> + + <p>Locke now placed one of his men on either side of the door. + The other two he sent to the rear, so that they could surround + the gang.</p> + + <p>He knocked at the door. This time it was immediately opened. + Followed by the detectives with revolvers drawn, Locke rushed + boldly into the shack, while his other two men closed in from + the rear.</p> + + <p>The emissaries, finding themselves surrounded, would have + capitulated, probably without a struggle, had not the old hag, + to whom no one had paid much attention, picked up a small + anchor and thrown it at Locke and the advancing detectives.</p> + + <p>As it was, the anchor struck Locke a glancing blow and he + stumbled backward against one of his own men, upsetting him. + That, of course, gave the advantage to the thugs, and they + advanced, attacking savagely.</p> + + <p>It was at too close quarters, in the midst of such a mêlée, + to use guns without danger of getting one of one's own party. + Thus it was a primitive battle of brute force.</p> + + <p>Locke and the detectives were trained men, however, and were + surely gaining the upper hand, so much so that Locke managed to + tear himself loose and dash for the door leading to the attic. + He opened it, and there, with revolver leveled at his head, + stood De Luxe Dora.</p> + + <p>It was the work of only an instant to disarm her, however, + and he rushed up the stairs, Dora after him.</p> + + <p>There was a body lying on the floor—Paul, undoubtedly, + thought Locke.</p> + + <p>He took it by the shoulder and turned it over, then fell + back in amazement, for there, smiling mockingly at him, was + Zita!</p> + + <p>"You think you're pretty clever, don't you?" jeered + Dora.</p> + + <p>But it was no time to bandy words, and Locke left them and + rushed down the stairs just as a horde of emissaries swarmed up + to meet him, reinforcements to the fisher thugs.</p> + + <p>For in some way the Automaton had been warned of Locke's + presence, and with all the emissaries it could summon had + hastened to Old Tom's shack.</p> + + <p>Most unfortunate of all, the Automaton and its men had + arrived just behind the car bearing Eva, and she, not + suspecting the danger, had entered the shack.</p> + + <p>Although she did not see Locke, she was overjoyed to see + that the detectives held the upper hand. She had started to + search for him, when there came a terrifying crash at the door + and more emissaries, followed by the Automaton, came into the + room.</p> + + <p>The detectives were almost instantly overpowered, and the + mob made for the stairs just as Locke was descending.</p> + + <p>In that narrow space a most terrible battle took place. Man + after man Locke hurled against his fellows, and they went + crashing down, only to rise again and attack.</p> + + <p>Finally they came to hand-grips, and Locke, lunging + furiously to free himself, threw his body against the partition + of the stairway and it came crashing down, hurling Locke and + the emissaries to the floor below.</p> + + <p>Locke was badly stunned, and before he could rise the + emissaries had swathed him in the huge net that the old hag had + been mending. Next they bound him with ropes until he was + utterly helpless in the meshes of the net.</p> + + <p>Eva, half crazed with horror, was in a far corner, and the + Automaton was advancing upon her. She was paralyzed with + fear.</p> + + <p>What fate was in store for her—what for Locke?</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/319.jpg" + name="image319" + id="image319"><img width="400" + src="images/319s.jpg" + alt="IN THE CLUTCHES OF THE IRON TERROR" /></a> + in the clutches of the iron terror + </div> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXII</h3> + + <p>The sharp crack of an automatic echoed through the shack. + The detective known as Jim had come back to consciousness, and + now, from behind an overturned table where he had fallen, he + started to fire shot after shot into the mob of emissaries.</p> + + <p>He had fallen in a far corner and could be reached only + after an attack of some paces, and even the emissaries, + numerous as they were, hesitated to advance on a determined man + placed in such an advantageous position. Furthermore, the + diversion caused by the shots had other effects. The sound of + the shots brought Locke fully out of his stunned condition and + he started to struggle frantically in the meshes of the net + that held him prisoner.</p> + + <p>The Automaton, for the moment, ceased to follow Eva, and + moved over to its men in order to take command and to direct + their movements, while yet another detective came to his senses + and began to threaten the mob.</p> + + <p>Locke was threshing about and was slowly but surely freeing + himself. An emissary threw a chair, and for a moment Locke lay + still in pain. But in another moment he was working even more + frantically at the ropes and the net that held him.</p> + + <p>Eva started over to help him, but he shouted to her to stand + back, since that would bring her in line with the detectives' + fire. The shots were flying over Locke's body as he struggled. + Some of the emissaries went down; others found places of refuge + behind which they hid.</p> + + <p>Finally Locke managed to kick his feet free of the net and, + rolling and tossing, managed to work the meshes up about his + shoulders and neck, thus releasing his hands. It was the work + of an instant only, now, to slip the enveloping net over his + head and he was free.</p> + + <p>Locke rolled out of the direction of the revolver-shots and + toward Eva, who was now standing before a huge open + fireplace.</p> + + <p>He was none too soon, for the moment that the Automaton saw + that Locke had escaped the iron terror left the men and stalked + ponderously over to crush out Locke's life.</p> + + <p>The two detectives fired point-blank at the monster and both + shots took effect with a ringing, metallic sound. But they did + not halt the Automaton an instant. Locke, reaching the + fireplace, seized a pair of old tongs and threw firebrand after + firebrand in the path of the advancing terror.</p> + + <p>To the Automaton fire was evidently quite another affair + from mere puny bullets, for it not only paused, but came to a + full stop, looking around as though in a quandary as to what to + do against such a defense.</p> + + <p>This moment of hesitation gave Locke and Eva their + opportunity. Calling to the detectives to cease firing a + moment, they passed between friends and foes, dashed over to + and up the attic stairs.</p> + + <p>As they reached the attic above they were just in time to + see Zita, still dressed in Paul's clothes, and Dora, jump from + the attic window.</p> + + <p>Although it was a low, rambling building, still it was a + high jump, even for a man, and Locke was astounded that they + should attempt such a thing, even in their undoubted state of + panic.</p> + + <p>However, it gave Locke a splendid idea, which he acted upon + immediately. Hooking his feet on the window-frame, he took hold + of Eva's wrists firmly and swung her far out of the window. + Held in this way, Eva was only a few feet from the ground, and + when Locke released her she landed safely and almost without a + jar.</p> + + <p>For Locke, always in perfect training, the jump offered no + difficulties. In an instant he had rejoined her and they were + running away from the shack toward Eva's waiting car.</p> + + <p>Locke had an almost overpowering desire to return to assist + his detectives, whom he realized might be in sore straits, but + he also realized that his first duty was to this girl who was + in his charge, on whom the events through which they had just + passed had had a nerve-racking effect. Again, he reflected, as + he saw people coming down the beach, that the Automaton and his + men would soon be outnumbered and glad to flee.</p> + + <p>Quentin and Eva had almost reached the motor which Eva had + left at some distance from Old Tom's shack, and were passing a + low clump of bushes, when a low moan fell upon their ears.</p> + + <p>At first Locke thought that it might be a trap and was for + paying no attention to the sound, but Eva, woman-like, + insisted. He investigated. Reclining on the ground, and looking + more like a little boy in man's clothes, lay Zita.</p> + + <p>She was holding one ankle and her face showed that she must + be in great pain.</p> + + <p>"Help me," she moaned. "When I jumped from the window I + sprained my ankle. Dora helped me to this place and then she + left me and drove away."</p> + + <p>Although this girl was his enemy, no thought of leaving her + in this condition entered Locke's mind. Gently raising her from + the ground, with the help of Eva, Locke supported her to the + car.</p> + + <p>Locke still held Zita to ease her pain, while Eva took the + wheel, and, although they could hear shouts and even shots + behind them, Eva drove slowly in order not to add to Zita's + misery. It showed the sympathy of their characters that, much + as Locke and Eva felt that Zita had injured them, nevertheless, + pausing in a flight from deadly peril, they found it in their + hearts to be kind to an enemy.</p> + + <p>Arriving at Brent Rock, they carried Zita to her room and + the family physician was sent for. He pronounced the injury + slight and more of a strain than a sprain.</p> + + <p>While the doctor was at the house he also paid a visit to + Brent, who, while his mental condition had remained as + apparently hopeless as ever, had gained much in strength, owing + to the diet and restful care. He was now able to sit up, fully + dressed. As it was a case of drug poisoning, the doctor had + thought it best not to allow the patient to relax too + completely. But, whatever the strange drug that had stolen away + Brent's reason, the effect showed no signs of departure, and + they were as much in the dark as to the antidote as ever.</p> + + <p>A few moments after the doctor had left, when he made his + morning call the next day, the counsel of the corporation was + announced. He was shown into the library immediately and it was + there that Locke and Eva went into conference with him.</p> + + <p>The attorney had brought with him many share-holders' + proxies, and these he handed over to Eva.</p> + + <p>"These proxies," he was declaring, "give you absolute + control, Miss Brent. With them you can force Mr. Balcom + completely out of International Patents."</p> + + <p>"What's that you say?"</p> + + <p>It was Balcom himself who spoke. How the man had got past + the butler, who certainly had no love for him, was mystifying. + Yet here he was, ready and eager to defend his interests.</p> + + <p>"I was just telling Miss Brent," informed the lawyer, + coldly, "that with these proxies which I have obtained and just + handed to her, she was in complete control of the company."</p> + + <p>"And you, Mr. Balcom," interposed Locke, stepping forward, + "will play no further part in the activities of the company. + Miss Brent desires your resignation, to take effect + immediately."</p> + + <p>"Why—why—this is unheard of—absurd!" + sputtered Balcom. "I'll—I'll—" And his rage got the + better of him.</p> + + <p>"No, Mr. Balcom," again interrupted Locke, "you will do + nothing. It is I who will give you twenty-four hours to arrange + your affairs with the company before I order your + removal—or arrest."</p> + + <p>Balcom tried to remonstrate, to plead his innocence of any + wrong-doing. Finding no sympathy by taking this attitude, his + manner changed abruptly and he attempted to bluster.</p> + + <p>A decisive movement toward the telephone on the part of + Locke checked this and, chameleon-like, Balcom's usual suave + manner came to the fore. He bowed himself out.</p> + + <p>"It will, of course, be as you say." He smiled oilily.</p> + + <p>Once in the hall, however, his manner changed again, and, + darkly scowling and biting his thin lips, he was about to quit + the place, when Zita, limping only slightly, intercepted + him.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Balcom," she pleaded, "come out the back way. I must + see you alone a moment."</p> + + <p>They tiptoed out to the grounds, and, behind a hedge where + they could not be observed from the house, talked.</p> + + <p>"Tell me what has happened," demanded Zita.</p> + + <p>"Happened?" repeated Balcom. "Why, they've thrown me out of + the company—at least, they think they have."</p> + + <p>His mind was working quickly, and after a pause he turned to + Zita sharply. "Can you get Brent out of the house and bring him + to me here behind this hedge at eight o'clock to-night?"</p> + + <p>Zita nodded an eager acquiescence and left him, returning to + the house.</p> + + <p>That evening Locke, returning from a stroll around the + grounds, noticed a movement in some shrubbery at the side of + the foot-path. He went closer to investigate, and a + rough-looking individual broke from cover and ran away through + the underbrush as fast as he could go. It was too dark to + follow and Locke hastened his steps to the house, fearing some + new deviltry on the part of the Automaton or his + emissaries.</p> + + <p>He had just entered the darkened hallway when, much to his + surprise, he saw the figure of a man, leaning heavily on the + arm of a woman, descending the stairs.</p> + + <p>He stepped behind some portières and waited until they + reached the foot of the stairway. Then he stepped out and + confronted them.</p> + + <p>Zita gave a startled cry, and would have fled had not Locke + caught and held her. As for poor Brent, he simply stood there, + swaying from side to side and smiling foolishly.</p> + + <p>Eva heard the commotion and came running down the stairs. + She was amazed until Locke explained the situation to her. Then + her indignation knew no bounds. Putting her arms around her + father, she turned to Zita.</p> + + <p>"How dare you?" she demanded, scathingly. "For doing this + you will leave this house immediately and—never + return."</p> + + <p>Zita, for a moment, was on the verge of breaking down, but + recovered herself and, with an angry retort on her lips, went + out, slamming the door behind her.</p> + + <p>Zita slipped around the house and to the hedge designated by + Balcom as their meeting-place.</p> + + <p>She was surprised but relieved when she did not find him + there, and glanced at her wrist watch, which stood at a few + minutes past eight. She was about to turn around when she + caught sight of a bit of paper. Taking it, she + read:</p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bring him to my + rooms.</span><br /> + + + <p>That was all, and the message was unsigned.</p> + + <p>Zita greatly feared Balcom's wrath at her failure, but, + nevertheless, she started for his apartment.</p> + + <p>At that moment Balcom and the mysterious Doctor Q were + talking in the latter's dingy laboratory. Doctor Q's mind, for + the time being, at least, seemed perfectly clear, and he had + formulated a daring plan.</p> + + <p>"Send Locke word that you will give yourself up," he was + saying, "but tell him that he must come to your apartment to + get you. I will do the rest."</p> + + <p>Balcom left hurriedly and was driven directly home, where he + got Locke on the telephone and repeated the instructions that + Doctor Q had suggested.</p> + + <p>"Am I to understand that you intend to turn state's + evidence?" questioned Locke, doubtfully.</p> + + <p>"Assuredly," hastened Balcom.</p> + + <p>"Then I'll be right over."</p> + + <p>As Balcom hung up the receiver he chuckled sardonically. He + was just turning to an antique brazier to arrange for Locke's + reception when Zita was announced and at once admitted.</p> + + <p>"I've failed, Mr. Balcom," she apologized, "failed + miserably. Locke took Mr. Brent away from me—and they + ordered me never to return to the house."</p> + + <p>"You little idiot!" Balcom almost hissed. "I'll not tolerate + a failure, either. Get out!"</p> + + <p>Although Zita almost went on her knees in her pleading to + him, Balcom was adamant, and finally she left in utter + despair.</p> + + <p>Outside, she telephoned to Paul to see if she might induce + him to use his influence in reinstating her in his father's + good graces.</p> + + <p>As soon as Zita was gone Balcom busied himself with the + ancient brazier and was standing before a small image of + Buddha. He took a small package and from it poured a powder + into the bowl of the brazier. Then, going to the table, he + wrote a short note, after which he went to a divan and awaited + Locke's coming.</p> + + <p>Balcom had not long to wait. A ring came at the door and + Balcom leaped to his feet and lighted the powder in the + brazier. Then he adjusted a gas-mask that Doctor Q had given + him, and, returning to the divan, lay down, pulling a + camel's-hair coverlet well over himself as he awaited + results.</p> + + <p>There was a rap at the door and a peremptory demand for + entrance—a pause—and a whispered consultation + outside.</p> + + <p>"Open the door!" cried Locke, again.</p> + + <p>As there was no answer, heavy blows were rained upon the + door, and finally it gave way.</p> + + <p>Three men stumbled into the room. They stared about, then + started to search the place. One by one they started to cough. + Locke, who was the farthest away from the brazier, seemed to be + the least affected.</p> + + <p>Finally he spied the note on the table and snatched it up. + By the dim light he read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>You will never live to capture me. The deadly gas is + even now killing you.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Locke gasped. There was the sound of a heavy fall behind + him. He turned and saw that one of his men was down.</p> + + <p>He took a step forward, when the other pitched on his + face.</p> + + <p>Locke tried to rescue them, but by this time the deadly + fumes had reached him and he, too, fell to the floor, coughing + his life away.</p> + + <p>At that moment Balcom got up from the divan and, stepping + over Locke's prostrate body, left the place, forgetting to + close the door behind him.</p> + + <p>When Zita telephoned Paul, Paul made an immediate + appointment for her to meet him at Doctor Q's, and when she + arrived there Paul was already in conference with the + doctor.</p> + + <p>Over the telephone Zita had already given Paul a brief + account of what had happened, and thus the two men were + prepared with a plan when she arrived.</p> + + <p>"Get Eva to the hypnotist's on River Street," instructed + Doctor Q. "Tell her that I have been hypnotized and that under + the spell I will tell all."</p> + + <p>It was a desperate thing for Zita to attempt, after treating + the Brents so shamelessly. But there was no alternative. For + she knew well that, with Balcom, only a success would offset + her miserable failure earlier in the evening. Besides, were not + her fortunes tied up with Balcom—or perhaps with Paul? + She did not demur, but left immediately for Brent Rock to make + the attempt, revolving in her mind how she was to do it.</p> + + <p>Zita had difficulty in persuading Eva to see her at all, + but, once she had succeeded, the possibility that all the + mystery might be cleared up appealed strongly to Eva. For Zita + had framed her story cleverly and was playing desperately.</p> + + <p>"Then I'll meet you at the hypnotist's in about half an + hour," agreed Eva, after Zita had told her how friendless she + herself was and how both Balcom and Paul had refused her + aid.</p> + + <p>Zita left Brent Rock alone and was passing a dark corner + when a hand reached out and grasped her by the arm and she + heard a voice that she recognized.</p> + + <p>"Your failure has made me redouble my efforts," it hissed. + "I have just killed Locke in my apartment and I—"</p> + + <p>It was Balcom. But Zita waited to hear no more. Secretly she + had always loved Locke. Though she had worked against him, the + very thought that he might be dead shocked her. She tore + herself from the grasp of Balcom before she could hear more and + ran like a deer toward the apartment.</p> + + <p>Fortunately, it was not far. She tore up-stairs and through + the door that Balcom had left open.</p> + + <p>Everything was as Balcom had left it, except that now the + three men lay quite still. Zita staggered over to a window and + threw it open.</p> + + <p>Next she got water and extinguished the still smoldering + powder. Then, falling on her knees, she tried to help the + stricken men.</p> + + <p>Not much time did she spend with the others, but to Locke + with great tenderness she gave most of her attention. Tenderly + she bathed his brow and frantically tried even to breathe her + breath into his burning lungs.</p> + + <p>Finally she was rewarded by seeing him open his eyes and + gaze around. He looked up at her.</p> + + <p>"I'll atone for all the wrong I've done," she sobbed, + "only—"</p> + + <p>She would have asked him to love her, but she knew that it + was useless and the thought of Eva, caused the words to stick + in her throat.</p> + + <p>Locke did not understand, and the look on his face showed + it.</p> + + <div class="figright" + style="width:265px;"> + <a href="images/320.jpg" + name="image320" + id="image320"><img width="265" + src="images/320s.jpg" + alt="REVIVING FROM THE EFFECTS OF CHLORINE GAS, LOCKE IS MUCH SURPRISED TO SEE IT IS ZITA WHO HAS RESUSCITATED HIM" /> + </a> + reviving from the effects of chlorine gas, locke is much + surprised to see it is zita who has resuscitated him + </div> + + <p>"I didn't want to give you up," wailed Zita, now forgetting + herself. "I loved you. To prove it—I will help you now. + The—the girl you love is in terrible danger—you + must hurry."</p> + + <p>It was only too true. Eva had driven immediately to the + hypnotist's, and he had been instructed about her coming. At + his door she had knocked, and an old, evil-visaged man, in + flowing robes which were marked in cabalistic signs, had opened + the door. In true fakir fashion he salaamed almost to the floor + while in flowery language he bade her enter.</p> + + <p>Fearfully Eva stepped within. Signs of the zodiac, of + cross-bones and skulls, on walls and ceiling met her gaze + everywhere. In an alcove Eva could see a noosed rope hanging, + for what purpose she knew not. But its presence she felt was + sinister.</p> + + <p>"I—I was told that a Doctor Q would be here," Eva + faltered. "I do not see him."</p> + + <p>"Gracious lady," bowed the hyponotist, "I will bring him at + once. Pray be seated."</p> + + <p>Eva seated herself before a table upon which there stood a + curious stand, supporting many mirrors. She examined it + closely, and as she did so they all began to move. Each mirror + moved on its own axis and she watched with fatal curiosity. For + now a bright light was cast from behind her on the revolving + mirrors and they formed a scintillating kaleidoscope that was + bewildering in its intricacy.</p> + + <p>Eva quickly became fascinated. Then she was conscious of a + drowsy feeling stealing over her. She strove to rise, but her + knees refused to support her and she fell back in her + chair.</p> + + <p>The hypnotist now shut off the machine and, stepping before + Eva, made several passes with his hands.</p> + + <p>Eva's eyes closed. The hypnotist turned and made a signal. + Several panels opened simultaneously and into the room there + came a number of emissaries, who crept upon the now completely + hypnotized girl.</p> + + <p>Nor was that all. A sound, as of the clanking of chains, was + heard, and through an aperture in the wall larger than the + others there stalked the Automaton.</p> + + <p>At this very instant Locke and Zita burst into the room and + rushed toward Eva.</p> + + <p>The hypnotist slipped around them both and in a moment had + caught Zita in his arms. She struggled to escape, beating him + with her little fists in a fury of rage and fear. But he held + her, and an emissary, bringing ropes, with his help bound her + securely.</p> + + <p>As for Locke, he made a frantic attempt to reach Eva, but + his way was blocked by a score of emissaries and the Automaton + himself. Desperately Locke dashed at the iron monster, only to + be hurled to the floor as though he were a tiny child.</p> + + <p>In another moment the emissaries had bound him and carried + him to the alcove in which hung the noosed rope.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/321.jpg" + name="image321" + id="image321"><img width="400" + src="images/321s.jpg" + alt="LOCKE IS BOUND IN THE 'DEATH NOOSE'" /></a> + locke is bound in the "death noose" + </div> + + <p>The hypnotist now pulled a lever and the method of the death + intended for Locke was revealed. Directly under the suspended + rope was a trap-door, which opened. Locke gazed down into + blackness, nothingness. An emissary threw some small, heavy + object into the yawning hole. For a long time nothing was + heard. Then finally, far, far below there came to their ears + the sound of a distant splash.</p> + + <p>The fiendish plan was simple—to hang him and then to + cut the rope. His body would go hurtling down to the + subterranean river below and be carried out to sea.</p> + + <p>The hypnotist reversed the lever. The trap-door closed. + Locke was dragged beneath the rope and it was adjusted around + his neck.</p> + + <p>Even in this awful moment his sole thought was of Eva. Would + they throw her, unconscious, down the same yawning trap?</p> + + <p>Powerless, he stood bound, fascinated, as he saw three + emissaries seize her. But instead of dragging her to the trap, + they dragged her toward one of the panels in the wall.</p> + + <p>What nameless torture was in store for her?</p> + + <p>He struggled furiously to get free to rush to her, but the + noose only tightened on his neck.</p> + + <p>The hypnotist stepped to the lever that operated the trap + under Locke's feet and began to pull the lever down.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXIII</h3> + + <p>With a crash the hypnotist dropped unconscious to the floor + as the hypnotic machine started to revolve rapidly. The + emissaries turned from Locke and were dazzled by the blinding + flashes from the whirling mirrors.</p> + + <p>It was Zita who caused all the commotion. Unnoticed by the + thugs, who were intent on sending Locke to his death and + dragging Eva through the panel, Zita had managed to free + herself from her bonds and, true to her promise to Locke that + she would help him, she had risked all for his sake.</p> + + <p>Once free from the ropes, she had seized a heavy bronze vase + and, at just the critical moment of danger, had hurled it at + the hypnotist's head, striking him a terrific blow that had + felled him and left him unconscious on the floor before he + could spring the trap. She had then set the mechanical hypnotic + machine in motion, and, standing behind it, was herself + practically invisible. It all happened so quickly that it + seemed like a miracle.</p> + + <p>Locke, his hope revived, swiftly grasped the one chance for + life that was left to him. By contracting his muscles he was + able to slip out of the ropes which bound his arms. But since + the noosed rope around his neck held him so that his toes + barely touched the floor of the trap, he could not, try as he + might, manage to get the noose free.</p> + + <p>Suddenly a plan flashed across his mind. Hanging from the + ceiling a few feet in front of him he could see an enormous + chandelier. Throwing his hands above his head, he grasped the + rope, thus relieving the strain on his neck. Then, snapping his + body backward, his feet came in contact with the wall. With + tremendous force he kicked out, causing his body to swing in an + arc toward the chandelier.</p> + + <p>It was not until he had wrapped his legs about the branches + of the chandelier that the emissaries noticed what he was + doing, so fascinated were they by the revolving mirrors. Even + then they could scarcely resist the auto-hypnotic powers of the + contrivance. Finally, however, with a shout they came to the + attack.</p> + + <p>Locke was now hanging head downward. With one hand he + succeeded in loosening the noose from about his neck, while + with the other he struck out, hitting an emissary a fearful + swinging blow that sent the fellow staggering backward, to fall + against the lever controlling the trap-door.</p> + + <p>With a crash the trap was sprung, with the pit yawning + beneath it. Struggling, striking, grappling with his + assailants, Locke managed to hurl three of them to their deaths + in the underground river below.</p> + + <p>Horror-stricken at the fate of their companions, the other + emissaries stepped back, when, to add to their confusion, Zita, + with remarkable strength for so frail a girl, lifted the stand + of mirrors and hurled it among them.</p> + + <p>Locke somersaulted to the floor and, seizing the broken + stand, used it as a weapon with deadly effect.</p> + + <p>The emissaries turned and fled.</p> + + <p>An instant later Locke started to the panel through which + Eva had been dragged, when he heard steps from the other side. + It was the emissaries who had seized Eva, coming back to see + what all the rumpus was about. Locke, forewarned, slipped close + to the wall, and, as they passed through the panel, one at a + time, he was able to fell them to the floor.</p> + + <p>Then he rushed through the panel just in time to see Eva, + pursued by the Automaton, running toward him.</p> + + <p>The very strangeness of her terrible adventure had brought + Eva out of the hypnotic state into which she had been thrown + and she clung to Locke as though she were a child.</p> + + <p>Locke took her in his arms and, swiftly evading the + slow-moving monster, dashed back to the hypnotic room, calling + to Zita to run to the street. Thus all three were able to make + good their escape.</p> + + <p>Eva had purposely left her motor turning over, and therefore + it was barely an instant after they were in the street before + they were streaking out of that quarter of the town.</p> + + <p>Zita was now overwhelmed by her feelings, but it was Eva + herself who spoke first.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me, Zita," begged Eva, in the rush of her emotions + forgetting all that Zita had done. "But for you, both of us + would now be dead."</p> + + <p>For some moments Zita could not reply in her silent sadness + at seeing the joy of Locke with this girl.</p> + + <p>"I—I forgive you?" she murmured, at length. "It is for + you to forgive me." She paused a moment and choked back a sob; + then added, bravely, "I—I can even wish for your + happiness, my dear; my hope is dead."</p> + + <p>Only Locke understood, and as he watched Zita he resolved to + do all he could for her, realizing that some one else had made + her a victim of her love and jealousy.</p> + + <p>All breathed a sigh of relief when at last they came again + in sight of the lights of Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>There was just the trace of a shadow to cloud the momentary + happiness at their safe arrival, as, on the steps, Zita refused + to enter.</p> + + <p>"I—I must say good-by," she murmured, wistfully, + turning to go out into the night alone.</p> + + <p>Nothing that either Locke or Eva could say seemed to swerve + her purpose.</p> + + <p>"Can't you see?" she exclaimed, finally, turning to Locke. + "Balcom, Paul, and Doctor Q all trust me now. I can help you + solve the mystery better if I leave the house."</p> + + <p>This was so evident that Locke and Eva were forced to + consent. They took her back to the city, leaving her where she + could be unobserved, then returned in a very hopeful mood again + to Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>"I think she can and will help us," declared Eva, + intuitively.</p> + + <p>"Yes," agreed Locke, slowly, "and if Zita finds the record + of her birth I believe we shall solve the mystery."</p> + + <p>Worn out with the terrors through which she had passed, Eva + bade Locke an affectionate good-night and went to her room, + while he went to the laboratory and tried again to find an + antidote for the Madagascar madness, a work that kept him up + late and to which he returned again early the following + morning.</p> + + <p>It was on that following day, in the River Road apartment of + De Luxe Dora, that Paul and she were having a demi-monde + lovers' quarrel. Paul was intoxicated, and Dora may have been + angry about that. Or it may have been that she was jealous of + some other woman. However, they were quarreling fiercely when + there came a knock at the door.</p> + + <p>"You open it," flashed Dora to Paul.</p> + + <p>He demurred a moment, then, changing his mind, consented and + crossed to the door, while Dora ran to her own room and + hid.</p> + + <p>Paul was very much surprised to find that the visitor was + Zita, much excited.</p> + + <p>"I want you to help me on something of great importance," + she exclaimed, almost before she had entered.</p> + + <p>"Why, certainly! Anything you desire!" hiccoughed Paul. + "Come on in."</p> + + <p>Zita entered the apartment and they crossed over to the + chaise-longue, where Zita made her direct plea.</p> + + <p>"Help me find the record of my birth," she begged.</p> + + <p>Paul pulled his wandering wits together and thought a + moment; then a particularly crafty look came into his eyes as + he detached a key from his key-ring.</p> + + <p>"Here, take this," he directed. "It's the key to my father's + apartment. The records you want are there. He and I have + quarreled and you can go as far as you like."</p> + + <p>Zita took the key eagerly, thanked Paul profusely, and + started for the door.</p> + + <p>She had barely passed the threshold before Dora, who had + heard all, was at the telephone in her own room and was angrily + calling up Balcom at his apartment.</p> + + <p>Balcom, assisted by his Madagascan servant, was at the + moment packing a trunk, perhaps preparatory to a hasty flight, + should that become necessary. The moment the telephone rang he + picked up the receiver and nearly choked with anger as he heard + Dora's whispered voice over the wire.</p> + + <p>"Paul has given Zita the key to your apartment," Dora + hastened, "and she is coming over to steal the record of her + birth."</p> + + <p>"She is—eh? Well, I'll take care of that," growled + Balcom, as he rang off.</p> + + <p>Balcom went to a drawer in the table and from it took a + large book. Rapidly he turned over the pages until he found + what he wanted. Then he made an erasure and an entry and + replaced the book in the drawer. Next he called the + servant.</p> + + <p>"When she comes, you make her a prisoner," he directed. + "Understand?"</p> + + <p>The Madagascan nodded and raised one of Balcom's hands to + his own forehead as a sign of his fidelity.</p> + + <p>Balcom went out and the servant stepped into the empty trunk + to await the arrival of Zita.</p> + + <p>But it was a very different person with whom the Madagascan + had to contend in the end.</p> + + <p>On leaving Dora's apartment, Zita telephoned Brent Rock, and + Locke answered immediately. Locke readily agreed to make the + search of Balcom's apartment in Zita's stead.</p> + + <p>When the Madagascan heard a key in the door he stealthily + peeped from his hiding-place and saw, instead of Zita, + Locke.</p> + + <p>Locke's back was turned, and the Madagascan, undaunted, + sprang from the trunk and leaped, catlike, on Locke's back. But + he had not reckoned on his antagonist. Locke, always on guard, + was not taken quite by surprise. He caught the savage in a + jiu-jitsu hold, throwing him over his head to land in a far + corner of the room.</p> + + <p>In spite of the fall, the Madagascan bounded to his feet, + like a rubber ball, but a few stiff jabs from Locke soon took + all the fight out of him and he lay still, completely knocked + out.</p> + + <p>Locke made a hurried but systematic search of the room, and + finally found the book that he sought, taking it and returning + to Eva at Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>After telephoning, Zita went directly to Doctor Q's + laboratory, to which she was admitted after he had seen her + through his periscope annunciator.</p> + + <p>The doctor was fumbling with a test-tube, from which some + heavy fumes were issuing. He motioned her to a chair, near a + table upon which were many papers which looked to Zita as + though they might be of importance. Always quick to act, Zita + raised her hand as if to arrange her hair, and as she did so + she purposely knocked the test-tube out of the doctor's hand. + The acid spattered on some of the papers, quickly setting them + afire.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q, wildly excited, started to beat out the flames, + and in so doing allowed several unseared letters to flutter to + the floor. One in particular arrested Zita's attention. It was + a drawing, a plan of some sort, and was marked, "Plan of + Den."</p> + + <p>Zita placed her foot on it, and, while Doctor Q was engaged + with the small blaze, she reached down and, hastily folding it, + thrust it into one of the low shoes she was wearing. Then she + went to Doctor Q's assistance and in a jiffy the fire was out. + The doctor was furiously angry at her, and, feeling that she + had accomplished all that she might expect, she expressed her + regrets for the accident and went out before his anger became + any worse.</p> + + <p>Thus it was that Zita arrived at Brent Rock only a few + moments after Locke, whom she found in the library with Eva, + turning over the pages of the record he had secured at + Balcom's.</p> + + <p>The record purported to be a record of marriages of Wallace + County, New York, and Locke finally found an entry that read, + "Peter Brent and Rita Dane."</p> + + <p>For a moment Zita was stunned. It was her mother's name.</p> + + <p>Locke smiled. "Yes, Zita," he said, quietly, "for a moment + Eva and I were surprised, too. But it's a palpable forgery. + Balcom has tried to prove that you and Eva are half-sisters, + but look."</p> + + <p>He handed her a powerful magnifying-glass and through it the + clumsy forgery stood out in all its crudeness, showing plainly + where other names had been erased and these inserted.</p> + + <p>Zita was greatly disappointed, for she had thought that at + last she would establish her identity. Then she remembered the + paper she had hidden in her shoe. She slipped the paper out and + handed it to Locke, who was greatly excited over its + importance.</p> + + <p>They were still studying it when Locke heard a strange + noise, as of shuffling feet, in the hallway. He jumped to the + door, and there, in the dim light of the stairway leading down + to the Graveyard of Genius, he saw a knot of men carrying + another man, who was evidently helpless. Locke started forward, + but they were gone.</p> + + <p>Eva hurried up-stairs to her father's room, fearing + something was wrong.</p> + + <p>"Father's gone!" she cried, despairingly.</p> + + <p>Locke threw himself full against the door at the head of the + cellar stairs which the men had slammed shut. He tried to + batter it down, but it was too strongly built. Then he drew his + revolver and with the barrel started to push out the pins from + the hinges. He worked feverishly and succeeded in driving the + top pin out. Then, using it as a lever, he was able to pull the + door from its frame.</p> + + <p>He dashed down the stairs, but was late by only the fraction + of a second, as a metal hand was just closing the huge door to + the Graveyard of Genius. He fumbled at the secret combination, + and as he was doing so Eva and Zita joined him.</p> + + <p>The door swung open and they rushed through. But the place + was deserted.</p> + + <p>"They've carried your father through some secret passage," + exclaimed Locke. "That would explain much that is strange that + has happened about the house, too."</p> + + <p>Just then Zita stepped forward with the plan in her hand. + "See," she cried, "there is a secret passage marked on + this."</p> + + <p>Locke studied the plan for some time, but whoever had drawn + it had carefully concealed both the exact location of the + passage and the method by which it was reached. As he searched, + however, an idea occurred to Locke.</p> + + <p>"I'll rig a trap with a camera," he decided, finally.</p> + + <p>A few minutes later he returned to the room with his special + quick-shutter camera, a flash-bag, and a ball of light twine. + Carefully he focused the camera on the wall where the plan + showed the secret passage to be. Then he rigged up the + flash-bag and connected the whole with the twine, which he + strung all about the Graveyard of Genius, so that, should any + part of the wall move, it would cause the twine to break which + in turn would at the same time release the shutter of the + camera and explode the powder of the flashlight. Thus, without + any direct human agency, a photograph would be taken.</p> + + <p>Next he attached wires and ran them to the library above, + where he installed an annunciator, the needle of which would + indicate when the trap was sprung and the picture taken. + Fascinated, the two girls watched. Eva was almost fainting with + grief at the terrible fate that had overtaken her father. Even + in his sickness, at least she had had him. But now he was + gone—to what she could only guess. Locke tried to console + her as they paced the library above, even though he realized + that such consolation was hollow.</p> + + <p>It was perhaps half an hour later when suddenly the needle + of the annunciator began to vibrate rapidly. All leaped to + their feet and ran down the stairs to the Graveyard.</p> + + <p>At once Locke rushed to the camera, put in a slide, and took + out the plate-holder. Then they hurried up to his + laboratory.</p> + + <p>There Locke procured a developing-bag and started to work. + Nervously and impatiently Eva and Zita watched him at his + task.</p> + + <p>At last the negative was ready and Locke drew it from the + bag and held it to the light.</p> + + <p>There, glaring out of the plate, was the devilish face of + Balcom!</p> + + <p>Eva and Zita both uttered a cry of astonishment and + consternation. Even Locke was amazed. But the strongest feeling + he had was anger as he turned to them.</p> + + <p>"You two take this plan," he exclaimed. "It shows a den with + an exit indicated. Get some one to go with you; find the place + and wait for me there. I can find the secret entrance from the + Graveyard from this negative—and I'm going through + it."</p> + + <p>Balcom, in the passageway between the Graveyard of Genius + and the Automaton's den, was livid with fury. He realized that + his picture had been taken, surmised that the secret passage + would be found and that some assault on the den would be + attempted. But he had had no time to locate the camera, which + Locke had hidden well, nor had he dared to search longer for it + when he heard Locke bounding down the stairs from the + library.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, he had retreated and hastened back through the + passageway into the Automaton's den.</p> + + <p>"Quick!" he shouted to the horde of emissaries in the place. + "Bring dynamite, electric wires, and a rack-bar. They think + they have us trapped. But if they try to follow me here, I tell + you it will mean certain death to them."</p> + + <p>The emissaires hastened to obey him. They brought the + explosive and the means to detonate it, and carried the stuff + into the passageway, where they made the connections. An + emissary stepped forward and volunteered to use the rack-bar + when the time came, but Balcom waved him away.</p> + + <p>"No," he growled. "No one can take my revenge from me. I'll + do the killing."</p> + + <p>The emissaries fell back and went into the den.</p> + + <p>Balcom was making some final adjustments when the great rock + separating the passageway from the Graveyard of Genius swung + slowly on its balanced hinges.</p> + + <p>Startled from his work, even though he had expected the + thing, Balcom looked up, and in the passageway caught a glimpse + of the dim outline of his arch-enemy, Locke.</p> + + <p>Balcom had been right. Locke had found the clue to the + secret entrance to the tunnel.</p> + + <p>He worked feverishly to complete the final connection, but + almost before he finished Locke charged and the battle was + on.</p> + + <p>Up and down the passageway they fought. Although Locke was + the younger man, yet in Balcom he found a giant of + strength.</p> + + <p>It was a fight between these two alone, for no emissary, no + Automaton, now entered that passage of death.</p> + + <p>Neither uttered a sound. Neither had a weapon. It was the + primitive struggle of man to man for life.</p> + + <p>But now Locke's youth and clean living began to tell in his + favor and he sensed that his adversary was weakening. He + redoubled his efforts.</p> + + <p>After a particularly vicious blow from Locke, Balcom threw + up his hands and toppled over backward—in the direction + of the rack-bar itself.</p> + + <p>Locke tried to throw Balcom's body out of the way. It was + too late. With a thud Balcom crashed full upon the plunger, + driving it home.</p> + + <p>There was a blinding flash, a dull roar, and the earth + rocked. Huge boulders were tossed about like feathers and the + roof of the passage caved in.</p> + + <p>Balcom was killed instantly. Locke, with better fortune, had + been hurled to the ground, where the earth and rocks, in + falling, had formed a sort of arch over his body.</p> + + <p>He was alive, though barely conscious. He knew that soon a + search would be made for him. But, buried under tons of earth + and rock, could any rescuers reach him in time? Was this the + end?</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXIV</h3> + + <p>For a long time Locke lay quite still. The shock to his + nervous system had been terrific, and, although physically + almost uninjured, he had lost his usual grip on himself and + felt very helpless.</p> + + <p>He felt terribly tired. The thought came to him that he had + done enough, reached his limit of endurance. He craved sleep, a + long sleep, and forgetfulness.</p> + + <p>But youth and the undying desire for life and accomplishment + won over this deadly mood and he began to take note of his + position. His mind became clearer and the ringing in his ears, + caused by the explosion, gradually passed away.</p> + + <p>Then, like a flash, the question entered his mind of how he + was able, buried under tons of debris, to breathe so freely. + Why was the air not vitiated?</p> + + <p>He tried to move slowly and quietly so as not to dislodge + any of the rocks that formed an arch over his body. He + succeeded beyond his expectations, for his body was in a sort + of natural pocket and not one of his limbs was inextricably + bound. Thus, twisting his body, he managed to draw himself into + what seemed to be an even more open space.</p> + + <p>He hardly dared to breathe, so fearful was he that any + moment he might reach a point where further progress would be + impossible. He moved slowly, gropingly, then suddenly he + recoiled in horror, for his hand had come in contact with + something which he recognized to be a man's face.</p> + + <p>In his shaken condition it was some seconds before he could + control the wild jangling of his nerves. Then he searched his + pockets and, finding a match, lighted it. There, covered to the + armpits by dirt and rocks, was the body of Balcom, whose last + act before his own death had been an attempt to murder + Locke.</p> + + <p>Locke shuddered and redoubled his efforts to escape from the + gruesome place. There still remained a small hole through which + he must climb. But he negotiated it successfully, and in + another moment he was aboveground and free.</p> + + <p>Eva and Zita had followed Locke's instructions, but had not + waited to find any one to go with them to the exit from the + den. Nor did they wait at the exit more than a few minutes.</p> + + <p>Eva had taken a small electric torch with her, and, becoming + impatient at the non-appearance of Locke, she flashed it about + as she followed the lines and marks indicated on the plan of + the den.</p> + + <p>She and Zita were surprised at the magnitude of the entrance + passageway they uncovered. They had had to make a detour in + order to reach the beach at a point where it was indicated that + the exit of the den would be found, and even with the plan, + which they consulted at every step, they almost missed their + objective, for the cleft in the rocks slanted inward and was + difficult to see even when one was standing directly in front + of it.</p> + + <p>They had peered into the cavern and were waiting when they + heard the explosion. They gazed at each other questioningly and + with apprehension.</p> + + <p>"What do you think it is?" asked Eva, questioningly.</p> + + <p>Zita could, of course, offer no explanation and did not + try.</p> + + <p>Impulsively both girls took a very foolish chance. Both had + thought of Locke and they started to run into the cave entrance + and toward the sound of the explosion.</p> + + <p>Zita was in the lead, and it was at this moment that the + panic-stricken emissaries came tumbling and fighting their way + from the den. Zita shrieked to Eva to save herself, and Eva, + although unwilling to leave her, knew that now she could do + nothing to save Zita, and took her only chance of escape.</p> + + <p>As for Zita, the emissaries were too frightened to pay any + attention to her. But behind them came the iron monster, + without nerves, it seemed. The Automaton saw her and pinned her + to the rock wall until she was unconscious. Then, picking her + up as though she were a feather, it carried her out to the + beach.</p> + + <p>Locke, the moment he freed himself from the hole which had + so nearly been his grave, ran staggering toward the beach, for + he felt instinctively that Eva and Zita were in danger.</p> + + <p>Eva and Locke must have started at about the same time, she + in her flight away from the Automaton, and Locke to find the + den exit, for they met on the cliffside.</p> + + <p>"Thank God you are safe!" exclaimed Eva.</p> + + <p>Locke impulsively threw his arms about her and kissed her as + they related their narrow escapes.</p> + + <p>Locke resolved to follow the trail of the Automaton and to + rescue Zita. Also he had hopes of rescuing Eva's father at the + same time. Eva wished to accompany him, but he would not think + of it, and insisted that she return to Brent Rock and keep all + the doors barricaded. In fact, he followed her almost to the + house and saw that she entered safely, then hurried back to the + beach.</p> + + <p>With the aid of Eva's electric torch, which she had given + him, it was no difficult task to trace the huge footsteps of + the Automaton, though, one by one, the footprints of the + emissaries took divergent directions, probably for the very + purpose of confusing just such a pursuit.</p> + + <p>He followed the main track, however, until he came to the + banks of a small stream, and there the trail was completely + lost, for the monster had stepped into the water. Locke waded + to the other bank and hunted for further tracks, but there were + none to be found. The Automaton had undoubtedly waded up-stream + to the point where he had decided to dispose of Zita.</p> + + <p>Nothing daunted, Locke started wading upstream. This stream + ran in a gully between the rocks and the cliffs on either side, + which were very high. Time and time again Locke thought of + turning back for more searchers. But he hated to return to Eva + without at least some news, and therefore he persisted.</p> + + <p>He was at last rewarded, for just as he was about to turn to + the right where the stream made a bend, he thought he heard a + low laugh. He stopped dead in his tracks. Again the sound of + the broken laughter came to him.</p> + + <p>Cautiously Locke moved slowly forward until he could see + around the bend.</p> + + <p>It was a strange sight that met his gaze. Under an enormous + overhanging rock he saw about fifteen men standing, while + against the cliff he could distinguish the form of a girl. It + was undoubtedly Zita. Sitting on a rock and quite close to her + was Peter Brent.</p> + + <p>The emissaries were clustered around the central figure, + which was waving its arms of steel and indicating what they + should do. As the Automaton gesticulated, tiny points of fire + gleamed from its eyes.</p> + + <p>Seen in the light of the lanterns held by the emissaries, + the Automaton never looked more terrifying. Even Locke himself, + who had encountered the monster so often, felt a cold chill as + he watched him and his men.</p> + + <p>Locke turned noiselessly, for well he knew that alone he + could do nothing. He started to retrace his steps to Brent + Rock, and no sooner had he arrived there than he told Eva that + her father still lived and was uninjured, and that Zita was + safe in the new den of the Automaton which he had discovered. + Then he telephoned to his chief to send officers immediately to + Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>After the explosion that had killed Balcom and had come so + near to killing Locke, when he had finally rescued himself and + had drawn himself out of the hole, there was one who watched + him.</p> + + <p>It was none other than that mysterious being, Doctor Q. What + twist of that disordered brain had brought him to the spot was + not at once evident. However, as soon as Locke had left to go + toward Eva, Doctor Q came from his hiding-place, madly smiling + and wagging his head. He peered into the hole and, seeing + nothing, lighted a match and thrust it far down into the + darkness.</p> + + <p>There was a sharp intake of his breath, for the match + revealed to him the dead face of Herbert Balcom.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q drew back and stood erect.</p> + + <p>"Dead!" he muttered, as he ran his fingers through his hair + dazedly.</p> + + <p>"Dead!"</p> + + <p>A strange thing happened. The mad light fled from the eyes + of Doctor Q and the twisted brain seemed to become clear.</p> + + <p>Suddenly in the very field the old man knelt down and prayed + a thankful prayer for his recovery.</p> + + <p>What was the strange power which Balcom had wielded over + him, which death had snapped?</p> + + <p>The officers arrived at Brent Rock and Locke was ready. The + party left immediately to go to the rescue of Brent and Zita, + and it took them only a short time to reach the spot which + Locke had located.</p> + + <p>Disposing some of his force below the hanging rock, Locke + and some others went farther upstream. The two parties looked + at their watches, waiting a certain time agreed on.</p> + + <p>Then the two parties moved toward each other. As they came + in sight of the spot, Locke experienced a keen disappointment. + He could see no one. Advancing farther, he discovered Brent + still on the same rock. Guarding him were three emissaries. + That was all. Zita, the Automaton, and the other emissaries + were gone.</p> + + <p>The three emissaries, seeing the numbers opposed to them, + did not even offer to resist. They were placed under arrest, + but nothing could induce them to tell where the others had + gone.</p> + + <p>To fail Zita after she had so nobly saved his life in the + lair of the hypnotist was an unwelcome thought to Locke, and he + resolved to rescue her at any risk. But first he felt he must + restore Brent to his daughter, and therefore the party returned + to Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Eva was beside herself with joy at the safe return of her + father, and led him tenderly to his room and sent immediately + for the doctor in order that he might not suffer from his + exposure.</p> + + <p>While this was going on at Brent Rock, Paul Balcom was + rifling his father's papers in the apartment where Balcom had + lived. He had unceremoniously thrown letters and documents all + over the floor in his mad search for something. Finally he + found what he was looking for, and, smiling triumphantly as he + read the paper, he thrust it into his pocket and hurriedly left + the place, not stopping even to pick up the papers scattered + all about.</p> + + <p>Zita had evidently been watching the house, for no sooner + had he left than she ran up the front steps of the Balcom + apartment.</p> + + <p>In some way she had procured a key and let herself in. Then + began a feverish search very similar to that which Paul had + instituted. Only, this time Zita picked up all the papers, + arranging them and placing them back in the drawers, after + scanning their contents.</p> + + <p>She had almost finished when a small book lying in a distant + corner of the room caught her eye.</p> + + <p>At a glance she saw that it was a diary. Turning the pages + rapidly, she finally came to one over which she fairly gloated, + for its information, sold to the proper parties, might make her + independent for life.</p> + + <p>Even as she was gloating over her find there came the sound + of many feet in the front hallway. Zita had no time to run out + of the room before the door opened, giving entrance to six + emissaries, surrounding her.</p> + + <p>The emissaries locked all the doors and tramped out. Only + their leader remained for a moment to throw a parting shot.</p> + + <p>"Remember," he threatened, "this house is watched. See that + you act accordingly. You will, if you know what's good for + you."</p> + + <p>Then he slammed the door and locked it behind him.</p> + + <p>For a long time Zita sat there, too despairing to move. Then + her ear caught the sound of stealthy footsteps in the hall, and + she ran and hid behind the portières. The door opened slowly + and Paul stole again into the room.</p> + + <p>Having nothing to fear from him, Zita came from her + hiding-place and confronted him. Paul was startled for a moment + at her sudden appearance, but recovered himself on seeing that + it was Zita.</p> + + <p>The paper that he had stolen from his father's desk had + proved to him that Zita had become highly desirable, and he was + not one to miss such an opportunity.</p> + + <p>As he questioned her, Zita told him briefly her story, or, + rather, such portions of it as she thought it desirable for him + to know. Paul, in turn, assured her of his undying friendship + and something more. His earnestness almost made it seem true, + and he talked in his most fascinating and attractive manner. He + finally ended his conversation with a direct proposal of + marriage. But he had overstepped the mark and Zita was not to + be fooled.</p> + + <p>"Paul"—she laughed scornfully now—"you should be + on the stage. It needed only this proposal to prove to me that + I am really Peter Brent's daughter."</p> + + <p>"Peter Brent's daughter!" he exclaimed. "No, not his + daughter—the daughter of Doctor Q."</p> + + <p>"Impossible!" recoiled Zita, astounded at the assertion.</p> + + <p>"True, Zita," he asserted, "absolutely true. Here, look at + this paper."</p> + + <p>With hands that trembled, Zita took the paper and read an + amazing table. Unless the paper lied, she was indeed the + daughter of Doctor Q.</p> + + <p>There was only one thing to do and that was to confront + Doctor Q at once and force him to a full explanation.</p> + + <p>In order not to antagonize Paul, Zita was now particularly + nice to him. Her object was to get him to consent to her + escape, so that she could inform Locke and Eva of her discovery + and all three confront Doctor Q and wrest from him the + story.</p> + + <p>At first Paul would not let her go unless she consented to + marry him, but Zita played him skilfully, so that finally he + unlocked the door.</p> + + <p>Then Zita flew down the stairs and to a telephone around the + corner, where she called up Locke, to whom she told as much as + she dared over the wire.</p> + + <p>Locke told her that he and Eva would meet her within an hour + in the lobby of one of the city's largest hotels, and Zita + hastened there, where she waited impatiently until they + arrived.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q admitted them immediately, and they noticed with + astonishment the wonderful change for the better that had taken + place in the man. For with the restoration of his mind all the + evil lines of his face had been obliterated, as it were, and in + the place of the doddering half-imbecile they found a genial, + kindly, and distinguished gentleman who, with the utmost + hospitality, brought chairs and begged them to be seated.</p> + + <p>Zita, in her anxiety to know the truth, could hardly contain + her impatience. Tossed from pillar to post, dominated once by + the strong, evil mind of Balcom, Zita had run the gamut of + human emotions before she had barely passed her girlhood.</p> + + <p>Seeing her agitation, Locke undertook to interrogate the + doctor.</p> + + <p>"Doctor Q," he began, "I believe you know the perpetrator of + the crimes to which we have all been subjected, and we have + come to you in all friendliness to ask you to clear this + mystery up for us. Balcom is dead," added Locke, pointedly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know that," interrupted Doctor Q.</p> + + <p>"You know?" all asked. "How do you know?"</p> + + <p>The doctor told of having seen Balcom's body. But at first + he could not explain why he was in the spot at the time.</p> + + <p>Then Locke went on to tell him of the document that Paul had + shown to Zita.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q sank heavily into a chair.</p> + + <p>"That document that Paul Balcom showed Zita," he exclaimed, + after a moment, "told the truth."</p> + + <p>All were startled. Zita would have risen with a cry had not + Locke gently touched her arm.</p> + + <p>"Tell us the story," demanded Locke of Q.</p> + + <p>For some moments Doctor Q seemed to be collecting his + scattered thoughts, as though still a haze hung over his mind. + Then he began to speak, becoming more certain of his strange + story.</p> + + <p>"It was many years ago," he began, as all drew closer about + him, listening breathlessly to his narrative, "and all these + years I have been quite mad. The man now lying dead, Balcom, + was the cause of all these years of misery."</p> + + <p>The old man passed his hand over his head as though to wipe + away a recollection of hate and fear, then resumed:</p> + + <p>"I was an inventor in those days, and very successful. I had + built up a great fortune, had built a great house, and in that + house I had a beautiful wife and two of the loveliest children, + a boy and a girl, that ever man had."</p> + + <p>He paused again, then went on:</p> + + <p>"One day, a man entered my life and proposed to put my + inventions on the market very advantageously. He was suave, + polished, and apparently a gentleman. At any rate, I trusted + him. You all knew him. It was Herbert Balcom.</p> + + <p>"At the time I did not know that in order to give my + inventions a clear field the inventions of hundreds of poor + inventors were to be suppressed. I know now, Miss Brent, that + your own father was led along in the scheme, even as I was. + Balcom possessed the master mind and we were all as children in + his hands."</p> + + <p>Doctor Q stopped a moment. It was evident that he was + speaking with restraint when it came to Peter Brent, perhaps + glossing over what the man had done. Though he did not say so, + the mere fact that at last Brent had seen the light and had + planned a wholesale restitution weighed supremely in Doctor Q's + mind.</p> + + <p>"One day," he resumed, "Balcom came to me in what I know now + was merely feigned excitement and fear. 'They're after us!' he + cried. 'Brent and I have done our best—but the government + is after you, and we can't protect you any longer.'</p> + + <p>"Then for the first time Balcom told me of the real purposes + of the company, told me that he had been drawn into it by + Brent. It was all a tissue of lies—lies that drove me + from my home and country. I hated your father with an undying + hate, Miss Brent.</p> + + <p>"Well, to make the sad story short, I took my wife and + children and sailed secretly for the farthermost parts of the + world. Off the coast of Madagascar, in the Straits, a typhoon + came up. The vessel was driven on the rocks and wrecked. I was + cast ashore, and I vaguely remember how, for days and weeks, I + patrolled that beach, subsisting on shell-fish, imploring God, + day and night, to restore my wife and children to me. Then my + mind gave way.</p> + + <p>"The natives took me in, thinking me a god. They took me + many miles inland. Savages, the world over, are superstitious + about the demented, and so they treated me kindly. They + installed me in a thatched hut of my own and made me a + leader.</p> + + <p>"How many months, years, I stayed with them I do not know. + But, true to my mechanical instinct, I rigged up a forge and + improved many of the crude instruments of the natives, + principally those of agriculture.</p> + + <p>"But transcending every other feeling, I hated Brent. In my + madness, I conceived the idea that I would construct an iron + giant that, upon its completion, if I could only procure the + brain of a man who had died of a lightning stroke or other + electric agency, I could, by installing this brain in the brain + cavity of the giant, give it volition, make it a superman + without feeling or conscience. It was a mad idea—but I + was mad.</p> + + <p>"At about this time Balcom came to Madagascar. He found me + and, knowing my intense hatred of Peter Brent, he cruelly added + fuel to the fire. Already he must have known that Brent was + coming to his senses and planning his great restitution to + genius.</p> + + <p>"He promised me that if I would come to New York with him he + would secure an electrocuted brain so that I could perfect my + steel automaton and obtain my revenge. I was easily persuaded + and I sailed with Balcom, bringing the iron monster with + me."</p> + + <p>A strange light gleamed in the old man's eyes as he spoke, + not the light of madness, but of kindliness now.</p> + + <p>"Children," he said, at length, "I have, during these lucid + moments, watched you all closely. Call it instinct if you will, + but you, Zita, and you, Quentin, seem to be particularly dear + to me now. To-day, returning from the scene of the explosion, + with every faculty not only clear, but rather sharpened by long + disuse, I pieced the years, the months, even the days together. + I searched in an old trunk and I found—this."</p> + + <p>It was a list of those rescued from the steamer + <i>Magnifique</i>, and with amazement they read the names among + the passengers:</p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">QUENTIN + LOCKE</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">ZITA LOCKE</span><br /> + <br /> + <p>There was a short note at the bottom of the list, to the + effect that no trace of either the father or the mother of the + two children had been found.</p> + + + + <p>Paper after paper which Doctor Q had found, where they had + been preserved by Balcom, proved the identification and the + story.</p> + + <p>Locke's head was in a whirl at the sudden change in + relationships, but not more so than Zita's. Finally Zita could + stand the strain no longer. What had been a hopeless love was + now explained.</p> + + <p>"My—my brother!" she sobbed, as she buried her head on + Quentin's shoulder.</p> + + <p>Both turned to Doctor Q—Doctor Q no longer, but really + Quentin Locke, senior, whence had come the "Q."</p> + + <p>His eyes filled with tears and his voice choked.</p> + + <p>"My—children," he murmured, "I see that it is not too + late for me to find happiness, after all. Our enemy is dead. It + was Balcom, of course, who was in that frame of armor, who used + that terrible poison that stole away Brent's mind. The iron + monster will walk no more. Henceforth Peter Brent and Miss Eva + and you, Quentin—will—"</p> + + <p>Doctor Q had not time to finish the sentence.</p> + + <p>The door burst inward.</p> + + <p>The Automaton, its eyes aflame, stalked in among them!</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXV</h3> + + <p>As the Automaton crashed its way into the room all sprang + back terrified, aghast.</p> + + <p>For this monster, they had felt sure, was now nothing but an + inanimate shell of armor, since Balcom was dead.</p> + + <p>Yet here it was, stalking toward them and evidently as bent + on destruction as ever.</p> + + <p>What did it mean?</p> + + <p>In an instant Locke had helped Eva through an open window + and turned to assist Zita. But Doctor Q forestalled him and had + already taken her in his arms and had fled with her into + another room.</p> + + <p>For the moment Locke was surprised to see that the Automaton + totally ignored him. Instead, it stalked to the door and + wrenched it open. There, cowering in the hall, in abject + terror, was De Luxe Dora.</p> + + <p>How and why she had come there was a mystery. But the + Automaton did not hesitate. It raised its hands and, as it did + so, long flashes of blue flame leaped from the steel + finger-tips toward the unfortunate woman. Once she shrieked, + then crumpled and fell dead.</p> + + <p>The monster then turned its attention to Locke, striding + toward him with a menacing gesture. But the diversion due to + Dora had given all just the time they needed to make good their + flight. Locke threw a chair to impede the progress of the + monster, and then, as he saw that all the others were safe, he + lightly vaulted out of the window himself, to find them waiting + for him in the little yard below.</p> + + <p>"What do you make of it now—father?" asked Locke of + Doctor Q. "Balcom is dead. Who is now in the iron man?"</p> + + <p>Doctor Q shrugged. It was a mystery to him as much as ever, + and he seemed unable to throw any light on it.</p> + + <p>"But De Luxe Dora," queried Zita. "What had she come for? + Why was she struck down—first?"</p> + + <p>Again Doctor Q shook his head.</p> + + <p>From the yard they could hear the Automaton's heavy tread in + the room and, as there was nothing to be gained by remaining, + they left the yard and hurried away out of the + neighborhood.</p> + + <p>They had not gone far, however, when Doctor Locke came to a + full stop.</p> + + <p>"I must go back," he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>For a moment all thought he had again taken leave of his + senses. Yet he was obdurate.</p> + + <p>"Miss Brent—Eva," he explained, "you know that a + grievous wrong has been done your father through me. He lies + ill of that most terrible of diseases, the laughing madness. I + alone possess the antidote, and it is in the laboratory that we + have just left. I pray that that iron beast has not destroyed + it."</p> + + <p>At the mere words Locke turned as if to go back for it.</p> + + <p>"No, Quentin," remonstrated his father. "You must remain to + guard Eva."</p> + + <p>"Then I will go," insisted Zita. "I am not afraid now. Even + when the monster carried me off I overcame my fear, watched my + chance, and escaped from his den, where he left me. I will + go."</p> + + <p>Finally Doctor Locke agreed that Zita might return with him, + remain outside, and give the alarm if anything happened to him. + Thus, after many remonstrances, it was agreed, and Eva and + Quentin went on to Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>No one had molested Brent in the mean time. The terror + caused by the explosion, as well as the loss of Balcom, for the + time, at least, had evidently cowed the emissary band.</p> + + <p>While Eva made Brent comfortable, Locke went immediately to + the laboratory, where he had something which he considered very + important.</p> + + <p>"Quentin," remarked Eva, as she joined him, "your father + spoke the truth, I believe, when he said that it was Balcom in + the Automaton, But if that was the case, who is in it now?"</p> + + <p>Locke shook his head dubiously. "I give it up," he replied. + "It's too deep for me. But whoever it is, he won't trouble us + long, I'll wager. I've been perfecting a special gun and an + explosive-gas bullet. No one can shoot the monster. Nothing + seems to stop it. But this weapon, I think, will at last prove + a match for it."</p> + + <p>Eva, who had always had the deepest interest in Quentin's + work, listened attentively as he explained in detail the + working of the new weapon.</p> + + <p>"And now we come to the actual loading of these + asphyxiating-poison bullets," concluded Quentin. "I really must + ask you, Eva, to go into another room, for it is dangerous work + and you must not risk your life here."</p> + + <p>"But, Quentin," remonstrated Eva, "we've risked our lives so + often together that I have ceased to be afraid of + anything."</p> + + <p>Quentin was insistent, and finally Eva agreed.</p> + + <p>As Doctor Q and Zita neared the former's laboratory, they + saw that all the lights in the house were out. Doctor Locke, + against Zita's advice, insisted on going in, and told his + daughter to wait outside. It was then that Zita disobeyed her + father for the first time, for she flatly refused to be left + behind.</p> + + <p>"No," she insisted. "I found a father to-night and what we + must risk we risk together. It is no worse than the peril from + which I once escaped."</p> + + <p>There was no reasoning with Zita, and they let themselves + into the little yard and went up the back steps. When they came + to the door of the laboratory they listened intently.</p> + + <p>There was no sound. Then they mustered up courage and + cautiously entered the room. For a long time they stood quite + still, not daring to move. Finally Doctor Q suddenly lighted a + match.</p> + + <p>The room was in terrible confusion, as though + cyclone-swept.</p> + + <p>Doctor Locke turned on an electric bulb and the room was + flooded with light.</p> + + <p>Everywhere there were traces of the Automaton. But the + monster itself had left the place. Doctor Locke crossed to the + other door. There was a sight that made them shudder. The body + of De Luxe Dora was still huddled in a heap on the floor. She + was quite dead.</p> + + <p>But Doctor Locke had no time now to waste. Moments were + precious. At any instant they might again be attacked. + Feverishly he began to search for the bottle containing the + antidote.</p> + + <p>At last he found it, carefully hidden, and in a bottle + fortunately not broken.</p> + + <p>They left everything as it was and hurriedly left the place, + on their way to Brent Rock.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, in one of the worst quarters of the city, down in + the cellar of a huge warehouse, a mob of emissaries were + gathered. They were discussing the things that had led up to + the explosion in the Automaton's den, Balcom's death, and the + arrest of their three pals. Plans for the future they + discussed, but, with their leader gone, these hardened men were + still as helpless as children.</p> + + <p>Suddenly above the din of voices a strange, familiar sound + was heard, a sound as of clanking chains, and the blood froze + in the veins of every man present. Then with wild shouts of + terror they scattered in every direction, for the Automaton was + stalking toward them.</p> + + <p>Balcom, the man who had given the iron man life, was dead. + And yet the Automaton was among them!</p> + + <p>That night, in the holds of many vessels and on the + brake-beams of many trains pulling away from the city, + emissaries who once were slaves of the Automaton were fleeing + the city in every direction.</p> + + <p>When Zita and her father arrived at Brent Rock, Locke was + still working at his new gas-gun. Eva was in the library, but + when she heard the voices in the hallway she ran to welcome + them.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm so glad you've both returned safe," she cried. + Then, unable to withstand the suspense longer, she asked, "Have + you brought it—the antidote?"</p> + + <p>When Doctor Locke told her that the bottle that contained it + was safely stowed in his pocket Eva sank, overwrought, into a + chair and cried with simple relief and joy.</p> + + <p>In a moment, however, she had gained control of herself, + dashed the tears from her eyes, and almost seized the bottle + from Doctor Locke.</p> + + <p>"Bring him down here, my dear," cautioned the doctor, still + holding the bottle. "You would not know how to administer + it."</p> + + <p>Eva ran to her father's room, stopping only long enough to + summon Quentin, then together they led Brent down-stairs.</p> + + <p>Brent's condition was still pitiable. His mind was a total + blank. These people—Doctor Q, Zita, Quentin, even his own + daughter—meant nothing to him. He lived and breathed. But + no ray of light entered the poor brain.</p> + + <p>They guided his halting steps into the library as if he had + been something less than a child, and placed him in the same + big armchair on which he had sunk the fatal morning that the + fumes from the candles had overcome him.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q drew out the bottle and, telling Zita to bring a + glass of water, measured out a few drops of the antidote, + pouring them into the glass. Then he moved over to Brent and + tried to get him to drink it. For a long time Brent merely + clenched his teeth, but, once he was induced to taste the + mixture, he drank it eagerly.</p> + + <p>For ages, it seemed to those watching, Brent sat as before, + vacantly gazing straight ahead of him—so long, in fact, + that a terrible fear entered Eva's heart that, perhaps, after + all, the antidote would fail and that her father would remain + without reason until the day of his death.</p> + + <p>Then slowly a change was noticeable in his eyes, and all + leaned forward with overpowering intentness. What they were + watching was like a miracle. Slowly, very slowly, they saw the + soul creep back into those poor, mad eyes.</p> + + <p>Brent had been staring directly at his daughter as she + watched him anxiously. Now a puzzled look came over his face + and, raising a hand, he rubbed his forehead.</p> + + <p>Then a wonderful light seemed to shine from his eyes and he + held out his arms to Eva.</p> + + <p>With a sob of excited happiness Eva rushed to embrace + him.</p> + + <p>As Locke stood behind him, Zita and Doctor Q walked to the + other end of the room, turning sidewise to the group.</p> + + <p>Suddenly Brent turned his eyes away from Eva and noticed + Doctor Q for the first time.</p> + + <p>"Who is that?" he asked Eva.</p> + + <p>"Why, father, that is—"</p> + + <p>At the sound of voices Doctor Q had turned around.</p> + + <p>"You!" gasped Brent, as he sank back into his chair.</p> + + <p>The look on his face was strange, perhaps half fear, half + shame.</p> + + <p>Doctor Q came no nearer for a moment, while Eva hastened to + explain what had happened. Then unsteadily Brent rose and + walked over to the doctor.</p> + + <p>"You are alive!" he exclaimed. "You have come again into my + life so that at last I can make restitution. My daughter has + explained to me all that you have suffered. Believe me it was + through my own weakness. It seems incredible that any man could + be so infamous, so utterly without moral scruples, as was + Balcom. I believed the villain implicitly. That is, and can be, + my only excuse."</p> + + <p>The doctor placed his hand on Brent's shoulder.</p> + + <p>"I can understand only too well," he remarked, "for I, too, + believed in Balcom. You were a reticent man and so my dealings + were all with him. I was gullible, an inventor, not a business + man. I should have come to you before I fled the country, I + suppose. Say no more about it, for I forgive you from the + bottom of my heart."</p> + + <p>But Brent insisted on explaining that at least he had had a + desire to right the great wrongs.</p> + + <p>"I can remember it all now," he continued. "I was about to + make restitution when a man connected with the company—I + am sure now that he was an adventurer, a crook, in the pay of + Balcom, although Balcom probably tried to hide it—came to + me. His name, as I remember it, was Flint. I was about to write + a letter that showed that it was my intention to right a wrong, + when—something interrupted me and—the rest I can't + remember."</p> + + <p>Quentin, who had been standing behind the chair, now drew + from his pocket a piece of paper which he handed to Brent.</p> + + <p>"Yes—that is it," cried Brent, excitedly, taking it, + and spreading it out before them. "See!"</p> + + <p>It was a note addressed to Quentin Locke and read:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>I have done you a great wrong about which you know + nothing, but for which I will make amends—</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>"It was broken off," exclaimed Brent, making a sad effort to + recollect what had happened. "I don't remember how. But this + Flint had been telling me something about an iron monster. He + had a model—said he had seen the real thing in + Madagascar, that it had a human brain, that it walked and + fought, that it had strength and life—but no conscience. + He hinted that the thing would do me harm if I persisted in a + course that I had determined for myself of giving back to + inventors we had robbed the things of which we had robbed them. + I did not believe him. I thought the thing absurd, and started + to write the note, going a step farther than I had ever + threatened Balcom."</p> + + <p>Quentin, Doctor Q, and Zita exchanged glances as Eva's + father resumed his narrative.</p> + + <p>"Then I felt a choking sensation at my throat. I remember + the effrontery of Flint's laughing at me, in a maudlin sort of + way, and then—a blank. The next I recall was just + now—Eva gazing at me with a worried expression in her + dear eyes. I called to her and kissed her, tried to comfort + her. Then I saw you, Locke, and Zita."</p> + + <p>Peter Brent, from the time he and Flint had been overcome by + the fumes from the candelabra until he received the antidote + and recognized his daughter, had not known a thing!</p> + + <p>As they talked there were many matters the two aged men + discovered while they pieced together the happenings of + years.</p> + + <p>Each had been duped by the same man. Each had suffered great + trouble through this man's machinations and duplicity.</p> + + <p>As they talked, the attention of both turned to the younger + Quentin Locke, who seemed overjoyed at the recovery of his + former employer.</p> + + <p>Brent had a very great feeling of affection and respect for + the younger man, for had he not really brought him up?</p> + + <p>As all questioned one another, they asked Brent much about + the past, and he told them all.</p> + + <p>He told how he had become finally suspicious of Balcom, of + how he insisted upon instituting a search for the doctor, his + wife, and children. He told how Balcom had opposed him up to + the last moment. Then he described his sailing half the world + over in search of them, how at times he found a trail, only to + lose it again.</p> + + <p>Finally he told how at last he had found that the mother had + been lost, but the children saved.</p> + + <p>"I was in Bombay," he continued, "in despair that I would + ever find any of you. At that time I was an old man before my + time, for my conscience gave me no rest. I went down to the + quay to purchase a ticket for my return to New York, and, true + to the habit I had formed, I asked the ticket-seller if he had + ever heard anything of the survivors of the steamer + <i>Magnifique</i>.</p> + + <p>"'Do I know anything of it?' repeated the ticket-seller. + 'No, but there's a man working on this dock now who never talks + of anything else. He was a sailor on the ship and one of the + few who survived.'</p> + + <p>"You can believe me when I tell you that I ran down that + dock and found the man. He remembered you all well, remembered + you children when you were taken up with some other survivors, + and he said he thought that some family had taken you to + Hong-Kong.</p> + + <p>"I canceled my passage to Liverpool and immediately sailed + for China. Still, my troubles were not over, for it was weeks + before I finally located you babies, Quentin and Zita.</p> + + <p>"I won't burden you with the difficulties I encountered + before the English family, the Danes, with whom I found you, + would consent to give you up. Nor will I take time to tell of + our return to New York through San Francisco.</p> + + <p>"Let it suffice for you to know that we arrived safely after + I had completely circled the world. I sent you to good schools, + and when Zita was old enough I made her my secretary so that I + could watch over her. Quentin, being older, I had not dared to + have around at first. I feared he might question me too + closely. And what answer could I give him? Could I tell him + that International Patents had driven his father into exile, + that I had been partly the cause, the indirect cause, it is + true, but still the cause of his mother's death? I never found + the courage to do that and so I sent him to a preparatory + school and later to college. Years wiped out his childhood + recollections and when he came here he came as a stranger + employed in the company's laboratory. I make no defense, but I + assure you all that my own sufferings have atoned for all the + wrongs I have done."</p> + + <p>Brent broke down and was almost weeping, when Quentin and + Eva moved over to his side and reassured him.</p> + + <p>As soon as Brent had recovered from his weakness he wanted + to know all that had happened since he had been unconscious + under the drug, and as he listened he was aghast at the + Automaton and Balcom's villainy.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/322.jpg" + name="image322" + id="image322"><img width="400" + src="images/322s.jpg" + alt="locke perfects his explosive-gas bullet firing-arm to use against the automaton" /> + </a> + locke perfects his explosive-gas bullet firing-arm to use + against the automaton + </div> + + <p>"I've something here that will stop him, though," added + Quentin, as he showed the new gas-gun he had invented and + explained its deadly properties. "Bring him on again—I'm + ready."</p> + + <p>"Quentin—please don't joke about that terrible + monster," shivered Eva. "It has injured us so often—I + don't even want to talk about it—or about the government + that asked you to come here and set things right. Let us + forget—now that all is right."</p> + + <p>Quentin smiled at her and his quick mind saw that the time + had come to guide the conversation into pleasanter channels. He + moved close to Brent.</p> + + <p>"It looks, Mr. Brent," he said, quietly, "as though we all + were at about the end of our troubles. But there are two of us + here who are not quite happy—yet. Mr. Brent, I am going + to claim a reward."</p> + + <p>"Anything, my dear Locke, anything I have is yours."</p> + + <p>"Then I may as well tell you that Eva and I love each other + and I want your consent to our marriage."</p> + + <p>Brent beamed.</p> + + <p>"That, Quentin, is the dearest wish my heart can have."</p> + + <p>Quentin turned to Eva to take her in his arms when there was + a terrific crash of glass in the conservatory, the splintering + of wood, and the Automaton, arms swinging like flails, charged + like a mad thing into the room.</p> + + <p>Its terrorizing eyes were agleam, its one desire + destruction. A large table stood in its way and it demolished + it as though it were matchwood.</p> + + <p>The interruption came so abruptly that Brent, who in his + right mind had never seen the fiend and was now seeing it for + the first time, was paralyzed with horror. He tried to rise + from his chair, but in his weak condition fell back, + helpless.</p> + + <p>Quentin made a flying leap over the demolished table and + placed himself directly in front of Brent and in the path of + the monster. Doctor Q, Zita, and Eva started for Locke's side, + but he waved them back frantically.</p> + + <p>Locke reached into his pocket and drew out his gas-pistol. + The Automaton was almost upon him when he raised his arm and + fired.</p> + + <p>There was a blinding flash and a dull report. The Automaton + stopped in his tracks and, raising one mighty hand to its + chest, staggered backward. Again Quentin fired, and the + Automaton slowly crumpled, sinking to one knee. There was no + need to fire again, for suddenly the monster crashed to the + floor and lay still.</p> + + <p>Locke started forward, but Eva shrieked for him to stand + back. She had not forgotten that once she had thought the + monster dead and it had suddenly seized her and almost crushed + out her life.</p> + + <p>There was, however, nothing to fear this time. Quentin + reassured her that the gas fumes had passed away, then knelt by + the iron terror. He tried to remove the steel headpiece, but + before he could accomplish it the doctor came forward and in a + moment had unfastened the bolts.</p> + + <p>As they were doing so a thick voice from inside could be + distinguished, muttering words about the capture of Brent and + Zita just before Balcom was killed, the escape of Zita, the + rescue of Brent, the killing of Dora, who had evidently come to + betray something in jealousy. It was all incoherent and Doctor + Q and Quentin hastened to uncasque the man within.</p> + + <p>They lifted off the helmet and there was the contorted and + dying face of Paul Balcom, who had, in desperation, taken his + father's place in a vain hope to secure the fortune for + himself.</p> + + <p>The poison was too strong, and as the girls turned, + sickened, away, the evil features froze, more evil than ever + they had been in his evil life.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p>A few days later a brilliant wedding took place at Brent + Rock, which itself was a present to the bride and groom.</p> + + <p>After the guests had thinned out, Quentin and Eva strolled + into the garden, no longer in fear of attack from the steel + Automaton.</p> + + <p>Eva glanced at her ring, musing.</p> + + <p>"After all the things from which you have escaped, dear," + she murmured, a bit timidly, "I am afraid nothing in the world + can hold you."</p> + + <p>Quentin drew her into his arms, while her hand rested on his + shoulder, and kissed the little golden ring that encircled her + finger.</p> + + <p>"Nothing but that band of love," he smiled.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/308.jpg" + name="image308" + id="image308"><img width="400" + src="images/308s.jpg" + alt="BOUND AT LAST" /></a> + bound at last + </div> + + <h3 class="smcap">the end</h3> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/317.jpg" + name="image317" + id="image317"><img width="400" + src="images/317s.jpg" + alt="'AND I WILL MARRY HER IN SPITE OF YOU,' PAUL TOLD LOCKE" /> + </a> "and i will marry her in spite of you," paul told locke + </div> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:400px;"> + <a href="images/318.jpg" + name="image318" + id="image318"><img width="400" + src="images/318s.jpg" + alt="LOCKE FOILS THE CONSPIRATORS" /></a> + locke foils the conspirators + </div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 16168-h.txt or 16168-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/1/6/16168</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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b/16168-h/images/321s.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9821101 --- /dev/null +++ b/16168-h/images/321s.jpg diff --git a/16168-h/images/322.jpg b/16168-h/images/322.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ba02230 --- /dev/null +++ b/16168-h/images/322.jpg diff --git a/16168-h/images/322s.jpg b/16168-h/images/322s.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c7a46ac --- /dev/null +++ b/16168-h/images/322s.jpg diff --git a/16168.txt b/16168.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3149f7b --- /dev/null +++ b/16168.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8474 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Master Mystery, by Arthur B. Reeve and +John W. Grey + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Master Mystery + + +Author: Arthur B. Reeve and John W. Grey + + + +Release Date: July 1, 2005 [eBook #16168] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY*** + + +E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo, Eva Sweeney, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 16168-h.htm or 16168-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168/16168-h/16168-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168/16168-h.zip) + + + + + +THE MASTER MYSTERY + +Novelized by + +ARTHUR B. REEVE and JOHN W. GREY + +From Scenarios by Arthur B. Reeve in Collaboration with John W. Grey +and C.A. Logue + +Profusely Illustrated with Photographic Reproductions Taken from the +Houdini Super-Serial of the Same Name. A B. A. Rolfe Production. + +New York +Grosset & Dunlap +Publishers + +Published May, 1919 + + + + + + + +THE MASTER MYSTERY + + + + +CHAPTER I + + +Peter Brent sat nervously smoking in the library of his great house, +Brent Rock. + +He was a man of about forty-five or -six--a typical, shrewd business man. +Something, however, was evidently on his mind, for, though he tried to +conceal it, he lacked the self-assurance that was habitually his before +the world. + +A scowl clouded his face as the door of the library was flung open and +he heard voices in the hall. A tall, spare, long-haired man forced his +way in, crushing his soft black hat in his hands. + +"I _will_ see Mr. Brent," insisted the new-comer, as he pushed past the +butler. "Mr. Brent!" he cried, advancing with a wild light in his eyes. +"I'm tired of excuses. I want justice regarding that water-motor of +mine." He paused, then added, shaking his finger threateningly, "Put it +on the market--or I will call in the Department of Justice!" + +Brent scowled again. For years he had been amassing a fortune by a +process that was scarcely within the law. + +For, when inventions threaten to render useless already existing +patents, necessitating the scrapping of millions of dollars' worth of +machinery, vested interests must be protected. + +Thus, Brent and his partner, Herbert Balcom, had evolved a simple method +of protecting corporations against troublesome inventors and inventions. +They had formed their own corporation, International Patents, +Incorporated. + +Their method was effective--though desperate. It was to suppress the +inventor and his labor. They bought the sole rights from the inventor, +promising him glittering royalties. The joker was that the invention was +suppressed. None were ever manufactured. Hence there were no royalties +and the corporations went on undisturbed while Brent and Balcom +collected huge retainers for the protection they afforded them. + +Thus Brent Rock had come to be hated by scores of inventors defrauded in +this unequal conflict with big business. + +The inventor looked about at the library, richly paneled in oak and +luxuriously furnished. Through a pair of folding-doors he could see the +dining-room and a conservatory beyond. All this had been paid for by +himself and such as he. + +"Sit down, sir," nodded Brent, suavely. + +The man continued to stand, growing more and more excited. Had he been a +keener observer he would have seen that under Brent's suavity there was +a scarcely hidden nervousness. + +Finally Brent leaned over and spoke in a whisper, looking about as +though the very walls might have ears. + +"My dear fellow," he confided, "for some time I have been considering +your water-motor. I will return the model to you--release the patent to +the world." + +He drew back to watch the effect on the aged inventor. Could it be that +Brent was lying? Or was it fear? Could it be that at last his seared +conscience was troubling him? + +At that exact moment, up-stairs, in a private laboratory in the house, +sat a young man at a desk--a handsome, strong-faced, clean-cut chap. All +about him were the scientific instruments which he used to test +inventions offered to Brent. + +A look of intent eagerness passed over his face. For Quentin Locke was +not testing any of Brent's patents just now. Over his head he had the +receivers of a dictagraph. + +It was a strange act for one so recently employed as manager of Brent's +private laboratory. Yet such a man must have had his reasons. + +One who was interested might have followed the wire from the +dictagraph-box in the top drawer of the desk down the leg of the desk, +through the very walls to the huge chandelier in the library below, +where, in the ornamented brass-work, reposed a small black disk about +the size of a watch. It was the receiving-end of the dictagraph. + +Suddenly the young man's face broke out into a smile and without +thinking he stopped writing what the little mechanical eavesdropper was +conveying him from below. He listened intently as he heard a silvery +laugh over the wire. + +"Oh, I didn't know you were busy. I thought these flowers--Well, never +mind. I'll leave them, anyway." + +It was Eva Brent, daughter of the head of the firm, who had danced in +from the conservatory like a June zephyr in December. + +"My dear," Locke could hear the patent magnate welcome, "it is all +right. Stay a moment and talk to this gentleman while I go down to the +museum." + +Locke listened eagerly, glancing now and then at a photograph of Eva +Brent on his own desk, while she chatted gaily with the inventor. It was +evident that Eva had not the faintest idea of the hard nature of the +business of her father. + +Meanwhile, Brent himself had left the library and passed through the +portiered door into the hall. He did not turn up the grand staircase in +the center of the wide hall, but hurried, preoccupied, to a door under +the stairs that opened down to the cellar. + +He started to open it to pass down. As he did so he did not hear a light +footstep on the stairs as his secretary, Zita Dane, came down. But he +did not escape her watchful eye. + +"Mr. Brent," she called, "is there anything I can do?" + +Brent paused. "Wait a moment for me in the library," he directed, as he +turned again to enter the cellar. + +He closed the door and Zita watched him with an almost uncanny interest, +then turned to the library to join Eva and the new-comer. + +Down the cellar steps Brent made his way, and across the cellar floor, +pausing at the rocky wall of the foundation of the house blasted and +hewn out of the cliff on which it towered above the river. A heavy steel +door in the rock wall barred the way. + +Brent whirled the combination and shot the bolts, and the door swung +ponderously open, disclosing a rock-hewn cavern. Three walls of the +cavern were lined with shelves containing inventions of all +kinds--telegraph and telephone instruments, engine models, +railroad-signaling and safety devices, racks of bottles containing +dangerous chemicals and their antidotes--all conceivable manner of +mechanical and scientific paraphernalia. It was literally a Graveyard of +Genius--harboring the ghosts of a thousand inventors' dead hopes. + +Brent entered hastily and went directly to a shelf. There he picked up a +model of a motor. He blew the dust from it and examined it approvingly. + +Suddenly he saw something that caused him to start. He looked down at +his feet. There was a piece of paper on the floor. + +He picked it up and read it, and as he did so he started back, +frightened--then angry. He looked about at the rock-hewn cavern +walls--then read again: + + BRENT--This is my last warning. If you persist in your course you + will be struck down by the Madagascar madness. + Q. + +Under his breath, Brent swore. Again he looked about the cavern, then +turned hurriedly, picked up the motor, passed out the steel door, +clanged it shut, and locked it. + +No sooner had Brent shut the door, however, than it seemed as if the +very face of the outer rocky wall of the cavern began to move--to tilt, +as if on hinges. + +If a human eye had been in the Graveyard of Genius at that instant it +would have sworn that it perceived in the inky blackness of the tilting +rock a passage, and in the shadows of that passage a huge, weird, +grotesque figure peering in. + +Then the tilting rock door closed again, as the figure disappeared down +the rocky passage on the opposite side--a menace and a threat to the +owner of Brent Rock, insecure even in his millions. + + + +CHAPTER II + + +When Brent arrived back at the library he had quite recovered his poise, +at least to the eyes of those in the library. Zita had joined Eva with +the old inventor, Davis. + +As Brent entered, Davis uttered an exclamation of joy at the sight of +his motor. For the moment Brent almost glowed. + +"Along with your invention," he beamed, as he handed the model to the +old man, "I am going to release many others to the world." + +All this not only Locke was noting, but Zita, too, appeared to be an +almost too interested listener. + +The others were chatting when Zita heard a noise in the hall and hurried +out. She was just in time to see a rather hard-visaged man, with cruel, +penetrating eyes. It was Herbert Balcom, vice-president of the company. + +Zita whispered to him a moment and Balcom's hard face grew harder. + +"Go up-stairs--watch _him_," he ordered, passing down the hall. + +Balcom entered the library just as Davis was about to leave, hugging +close to him his brain child. Davis clutched it a bit closer at sight of +the other partner. + +A glance would have been sufficient to show that Brent was secretly +afraid of his partner, Balcom, and that Balcom dominated him. + +"Go to the gate with him, my dear," whispered Brent to his daughter, who +was clinging to his arm, convinced of the goodness of her father, +ignorant of the very basis on which the Brent and Balcom fortune rested. + +Balcom's mouth tightened as he came closer to Brent, menacing, the +moment they were alone. + +"How long has this double crossing been going on?" sneered Balcom, +jerking his head toward the door through which Eva had just gone with +the inventor, and shoving his face close to Brent's. + +"It's not double crossing, Balcom," Brent attempted to conciliate, +"but--" + +"No 'buts,'" interrupted Balcom, with deadly coldness. "Keep on, and +you'll have the government down on us for violating the anti-trust law. +What's the matter? Have you lost your nerve?" + +As Balcom almost hissed the question, up in the laboratory Locke was now +writing furiously in his note-book, when he was interrupted by a knock +at the door. He whipped the dictagraph receiver off his head and jumped +to his feet, hiding all traces of the dictagraph in the desk drawer. +Then he moved over to the door, unlocked it, and flung it open. + +"Oh, I hope I haven't interrupted you in any important experiment," +apologized Zita, innocently enough. + +"Nothing important," camouflaged Locke. + +Though Locke did not seem to notice it, another would have seen that +Zita cared a great deal for him. + +"May I come in?" she asked, wheedling. + +"Certainly. I am charmed, I assure you." + +While Zita was gushingly effusive, Locke was correct and formally polite +as he bowed his acquiescence. Zita felt it. + +For a moment she stood looking at a half-finished experiment on the +laboratory table, then finally she turned to Locke with a calculated +impulsiveness. + +"Why do you treat me so coldly," she asked, "when you know I admire your +wonderful work?" + +"Really, Miss Dane," he apologized, "I didn't mean to be rude." + +Yet there was an air of constraint in his very tone. + +"Do you know," she flashed, "I can't help feeling that you are so +brilliant--you must be something more than you seem." + +Locke suppressed a quick look of surprise. Was she trying to worm some +secret from him? He masked his face cleverly. + +"Indeed, you must be imagining things," he replied, quietly, turning and +strolling toward the window of his laboratory. + +The moment his back was turned Zita picked up the photograph of Eva on +the desk. For a moment she stood glaring at it jealously. + +Out of the window Locke smiled. For, down on the gravel path, walking +slowly toward the gate to the Brent Rock grounds, he could see Eva and +Davis. + +The smile faded into a scowl. He had seen a young man enter the gate. It +was Paul Balcom, son of Herbert Balcom, and Paul was engaged to +Eva--thus giving Balcom a stronger hold over Brent. + +Locke knew enough about Paul to dislike him thoroughly and to distrust +him. Had Locke been able to see over the hedge he would have confirmed +his suspicions. For Paul had actually driven up to Brent Rock in the +runabout of as notorious a woman as could have been found in the night +life of the city--one known as De Luxe Dora in the unsavory half-world +in which both were leaders. Had his dictagraph been extended to the +hedge he would have heard her voice rasp at Paul: + +"Your father may make you pay attention to this girl, Paul, but +remember--you had not better double cross me." + +Paul's protestations of underworld fidelity, would have added to Locke's +fury. + +However, Locke had not seen or heard. Still, it was unbearable that this +fellow Paul should be engaged to a girl like Eva. Tall, dark, handsome +though he was, Locke knew him to be a man not to be trusted. + +Paul hurried up to Eva, not a bit disconcerted at the near discovery of +his intimacy with Dora. And, whatever one may believe about woman's +intuition, there must have been something in it, for even at a distance +one could see that Eva mistrusted Paul Balcom, her fiance. Locke scowled +blackly. + +Paul thrust himself almost rudely between Davis and Eva. Again Davis +shrank, as he had from the young man's father, then bowed, excused +himself, and hurried off, hugging his motor to him, while Paul took +Eva's hand, which she was not any too willing to give him. Locke +watched, motionless, as the couple turned back to the house. + +Somehow Eva must have felt his gaze. She turned and looked upward at the +laboratory window. As she saw Locke her face broke into a smile and she +waved her hand gaily. Paul saw it and a swift flush of anger crossed his +face. He pulled Eva abruptly by the arm. + +"Let's go into the house," he said, almost angrily. + +Seeing the action, Locke also turned from the window to encounter Zita, +still watching. Without a word he left the laboratory. + +While this little quadrangle of conflicting emotions of Locke, Eva, +Paul, and Zita was being enacted the two partners in the library were +disputing hot and heavy. As they argued, almost it seemed as if Balcom's +very face limned his thoughts--that he desired Brent out of the way, as +a weakling in whom he had discovered some traces of conscience which, to +Balcom, meant weakness. + +Balcom leaned forward excitedly. "I do not intend to let you wreck this +company because your conscience, as you call it, has begun to trouble +you," he hissed. + +Brent's hand clutched nervously. He was afraid of Balcom--so much so +that he fought back only weakly. + +Locke was down in the hallway just in time to meet Eva and Paul as they +entered. + +"Oh--do you know, I'm so glad--I think my father is the most +kind-hearted of men," Eva trilled to Locke, as she recounted what had +happened in the library with Davis. + +Locke listened with restrained admiration for the girl, whatever might +have been his secret opinion of her father or of the story he already +knew. + +On his part, Paul did not relish the situation, nor did he take any +pains to conceal it. He shrugged and turned away. + +"Come," he said, with a tone of surly authority, "I think I hear my +father in the library." + +Eva looked back swiftly at Locke and smiled as Paul led her toward the +library door. But that, also, made Paul more furious. + +"Why do you make me ridiculous before that fellow?" he demanded. + +"I'm sorry," replied Eva, in surprise. "I didn't meant to do that." + +Vaguely Paul understood. The girl was too unsophisticated to have meant +it. Somehow that made it worse. Though she did not know it, he did. +Unknown to herself, there was a response in the presence of Locke which +was not inspired in his own society. He hurried her into the library. + +It was as though the entrance of Paul and Eva had been preconcerted. The +partners, in their dispute, stopped and turned as the young people +entered and moved over to a divan. Balcom lowered his voice and plucked +at Brent's sleeve as he nodded toward the couple. + +"I could trust you better if they were married within a week," suggested +Balcom. + +Brent recoiled, but Balcom affected not to notice. + +"Then I will believe that you are dealing fairly with me," he +emphasized. + +Brent studied a moment, then nodded assent. Balcom extended a cold, +commanding hand and the partners shook hands. + +Outside, Locke had paused, about to enter the library. The pause had +been just long enough for him to hear--and it was a blow to him. He +watched, dazed, as the two older men walked over to the younger couple; +then he turned away, heart sick. + +"My dear," began Brent, as he patted the shoulder of the girl, the one +spot of goodness that had shone in the otherwise blackness of his life, +making him at last realize the depth to which lust of money had made him +sink, "we were just saying that perhaps it would be advisable +to--er--hasten your marriage to Paul--say--perhaps next week." + +The words seemed to stick in his throat. + +As for Eva, she felt a shiver pass over her. Without knowing why, she +drew back from Paul, at her side, shrank even closer to her father, +trying not to tremble. Did Paul realize it? + +Brent felt the shudder with a pang. He leaned over. "Promise to do +this--for my sake," he whispered, so low that there was no chance of the +others hearing. "By to-morrow all may be changed." + +There was something ominous about the very words. + + + +CHAPTER III + + +Brent had no intention of keeping the promise which Balcom had extracted +from him by a species of moral duress that afternoon. + +In fact, already he had gone too far in his plans for restitution--or +was it self-preservation?--to turn back. It was late in the night that +he himself secretly admitted to the house a tall, dark-haired stranger +who evidently called by appointment. + +"Well, Flint," he greeted, in a hushed tone, "what was it you asked to +see me about?" + +Flint replied not a word, but impressively tapped a bundle which he +carried under his arm and began to undo the cord which bound it. + +Brent looked startled, then caught himself. He had known Flint for some +time--an adventurer, more or less unscrupulous, who had been the foreign +representative of International Patents. + +Flint took off his coat and threw it on a chair with an air of assurance +that seemed to increase Brent's anxiety, then began again to untie the +bulky package. + +"Just a moment, Flint," cautioned Brent, stopping him. + +With an air of uneasy secrecy Brent hurried to the door that led from +the dining-room to the conservatory and bolted it securely. Then he made +sure that the door to the library was bolted. + +As he did so he did not see his secretary, Zita, watching in the hall, +for the footsteps of Locke, approaching, had caught her quick ear and +she had fled. + +"Locke!" called Brent, hearing his laboratory, manager. "Under no +circumstances allow me to be disturbed to-night." + +"Very well, sir," responded Locke. + +Just then the light step of Eva was heard on the stairs. + +"What's the matter, father?" she asked, still upset by the events of the +afternoon. "Is there anything wrong?" + +"No, my dear, nothing," hastily replied Brent. "In the morning I shall +have something to say to you. Now run along like a good girl." + +Dutifully Eva turned. Brent watched her out of sight. Then with a keen +look at Locke he pulled out a paper from his pocket and handed it to the +young scientist, who read: + + BRENT,--This is my last warning. If you persist in your course you + will be struck down by the Madagascar madness. + Q. + +Locke looked up from the scrawl in alarmed perplexity. + +"What does this mean?" he queried. + +Brent merely shook his head cryptically. + +"Study this message. I shall have something very important to tell you +in the morning." + +As Brent turned back into the library he paused a moment and looked +after Locke, hesitating, as if he would call him back. Then he decided +not to do so, turned, and carefully locked the door from the dining-room +into the hallway. + +Eva was waiting at the head of the stairs as Locke, perplexed by the +strange actions of his employer, came up. + +"What _is_ the trouble?" she repeated, anxiously. "Please tell me. Is +there anything wrong?" + +"No--nothing," reassured Locke, in spite of his own doubt. "Everything +is all right." + +"I hope so." Eva lingered. "Good night." + +Locke bowed admiringly. But there was the same restraint in his look +that had been shown in the afternoon. + +"Good night," he murmured, slowly. + +Eva quite understood, and there was a smile of encouragement on her face +as she turned away and flitted down the hall to her room. + +Outside, Zita had hurried from the house to the nearest public +telephone-booth and was frantically calling Balcom at his apartment. + +"Mr. Balcom," she repeated, breathlessly, as the junior partner +answered, "Flint has returned. I have seen him." + +"The devil!" exclaimed Balcom, angrily, then checked himself before he +said any more. "Keep me informed." + +Abruptly he hung up. + +It was scarcely a moment later that Paul Balcom entered the Balcom +apartment, admitted by a turbaned black suggestive of the Orient. + +Paul was surly and had evidently been drinking, for he shoved the +servant roughly out of the way as he strode toward his father. + +Apparently outside Paul had overheard and had gathered the drift of what +Balcom had been saying. Or perhaps, from his own sources of information, +he already knew. At any rate, as Balcom turned from the telephone, +father and son faced each other angrily. + +"Brent's lying," exclaimed Paul. "That marriage to me must take place +to-morrow." + +Talking angrily, sometimes in agreement, at others far apart, the two +left the room. + +Back in the dining-room by this time Brent had rejoined Flint and now +watched him eagerly as he took the last wrappings from the package which +he had carried so carefully. + +As the last wrapping was stripped from it, on the table before them lay +a small steel model, perhaps three feet high--a weird-looking thing in +the miniature shape of a man, designed along lines that only a cubist +could have conceived--jointed, mobile, truly a contrivance at which to +marvel. + +Brent gazed incredulously at the strange thing. "An automaton!" he +exclaimed. + +"More than that," replied Flint, calmly. + +Flint unrolled a chart of the human nervous system and spread it out on +the table. Pointing to the brain, he leaned over tensely, and whispered: + +"This model is merely a piece of mechanism. But the real automaton +possesses a human brain which has been transplanted into it and made to +guide it." + +For a moment Brent listened incredulously, then sat back in his chair +and laughed skeptically. But even Flint recognized that there was a +hollowness in the laughter. + +"Do you mean to tell me," demanded Brent, "that a human brain has been +made to control a thing of no use except as a terrible engine of +destruction?" + +"Not only possible," reiterated Flint, "but it is true." + +"Oh, Flint," rallied Brent, with a sort of uneasiness, "you can't tell +_me_ that!" + +"Believe it or not," insisted the adventurer, "I have been in Madagascar +and I know." + +For a moment Brent paused at the vehemence of Flint's answer. What had +Flint to gain by misrepresentation? A thousand images of the past +flitted through Brent's brain. Then slowly a look of terror came over +Brent's face. Suppose it were indeed true--this Frankenstein, this +conscienceless inhuman superman? Brent gripped himself and composed his +features and his voice. + +"But this thing," he rasped. "What does this prove?" + +"Oh, this is merely automatic--a piece of mechanism--a model which I +stole. It works when it is wound up--not like the real one. Look." + +Flint put a pencil in the little steel hand of the model and pressed a +lever as he held a piece of paper under the pencil. Brent leaned over, +fascinated. + +Instantly the tiny hand began to trace on the paper one letter--the +simple letter "Q." + +As the hand finished the tail of the "Q" Brent gripped the table for +support. His eyes bulged and stared wildly. + +"My God!" burst from his lips. "It is the warning--Q!" + +For minutes Brent strove to regain his composure. + +Nor was Flint less impressed than the man before him. + +What would have been the emotions of both if they had been able to +penetrate with the eye through the rocky cliffs on which the stately +mansion of Brent Rock stood would have been hard to say. + +For, down in a rock-hewn cavern, not many hundred yards away and below +them, reached by a secret entrance from the shrubbery of the cliffs near +the shore, already had congregated several rough characters. They were +playing cards and drinking, now and then glancing furtively at the +passage entrance, as though they were expecting the arrival of some one +or something. + +Suddenly came a dull metallic clank through the passage, strangely +echoing. At once all leaped to their feet, at attention, not unmixed +with awe and fear that sat strangely on their desperate features. What +was it that they, who feared neither God nor man, feared? + +They strained their eyes, looking into the passage that led darkly away +into blackness. + +Dimly down it now could be seen two gleaming spots of light, points in +the Cimmerian darkness. They seemed to be growing larger and coming +nearer as with each hollow reverberation the dull metallic thuds +increased. + +Faintly now could be made out in the blackness a huge, stalking figure, +having the shape of a man, with gigantic, powerful shoulders, powerful +arms, a thick body, hips, and thighs that spelled terrific strength, +legs and feet that suggested irresistible force. + +"The Automaton!" escaped involuntarily from all lips. + +Slowly, irresistibly, the horrendous figure stalked forth into the dim +light. There it paused for a moment--a figure of steel, larger than most +men, yet not so large but that it might have incased a man. And yet its +motions, its every action, were like nothing mortal. Even these hardened +denizens of the underworld shuddered. + +In its hand the Automaton carried a five-branched candlestick, for what +purpose none seemed to know. Yet all bowed and quaked at every pantomime +motion of the figure, ready to do the bidding of the least motion of +their inhuman master. + +Still holding the candlestick with its five huge yellow candles before +him, the Automaton stalked forward to the table and impressively +deposited the candlestick on it, then stepped back a pace and waved his +ponderous hand at the assembled emissaries, who scarcely repressed their +own abject terror. + + + +CHAPTER IV + + +At a motion from the Automaton a dark-skinned Madagascan stepped forward +and lighted the five candles. At once a dense smoke began drifting from +the candles. + +The men looked at one another, showing an uncomfortable fear of what the +negro and the Automaton were doing. Even the negro edged away fearfully +and all crouched back, afraid of the fumes. + +A moment later the Automaton, with a mighty blast of air, snuffed all +the candles at once, then, without a word, picked up the candlestick and +stalked off through the passage on the opposite side of the den from the +entrance, the passage that led to the Graveyard of Genius. + +A few moments later the secret rock door from this passage into the +Graveyard swung open and the Automaton stalked in, going carefully, +noiselessly, now. Across the floor he walked to the steel door, which he +swung open, then on out into the cellar of Brent Rock and up the steps +to the door under the stairs that led to the hallway of the great house. + +In the hall the Automaton halted beside a small stand on which stood a +candlestick exactly like the one he carried. Quickly he picked up the +original candlestick and replaced it by the one he carried. Then he set +the original back of the portieres, and with a glance at the library +door turned back to the cellar, closing the door noiselessly behind him. + +Down the steps he went, toward the open door of the Graveyard of Genius. +Beside the door was the fuse-box of the lighting system of the house. + +The Automaton reached out and began rubbing sharply at the insulation of +the feed wires. + +Up-stairs, in the dining-room, Brent had by this time flung off his coat +and was examining with Flint the curious model the adventurer had +brought from Madagascar. Brent was very excited and questioned Flint +eagerly. + +"I tell you, Flint," cried Brent, at length, huskily, as he seized a pen +and dipped in into the ink, "the time has come for me to do what I have +long intended. I am going to do now what I should have done years ago." + +Brent started to write feverishly: + + QUENTIN LOCKE,--I have done you a great injury about which you know + nothing, but I am willing to-- + +His hand had scarcely traced the last word when the room was plunged +into absolute darkness. + +Down in the cellar the Automaton had succeeded in rubbing off the +insulation of the feed wires. There was a flash of light as he laid his +steel hand over the two feed wires--then darkness. + +In the dining-room Brent and Flint, already keyed to the highest pitch, +leaped to their feet with an exclamation of terror. + +Late as it was, Locke was working in his laboratory on the second floor +of the house when the lights winked out. Surprised for the moment, he +ran out into the hall. + +Already there was the butler, groping about with a candle. + +"What's the matter, Quentin?" asked a breathless voice behind them. + +It was Eva in a filmy dressing-gown. Locke turned to vision a creation +of loveliness in the candle-light which set his heart thumping. + +"Nothing," he reassured. "Just the lights short-circuited, that's all. +I'll see." + +Just then the dining-room door opened and Eva saw her father, disheveled +and preoccupied, stride out and take the five-branched candlestick from +the hall table. Nervously he began to light the candles. They sputtered +a bit and he turned quickly, still holding the candlestick, as the smoke +drifted away from them all. + +"Fix the fuses in the cellar," he directed the butler. + +"Is anything--really the matter--father?" implored Eva. + +"No, no, my child," he answered, hastily. "Go back to bed. And, Locke, +please don't let us be disturbed." + +He was about to say more, then decided not to do so, and turned back +into the dining-room. + +Again Brent carefully locked the door to the dining-room and rejoined +Flint. + +He had placed the candles on the table, not noticing in the half-light +that the smoke from them was growing denser as they burned down. + +The smoke drifted over as the draught carried it. Flint coughed and +moved a bit, his hand at his throat. + +Brent seized the pen again and was about to write, when the smoke from +the candles drifted into his own face. He, too, coughed. + +Uneasy, Brent glanced over at Flint. Flint laughed, a bit hysterically. + +"What the devil's the matter?" demanded Brent, with lowered brows, a +strange dryness in his throat. + +Flint was now leaning forward on his elbows and laughing foolishly, +stupidly. It was a queer laugh, and struck terror into Brent as he +himself coughed and clutched involuntarily at his throat. Brent stared +at Flint. + +"What is it?" he repeated, anxiously. "Have you suddenly gone mad, man?" + +But there was no reply. Instead, Flint laughed all the more madly. + +Brent was more than startled. If he could have seen himself in a glass +he would have seen that he was already wide-mouthed and disheveled. +Suddenly the smoke again blew in his face. He coughed again. His head +reeled. + +Then, in a flash, it all dawned on him. + +He shielded himself from the candles. But it was too late. + +"My God!" he exclaimed, starting up. "The Madagascar madness!" + +Brent looked about wildly. He rushed to Flint and shook him. But Flint +only laughed. He turned and moved toward the candles, reaching out for +them. But even as he did so his hand faltered. + +He stopped and passed his hand across his tightening forehead. Slowly +over his face came a stupid expression. He felt himself going, without +power of retraining himself. His lips twitched and he swayed. + +Then he began to laugh uncontrollably. + +Flint rose and clapped him on the shoulder. Then both laughed foolishly, +loudly. + +They were beyond help. It was the laughing madness. + +Outside, in the hall, Eva and Locke had been standing, talking for a +moment, when suddenly, below, they heard a terrific noise in the cellar. +Involuntarily Eva's hand clutched Locke's arm. Locke drew a revolver +and, in spite of Eva's fearsome caution, hastened down the cellar +stairs. + +About in the blackness of the cellar he groped until his foot touched +something soft, a mass on the floor. He bent over. It was the butler, in +a heap, unconscious, but still breathing. + +There was not a sound, not another being in the cellar. + +Together Eva and Locke helped the now half-conscious man to his feet and +pushed and pulled him up the stairs; as slowly he recovered his power of +speech. + +"What was it--tell us?" urged Locke. + +"I--I went down to fix the fuses--as the master ordered," muttered the +butler, incoherently. "A huge figure--steel hand--it flung me across the +floor--the last I remember." + +He passed his hand over his head as though recollection even was too +horrible for description. + +Locke listened a bit doubtfully, then sent the butler on his way to bed, +while Eva could scarcely restrain her fears. + +Over to the dining-room door Locke strode and listened. There was +nothing but the sound of merriment inside, of uncontrollable laughter. +Could it be that Brent and Flint were drinking? He dared not betray a +fear to Eva. Instead he knocked. + +At that moment he could hear the sound of some heavy body falling; then +more laughter as Brent in his hysteria struck the model of the automaton +to the floor. + +With the model, unnoticed by Brent, now fluttered to the floor the +letter he had been writing. But the madman paid no attention to that now +as it sifted through the air and fluttered under the sideboard. + +"Mr. Brent," called Locke, "please open the door." + +Instead of an answer came a loud and insulting laugh, followed by an +incoherent mouthing of words. Eva looked startled, blanched. It was so +unlike her father. For the moment Locke was piqued. But he tried not to +show it as he turned away from the door. + +"I am your father's employe," he said, sadly, "and it is his privilege, +I suppose, to laugh at me." He hesitated. + +"Oh, but, Quentin--Mr. Locke--I'm--I'm so sorry. Surely he could not +have meant it." + +At the head of the stairs Locke tried to smile. + +"Don't worry," he said, repressing his feelings. "It will make no +difference between us. Good night." + +They parted, Eva closing her door for a sleepless night, Locke to work +far into the night in his laboratory until sheer exhaustion overcame his +feelings. + +Meanwhile, in the dining-room, the two men kept terrible vigil, hour +after hour, oblivious of time, in wild and wanton laughter--maniacal +abandon. + +A terrible blow had been struck and Reason was tottering on her throne. + +Two men had been stricken by an unknown hand--stark, stark mad. + + + +CHAPTER V + + +"Father--please--open the door!" + +It was early the following morning that the butler with frightened face +had called Eva Brent to tell her that her father and Flint had been +locked in the dining-room all night and were still laughing madly. + +Eva had hurried down-stairs, encountering Zita as she ran. It was true. +She could hear the voices inside. Nor could she get any answer from the +two men. + +"Oh--Zita--please--can't something be _done_?" Eva implored. + +With a hasty word Zita hurried away just as Herbert Balcom himself +entered the house from the street. + +In utter surprise Balcom nodded at Zita as she poured forth the story of +what had been discovered in the morning, then pushed past her in high +excitement. + +"What's wrong?" he asked as he came upon the butler and Eva still +knocking excitedly at the dining-room door. + +Eva was almost in a panic as she answered, "Father and Mr. Flint have +been in there laughing ever since last night." + +Balcom tried to comfort her. But somehow his sympathy sent a cold +shudder through the poor girl. + +Meanwhile Zita had encountered Locke hurrying down at the sound of the +commotion. To him she told the story, again hurt that his interest was +solely for Eva, not in herself. + +Locke paused long enough to seize an umbrella from the rack, rip the +cover off, and break out a rib, to which he tied a piece of string while +he hurried to the group at the door. + +"Break down the door and call the police," ordered Balcom. + +The butler reached for a chair and was about to swing it over his head +to break down the door. + +"Stop!" interrupted Locke. + +The young scientist knelt down, inserted the umbrella steel through the +keyhole, and bent it by the string as he fished about with it on the +other side to find the bolt. Meanwhile the butler telephoned frantically +for the police. + +It was at this height of excitement that Paul Balcom entered. A moment's +talk with Zita, and he, too, joined the group. + +Sympathetically he spoke to Eva, but Eva scarcely responded in the +fashion of a girl to the man whom she was going to marry. Her attention +was riveted on Locke, who was kneeling before the door. Paul saw it and +an ominous scowl crossed his face. + +Carefully Locke worked the umbrella steel and the string until he had +caught the bolt. Then he shot the bolt back and rose to his feet. All +watched him expectantly as he threw open the door. + +Such a sight as met their eyes one could scarcely picture. + +There were Brent and Flint at the table--laughing--laughing. The candles +had long since burned out. On the floor lay the automaton model. + +"Father!" cried Eva, running to him. + +But there was no look of recognition on Brent's face. + +"Don't you know me? Speak to me! Father!" + +Instead, Brent merely patted her shoulder and laughed hollowly. Eva, on +her knees by him, sobbed and smoothed his head by turns. + +Locke, bending over Flint, found him in much the same condition. + +Meanwhile, Balcom and Paul had picked up the model of the automaton and +exchanged a quick glance. + +"This man Locke's actions are suspicious," exclaimed Balcom, hastily. +"He was in the house last night." + +Outside they could hear the arrival of the detectives summoned by the +butler. + +"Go to Eva," nudged Balcom to Paul. + +A moment later the butler entered with the detectives. + +At the sight of the automaton model in Balcom's hands the butler cried +out: + +"That is what attacked me last night--only larger--much larger!" + +All eyes were now on the butler. Quickly Balcom took advantage of the +situation thus created. Locke, also, left Flint and moved over to the +group examining the model. As he did so his eye caught a piece of paper +under the sideboard. He was about to pick it up when he realized that +all were looking at him. Quickly he covered his discovery and faced +them. + +"This man is the stranger in the house," cried Balcom, in anger. "Arrest +him and make him explain." + +It was the work of only an instant for the chief detective to step up to +Locke and slip the bracelets on his wrists. + +"Don't!" cried Eva. + +"Please--my dear--your father," remonstrated Paul. + +At that instant Brent was seized with another violent fit of coughing +and laughter. Eva, distracted, was half fainting. + +Thus, with Locke handcuffed, Balcom and Paul were triumphant. + +Locke saw his chance. But the handcuffs prevented him from using his +hands. In the instant that all were diverted toward Brent, with +incredible deftness Locke slipped his hand from the cuffs, one link of +which fell open as if by magic, through a secret all his own. He reached +down and picked up the paper under the sideboard and read it. It was the +letter Brent had been writing and served only to increase his +perplexity. He read it again, then crushed it into his pocket, and +before any one had discovered his trick had slipped his hand back into +the cuffs and they were locked again. + +At that very moment the telephone rang and the chief of the detectives +answered. As he did so a perplexed expression crossed his face and he +walked over quickly to Locke. + +"I--beg your pardon," he apologized as he began to unlock the handcuffs. + +"Here, my man, what are you doing?" interrupted Balcom. + +"I know my business. You lay off," growled the detective. + +A moment later Locke, with a slight smile on his handsome face, was +answering the telephone. + +Not a soul save the detective, even yet, suspected the true identity of +Locke, even as he answered over the telephone with a respectful, "Yes, +sir." + +The fact of the matter was that the message had come most opportunely. +It was from the chief of the Department of Justice himself, ordering +Locke to stay at the house until he had secured the evidence that would +allow the department to proceed against the company under the anti-trust +law. That, then, was the explanation of the secret dictagraph which +Locke had installed, the explanation of his apparent faithlessness to +his employer. + +But weightier matters were now on Locke's mind. Here he was faced by the +case of his life, involving the happiness of the very girl whom he had +so soon come to love. His incentive was double--love and success: +triple--above all, justice. + +By this time the household themselves were sufficiently calm to help +Brent to his bedroom and Flint to a guest-chamber. + +Balcom was about to follow, when Locke, returning from the telephone, +touched him on the shoulder and shoved the threat message which Brent +had given him the night before under the face of the junior partner. + +"Read that," he demanded. + +Balcom read, controlling his features admirably, if control were +necessary. + +"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded, coldly. + +"Were you in Madagascar lately?" shot back Locke. + +Locke could not be sure whether or not Balcom suppressed a start. At any +rate, he did not conceal anger at the insinuation. + +"Certainly," he replied. "With my son I cruised through the Mozambique +Channel and touched at Madagascar last summer. Why?" + +Locke nodded and the detective made a note of the reply. + +"What do you mean to insinuate by that question?" demanded Balcom. + +Without reply Locke shrugged nonchalantly and smiled. + +Not ten feet away, in the conservatory door, Paul listened, and his face +darkened as he clenched his fists. + +There was a murderous glare in Paul's eyes as Locke unconcernedly +withdrew, whispering to the detective, who nodded deferentially to the +young scientist who had been assigned by the Department of Justice, +strangely, to the very case which now he realized in some unknown way +must concern himself and the very mystery of his own identity. + +So wore along the morning, with growing mystery and excitement. + +It was not long before the Brent family physician was summoned, and +after a careful diagnosis pronounced Brent in a hopeless state as far as +his own science was concerned. Eva was by this time more than frantic. +The consolation of Paul seemed to add to her nervousness. She was almost +distracted when she heard Balcom and the doctor discussing the case in +low tones in her father's room. + +"Don't you think, Doctor," she overheard, "that he would be far better +off in a sanitarium?" + +She shuddered as the doctor agreed with Balcom, and Balcom sought to +persuade her that the course was best. Even the solicitations of Paul +annoyed her. Paul was more than vexed at this new repulse from his +bride-to-be. His anger knew no bounds as he caught sight of Locke, who +had overheard and showed his doubt over the whole proposal for the care +of Brent. He plucked at his father's sleeve and nodded toward Locke. + +Balcom needed no prompting from his crafty son. + +"I'll have you understand, Locke," he cried, his face growing apoplectic +red, "that I am in charge here now. Your services are no longer +required." + +"I quite understand," returned Locke, quietly. "We shall see." + +Balcom stormed down from the room to the telephone, where, a moment +later, he telephoned to an asylum, asking them to send a conveyance with +nurses, keepers, and whatever paraphernalia was necessary to take care +of his partner, Brent. + +"Is he violent?" demanded the doctor over the telephone. + +"Yes. Bring a strait-jacket," snapped back Balcom. "And the sooner he is +under your care the better." + +With that Balcom stamped out of the house. + +In Brent's room, Paul was attempting still to ingratiate himself with +Eva, who was growing more distant toward him with every moment. Finally +Paul could stand it no longer. He turned on his heel and faced Locke +angrily in the hall. + +"You'll regret this, confound you!" he ground out, as he swung out of +the room rapidly in a high state of feeling. + +Unconcernedly Locke turned on his heel. + +"Don't worry," he whispered to Eva. "I'll see that no harm comes to your +father." + +For answer, her own heart too full for words, Eva pressed the hand of +the young scientist. It was reward enough for Locke. + +Meanwhile, at Doctor Shaw's sanitarium, to which Balcom had telephoned +with the permission of the doctor, elaborate preparations had been +completed for the reception and transportation of Brent. + +It was perhaps an hour later that the ambulance, with three +white-uniformed attendants, pulled out, carrying all those appurtenances +necessary for the care of the insane, including the strait-jacket which +Balcom had so testily suggested. + +That same hour had seen intense activity in another quarter. In the den +of the Automaton, the hard-visaged emissaries had been already roused by +the entrance of the Automaton. + +Hasty directions had been uttered by the metallic, phonograph voice of +the monster, and already four of the most desperate of the characters +had hurried through the entrance out on the cliffs. The Automaton +himself had turned toward the passage through the Graveyard of Genius to +Brent Rock itself. + +Thus it happened that when the ambulance from Doctor Shaw's sanitarium +came bowling along the road to Brent Rock as fast as its motor would +permit, the driver was forced suddenly to put on the brakes to save +himself from being wrecked by a huge log that lay squarely across the +road. + +No sooner had the attendants jumped out to remove the log than four +desperate men fell upon them from ambush, beat them, and left them +trussed up and unconscious, while they donned the jackets and uniforms +of Doctor Shaw's men, seized the ambulance, and swung off again at a +fast clip in the direction of Brent Rock. + +Lulled into a false security, as her father slept now for a time under +an opiate, Eva was sitting beside him with loving care when she heard +the noise below of the arrival of the car from Doctor Shaw's sanitarium. +At once she was in wild alarm. Nor was Locke off his guard. While Zita +tried to reassure Eva, Locke met the men. + +There were four of them, and as the first passed, Locke halted him. The +parley gave another a chance to push past, while Locke held three at +bay. + +A moment later there was a scream from Eva, who had hurried from her +father's room at the sound of the high voices. The emissary had seized +her. + +It was a signal for the other three, who leaped on Locke all at once. +With almost superhuman strength Locke seized one of them and flung him +over his head for a fall down the whole flight of steps as he fought the +other two single-handed. + +Even then the third came back to the attack and Locke was forced to give +back step by step down the stairs. + +Another scream from Eva. + +In the heat of the fray Locke caught a glimpse of her battling on the +landing above with the first emissary. It gave him redoubled strength. + +Flinging the two men off and eluding the third, he leaped to the +chandelier in the hall and with a giant swing wrapped his legs about the +fellow struggling with Eva. Literally throttling him, he pulled him +backward over the balcony railing for a fall clear to the lower hall. + +At the moment when Locke was actually subduing all of his assailants the +door to the cellar suddenly opened and the huge figure of the Automaton +strode out. + +With one blow of his steel fist the monster struck Locke senseless, then +turned and began ascending the grand staircase. + +Almost paralyzed with fear, Eva screamed again and fled through the +nearest door, locking it. On strode the Automaton, crashing down the +door as if it had been a mere shell. + +Meanwhile the emissaries had seized Locke, still unconscious and unable +to resist. Feverishly they began to bind him in the strait-jacket which +they had taken from the ambulance. Then they carried him and flung him +roughly on the floor of the library. + +Still screaming, Eva fled to the next room, again bolting the door and +piling furniture frantically to barricade it. Again the Automaton rained +blow after blow on the door. It splintered, and his powerful fist began +breaking and overturning the barricade which the unfortunate girl had +improvised. + +Wildly she looked about. Only a closet now offered refuge. The door was +splintered through. She could see the terrible face of the monster. + +In the library, Locke, recovering by this time, began flopping and +twisting, spurred by the muffled screams from above-stairs as he worked +with miraculous dexterity to release himself from the strait-jacket. + + + +CHAPTER VI + + +Locke struggled with superhuman effort to release himself from the +strait-jacket in which he was held prisoner. The throat-straps pressed +against the neck muscles and the strain on the straps could be heard +like pistol-shots as the leather stretched under his prodigous efforts. + +With every nerve keyed up and his reflexes answering his keen brain, he +swayed backward and forward, rolled from side to side until his +shoulder-blades were thrown completely out of joint. The pain was +intense, but he summoned every ounce of strength at his command and +finally succeeded in getting one of his arms free by gradually working +his body toward a settee, where, with his elbow on the seat, he pushed +his disjointed arm over his head. + +Agony was written all over his face as at last with a final effort he +extricated his arms and was in a position to loosen the straps which +bound them, with his teeth. + +Nor was his labor over now. The canvas jacket cut into his flesh and the +buckles bruised his muscles. His body ached with weariness, yet he clung +to his task. Like a thing incarnate he toiled as he realized the danger +that confronted Eva. + +Up-stairs, the monster was pursuing Eva. The heavy oaken doors were as +straws to him, and he plunged through them as a mad elephant dashes +through a canebrake. Destruction lay in his wake as he crashed through +the improvised barriers which Eva had constructed to delay his +onslaught. A crouching, desolate figure, she waited for what she knew to +be her end. There was only one barrier left between her and this engine +of destruction. It was only a moment now when she would be a crushed, +mangled mass. With terror in her heart she waited for the thing to crash +through the last remaining barrier, and even now she could hear his +ponderous step as he crossed the room toward the door which would only +momentarily stay his progress. Her lips moved in prayer as she waited +and the dread moments seemed eons to her. + +Suddenly she heard a crash, and she could see the panels of sturdy oak +in the door give way as though they were egg-shells. The gigantic fist +of the monster crashed through and she could discern the dim outline of +the enormous head, and the glaring eyes of fire looking toward her. With +a shrill shriek she raised her arms above her head and fell swooning to +the floor just as a pistol-shot rang out. + +Locke, disheveled and weak, had released himself from the strait-jacket, +and with the speed of a panther had ascended the stairs. He saw the +monster crashing through the last remaining barrier, and without +hesitation he fired at the thing as he closed in. His one thought was to +delay it or make it swerve in its course momentarily, with the hope that +by some chance Eva might have time to escape. Could he only accomplish +this, he thought his mission successful, regardless of the outcome as +far as he himself was concerned. + +He pulled the trigger of his automatic again and again as he rushed +forward. By some strange trick of fate the figure reeled for a second +and one of its arms dropped swinging to its side. The bullet had entered +a joint. Had it in some way deranged the mechanism, causing the +Automaton to turn in its tracks and confront Locke as he charged +forward? Or was some human being concealed in the armored creature and +wounded? + +Eva, in her semi-conscious state, saw the mass of metal charge toward +Locke, and closed her eyes so as not to be a witness to his end. She +waited, dumb and helpless with fright, and before her surged the meaning +of this man's great sacrifice for her. In the brief interval she +realized that men of his ilk were few. She realized that her interest in +the young chemist was more than a passing fancy and the truth was driven +home to her in his hour of peril. She closed her eyes and all before her +went blank. + +As the Automaton faced Locke voices could be heard in the hall, and the +gardener of Brent Rock, who had summoned aid, came to Locke's +assistance. Armed with clubs and garden tools, the men charged the +monster. Like a lion at bay, the thing turned from its task of +destroying Locke to face its new enemies. _En masse_ they attacked the +Automaton, but it shook them off, one by one, as a terrier would rats, +and made its way toward the grand staircase. Some of the gardener's aids +suffered broken bones, while others were left unconscious as a result of +the conflict. + +Locke picked himself up and rushed to Eva's side. He took the prostrate +form in his arms and looked down into her beautiful face. The room was +in ruins, and Eva slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. Her hand +went out in a momentary caress, but as she fully recovered consciousness +she moved her hand away lest he really know. She looked up at him +gratefully, and Locke, a little confused, took his arm from around her +waist. With boyish bashfulness he hung his head and asked her if she was +all right. The sound of his own voice amid the ruins brought back his +composure. + +"We must see about father. Perhaps something has happened to him," said +Eva, as she started toward the door. + +Locke looked after the girl, then followed her. + +Propped up in bed, Peter Brent presented a pitiable sight. His glassy +stare and shrill laugh like a coyote baying at the moon sent cold chills +down Eva's back as she entered the room. This man, at one time a power +in the business world, was only a shell of his former self, and his +inhuman laughter caused even Locke to shudder a little as he entered the +room. + +Eva walked over to her father and put her hand to his brow, looking +wistfully in his eyes for some sign of recognition. + +She kissed him on the forehead and called him, but he still stared +blankly ahead of him, unconscious of even her presence. Locke felt the +pulse of the patient and looked at the dilated pupils. + +"There must be some antidote for this Madagascar madness, and I shall +move everything to find it," he said, as he looked at Eva with +determination. + +She turned toward him eagerly as he spoke and his words gave her a +little cheer. Eva continued her caresses, but the demented man showed no +signs of recognizing even his own daughter. + +From another room the shrill laughter of Flint could be heard as he +raved in delirium. Bereft of reason, he fought an unseen enemy. + +"Q did it, I tell you--it's Q," he raved and shrieked in his insane way +as he rocked back and forth in bed. He was fighting his own conscience, +and kept pushing some unseen thing from him as he shook in a paroxysm of +fright. + +The front-door bell rang and Balcom entered. He was suave in manner, but +this time he seemed a little excited as he gave his hat and stick to the +butler. + +"Tell Miss Brent I must see her at once," he ordered. + +As the butler turned to mount the stairs, Balcom reached his hand up and +rubbed his shoulder as though he were in pain. Perhaps the gesture meant +nothing, but a keen observer would have noticed that his arm did not +move with the freedom that one would expect of a man of his frame and +build. As he rubbed his shoulder his eyes followed the butler up the +stairs and his lips tightened. He watched him until he was out of sight, +then turned and entered the library. + +As Balcom entered the library the door-bell rang and the three ambulance +men who had been overpowered by the emissaries of the Automaton entered. +Balcom approached them and hasty explanations were forthcoming. In his +suave manner he quieted the most noisy of the trio, who by this time had +found the strait-jacket from which Locke had just released himself. + +"This looks like a put-up job to me," growled the driver, as he +confronted Balcom, holding the strait-jacket toward him. "And I believe +you know something about it." + +"My dear man, I am the person who telephoned for you to come for my +stricken partner," said Balcom, "and I still insist that he is in dire +need of treatment." + +As he spoke Eva entered the library in time to hear him. She was +followed by Locke. + +"My father shall not be taken from this house," she cried, in reply to +Balcom's orders to the attendants. + +As she spoke she turned toward Locke and looked at him for his +acquiescence. He quietly nodded toward her in an assuring manner, and as +he did so one might have noticed Balcom's face cloud up with evil +purpose. He was thinking of this young whipper-snapper and his +interference with his plans. As he stood meditating he noticed that +Locke was looking at him, so he turned toward the young chemist and his +whole expression changed. A bland smile crept across his face as he +spoke. + +"I was only suggesting that my partner be taken to an institution, +because I believed that he would receive better treatment there." He +addressed Locke, but looked toward Eva as he did so. "Miss Brent should +have trust in me. I have only her interest at heart." + +"It would be better for Mr. Brent to stay here," said Locke. "The +treatment his daughter can give will be better than that of an +outsider." + +As he spoke he sauntered away with an air of finality, while Balcom +shrugged his shoulders and gave orders to the ambulance men to go. + +Locke walked toward the dining-room, and there amid the candle drippings +and the wreckage of the night before espied the miniature automaton. He +picked it up and examined it minutely as Balcom strolled in. + +Balcom's quick gaze caught what Locke was looking at, and he approached +the young chemist and sauvely said: + +"It seems almost unbelievable, Mr. Locke, that a giant form like that +could be endowed with a human brain." + +As he spoke he pointed toward the miniature automaton in Locke's hands. +Locke turned and faced him, his jaw tightening with a snap. + +"Not unbelievable, but impossible, Mr. Balcom," he said. "I believe that +there is some one in this thing that attacks us and calls himself Q." + +He eyed Balcom as he spoke, to see the effects of his words. But if +Balcom knew anything, he cunningly concealed it. Locke walked to the +table and closely examined the candles and other stuff strewn about. He +was looking for some clue to what had caused the madness of Brent and +Flint. The crumpled anatomy chart lay on the floor, and as Locke stooped +to pick it up Eva entered and came toward him. She shuddered slightly as +she passed the miniature of the monster, and Balcom, with an air of +satisfaction, noticed her fear. He turned and was about to go out, when +the butler entered with the duplicate candlestick in his hands. + +"Mr. Locke, in cleaning the hall I found this behind the portieres at +the entrance to below-stairs," he announced. "I was quite puzzled for a +moment, for I knew the master had taken it into the dining-room with him +last evening." + +As he spoke he handed the candlestick to Locke, who quickly compared it +with the one on the dining-room table which contained the burnt candles. + +In appearance the candelabra were identical. Locke with great care +examined every feature of them, looking for a clue. He took one of the +whole candles from the candlestick which the butler had brought in and +scraped the wax from in with his penknife. He examined the particles +carefully, then approached the candlestick which stood on the table the +fatal night, and very carefully removed the wax from the stumps of +candles which were still in the sockets. + +"The Madagascar madness came from _that_ candlestick," he announced, +with assurance, as he pointed toward the one on the table. + +While he was so busily engaged Balcom was eying him cunningly. He +watched his every move and was most intent in seeing just how the young +man would prove his contention. + +"Good morning, every one!" came the clear voice of Paul as he entered +the room and crossed over to the side of his fiancee. He was particular +to ignore Locke in his greeting, and as he approached Eva he bent over +her hand and kissed it. + +A close observer would have noticed that the girl rather drew her hand +back from his caress. + +"I am so sorry about your father, Eva," whispered Paul. "I trust the +ailment is but temporary." + +As he spoke Eva thanked him mechanically for his solicitations, while +Balcom glanced at his son in admiration. + +Locke, who was still engaged in looking at the candle drippings through +his pocket magnifying-glass, paid slight attention to Paul, but glanced +up in time to see that there was a look of insincerity on his face. + +Could it be that this young scion of the Balcom fortune could in any way +be connected with the Automaton? Could this man, this suave, polished +gentleman, have any motive for seeking the ruin or death of his fiancee? +Locke seemed to be busily engaged in his task, but he was making mental +notes on the conduct of young Balcom. He looked up finally and turned to +Eva. + +"Miss Brent, I find minute particles of some foreign substance in the +wax of these candles," he announced. "They seem to be of organic origin +and I am certain that they contain the poison which has robbed your +father of his mentality. I am going to take them to a chemical +laboratory where there will be proper facilities to have them analyzed. +Perhaps there is an antidote that will restore your father's sanity." + +As Locke spoke he carefully wrapped up the particles of drippings in a +piece of paper and put them in his pocket. As he did so, both Balcom and +Paul exchanged hurried glances, and Balcom left the group and started +toward the hall. + +During all this procedure Zita, clad in a sumptuous morning frock hardly +befitting a secretary, was standing behind the portieres in the hall and +listening intently to all she could hear within the dining-room. As she +heard Balcom's footsteps she hurriedly turned and seemed to be going up +the hall. He looked after her and then called. + +She came toward Balcom with a nod of understanding, and, as she +approached, he led her to a corner of the hall and whispered to her. + +"It is imperative that we get Flint out of the house to-night. I can +trust you to take care of this if I arrange the details?" + +Zita quickly nodded acquiescence, looking furtively over her shoulder to +see if they were observed. + +"I will get him to your apartment," she hurriedly said, as she looked up +at him for further instructions. + +Balcom turned quickly from her, got his own hat and sack, and departed, +just as Locke came into the hall, bound for the chemist's shop. He +looked after the disappearing form of Balcom, and then turned and +noticed that he was being watched by Zita. Zita in turn hastily entered +the library, without looking over her shoulder. + +"I wonder what her real position in this house can be," mused Locke, as +he took his hat and went toward the front door. + +In the dining-room Paul was now standing close to Eva and had taken her +hand. + +"You know it was your father's wish that we be married," he was saying, +"and I know that he would be happy if we had the ceremony performed at +once." + +His eyes narrowed as he said this, but Eva was too preoccupied to see +it. With a shudder, ever so slight, she looked up at his handsome face +and spoke. + +"I will not even speak of marriage until my father recovers, Paul, and I +don't know how you can ask me to at such a time." + +She was not thinking so much of her father as of a certain young chemist +who had risked his life for her. Why had fate thrown him in her way, she +wondered. What was there about Quentin Locke that compelled her +attention--that made her feel secure when he was about? What was the +difference between the young chemist and Paul that she felt perfect +trust in the one whom she had known only a short time and distrust and +uncertainty in the other to whom she was about to be married? + +She hung her head and went into the drawing-room, leaving Paul standing +there. He looked after her, and a slight smile crossed his face as he +thought of what a fool she was to think that he cared for her. His +self-assurance led him to believe that the reason that Eva was not +consenting to his proposal was indeed because of her father's condition, +for he little dreamed, nor would his egotism permit him to believe, that +anything else could be the case. + +His mouth hardened in a subtle smile as he sauntered after Eva to bid +her farewell. He remembered that De Luxe Dora was waiting outside for +him in her speedster. + +He had made this paramour of his take him to the very door of his +fiancee's home, and there wait until he had paid his respects to the +moneyed lady who would make happiness possible by supplying him with the +funds to pursue his pleasures and insure his father's hold on the +International Patents, Incorporated. + +Paul looked at his watch, then, after a few words of condolence which +would hardly sound sincere from any one less gifted, made a hurried +departure toward the corner where the speedster was waiting. + +"Who was the funny gink that hurried by a little while ago?" queried +Dora, in the vernacular of her calling. "He gave me the double O as +though he had something on me." + +"That's a fellow we've got to look out for, kid," answered Paul, in the +same terms by which he was addressed, for, if nothing else, Paul could +be as much at home in the underworld as in a mansion on the Drive. +"Brent claimed that he was a chemist before he went 'bugs,'" continued +Paul, "but I have my doubts; in fact, I'm very leery of him because I +think he's a fly cop." + +He took his place beside Dora, who started the car and headed down-town. + +After Paul's departure Eva hurried to her father's room and tried to +comfort him. He was seated in a chair, staring blankly ahead of him. He +was quieter now, but his body twitched nervously from time to time. + +The tears started to come to Eva's eyes as she saw her father's plight, +and she knelt down beside him and took his hand in hers. She stroked it +with her own hand and bent over and kissed it. As she knelt, crying +softly, she sobbed half-aloud: + +"Why can't I confide in you, father? Why can't you advise me? I don't +love Paul Balcom and could never marry him. I know I love Quentin +Locke--I do--I do--" + +As she sobbed she bent over his hand and pressed it to her lips. + +Peter Brent sat staring into space, staring like a graven image. + + + +CHAPTER VII + + +After her brief encounter with Balcom in the hallway Zita stealthily +mounted to Flint's room. + +Flint's condition was unchanged. He lay sprawled out in a huge +arm-chair, his head swaying from side to side, as he muttered and +mumbled incoherently, while his leering smile caused even Zita to +shudder. + +She was, however, alive to the importance of her mission. Steeling +herself, she raised Flint from the chair and steadied him with one hand +while she tried to smooth out the wrinkles of his clothing so that his +mad condition would not be too apparent when they went outdoors. It was +a hard task, but Zita soon accomplished it and, half supporting, she led +him through a door on the farther side of the room. They crept down a +back stairway and so away from the house. + +At times Flint stumbled and almost fell, and once that insane laugh +startled a passer-by, who started after them, then changed his mind and +proceeded on his way. It was then that Zita's heart almost stopped +beating. She realized that the situation would be unexplainable to a +stranger and she urged the insane Flint on faster. + +Renewed hope came to her with each step. She had almost relaxed her +precautions when, suddenly, from a clump of bushes, several men leaped +out. They seized Flint, who merely started babbling afresh. Zita, +ignorant of what was really happening, struck out right and left in the +hopeless encounter, until one of the men with a grin seized her wrist in +his powerful grasp and twisted it until she screamed with pain. Then she +realized for the first time that she had fallen into the hands of the +emissaries of the Automaton. Had Balcom planned it, or had that +mechanical monster taken advantage of what Balcom had ordered? + +In the mean time, the other thugs, with Flint between them, made off +hurriedly. With a last push that almost threw Zita to the ground, the +last of them dashed into the shrubbery, and for several moments Zita +dazedly stood there as he crashed through the underbrush, making good +the escape and capture. Then she turned and ran back to Brent Rock. + +Locke, in the mean time, had arrived at the laboratory of his old friend +Hadwell, the chemist, where he was warmly welcomed. + +It was the usual dusty workshop of one devoted to one +idea--science--with no touches of comfort. Hadwell fairly lived amid +retorts, Bunsen burners, and reagents. + +He was a man of profound research, rather than the commercial chemist, +and it was from him that Locke, in earlier days, had learned many +lessons so well that now his career was watched with interest by many +distinguished men of science. + +Hadwell was delighted at the chance to examine the strange scrapings of +wax which Locke had dug out of the sockets of the candlestick, the more +so as they must contain some mysterious poison. First he studied them +under a powerful lens, then by chemical reactions, until he made visible +some peculiar crystals. Locke himself was amazed as his friend worked. + +"You don't know it all--yet--my boy," smiled the aged professor. +"There's still something the old teacher can add to your education, and +I'm glad, Quentin, very glad, for it will draw you closer to me again. I +need you to carry on my work when I must lay it down. I'm not positive," +he continued, "but I believe these crystals to be those of _Dhatura +stramonium_, and, as you say speed's the thing, we'll begin by noting +the effect of the stuff as a gas on that guinea-pig over there." + +"Have you masks?" asked Locke, with true scientific caution. + +"Yes--on the shelf. You're keen, Quentin. These fumes can penetrate the +tiniest aperture and, if my guess is right, without a mask, you would +quickly laugh yourself to death." + +"Don't, Professor, don't joke, for there is no joy in that mad laughter. +It is horrible, maddening, even to the hearer. Let us get to work. The +father of the girl I love may even now be sinking to his death. We must +determine the nature of this deadly stuff, and then find an antidote." + +The chemist brought out the cage in which the guinea-pig was placidly +munching a lettuce leaf, and placed it in a convenient spot on the +table. Then, after Locke, as well as the professor, had carefully +adjusted the masks, the latter lighted a Bunsen burner and applied the +flame to the deadly crystals. A pungent fume was given off and collected +in a rubber bag, or cone, from which a long tube protruded. + +This tube the chemist introduced into the cage. For a moment there was +no perceptible change in the animal's actions. Then it stopped eating, +sniffed at the strange odor, and commenced to twitch violently. This +twitching continued for several minutes, when the creature started to +revolve in circles, like a Japanese dancing-mouse. Finally it became +subject to spasms, and, although the professor withdrew the tube, these +symptoms continued. + +"I was right!" he cried. "It is an especially poisonous variety of that +almost unknown Oriental drug, _Dhatura stramonium_. I think I can find +an antidote to it, also. To work, my boy, to work!" + +One experiment after another resulted in failure, however, and it was +while they were so engaged that the telephone bell rang and a feminine +voice inquired for Locke. + +It was an excited Eva who called. "Quentin," she burst forth, +breathlessly, "what do you think has happened? The strangest thing! +Flint has escaped. Tell me what to do. Can't you come to me at once? I +need you." + +Locke needed no further urging. Important though the work of finding the +antidote was, Eva's call was more imperative to him. He reassured her as +best he could over the wire, for he had no idea what had really +happened. Zita, as might have been expected, on her return to Brent Rock +had been far too clever to disclose the exact truth that Flint had been +abducted, and that while in her own charge. + +When she arrived at Brent Rock she had mounted by the same stairway by +which she and Flint had departed. Entering Flint's room, she had raised +the alarm and had acted her part so well that Eva thought that she had +discovered Flint's absence at the precise moment at which Zita had cried +out and she had come running in answer to her call. + +Locke gave Hadwell a brief outline of what had just occurred at Brent +Rock. + +"Professor," he pleaded, "for Heaven's sake don't fail me. Try as you +never tried before to find the antidote for this strange combination of +poisons. Telephone me when you have it." + +Locke seized his hat, and Hadwell redoubled his efforts to fathom the +toxic secret. + +At Brent Rock, in the mean time, everything was in confusion, Eva was +almost distracted, and, to add to her discomfort, Paul took occasion to +call. + +In the past few days her distrust of him, for she could call it by no +other name, had grown, and the furtive glances which he exchanged with +Zita, little trouble-maker, were not reassuring. But when Eva's maid, +motioning her aside, told her that she had been a witness to the +departure of Zita and Flint, Eva's suspicions from a vague misgiving +became a stern reality. She longed for Locke's return and protection +from the very man to whom she was engaged. + +As Locke left the chemist's he noticed a light runabout across the +street, half hidden in the shadows. But he failed to notice the evil +face of De Luxe Dora peering at him from beneath the rim of a +well-pulled-down hat. + +"Huh!" she muttered. "We'll get his number and here's where I go after +it." + +Locke hailed a passing taxicab, gave a hurried direction to the +chauffeur, and jumped in. The taxi snorted, cut out open, and jumped +forward as the driver clumsily shifted the worn gears. But out of the +shadows there glided a low-hung runabout with a purling motor that +without effort kept Locke's taxi just in sight without seeming to be +following. + +At the time that the emissaries abducted Flint he had been roughly +handled and some of his clothing had been torn. But as he had been +incapable of the slightest degree of real self-defense, the thugs had +soon desisted beating him up, with the result that he had escaped bodily +injury except for a few slight scratches. + +The emissaries of the Automaton led him by devious winding paths down to +the shore, and, half walking, half running, pressing close to the high +cliffs, they urged him forward. + +Soon they came to a cleft in the rock, and, with one hand using a +well-hooded electric torch to light the way, they dragged the poor +unfortunate into the cave entrance to the den. + +This cave was a marvel of nature, hewn out of the solid rock by +countless tides, its dome lost in the darkness. It gave an impression of +immensity, while in many directions passageways gave off from what might +be called a main chamber. + +Flint was roughly thrown on a rock, where, head in hands, he swayed +backward and forward, now moaning, now chuckling, now laughing outright. +The echo of that laugh resounded hollowly in the dismal place and must +have notified the supreme master of this underground world that his +domain had been invaded. + +A metallic clanging in the distance, as of struck anvils, a crunching, +as the smaller rocks broke in twain under the enormous weight of the +iron monster, then far, far down the passageway two points of fire--the +eyes of the thing--and with arms swinging like flails, from out the +passageway there stalked--the Automaton. + +Even the emissaries, slaves to this monster through fear, and seeing it +often, fell back in awe and consternation, so terrible was its menace. + +It strode over to Flint and, pushing him backward, glared at him with +burning eyes that seemed to search his soul. The monster then turned to +one of the emissaries and, with a sweeping gesture, gave a command. + +The emissary understood and immediately ran up one of the passageways, +returning in a few moments with a bottle which contained a purplish +mixture. At another sign from the Automaton the emissary took a +drinking-glass and poured out a portion of the purple fluid. Then he +forced the draught between Flint's clenched teeth. + +A violent trembling shook Flint from head to foot, a shudder of so +exhausting a nature that after the spasm Flint, weakened, reclined +against the cold wall of the cave, his body in a clammy perspiration. +But gradually there came a change in his dazed, mad eyes. The iris +contracted and became more normal. Even the leaden hue of his face +slowly passed away. The face muscles relaxed and gradually the light of +reason appeared in his eyes. + +In a questioning manner Flint gazed about him. He saw the cave with its +scintillating points of fire, as the man with the torch gesticulated. He +saw the emissaries, and the realization that his position was perilous +came to him. But it was only when he saw the towering form of the +Automaton that his blood froze with horror and he made a frantic effort +to escape the very thing which he had feared existed in Madagascar and +had attempted to betray to Brent on the fatal night. + +It was useless. He was soon borne down by the thugs, who stationed two +of their number to guard him. Seeing the utter hopelessness of any +attempt to escape, Flint sat quietly, while his crafty mind schemed for +some other plan. Suddenly he saw the bottle, the contents of which had +restored his reason. Reaching out slyly, he turned it around until he +could read the label, and then, even in his predicament, he exulted over +his discovery. It was the antidote. Like a flash came to him a shrewd +scheme to use the knowledge. + +An emissary who seemed to be a leader came over to him. + +"Flint," he snarled, "you get one chance--see? Beat it back to Brent +Rock and see that you get that Brent girl to come to the place where we +will turn you loose. Understand? If you fail it means death. Think it +over." + +Flint could only agree. + +They bandaged his eyes and quickly led him back over the road by which +they had come. + + + +CHAPTER VIII + + +Brent Rock was brilliantly lighted against Locke's coming. At the foot +of the great stairway a group of excited servants had gathered, as if +for mutual protection. + +"Not another day will I stay in this house," quavered the cook. "What +with crazy laughing and the other carryings-on, I'm fair distracted." + +"Take shame to yerself, Mary Dolan, for yer gab of quittin', with the +master and Miss Eva in sore trouble," answered the second girl. "But as +you say," she continued, shaking her head, "it's a gloomy old place, and +if it wasn't for Miss Eva I'd not be long in going myself." + +"'Ave you no loyalty?" asked the butler, turning on them both. + +"Hould yer jaw, Johnny Bull," threatened the cook. "Indade no foreigner +can tell Mary Dolan her duty." + +So they wrangled back and forth, and the underlying cause of all the +discord was the old one--fear. + +Nor was Eva exempt from its baneful influence. She was here, there, +everywhere, allaying one servant's apprehension, commanding another to +perform some task in order to occupy that servant's mind--but, for +herself, she knew that the strain would not lessen until Locke arrived. +She ran up-stairs and to a window from which she could obtain a better +view of the drive along which he must come. + +In a very short time, which, nevertheless, seemed an age to her, Eva was +rewarded, and she fairly flew down the stairs, out of the house, and far +down the drive. Locke's taxi stopped, he leaped out, and, regardless of +the chauffeur, took Eva's hand. + +"Tell me quickly what has happened?" he inquired. + +From a distance Dora was a witness, exulting. + +"Paul stands a swell chance with her," she sneered. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you're here," confided Eva, letting down just a bit of +her restraint as, like a frightened child, she told of what she had +learned about the disappearance of Flint. + +Locke dismissed the driver, and together they walked slowly toward the +house. + +Not only Eva, but the entire household was relieved by Locke's presence. +The cook rushed forward and, with a "God bless you, sir!" would have +embraced him had he not stepped aside. Even the dignified old family +butler tried to take his hand, an unheard-of liberty on his part. For, +unknowingly, all had come suddenly to rely upon this quiet, unassuming +young man. + +Locke immediately asked to be shown to Flint's room in the hope that +Flint might have left some clue behind. But, although they searched high +and low, no success met their efforts. + +It was then that they faced their darkest moment. Feeling, as they did, +that they were encircled by hidden enemies, the very air they breathed +became a menace. Every attempt to find the thread that might unravel the +dark mystery proved futile. It was not to be wondered at that they +despaired. Even the weird laughter of Eva's stricken father, echoing +hollowly through the house, seemed to be mocking their efforts. + +The Automaton's emissaries were anxious to do their job and return to +the cave, for, like rats, they preferred the security best found +underground. They did not lead Flint very far. + +At the edge of the Brent estate there was an Italian marble fountain +decorated with bronze dolphins and water-nymphs disporting themselves. +It was at this fountain that the men halted Flint and, with a final +warning, left him. + +For a few moments, such was his fear, Flint did not remove the bandage +from his eyes, but moved groping around until his hand came in contact +with the edge of the fountain. For a moment he stood quietly, listening +for sounds of the emissaries. Then, as he heard nothing, he tore the +bandage from his eyes, gazed wonderingly around him until his mind +grasped his exact location, then, with a bound, started to run toward +Brent Rock. + +Had he noticed the bestial face of an emissary peering from the +shrubbery he would have been even more frightened. Retribution, he would +have known, would be swift and sure had he disregarded their commands +and moved in another direction. + +As Flint left the fountain Balcom, suave and well groomed as usual, was +just giving his hat and stick to the butler when Locke and Eva, +returning from Flint's room, encountered him in the hallway. + +"Oh, Mr. Balcom," exclaimed Eva, "Mr. Locke and I are at a loss to +account for Mr. Flint's disappearance! I told the gardeners, and they +have hunted for him all over the estate and beyond, but he has +disappeared as completely as though the ground had swallowed him." + +Balcom expressed his utmost astonishment and at once insisted on going +to Flint's room to solve the mystery himself. + +Eva and Locke went directly into the library, where Locke for the first +time had an opportunity to tell Eva the result of his visit to the +chemist. The fact that they had discovered the nature of the toxin was +in itself encouraging, and Eva felt that, even now, she could see the +glimmer of a silver lining to the clouds. + +"If we can only locate Mr. Flint, Quentin," she murmured, "I feel that +much would be explained." + +Hardly had the words passed her lips when, breathless and disheveled, +Flint staggered up the stairs from under the porte-cochere and into the +hallway. Balcom, just descending from his brief inspection of Flint's +room, hailed him. + +"What has happened?" he demanded. "Don't go into the library." + +"I've just escaped from the Automaton," shouted Flint, "and I've found +the antidote!" + +Before Balcom could stop him he rushed into the library, Balcom +following in a towering rage. Eva gave a startled little cry at the wild +intrusion and Locke moved closer to her. + +"Is the antidote that will restore your father's reason worth ten +thousand dollars to you?" demanded Flint; then, before Eva could reply, +added: "Speak quick! I've got to get out of the country to-night." + +"Ten thousand!" gasped Eva. "Ten times ten thousand! Tell me what it +is." + +"Show me the money first," haggled Flint, "and remember I must have the +hard cash." + +"Just a moment, Eva," interrupted Locke. "Consider this thing well. We +can deal with this fellow as a final resort." + +Eva looked from Locke to Balcom, her mind in a turmoil, as the +telephone-bell rang and Locke hurried to answer it. + +In the room now there was a conflict of emotions and desires that fairly +electrified the place. Eva ardently craved her father's recovery at all +costs. Flint's avaricious mind wavered between a scheme nearing success +and the possibility of failure and the fear of the Automaton. Balcom +strained to hear the purport of the message that Locke was receiving. + +At the sound of the chemist's voice Locke was tense with suppressed +excitement. + +"I've found the antidote," hastened to report the professor. + +With a cordial word of thanks Locke turned from the telephone and faced +the group in the room. As he made the announcement, Eva almost embraced +him in the flood of relief at the thought of her father restored. + +"Eva," growled Balcom, "you forget yourself. As Paul's father, I cannot +countenance such actions." + +"Mr. Balcom," interrupted Locke, "I am sure you will be kind in your +criticism of Miss Brent. She has merely overrated my service to her." + +"Paul shall hear of this," stormed Balcom. + +"If your son cares to take the matter up with me," returned Locke, now +on his dignity, "I am always to be found--here." + +"Never mind," interposed Flint, who feared to see his chance slipping, +"I've got to get out of the country. Mr. Locke, your antidote is +probably valueless; mine is the certain one. Look at me, Miss Brent. Am +I not cured?" + +"You miserable sneak," scowled Locke, stepping over to him, "we don't +need your assistance now." + +"I'm dealing with Miss Brent," insisted Flint, insolently. + +Eva, a bit nervous over Balcom's overbearing manner, interposed. "Mr. +Locke," she said, with just a touch of dignity for effect on Balcom, +"this is a matter of life and death, and I am not in favor of permitting +a proven antidote to be taken out of the country by this--this man. I +have every confidence in you, but suppose--just suppose--that your +chemist friend is mistaken." + +Flint immediately saw his advantage and pressed it home. "Are you going +to let ten thousand dollars stand in the way of your father's recovery?" +he insinuated. "Here," he added, taking pencil and paper from his pocket +and writing hurriedly. + +"Baker's dock," Eva read, as he handed her the paper, "until five +o'clock." + +Flint bowed decently enough to her, glanced upward, and, as he thought +of Eva's father lying stricken with the Madagascar madness in the room +above, an evil leer came over his fox-like face. As he left he +completely ignored both Locke and Balcom, unless it was that the look in +his eyes meant a sort of sinister triumph. + +Locke followed him out of the library, and for a few moments Eva and +Balcom were alone. + +Balcom had been quick to realize that it would not further his plans if +he continued to antagonize this high-spirited girl. He took another +course. The kind and fatherly manner which he could assume so readily +was now apparent. + +"Eva, my dear child," he ingratiated, "I am really sorry for the hasty +way in which I spoke, but, aside from our duty to International Patents, +your marriage to my son has been my greatest hope and ambition." + +"I can't see why you should wish a daughter-in-law of whose actions you +disapprove," retorted Eva, pointedly. + +It was a facer for Balcom and he quickly guided the conversation into +less dangerous channels. + +Eva's candid nature could not comprehend treachery of any kind in +others, and yet, although she was unable to put a name to it, she had a +vague feeling of insecurity in dealing with her father's partner. This +feeling had been heightened by Balcom's actions. In speaking of the +proposed marriage to Paul he had come quite close to her. She shuddered, +for, out of the corner of her eye, only a few moments before, she +remembered him in the same position when Flint had handed her the +address, and she knew that Balcom had surreptitiously read it. Why had +he taken that underhand method when, if he had only asked frankly to see +the paper, she would have handed it to him without hesitation or +suspicion. + +Eva started to leave the library, but Balcom stopped her with a gesture. +"My dear," he said, "your father is stricken with a deadly malady. His +affairs are in your hands to protect his interests. I must urge that you +marry Paul at the earliest possible moment." + +Eva scarcely knew what to say. "I can't," she blurted out, then tried to +cover her confusion and made it worse, "only--as a last resort--to save +my father--Oh--good-by!" And she almost ran from the room. + + + +CHAPTER IX + + +Meanwhile, as Flint left Brent Rock, his fear of the Automaton returned +to him with redoubled force. He had been false to his mission. Nor had +he even succeeded in his treachery. A few minutes he had been certain +that Eva would come to Baker's dock at the time set, but now doubts +began to assail him. With her obvious faith in Locke, she might decide +on the chemist's antidote, and there was always a possibility that it +might restore Brent, in which case Flint realized that his life would be +forfeit to the Automaton. + +Nor were his fears unfounded. He had barely passed the fountain where, +half an hour before, he had been set free, when an emissary came out +from behind a neighboring tree and took up his trail. + +De Luxe Dora also had waited only long enough to see Eva and Locke enter +Brent Rock, when she turned her runabout around and drove rapidly back +to Professor Hadwell's. She arrived there just in time to meet an +automobile coming from the opposite direction and containing three +emissaries of the Automaton. + +In answer to an inquiry, Dora pointed out the chemist's house to them. +They piled out, and their leader knocked at the door, while Dora drove +off. + +The chemist answered, and the leader produced a vial, glibly lying as he +handed it over. + +"The Williams Drug Company sent me to have this stuff analyzed," said +the leader. "I'll wait." + +As the professor admitted him he did not see the other two men pressed +close to the wall on either side of the door. The moment the professor's +back was turned they slinked after their leader into the house. In a +dark corner of the hallway they crouched as their leader went into the +laboratory with the chemist. + +The professor sniffed at the vial, which contained nothing but pure +water, and in surprise turned to the emissary for an explanation. But it +was too late. The emissary dealt him a blow with a blunt instrument that +stunned him and, as he reeled back and grasped at a table, the other +thugs rushed from the hall and rained blow after blow on his venerable +head and beat him to the floor. A convulsive shudder--a long-drawn-out +sigh--and he lay still. + +With barely a glance at him the emissaries set to work to smash all the +paraphernalia of the place, sparing nothing in order to make sure that +the antidote would be destroyed. Glass tubes, retorts, bottles, even +furniture were smashed to bits in their orgy of ruin--and there, in the +midst of the debris, his life's work finished, lay the old chemist, +dead. + +Tiring of their own efforts, the murderers at last desisted. One of them +went to the street door and peered out, but in a moment was back with +the others. + +"Quick--that fellow Locke is coming." + +He was right. Locke had immediately quit Brent Rock and had come +directly to the chemist's in the hope of forestalling any further +attempt by Flint to inveigle Eva into dealing with him. + +The door had been left ajar and, although he thought it strange, Locke +was without suspicion and entered the hallway. He called to his old +friend, but the dead lips could not answer and the emissaries would not. + +Greatly alarmed now, Locke strode to the laboratory. For a moment he +stood as though petrified as the horrid scene burst upon his vision. He +ran to the chemist and knelt beside his battered body. + +With a rush the emissaries darted from their hiding-place and were upon +him. + +Although taken unawares, Locke was, in a measure, ready for them. One he +grabbed in a clever jiu-jitsu hold and sent him hurtling through the air +to crash in a heap in a far corner of the room. Leaping to his feet, he +beat another to the floor. The third villain was of tougher fiber. Up +and down the laboratory they battled, stumbling over broken furniture, +now falling to the floor, where they rolled over and over, first one, +then the other gaining the mastery, while the broken glass with which +the floor was littered cut their clothing to ribbons and bit into their +flesh. + +Locke was slowly gaining the upper hand when the thug whom he had thrown +over his head recovered. The brute took the situation in at a glance, +saw his pal in trouble, and, sneaking treacherously behind Locke, dealt +him a terrific blow with the butt of a revolver. Locke dropped to the +floor as if pole-axed and lay still. + +One of the thugs kicked him as he lay defenseless, and then, spying a +row of coat-hooks in an inner hallway, with fiendish ingenuity directed +the others who had joined him. They strung Locke up by his thumbs so +that he hung, half suspended, with his toes just off the floor. + +As one of them searched him Locke was still unconscious. They found +nothing but a few bank-notes and the automatic revolver that Locke +always carried. + +Slowly Locke regained his senses. The agony of his strained thumbs was +almost unbearable. But he was not the man to give up. + +By this time two of the emissaries had gone, leaving one, who seated +himself quite close to Locke, where he was examining the revolver. With +the stoicism of an Indian, Locke manfully tried to evolve a plan by +which he might escape. Like a flash it came to him, but it was a plan so +fraught with the possibility of failure that he would not have decided +on it except for the agony of the strain on his thumbs. + +Directly opposite him and at a distance of four or five feet was a door +leading to a back alley. This door the emissary now guarding him had +locked as a precaution against surprise and had carefully placed the key +in his vest pocket. + +Locke weighed each detail of his plan and then, bracing his feet firmly +against the wall, he suddenly shot his lower limbs forward and, like the +closing of a pair of giant shears, he wrapped his legs about the neck of +the emissary and immediately exerted enormous pressure with his knees. + +The emissary, taken totally by surprise, struggled to break the hold, +and Locke's thumbs were almost wrenched from their sockets. But he held +on grimly. Soon the thug's struggles subsided, Locke released him, and +he slipped to the floor. + +Locke was wearing a low-cut shoe. Strange that a man's life may hinge on +such a slight detail, but this fact enabled him to work off his right +shoe and his sock. He extended his bare foot, and with his toes searched +the pocket of the emissary for the key to the door. Finally he found it. + +Locke held the key as firmly as he might between his toes and, +projecting his body by a muscular effort far away from the wall, he +managed to insert the key in the lock. He turned it. The door was +unlocked now. A swift downward movement of his foot against the knob and +the door swung open. + +He braced himself against its edge and, with his back firmly pressed +against the wall, relieved the strain on his thumbs. He rested a moment +and then, as it were, walked up the edge of the door until his feet +reached the top. Swinging one leg over the door, by patient effort he +was enabled to release one swollen thumb, then the other. An instant +later he dropped down and leaned exhaustedly against the wall. + +While Locke was held in the room things had happened which would have +set him nearly crazy with anxiety. Eva, having heard nothing from him, +had become alarmed and had telephoned to the chemist. This was at +quarter to five, and she had supposed that it was the chemist who +answered her. In reality it had been an emissary, and he had told her +that the final experiment to find an antidote for her father's malady +had been really a failure and that Locke had left some time before. + +After all that she had endured, this was almost the final blow to Eva. +She thought of Flint and Baker's dock and five o'clock. There was no +time to lose if she were to save her father. So she pulled herself +together, seized her hat and cloak, and started for the door. + +Here Zita stopped her and offered to accompany her, but she declined. +She hastily asked the direction of Baker's dock from the butler, and +then ran out of the house and sprang to the steering-wheel of her +waiting car. With a whir of the starter she was away. + +Flint had arrived at the dock long before and was now slinking in and +out among the crates and boxes as he sought diligently for a safe +hiding-place. But his nerves, none too strong at the best, were now +running riot, and nowhere could he feel a sense of security so that he +could remain quiet. + +It was while he was sneaking from one pile of bales to another that an +emissary hailed him. + +"Are you Flint?" he demanded. + +"Y-e-s," came quaveringly from Flint. + +"Well, there's a lady in the office asking for you." + +Such was the fascination of any of the emissaries of the Automaton over +Flint by this time that he followed the man without question, +particularly as he felt that he would be spared, since the lady in the +office could be none other than Eva. + +Together they walked toward the entrance and, with an order to wait, the +emissary halted Flint close to a pile of crates and left him. Flint +dared not move. A premonition of impending disaster must have come over +him, for his knees shook and a clammy sweat broke out on his forehead. + +Without sound a gigantic iron hand and arm protruded from behind a crate +and, for a moment, hung suspended over Flint's head. Then, with a swift +encircling movement, that hooklike arm wrapped itself around Flint's +neck and drew him into the shadow. The mighty form drew the victim +close--and it was over. + +The Automaton picked up the body as though it had been a mere +feather-weight and stalked out to the waiting emissaries. A trap-door +was opened and Flint's body was dashed into the river. Thus it was that +all his scheming came to an end and his secret from Madagascar, which he +had told Brent, but which now lay locked in that mad-man's mind, was +stilled with Flint's dead lips. + +At the chemist's shop Locke was by this time recovering from the +terrible ordeal through which he had passed. He bathed his swollen +thumbs, and by rubbing them was able somewhat to restore the +circulation. Then he stepped to the telephone and gave the Brent Rock +number. + +It was Zita who answered him. + +"Eva has gone alone to Baker's dock," she answered to his inquiry, in +half-triumphant jealousy. + +Locke did not wait to hear more. There was not a moment to be lost. He +rushed out, disheveled as he was, into the street, slamming the door +after him. It seemed hours before he could find a taxicab. + +"Baker's dock!" he yelled. "And twenty dollars if you make it in ten +minutes." + +He did not know that the emissaries had robbed him of everything, nor +would it have made any difference, for he could easily have fixed it +with the driver through his police and Secret Service connections. + +In the mean time Eva's car had met with misfortune, and she had been +compelled to stop. She jumped out and busied herself with a missing +cylinder. + +Locke's taxi was running smoothly and arrived at the dock well within +the time he had ordered. Locke jumped out and started to pay. It was +then that he discovered that he was without money. The driver became +angry and hard to pacify with the story of the robbery, but Locke +finally convinced him that all was right with the Department of Justice. + +Locke walked through the gates to the dock and for a moment stood +nonplussed. This dock had none of the turmoil and bustle naturally +associated with docks when a steamer is about to leave. + +He cautiously proceeded between the piles of merchandise toward the end +of the wharf. Of one thing he was now certain and a prayer of relief +came to his lips. He was there before Eva and able to guard her from any +danger that might arise. + +His eyes were keen, but he failed to notice the emissaries who, from +behind crates and bales, were watching his every move. Nor did he see +that fiend of iron, the Automaton, which, standing rigid, glared at him +from behind an enormous packing-case. + +He continued down the wharf as, slinking like coyotes, those sinister +forms glided from hiding-place to hiding-place and were never far from +his heels. He reached the end of the wharf and gazed up and down the +dark river. Here and there he could distinguish the colored lights that +marked a tugboat or some other small craft, but of a large steamer there +was no sign. It is rarely that a boat warps into a dock just a few +moments before leaving for foreign parts, and it flashed upon Locke's +mind that Flint had deceived them about his leaving for Madagascar that +night. + +He was still wondering what it could all mean when the emissaries leaped +upon him. Although weakened by his previous battle, Locke proved no easy +customer for them. Time after time he struggled free from them and with +arms working like piston-rods for a while he kept them at a distance. +But, like a pack of wolves, they were not to be denied, and they finally +succeeded in holding him firmly. + +One of them brought leg-irons which he snapped around Locke's ankles. +Once again Locke managed to get one of his arms free and, before they +could prevent him, two emissaries lay prostrate on the wharf. But that +effort marked his last, for the Automaton, stalking up behind him, +pinioned his arms as though he was a baby. + +An emissary now placed a pair of handcuffs on his wrists and, to bind +him more securely, fastened a chain that extended from the handcuffs to +the leg-irons. + +Two of the thugs now carried him to the edge of the wharf, while a third +attached a heavy weight to Locke's feet. Locke realized his +helplessness, realized that his death was imminent. But he determined to +rid the world of at least one murderer. By a mighty effort he shook off +his captors and, as one rushed forward, he grabbed him in his manacled +hands and leaped with him into the river as they grappled. + +At the shore end of the wharf an emissary was leading Eva, as she +thought, to Flint. + +Locke and the thug sank immediately to the bottom of the river and, +under water, there ensued a terrific battle. Locke, semi-helpless +because of his shakles, had the greatest difficulty in preventing the +thug from breaking loose. But he was determined that the fellow at least +would pay for his crimes with his life. + +The thug's struggles gradually became more feeble. Air bubbles rose from +his bestial lips and he became limp in Locke's grasp. Locke released him +and, feet first, he floated upward, dead. + +Locke's lungs were almost bursting now as he struggled at his chains; +his senses reeled; he thought of Eva, and redoubled his efforts. If he +could only get rid of that great weight that was holding him down. A +singing came in his ears. + + + +CHAPTER X + + +As Eva hurried down the dock, looking for the renegade, Flint she found +herself cornered between the emissary and the terrible Automaton +himself. With a scream of terror she ran until she came to a door that +divided the dock into fireproof sections. Through it she darted, the +Automaton following relentlessly. + +Meanwhile Locke, his lungs almost bursting and the blood surging to his +head, had managed to free himself from his shackles and had floated to +the surface of the water. As he came up he swam to the piles of the dock +just as several boatmen saw him and hurried to his aid. + +They heard the screams of Eva, and all started running up the dock, but +not in time to capture the Automaton, who, warned by the emissaries, +crashed through the side of the dock house nearest the shore and +escaped. + +A moment later Locke, searching through the piles of boxes, bales, and +crates, found Eva, just recovering from her fright, and in the joy of +having saved her by his timely return forgot, for the moment, to pursue +the terrible villain, who managed to reach a waiting closed car and was +whisked away. + +Thus it was that after their return to Brent Rock, on the following day +Eva was ministering to her father, still hopelessly insane through the +failure to discover the antidote to the madness. + +While Eva was engaged in her ministrations up-stairs Locke was finishing +some experiment in his laboratory. Down-stairs, Balcom had just arrived +in the hall, where he was met by Zita with a report of what had happened +the day before. + +"Tell it to me in the strong-room while I place this package there," +Balcom whispered, indicating the package which he had brought. + +Together Balcom and Zita descended to the cellar and made their way to +the Graveyard of Genius as Zita poured forth her story, unmindful of the +fact that the butler had seen them go down and was watching very +skeptically. In the Graveyard Balcom unwrapped a small model of a motor +and placed it on the shelf. + +Eva, having left her father, came upon Locke in the hall, and there they +stood talking for a moment, when the butler approached apologetically. + +"Begging your pardon, Miss Brent," he reported, "but I just saw Mr. +Balcom go down to the strong-room with Miss Zita, and I thought you +might like to know." + +"Thank you," nodded Eva, dismissing the butler and trying to show no +concern in the matter. + +But Locke shot a quick glance at her as the servant left, and it was +evident that both felt the same suspicion, for Locke immediately excused +himself and hurried down-stairs. + +In the Graveyard Balcom and Zita were talking in subdued tones as Zita +whispered. + +"I suppose you know," she nodded, "that before Mr. Brent went mad he +wrote a confession with a list of these inventions which International +Patents has suppressed?" + +Balcom could scarcely conceal his rage. "Yes, I know it," he replied, +savagely. "That confession would cause a great deal of trouble." + +Low as they were talking, they would have been even more careful had +they known that Locke was listening outside and that, even as they +turned to leave the strong-room, he had sidled out of the way and was +rejoining Eva in the library. + +Locke had scarcely told Eva what he had heard when she moved over to the +safe and would have tried to open it had he not stopped her. For he had +heard the other two coming from the cellar, and even as it was they were +at the hall door. + +"My dear," remarked Balcom as he entered and went to Eva, "since your +father is not likely to recover, I must ask you to transfer all the +company papers from his private safe to the office of the company." + +Eva did not respond to the fatherly manner assumed by Balcom. Instead +she almost point-blank refused to do as he had requested. + +Just then Locke, whom Balcom had almost ignored up to the present, heard +the noise of some one coming through the conservatory. It was Paul +Balcom, his coat on his arm, his sleeves rolled up, and a tennis-racquet +in his hand, as he had come just from the courts. + +Paul glanced surlily at Locke, who bowed pleasantly to him, as well he +might, considering their relative positions in Eva's real affections. +Catching sight of his father with Eva, Paul paused a moment. + +It was just at that instant that Balcom had been saying to her: "Why +don't you marry Paul, as you promised your father and me? That would +settle all the difficulties." + +Paul had suspected the nature of the conversation, though he approached +as if ignorant of it. Apparently catching the drift, he deftly urged +her, but Eva tactfully changed the subject, greatly to Paul's chagrin +and his father's ill-suppressed anger. + +The suspense of the situation was relieved for Eva by the nearer +approach of Locke, who must have had some inkling of what was going on. +Paul and his father exchanged glances as the young chemist and detective +joined Eva, and it was evident that no love toward him was wasted by +either. + +"Excuse me," she apologized, walking away with Locke, "but there is +something very important that I must attend to for my father's +interests." + +Locke and Eva walked to the safe, while Balcom and Paul watched like +hawks. + +A moment later Eva was kneeling before the safe, after giving Locke a +paper which contained the combination numbers to open the bolts. Locke +glanced at it, then held it where Eva could read: + + Combination of Safe + Turn once left to 40 + Three right to 18 + Once left to 40 + +As Locke held the paper and Eva's slender hand spun the combination +lock, Balcom and Paul moved silently forward. Although Locke was holding +the paper with the combinations for Eva, he heard them come up behind +him and knew that they were watching. With a quiet smile to himself he +moved the paper over so that they could see it, nor were they slow to +take advantage of the chance. Locke's mind was working fast, and he had +a purpose in what seemed to be carelessness or even foolishness. + +A moment later Eva opened the safe and from it she took a typewritten +document of many pages. + +It read: + + BOARD OF DIRECTORS, + + International Patents, Inc., + New York. + + GENTLEMEN,--In view of the government's anti-trust investigation, + I have prepared this list of inventions we have suppressed. + I think we should discuss at our annual meeting + the advisability of surrendering our rights to these inventions, + no matter what may happen to the corporations we have + been protecting. + + Very truly yours, + + PETER BRENT. + +Following this letter was a bulky paper, or rather set of papers, which +detailed the inventions and their history, exposing some of the +nefarious operations of the corporation. + +Balcom, as he read the top letter, showed great agitation. As Locke took +the package from Eva, Balcom interrupted: + +"That's very dangerous," he said. "If it gets out, the corporations are +ruined." + +Locke scarcely replied. Instead, he very ostentatiously replaced the +document in the safe, refusing to intrust it either to Balcom or to +Paul, who withdrew sullenly, leaving Eva alone with Locke in the library +as Locke whirled the combination of the closed safe door. + +It was perhaps half an hour later in the secret den of the Automaton in +the rock-hewn foundation of Brent Rock that the emissaries were watching +the arched and dark passage. Suddenly there was the warning clank, and +the huge steel monster strode in. + +For some time he stood before the table, giving his instructions by +means of mysterious, cryptic motions. + +Meantime, above in Brent Rock, Locke had been busy, for he had conceived +an entirely new plan to capture the Automaton. It was nothing short of +an electric trap, and deadly in its simplicity. + +From the wall switch Locke had led wires carrying the house current. +Already, also, he had let Eva in on his secret plan, and she was all +eagerness as he planted his trap. + +Before the safe, now, Locke paused, and there for a moment twisted the +combination so that he could get his correct position. That done, he +noted the place where he had been standing, and removed a mat from the +floor in front of the safe. At that place he set in on the floor a +fairly large iron plate. To this iron plate he attached a wire, then +replaced the rug, but in such a way that a part of the plate was +exposed, though it would never be noticed. + +"If the Automaton attempts to open the safe," he remarked to Eva, as he +worked, "he will complete the electric circuit and it will hold him +until we capture him." + +"How clever!" Eva exclaimed, involuntarily. + +"Now for making my signaling connection to the laboratory," continued +Locke. "Then I must get some of my men up here from the department." + +However, while Locke and Eva were busy arranging this electric trap, +they did not notice that they were being watched by Zita, who had stolen +into the conservatory and was eying them eagerly from the protection of +the fronds of a palm. Zita, moreover, was greatly excited, as she +gathered with her quick perception just what it was that they were +doing. Nor did she wait to see the work finished, but stole out of the +door and away hurriedly. + +Locke had finished his preparations, and as he and Eva were discussing +the possibilities of what he had devised, he remarked, in answer to her +eager inquiry about his suspicions, "I am sure we shall prove that there +is a man inside the terrible machine that attacks us." + +"Then you don't think it is really an automaton?" asked Eva, with great +respect for Locke's opinion, though it was sufficiently in evidence that +she was not at all convinced that the monster was not really of steel +and controlled by something that resembled a human brain. + +Locke was non-committal. "This trap will tell us," was all that he would +say. + +Zita, hurrying out from the conservatory, and wishing to waste not an +instant in notifying Balcom, sought a near-by telephone pay-station, and +there in frantic haste she demanded Balcom's number. + +It was some moments before Central could make the connection, and then +it was only to Zita's disappointment and growing fear. The Madagascan +servant of Balcom answered in the absence of his master. + +"Is Mr. Balcom there?" asked Zita, adding, "Or Mr. Paul?" + +The black shook his head. "Neither Mr. Balcom nor Mr. Paul is at home," +he replied. + +Zita was now thoroughly alarmed. Had she some connection with the +Automaton? Or was it her fear that either Balcom or Paul might know more +than they would care to have the authorities know? Or was the Automaton +really an iron monster, after all? + +That and many other questions were surging through the minds of all who +had encountered this unique mystery. + + + +CHAPTER XI + + +It was midnight when, far down in the rock-hewn cavern in which the +Automaton had his secret den, the steel monster and one of his men +stalked out through the arched passage that led to the very cellar of +the house above them. + +A few moments later the swinging rock door in the Graveyard of Genius +tilted and the two entered the strong-room, passing across the room and +out through the steel door into the cellar. Up the cellar steps they +proceeded until they reached the hall, then noiselessly they crossed +into the library. With his human companion the monster approached the +safe deliberately. Just as deliberately the Automaton reached out to +turn the handle of the combination. + +There was a flash as the current passed through the arm of steel to the +foot of steel resting on the plate Locke had set in the floor. A +suppressed cry escaped from the henchman. As for the monster, he strove +with superhuman force to wrench himself away from the electric trap. + +Meanwhile, up in his laboratory in the house, Locke and four men from +the Department of Justice had been waiting. + +"The Department expects us to get this evidence _right_," he had +emphasized as he gave them their instructions. + +Hardly had he finished when a signal light which Locke had arranged on +the wall flashed, giving the information that the trap had worked. + +Out of the laboratory all piled, running down the hall, Locke paused +only a second to tap on Eva's door, as she had asked, if anything +happened, so that she might be present at the capture. An instant and +Eva, too, had joined the pursuit. + +Down in the library the Automaton struggled with the current. As the rug +was kicked aside, the emissary saw the wire from the plate and quickly +traced it to its source. + +The result was that in a few seconds the emissary had found a wall +switch and pulled it. Instantly the Automaton was released from the +power that held him. + +Quickly the man of steel raised and lowered his arms, as though to be +sure that he could do so, at the same time indicating orders to his +follower, who leaped to guard the entrance to the room. Then the +Automaton turned to open the safe, making swift use of the remaining +seconds before the alarm might bring interference. + +In almost no time he had the safe open, reached in, and seized a packet +of precious papers, apparently. Then he turned and was gone, regardless +of the man whom he had sent to guard him. + +In the hall, Locke's sharp ears had detected the approach of the +emissary. Not knowing whether it might be the villain himself, he +cautioned the men to wait an instant. The emissary, coming along, +crouching and listening, did not see Locke, and thus Locke was able to +seize him and with a spectacular throw project him literally into the +hands of the law in the person of one of his own men, who snapped the +bracelets on the astonished thug as Locke, followed by Eva and the rest, +ran on to the library. + +No one was in the library as Locke ran in and looked about. He turned +toward the door to the hallway where the portieres were drawn. As he was +standing there, looking about, the portieres moved behind him. Suddenly +they were jerked aside from their fastenings and flung over his head. As +this happened, the ponderous hand of the Automaton descended on Locke's +head and he sank to the floor as the portieres wrapped about him. + +When the department agents with Eva arrived, they were merely in time to +untangle Locke from the curtains. The Automaton had fled safely. + +Although his head was still reeling from the blow, Locke started to +question the prisoner, but gave it up as a bad job and hurried over to +examine the safe, followed by Eva. + +Their dismay was mutual. Not only was the safe door open, but the paper +was gone. + +Question the emissary as they would, they could get nothing out of him. +Such men have keenly developed the gang instinct of silence. They would +sooner die than squeal. + +Even a night in jail failed to break the reticence of the emissary, +although he had been subjected to the most strenuous third degree. + +Not only had his spirit not been broken, but the fellow was keenly alert +and planning a way to secure his own release. + +As a prison guard was taking the emissary back to his cell, after a +thorough quizzing by Locke in the warden's office, the emissary +whispered: + +"Want to make a piece of change--safe?" + +The guard looked about, saw that the coast was clear to speak, but +before he could do so the emissary spoke again. + +"Give me a piece of paper and a pencil." + +Quickly the thug scratched away at a note. + +"Deliver that," he said to the guard, handing him the note he had +written, "and you'll get something worth while." + +The guard nodded as he shoved the thug into his cell and locked the +door, then walked off, while the fellow watched eagerly through the +bars. + +Locke in the warden's office, unsuccessful in making the prisoner talk, +had evolved another scheme. + +"Put me in the cell next to him," decided Locke. "I have a plan." + +It was while the false guard was reading the address on the note that +Locke and the warden entered the cell row. The guard hastily stuffed the +message in his pocket as Locke and the warden passed up toward the empty +next cell. + +Locke went through all the actions of one who was being thrown into a +cell, and the emissary in his own cell listened without suspecting +anything. Locke had arranged with the warden to leave the cell unlocked, +but no sooner had the warden left than the guard, who had been +observing, moved over and shot the bolts. + +Here, then, was a predicament. Locke could not give the alarm without +putting the emissary in the next cell on guard. Rapidly Locke revolved +in his head scheme after scheme. He was an expert on bolts and knew that +at any moment he could release himself. Should he do so now? Instead he +concluded to wait until the guard returned, for by the man's actions +Locke was sure that something queer was going on, although, naturally, +he did not know what it was. Accordingly Locke lay down on the bunk in +the cell and decided to wait. + +Some time later, at a deserted house not far from the rock-hewn den of +the Automaton, the false prison guard might have been seen delivering +the message which the prisoner had written to two other emissaries of +the Automaton. + +After a hasty conference they decided on their course of action. Not +only did he receive the money the prisoner had promised him, but the +emissaries gave him minute instructions regarding the rescue which they +planned. A cap and a pair of goggles for the prisoner were given to the +guard and he was sent on his way. + +Scarcely had he gone when the Automaton himself entered the deserted +house, and under his direction one of the emissaries wrote a note which +he addressed to Eva. For, with Locke out of the way, it was a splendid +time to take advantage of the poor girl. + +The note read simply: "Our prisoner has confessed. Meet me at the Cliff +House at eight o'clock," and bore the signature of Locke. + +Thus, with their plans carefully laid, the Automaton and his emissaries +plotted, and soon a messenger was on his way to Eva with the faked +message. + +Meanwhile, as the day wore on, the treacherous guard returned on duty at +the prison, and at the first opportunity made his way to the cell in +which the emissary was locked. In a hoarse whisper he told the fellow of +the success of his mission and of the plan, slipping to him the cap and +goggles through the bars. + +Locke had been waiting for hours impatiently on his bunk, but now was +all attention, though he was careful not to betray it. As the guard left +and the emissary was trying on the cap and goggles, Locke came to his +cell door. Now was the time to act. + +He began working noiselessly and swiftly with the bolts, deftly +determining just how the tumblers fell until he was able to slip the +bolt. He peered into the next cell. The emissary had retired to his own +bunk to await the time of rescue. Locke saw his chance, and at once +began unlocking the cell door. As the emissary heard him, he concluded +that it was the guard come to release him, and sprang from his bunk just +as Locke entered. He suspected nothing until a stray ray of light fell +on Locke's face. But then it was too late either for him to put up much +of a fight or to make an outcry. For with a swift blow Locke disposed of +him and carried the fellow, unconscious, into his own cell, where he +locked the door again, hurrying back to the emissary's cell, where he +donned the fellow's clothes, of which he had stripped him, and +appropriated the cap and goggles. Then Locke waited for the rescue that +was to lead, he was sure, straight to the villains he wished to capture. + +At Brent Rock, the faked telegram from Locke had been delivered and Eva +was overjoyed to learn of his seeming success. As it happened, Zita was +in the library when the butler brought the message in, and, all +animation, was eager to accompany Eva to the meeting-place. But Eva +would not listen to it. + +So, not many moments before eight that night, while Locke was waiting in +the jail for the rescuers, Eva climbed into her speedster, eager to keep +the appointment which she was convinced would clear up the mystery. + +In the darkness outside the jail, by this time, was waiting the false +turnkey when an open car drove up with its motor silenced. He had been +expecting it and so was ready when a heavily goggled man climbed out and +signaled to him. In the back of the car was another man, also goggled, +while the chauffeur, alone, had his face also well hidden by a cap over +his eyes and his collar pulled up. + +Understanding perfectly, the guard hurried into the jail, making sure +that the coast was clear, and down the cell row to the cell where Locke +was waiting impatiently, now dressed and hunched up in a perfect +imitation of the emissary. The turnkey opened the door and whispered to +Locke, who nodded gruffly, and together they sneaked quietly out. + +With scarcely another word, outside, Locke leaped into the waiting car +and the four were off, leaving the false turnkey chuckling over his +cleverness and ready to make a get-away. + +Locke glanced furtively from the driver to the other two passengers in +the car as it sped along in the direction of the cliffs. So far +everything had gone fine. When would they begin to suspect the +substitution he had played on them? He revolved rapidly in his mind just +what he would do under various circumstances. + +"Well, old pal," exclaimed one, clapping him on the shoulders, "how does +it seem to be out?" + +Locke replied with gruff heartiness, and the others now began to remove +their goggles. Locke, however, did not do the same. They exchanged a +glance. + +Already Eva had arrived at the Cliff House, had left her car, and was +approaching on foot, just as Locke with the now thoroughly aroused +emissaries swung into sight. + +With a shout to the driver, the two in the back of the car leaped at +Locke at once, and, as the car stopped, the chauffeur joined them. + +Even prepared as he was, Locke was no match for three of them, and, +fighting furiously, all four combatants rolled over and over as they +came closer to the door of an old acid-mill that adjoined the Cliff +House. + +"We must keep him from saving the girl," panted the leader of the +emissaries to the others. + +Inside the old building stood some huge tanks of acid, and as they +rolled nearer and nearer to them it became evident that Locke was in +their power. + +Suddenly one emissary reached out and secured a coil of rope, which he +unwound quickly. The others, too, saw their chance. It was fiendish. +Round and round they wound the rope until they had Locke well-nigh +helpless. Then one of them cast the end of the coil over a beam, all +seized the end as it fell on the other side, and Locke found himself +dangling head downward from the beam, suspended over the vat of acid. + +They were about to drop him into it when one, more alert and more +fiendish than the rest, cried out, "Look!" + +Through a window now they could see Eva, and back of her the terrible +figure of the Automaton, stalking. She had walked directly into the +trap, but the fight with Locke had delayed the emissaries. Wildly now +Eva was running over the lawn, full in the direction of the acid-room +from the Cliff House. + +"Quick!" directed the emissary. "She'll come in that door. Fasten the +rope on it. Then his own sweetheart will drop him into the acid!" + +It was only a matter of seconds, as the screams of Eva came closer and +closer, for the emissaries to carry the rope and jam it into the door +through which pretty soon Eva would run to take refuge from the pursuing +Automaton. Then they slunk back through a rear door, with muttered +taunts to Locke, who struggled in the tangle of rope as he felt the +stinging fumes of the acid below. + +Outside, Eva, who had realized at last that it was a trap and had no +thought that Locke might be anywhere about, fled toward the acid-room, +while the emissaries hid, ready to seize her as she opened the door +which was to plunge her lover into a horrible death in the acid seething +below him. + + + +CHAPTER XII + + +Locke's case seemed at last hopeless. The cruel ropes bit into his flesh +and increased his agony, while the acrid fumes from the seething acid +were slowly stupefying that keen brain of his. + +Backward and forward like a huge pendulum his body swayed, and in an +agony of suspense he watched the fatal rope. With writhing body he +swayed far out, and then he saw just one chance. + +The emissaries had thrown the rope over a beam which was far above +Locke, and it seemed an impossibility for him to reach it. For one less +resourceful or with a physique less perfectly developed, even to try +would have been useless. But there was one chance in a thousand, and he +grasped it eagerly. + +Alternately contracting and relaxing his muscles, Locke succeeded in +swinging himself in an ever-widening arc. Nearer he swung--back--and +again nearer. Could he make it? Back again and a terrific effort. He was +gaining. + +There came to him the sound of running feet. In his fear and agony he +could have shrieked, but from his parched throat there issued no sound. +Friend or foe, for him it meant the same fate--one touch on that knob +and a torturing death by fire. + +With bursting muscles he redoubled his efforts. In a long sweep his body +swayed out and up. Would he be in time? Those pattering feet, they were +coming nearer and nearer. There were now but a few yards between them +and that knob. + +A mighty swing, a monstrous heave, his fingers crooked talon-like, and +he touched the rafter, clutched--and missed. + +Downward and backward, his mind now reeling in black despair. He had +tried and failed. This was the end. The sound of footsteps had ceased. +Well he knew that some one was at the door. He tried to pray and +then--he crashed against the rafter. Mechanically he grasped at it and +clung. + +The door flew open, and there stood Eva. All the horrors of imminent +death, even the pain of sorely tried muscles, were momentarily forgotten +in his relief at seeing her safe and having saved himself. But not yet +was he free. The emissaries had been thorough in their work, but it was +not many moments before the last knot was loose and he dropped to the +floor. + +Locke peered stealthily about. To all appearances everything was clear. +He placed his arm about Eva and they started to steal out. Well they +knew that, with such enemies, not for a moment would they dare relax +their caution. For them every angle and nook was a temporary haven. +Slowly they drew away from the dread spot, and soon came to a more +populous locality where the lights of honest shops and peaceful homes +gave them a sense of greater security and brought a feeling of unreality +to the horrors through which they had passed. + +A taxi-driver hailed them, and in a short time they were rolling along +the Cliff Drive and had arrived at Brent Rock. + +It was the following day that the old butler handed Locke a letter +addressed to International Patents, Incorporated, from the Diving and +Salvage Company. Locke was about to read it, when Eva entered and they +read it together. + +"We are reliably informed," read the letter, "that the Under Seas +Corporation is trying to obtain possession of the self-liberating +diving-suit which you control in our interest. This must be prevented." + +Locke was immediately interested. At once it occurred to him that here +was a patent which the company had suppressed which might prove of +incalculable value. + +"This suit might be very valuable to the government," he exclaimed to +Eva. "I am going to try it myself." + +"Please don't," pleaded Eva. "It isn't worth it. It's not worth the +risk." + +Locke, however, realized that here was something of extreme importance, +and as he visualized to Eva the helplessness of a deep-sea diver, his +air-line cut, struggling in vain to release himself and rise to the +surface, he began to win her over. + +At the moment when Quentin and Eva were in the library, Zita was taking +advantage and was ransacking Locke's laboratory, not with any definite +purpose in mind, but searching in every nook for some clue which might +tell her what he was about. + +The speed with which she worked was extraordinary. Yet, before she moved +an instrument, a retort, a book, its position was minutely studied, so +that she could restore it to its former place without any one suspecting +that it had ever been moved. + +It was while she was thus occupied that her eye fell upon an instrument +which aroused in her an excited interest. It was very like the headpiece +used by operators of telephones, and she hastened to adjust it. In a +moment it was as though she were in the library. She could hear Locke's +earnest laugh and in it Zita could detect an undercurrent of tenderness. +Her lips compressed and her eyes hardened as she listened. Locke was +speaking about a letter and it seemed to be something important. Zita +was all ears. + +But Locke's next words which she heard were his decision to test the +diving-suit, and as she listened she became tense, for this information +she knew was important. The continued note of tenderness in Locke's +voice more infuriated Zita. She removed the headpiece of the dictagraph, +slammed it back into the desk drawer from which she had taken it, and +hurried out. + +In the library, Locke, having persuaded Eva, left her and went down into +the Graveyard of Genius, where he touched the secret spring and the +massive door flew open. He entered the gloomy place and went at once to +the shelf upon which lay the self-liberating diving-suit. He took the +suit down and examined its every detail minutely. As he did so he became +more and more enthusiastic and he could find no fault with any of its +features. + +"It's entirely practical," he exclaimed to himself. "I'm going to try it +to-day." + +He closed the great door and remounted the stairs, carrying the suit +with him. But had he noticed the fiery eyes that had watched him through +the secret rock door of the cavern he would not have been so eager to +try the test he had in mind. + +By this time Eva had called her car, and together Locke and Eva drove to +the near-by cove, where there was a little launch which he planned to +use. + +Out into the river they sailed, Eva at the wheel, while Locke busied +himself over the sputtering engine. Soon they arrived at a spot which +was suitable for the test of the suit. + +Locke had brought along the full equipment, and, while Eva took charge +of the air-pump, Locke donned the diving-suit. Soon all was ready and +Locke descended over the side, after carefully instructing Eva in each +detail. Eva started pumping, while with her other hand she carefully +paid out the air-line and signal-cord. + +But in their close attention to the task in hand, neither had noticed a +low, knifelike launch that had followed them and that was now hovering a +short distance off. + +Locke was now walking over the shell-strewn bottom, examining curious +objects here and there. The tide was setting in strongly and at times it +was with difficulty that he kept his feet. + +He had become satisfied that this particular suit filled all the +requirements of a first-class diving-suit, and he was about to try its +special, self-liberating feature, when his attention was arrested by a +vague mass which seemingly moved against the current. + +This was so extraordinary that his first thought was of a shark. He +stopped in his tracks and became motionless, for it is a well-known fact +that these sea tigers rarely see an object unless it is in motion. +Still, the vague form slowly took on more distinctness as in its course +it gradually drew nearer to him. It was then that Locke was almost +overcome with surprise. For there, groping his way toward him, was a +diver, like himself. + +What was this strange being doing there on the bottom of the sea? Whence +had he come? Locke could not guess. For, like Eva, he had not noticed +the other launch. It seemed impossible to him. Still, to him, apart from +curiosity at the appearance of the other diver, the incident had no +other interest. What had he to fear from any man at the bottom of a +peaceful harbor? Locke moved nearer. + +The stranger allowed him to approach, stopped, even, as though he were +himself amazed at Locke's appearance, and Locke made gestures to +reassure the man of his good intentions. + +Locke was quite close now, and through the glass gate in the other's +helmet he could see his eyes. But in those eyes he could see no +responding friendliness. There was a murderous hate instead. He tried to +step back and place himself in a position for defense, but he was too +late. For, with a movement amazingly rapid for one under water, the +stranger leaped upon him, at the same time drawing a long knife. There, +under the sea, commenced a battle royal. + +Locke was unarmed and so from the start was at a disadvantage. The +stranger seemed not so anxious to stab him as to come to close quarters, +and before Locke could prevent him he had done so. With his left hand he +grabbed Locke's lines, while with the other, in which was the keen +knife, he slashed murderously. + +Locke tried to break his grip. But the other was not to be denied. With +one stroke he cut through both lines, pushing Locke backward and himself +springing free at the same time. + +Immediately Locke's helmet filled with sea water, while the pressure +became enormous. Locke tried to hold his breath, while his hand searched +for the liberating knob. He gave it one twist. It worked perfectly. +Locke's suit, including the helmet, simply opened and fell from him. + +Propelled as much by the pressure that the water exerted as by his own +powerful strokes, Locke shot to the surface. + +The day was perfect and the bay was calm. For a few seconds Locke +floated, drawing the air into his starving lungs. Then he raised himself +and gazed about him. At first glance everything seemed the same except +for the fact that, whereas before his own boat had been alone, there +were now two. Then Locke heard an agonizing call for help--from Eva. + +After he had gone over the side of their launch Eva was naturally very +intent upon keeping him plentifully supplied with air. He had been down +some time before, glancing about, she had spied the other launch. But at +the time she had thought little of it. For her, all thought of danger +was centered on the man who was now risking his life many fathoms +beneath her from pure motives of patriotism. + +It was only, some minutes later, when she heard the grating of another +boat against the side of her own that she realized that she herself +stood in danger. But even at that moment her thoughts were of Quentin, +who now for the first time was wholly dependent on her efforts alone. +She looked up fearfully, and what she saw fairly congealed the blood in +her veins. Directing a murderous emissary to board Eva's launch, in the +cockpit of the other boat stood the Automaton! + +Not for an instant did Eva cease her efforts at the pump. But she +shrieked with terror again and again. Now, to add to that terror, the +pressure on the air-pump suddenly ceased. From the depths myriads of +bubbles of air arose. + +Knife in hand, the emissary leaped aboard and came toward her. +Automatically, frantically, she still turned the useless pump, while +with her free arm she tried to ward off the poised knife. + +Again her shriek for help echoed across the water--and this time her +call was answered. + +Had she gone mad? The voice that answered her was the voice of the man +she loved. Her brain reeled and she fell at the feet of the murderous +thug. + +Other cries, then shouts were now heard, for some fisher folk were +putting out off shore to discover what all the tumult was about. + +The Automaton made a hasty gesture to the emissary, who sprang back from +his victim and leaped to his own launch, where, with his assistance, +there was barely time to haul aboard the chief thug, who had been sent +below to attack Locke. The launch cast off and with ever-increasing +speed headed down the river. + +Locke was the first to arrive and climb over the side of the boat. +Dripping though he was, he took Eva in his arms and bathed her face, +while by this time other craft arrived and friendly hands did all they +could to care for them both. + +It was some minutes before Eva was restored and all headed again to the +shore, eager to help Locke. + +As he assisted Eva to land, and they waited for a carriage, Locke +hastily offered a boatman a liberal reward for the discovery of the +precious diving-suit, for it had been his intention to present the +patent to the government. + +Meanwhile some strange things had happened. Paul and his father had +quarreled over money, over De Luxe Dora, over Paul's manner of life and +his ill luck in winning Eva's affections. + +At the same time Dora had become more insistent in her demands for money +to meet her extravagances, and Paul conceived an idea of selling one of +the patents to a rival company. Strange to say, it had been the +self-liberating diving-suit and the rival company was the Under Seas +Company. + +All this took place some time after the disappearance of the Automaton +and his precious crew. + +Some hours later that evening a telephone message came for Locke from +the boatman that the diving-suit had been recovered and was being held +by him. + +Locke replied that he would be down in an hour. But during that hour +other strange things occurred. For no sooner had the boatman hung up his +receiver than a pleasant voice hailed him and he left his house to +investigate. It was Paul Balcom. + +It was in a clever, insinuating, affable manner that Paul approached the +real object of his visit. His appeal was cleverly worded, cleverly +presented. The sole object was to awaken the poor boatman's cupidity. + +The sum mentioned, no less a sum than five thousand dollars, would mean +luxury to the poor man. And all for what? Simply to call up a stranger, +a Mr. Locke, to tell him that the boatman demanded more money since he +had telephoned before, that the cash was to be placed by him in an old +packing-case from which a stationary engine had been removed that +morning. It was just an exchange. That was all. + +"Sure I'll do that," the boatman told Paul, and Paul, smiling craftily, +gave him his hand to seal the bargain. + +The boatman went back to his quarters and again called Brent Rock, +making his new demands. Locke was tremendously indignant, but he wanted +the suit quickly to prevent its falling into unscrupulous hands. He +agreed and immediately started for the dock. + +The boatman turned from his telephone and, picking up the suit, regarded +it curiously. "Five thousand dollars," he muttered. "Five thousand +dollars." And he shook his head wonderingly. + +He was standing near an open window and was commencing to fold the suit +preparatory to taking it to the end of the dock where lay the +engine-case, when, without the slightest warning, three emissaries of +the Automaton, who had appeared just a moment before on the dock, leaped +through the window and felled him to the floor. He struggled feebly, but +it was no use, and a final blow left him unconscious. + +The emissaries next grabbed the diving-suit and left hurriedly by the +way they had come. But they had not completed what it was they sought to +do. + +The old boatman was not as badly hurt as it seemed and was able to drag +himself across the floor with just strength enough to pull the telephone +from the table and call Brent Rock. Then as weakness again overcame him +he managed to blurt out a message to Eva, who answered. + +"Don't let Mr. Locke come to the dock," he managed to gasp. "He'll be +killed." Then he collapsed and fainted. + +Eva tried frantically to get the boatman again on the wire, but it was +useless. Quickly a plan formed in her mind. + +If she could only intercept Locke before he reached the dock! + +She dashed out to the garage, realizing that it was almost hopeless, +since Locke had been gone some time. Hoping against hope, she jumped +into her speedster and swung out and down the road. + +The fact was that even as she sped along toward the cove Locke was +passing the arched gate of the dock. + +He called at the boatman's little shack. Of course there was no reply. +To all appearances it was deserted. Thinking to find him at the very end +of the dock where he had been told to place the money, he proceeded to +the engine-case. + +He was slightly surprised at not finding the boatman there, but as that +was no part of the agreement it engaged his attention for only a moment. +He started to withdraw the money from his pocket, groping at the same +time to see if the diving-suit was actually in the case. + +He was bending over when suddenly there was a rush of men behind him and +a blackjack in the hands of one of the ruffians just missed his head. + +He fought, but their numbers were overwhelming. Like a pack of wolves +they pulled him down. + +Locke was quickly bound with ropes and forced into the engine-case. The +cover was put on and they nailed it down solidly. To make it doubly sure +this time the case was then lashed with ropes and they were knotted. + +Next the emissaries carried the case to a sloping landing stage, +preparatory to casting it into the river. + +It was at this moment that Eva came running down the dock in wild search +to intercept Locke. Wide-eyed, in the moonlight, she paused at what she +saw. + +The emissaries had given the packing-case its final shove. Scraping, it +slid down the incline and toppled overboard. There was a great splash as +it struck the water and immediately began to sink in the depths. + +The engine exhaust had evidently protruded from the case, as there was a +hole in its side slightly larger than a man's hand. To Eva's horror, +though she had half expected it, she saw actually a hand thrust forth +from this hole as if waving frantically. + +The box sank lower as it rapidly filled with water. + +Eva knew not what to do. Instinctively she knew that it was Locke. It +was as though he had waved a last farewell. + +Only the hand now showed above the surface. Finally that, too, +disappeared beneath the waves. + +Despairingly she turned to see if there was anything on the dock with +which she might help Locke--and she saw the Automaton himself advancing +from the shore toward her. She turned. The emissaries on the other end +of the dock cut off any chance in that direction. + +Without a moment's hesitation Eva poised herself a moment on the edge of +the dock and leaped far out into the blackness of the river. + + + +CHAPTER XIII + + +The box that held Locke a prisoner was now undoubtedly resting on the +slimy bottom. Eva had totally disappeared. The Automaton, convinced that +at last he had rid himself of his victims, waved away the emissaries and +departed. + +Except for the tiny lights of ships on the river and the staccato +exhaust of a tugboat, the river flowed with nothing to remind one of the +two tragedies of only a few seconds ago. + +As far as the eye could see, the surface of the water was unbroken. +Then, suddenly, the scene changed. For from out the water, as though +hurled up by a catapult, shot a man's body. + +It was Locke. + +By what miracle had he escaped from the watery grave? + +From the time he was a small boy the study of locks and bolts, of knots +and strait-jackets, of anything that could restrain or bind a man, had +held a marvelous fascination for him, until now he was recognized as one +of the world's greatest experts on these subjects. The great lock +concerns often sent for him to test new inventions, and invariably he +could point to any flaw in the constructions of them that existed. As he +came to manhood his knowledge had grown apace until to many he seemed a +veritable sorcerer. + +It was by a trick known only to himself that he had been able to +extricate himself from his desperate plight at the river's bottom. True, +his flesh was lacerated. True, he was on the verge of total collapse. +But he lived. + +He made his way slowly toward the dock and was resting against one of +the piles when he heard a faint cry. He strained his ears to locate the +direction whence it came. Once again that feeble call floated across the +water, and in it there sounded something vaguely familiar. + +He was more rested now and he swam farther under the dock. Again came +the cry. With a thrill now he recognized the voice. + +"Eva!" he called, again and again. + +"Here I am," came back the echo. + +With a powerful stroke he breasted the current and in a moment he was +supporting her half-fainting body. Precarious though their position was, +Locke felt the thrill of her words. The effect was to spur him on to +fresh efforts. + +Eva had become stronger now. For a few moments he swam, in order, if +possible, to find some means by which they might escape from the water +and reach the dock. + +They had no way of knowing but that the Automaton and his emissaries +might still be lurking above, ready to thrust them back into the water +or to reserve for them some even more terrible fate. But it was a risk +that they realized must be taken and at once. An attempt to swim to +another dock could end only disastrously. + +Locke soon returned with the cheering news that he had discovered a +ladder that came even to the surface of the water, a landing for small +boats. More than that, he had mounted the ladder, and from a short +survey he had seen no sign of their enemies. + +Carefully aiding Eva, Locke swam to this ladder and soon they stood upon +the dock, safe. + +With great caution they moved toward the street and, without harm, +finally passed beneath the arched gates again and were in the city +street. + +Eva went at once to her father's room. His condition was one of great +weakness. The laughing madness had abated in so far that the poor victim +was so weak that the spasms could not maintain a very violent form. + +Eva practised all those little kindnesses which are known only to women, +and tears were in her eyes as she stroked his poor gray head. + +How terrible was it that, after all they had attempted, all that they +had suffered, they should still stand defeated in their aim to get the +antidote that would cure her father's malady. However, the brave girl +was not one to admit herself beaten, and even as she sat there she was +planning new ways to discover who were her terrible adversaries and to +bring defeat to them. + +At Brent Rock the next morning an aged inventor named Winters arrived +before Locke was down-stairs, and was shown into the library to wait. + +Locke soon descended from the laboratory and went into the room to meet +him. But Winters was so agitated that at first he could hardly speak. It +was some moments before he gained control. + +"What can I do for you, sir?" inquired Locke, although he knew the man +must be one wronged by the patents company. + +"One of my inventions was returned to me, when I protested once," the +man replied, "but nothing has been done about two others." + +"Please try to have a little further patience," pleaded Locke. +"Everything is being done to assure justice to all." + +"But, Mr. Locke," the man persisted, "I must insist on the return or the +immediate marketing of the two inventions now in the possession of +International Patents or I will--" + +He paused, for Eva had entered and was overhearing what Winters was +demanding. + +"I am sure that, as my father returned one of your inventions," she +interrupted, "he would wish me to return the other two, and I shall do +so at once. Mr. Locke, will you be so kind as to get them?" + +Locke immediately left the room and descended to the Graveyard of Genius +for the two models. + +In the laboratory above were Balcom and Zita, for she had told him of +her discovery of the dictagraph. Balcom had the headpiece firmly clamped +over his head and was drinking in the purport of the conversation down +in the library. + +Zita was almost beside herself with curiosity, as Balcom repeated only +scraps of the conversation that went on below, but finally the real +subject of the whole matter was repeated to her and she was satisfied at +last. A peculiar look came into her eyes. As for Balcom, one would have +thought that a whole world's treasure had suddenly been placed within +his grasp. Yet each was cautious not to betray too much to the other. + +Over the dictagraph came the words spoken by Eva, "Mr. Locke and I will +come to your workshop at eight this evening to complete the +transaction." + +Locke in the mean time had brought the two models into the library and +the inventor had almost danced with joy at seeing the children of his +brain again. + +Sent down by Balcom, Zita had been ordered to spy on Eva and Locke. She +had been nearly caught by Locke as he was returning from the Graveyard +of Genius, but had slipped behind a pair of portieres at the end of the +hall and had emerged only when Locke had entered the library. She had +crept close to the door and was listening. + +She, too, now heard the inventor exact a promise from Eva and Locke not +to fail to be at his workshop at eight that night. + +Zita had but a second to glide backward from the door as the inventor +came out into the hallway where she stood. He gazed at her in such a +strange, fixed manner that an uncanny feeling came over her. Then he +passed out, just as Balcom came down the stairs. + +"Why did that man look at me in such a strange manner?" she queried of +Balcom. + +A moment Balcom considered her, as though undecided to speak, then made +up his mind. + +"Because," he replied, slowly, "he knows the secret of your birth, knows +who you really are." + +Zita had no further chance to question Balcom, for at this instant Eva +and Locke, still carrying the inventions, were leaving the library. +Locke turned down again toward the stairway leading to the Graveyard of +Genius, while Eva, nodding pleasantly to Zita and Balcom, mounted the +stairs leading to her father's room. + +Zita turned questioningly again to Balcom. + +"Half of everything that girl possesses rightfully belongs to you," he +whispered. + +Zita apparently did not understand. "What shall I do to obtain my +rights?" she asked. + +"Do as I say," returned Balcom, as he left quickly. + +It was some hours later that in the dark corner of the Graveyard of +Genius the huge rock slowly swung outward. There was a clanging and +clanking of metal. Two fiery eyes gleamed through the aperture and out +stalked the hideous monster, the Automaton. With strange ominousness it +went directly to the two models which Locke had returned, took them, +turned and went back through the great gap in the wall from which it had +come. Again slowly the huge rock swung back into place. + +Locke, with some sort of intuition, had deduced that young Paul Balcom +by his very absence might have played a leading part in all the events +in which both Eva and himself had been thwarted and almost killed. +Accordingly he determined to find and trail Paul. + +It was some time after the models had been stolen in his absence that, +in a taxicab, Locke, having gone from place to place which he knew Paul +frequented, at last caught sight of him leaving a dance-hall of very ill +repute. Paul was just stepping into a car which whisked him off rapidly +and Locke gave an order to his own driver to follow him. + +They wove in and out of various streets and finally turned up the Drive, +where, after a few minutes, Paul's car came to a stop before a palatial +apartment-house and Paul alighted. Looking up and down the Drive and +seeing nothing to cause him suspicion, Paul entered the house. + +Locke carefully noted the address, then leaned back in his cab to await +developments. + +Paul was taken to the third floor and there was admitted to a gorgeous +apartment. + +"I thought you'd never get here," languidly greeted the feline De Luxe +Dora. + +She led him to a chaise-longue seductively, taking care, however, that +he should see a pile of unpaid bills that lay upon a table near it. + +Paul was not entirely at his ease and wasted no time in coming to the +point. + +"Look here, Dora," he began; "I know you can't run this shack on air. I +got your note this morning. I've been busy and I've got an idea. I've +made up my mind to take a couple of those inventions the company owns +and sell them. It means coin." + +Dora's eyes gleamed avariciously. + +"Be patient," Paul added, "and I'll have you swimming in gold." + +At this juncture three young fellows of the cabaret type, better known +as "lounge lizards," were admitted to the apartment. + +Paul cast a glance at Dora which clearly spelled jealousy and reproach. +He knew the fellows. In fact, there were few denizens of the underworld +whom he did not know. Concealing his vexation, he tried to greet them +easily. + +The fellows returned the salutation hastily. + +"Say, Balcom," hastened one of them, "some one is on your trail, +shadowing you." + +Paul was startled and furious, but in this emergency it was Dora who +thought out the plan of action. + +"In a taxicab?" she repeated, as the others told what they had seen +outside. "Listen to me, Paul. Go to the window and show yourself. Then +leave the house. This fellow Locke will investigate--and we'll tend to +the rest." + +Paul moved to the window, opened it, and stepped out on a small balcony. +Dora slipped to his side and for a moment they stood there gazing +apparently at the view of the river. Then they re-entered the apartment. + +"Now go, Paul," said Dora. "Whoever this fellow is, we'll handle him." + +Paul started to get his hat, then stopped and from his pocket drew out a +small package. + +"I was going to use this elsewhere," he said, "but it might come in +handy to--" + +Dora reached for the package, but Paul withdrew it hastily. + +"Careful, Dora," he admonished. "There's a small gas-bomb inside." + +The five now conferred a bit and it was agreed that this time the +inquisitive Mr. Locke would surely trouble them no more. + +"With Locke out of the way," promised Paul to Dora, "the road to our +fortune is clear." + +A moment later Paul left the apartment, descended in the elevator, and +jumped into a taxicab and was off. + +Locke from his cab had, of course, seen all this, had seen Paul and Dora +on the balcony and the departure. But he knew nothing of the three men +who had gone to the same apartment. + +He waited until Paul passed out of sight, then stepped out of his cab, +making a careful calculation as to the exact location of the woman's +apartment, for he had determined to find out about her. From the hall +boy he learned that it was De Luxe Dora, of whom he knew, and it was +only a matter of seconds when he was admitted. + +Dora swept over graciously toward him. + +"Will you answer me one question?" he asked, in answer to a query from +her. + +She nodded assent. + +"How long have you known Mr. Balcom's son?" + +"He is an old friend," she replied. "I'm expecting him to return at any +moment. Won't you be seated? Please excuse me just a moment." + +Before Locke could say a word she had left the room. Left alone himself, +Locke took in all the details of the room and again and again his eye +wandered to a Louis XIV desk. + +Feeling certain that this woman was without doubt connected in some way +with the plots, he felt justified in opening the desk to obtain +evidence. He tiptoed over to it and tried to open it. It stuck at first, +but after one or two silent, well-directed blows which he so well knew +how to administer the sliding panel stood unlocked. + +He glanced around. There was no one to be seen. He moved back the panel. +There was a flash and a tiny puff of smoke. Locke coughed once, clutched +at his throat, and lay gasping on the floor. + +Immediately the three men rushed out, carrying ropes and holding +handkerchiefs to their nostrils. One ran to the window and threw it wide +open, admitting gusts of air to clear away the fumes. The others began +to bind Locke as De Luxe Dora appeared in the doorway and calmly +directed operations. + +On the roof of the apartment several moments later in the just-gathering +dusk five figures might have been seen. Three men and a woman were +conferring, while at their feet was a man tightly bound and unconscious. + +In the background was a huge water-tank, with a ladder leading to its +brim. + +Suddenly the conspirators straightened up. They had come to a decision. +The three men lifted the unconscious figure and bore it up the ladder. +The tank was empty. One of the men jumped down into it, while the others +lowered their victim after him. Then they passed down ropes. + +There were two spouts at the bottom of the tank through which water was +pumped. Also there were pipes running upward. To these pipes they tied +Locke. Then the men climbed out and, as their last fiendish act, turned +the water on. + +With a sneer Dora turned and led the way down-stairs again. + +"They'll find his body when they have to clean the tank again," she +exclaimed. + +At Brent Rock, during the absence of Locke, Eva had donned her street +clothes, since it was nearing the hour of eight when she and Locke were +due to be at the inventor's workshop to render the restitution. She went +down-stairs and asked the butler about Locke. But the man replied that +Mr. Locke had not yet returned. + +Eva was very uneasy by this time, and, thinking to save time, was about +to go down to the Graveyard of Genius to get the models of the two +inventions, when Zita came down the hall carrying a fair sized package +which she tried hard to conceal. Eva greeted her and continued down to +the cellar, as Zita, with a sort of grim smile, left the house. + +Eva came to the great door, pushed the secret spring, and in a moment +was inside the gloomy place. She went directly to the spot where the two +inventions had been kept. They were gone. + +Alarmed, she rushed up-stairs. + +Still Locke did not return. Nor did any word come from him. It was now +very near to eight. Eva decided to go, for surely Locke would be there. + +When Zita arrived at the inventor's, in her hands was still the +mysterious package. She carried it gingerly, then raised it to her ear. +From within it there came a faint ticking sound. What was it inside? + +She looked at her wrist-watch. It was still some minutes before eight. +She knocked at the inventor's door. + +The inventor at once admitted her. It was a neat little workshop in +which every detail had been thought out with care--the home, one might +say, of a methodical workman. + +The inventor manifested some surprise at seeing Zita, but politely asked +her to enter, and offered her a chair. Zita declined and plainly showed +her nervousness. + +"Will you please give this package to Mr. Locke and Miss Brent when they +come at eight?" she asked. + +Winters agreed and accepted the package, looking quizzically at her as +he did so, just as he had earlier in the day. + +Zita, unable to control her curiosity, burst out with the question +uppermost on her mind. + +"Why do you look at me in such a strange manner?" she queried. + +The inventor merely turned his gaze away and shrugged. + +"Mr Balcom tells me that you know the secret of my birth," pressed Zita. + +The inventor looked up quickly. "Who did Mr. Balcom say you were?" he +asked. + +"He told me that I was Brent's daughter," replied Zita, keenly watching +the aged face. + +"Balcom lied to you," hastened the inventor. + +Already there was a ponderous tread on the stairs, but Winters did not +seem to notice it. + +"You are not Brent's daughter," he pursued, more slowly. + +The door opened swiftly and an emissary stood framed there, a knife +poised in his hand. Behind him stood the Automaton. + +"You are--" + +At that instant the inventor caught sight of the intruders. With a look +of horror in his eyes he threw out his hands to protect himself, but he +was too late. The knife whizzed through the air and a second later +pierced his throat. He fell to the floor--dead. + +At the moment when the emissary, followed by the Automaton, entered, +Zita, watching her chance, managed to escape from the room, stumbled, +and almost half-fell down the stairs. + +Already, in the huge water-tank that stood on the roof of the apartment +of Dora, Locke had revived as he felt the water and had found himself +already half submerged, with the water rapidly pouring in. At first he +could not grasp his terrible predicament, but before long the full +horror of it burst on him and he struggled madly to free himself. Since +his body was stretched at full length, it was impossible to use the +ordinary tricks of which he was master. His arms were bound, and he well +knew that to release one of them constituted his sole chance of escape. + +He contracted his muscles and, inch by inch, he worked his right arm +free. By this time the water had risen until he was fairly beneath its +surface. Could he last long enough to free himself? + +He worked frantically. Finally, with his lungs almost bursting, he +managed to free the other arm, then the rope that bound his neck. To +release his feet was, to him, child's play, and he stood up. + +But the water had risen almost to the top of the tank before he was able +to grasp its brim and draw himself out. + +Once on the roof, there was only one thought in his mind. It was nearing +eight o'clock, and if Eva kept the appointment at the inventor's he knew +his adversaries well enough to be sure that they would take advantage of +his absence. + +He dashed down the stairs and out of the building. Dora and her evil +band could wait. He must reach the inventor's shop. As the seconds sped, +so increased his premonition that all would not be well there. + +It was at the moment that Zita came flying down-stairs that Locke burst +into the hallway to the inventor's. + +Zita saw him. Above, she knew was the terrible Automaton and his +bloodthirsty emissary. More horrible yet, she had her fears of the +package that had been given her by Balcom to deliver. + +"You must not go up there!" she cried, impulsively, flinging her arms +about Locke's neck. + +Locke tried to remove her arms as he questioned her. But Zita either +would not or could not tell more. Instead she merely clung to him. + +Thus it was that Eva, determined at keeping her appointment with the +inventor at all costs, entered the hallway at just this unpropitious +moment. To her it looked as if Locke and Zita were very familiar. Could +it be that Quentin was such a cad? She could not deny the evidence of +her eyes. + +Indignantly she brushed past them and rushed up the stairs. Locke called +after her, but she refused to heed him. He flung off the arms of Zita +and dashed after her. But Eva was too quick for him. She opened the door +to the inventor's and went in, slamming it behind her. The lock snapped. +In an instant Eva saw what she had fled into. There was the Automaton, +near him the emissary with the knife--and on the floor their victim in a +pool of blood. She shrieked and tried to escape. But the lock had +snapped. Besides, the emissary, now directed by the monster, blocked her +retreat. + +Outside, Locke pounded on the door, but could not open it. It was of +stout oak and would take some moments to break down. + +The emissary circled in one direction. Eva turned, and there was the +Automaton advancing on her from the other side of the room. + +On the table the clock-work bomb, delivered by Zita, whether with full +knowledge or not, ticked out the last few seconds before its timing at +precisely eight! + + + +CHAPTER XIV + + +Eva flattened herself against the door at her back. She could feel and +hear Locke pounding on the other side. She thought that she would die of +sheer terror. + +The Automaton raised his mighty fist, and Eva instinctively ducked under +the monster's arm. There was an inner room. Could she reach it in time? +Would the door be unlocked? At most she could only try. + +The emissary tried to catch her, but she proved too quick for him. She +reached the door. It opened, and she flew into the room, slamming and +bolting it behind her. + +Now she could hear the thunderous blows of the Automaton raining against +the door. One huge fist of the monster crashed through the panel. Eva +crouched down in a far corner and closed her eyes. At that instant the +time bomb exploded and the house was rocked to its foundations. + +Everything was demolished. One entire side of the house was blown out. +The door leading to the workshop which a moment before Locke had been +vainly striving to open crashed full upon him and felled him, +half-stunned, to the floor. + +The force of the explosion had dazed Eva. As for the Automaton and the +emissary, they had both been blown through a gaping aperture in the wall +to land in the garden beneath. Only Zita, in the lower hallway, was +totally untouched by the catastrophe. + +Locke, dazed, crawled from under the door and made his way into the +demolished room in search of Eva, a cold fear gripping his heart. How +could any living thing have lived after such an occurrence? But in +another instant he saw her, as she half swooned and staggered into the +room. + +"Quentin!" she gasped. + +He caught her in his arms. But the next moment she remembered what she +had witnessed in the hallway below and she drew herself away from him. + +"Go to the girl you really love," she scorned. + +"The girl--I really love?" repeated Locke; then there ran through his +mind what had happened, as though it had been ages ago. + +He protested and tried to explain. But protestations and explanations +only made matters worse, as usual. Had she not with her own eyes seen +Locke in Zita's arms? + +"Eva," he persisted, manlike, "I swear that she was only trying to save +my life. I cannot help it if she--" + +Locke saw that his defense was only making an innocent matter worse, and +checked himself. His mind recalled that some one had once said that a +jealous woman believes a man guilty until he proves himself innocent; +when he has proved himself innocent she merely still suspects. Eva's +manner was very constrained. + +At that moment a policeman, followed by Zita, entered, and Zita, running +up to Locke, cried, anxiously, "You're not hurt--are you?" + +Locke answered in an annoyed negative. + +The policeman now questioned them very closely and examined the dead +inventor's body. Then he entered their names and addresses in his +note-book. + +Next the officer lead the entire group down to the garden. There the +horribly injured emissary was trying miserably to crawl away. + +The Automaton had totally disappeared. + +Eva immediately ordered that the injured man be taken to Brent Rock in +her car. Then she turned sharply to Zita. + +"How did you come to be here?" she demanded. + +Zita was startled and confused. It lasted only a minute. Then, her mind +made up, she replied, defiantly: + +"I came here to discover the secret of my birth. I have been told that I +am Mr. Brent's daughter." + +Eva was stricken dumb with astonishment at this startling claim, but +Locke laughed outright. + +"What nonsense!" he scoffed. "Eva, don't listen to it." + +Zita glared at him and with a haughty nod to Eva swept out of the +garden. + +Eva was still frightfully indignant with Locke and insisted on going +home alone. However, they arrived at Brent Rock at about the same time. + +The emissary had been placed on a lounge in the library and a doctor was +called. The case was quite hopeless and they merely hoped to obtain a +confession before he passed away. + +When Eva arrived she went directly to her father's room, but, as he was +receiving every attention from a trained nurse and she could do nothing +further to aid him, she returned to the library. + +Locke, too, after changing his clothes, still wet from the water-tank on +the top of the apartment, also went to the library. + +At his entrance the doctor glanced at him in a manner to indicate that +there was no hope of saving the man's life. Locke went over to examine +him. He was struck by the sly rascality of the professional criminal, +but he thought little of it at the time. He tried to question the +emissary, but, except for a labored breathing, could extract no +response. + +There were voices in the hallway. For a moment the dying man showed some +signs of returning consciousness. A crafty look came over his face. What +was he contemplating? + +The door opened and Balcom and his son Paul entered. Balcom walked +jauntily, but with a suavity of manner that was always his. Paul looked +at his best, except for the fact that he carried his left arm in a +silken sling. + +Balcom greeted them all, and at his voice the dying man actually showed +a sort of agitation. A strong shudder seemed to pass through his body, +then, like a spring suddenly uncoiled, he sat up. + +He was fully conscious now and strove to rise to his feet. It was a +tremendous effort, but he succeeded, and stood confronting Balcom, while +the ominous light of hatred that gleamed from his eyes as they +encountered those of Balcom made even that well-poised man recoil and +shudder. + +With the muscles of his face working convulsively the dying thug tried +to speak. All those standing in the library realized that it was to +accuse, to denouce. + +However, the effort proved too great, and with a groan that was ghastly +the man fell backward on the couch, dead. + +Murdering brute that he had been, still to Eva and Locke he now +represented nothing but a stricken human being, with a human soul, +blackened and warped. But Balcom and Paul seemed to show unmistakable +signs of joy and relief. It was so evident, Locke thought, that he +turned to them. + +"Your coming seemed to have an unfortunate effect," he hinted. "The man +seemed to know one of you--at least." + +"Nothing of the kind," retorted Balcom, nettled. + +Locke turned to Paul and regarded his injured arm questioningly. Paul, +however, never lost his accustomed aplomb. + +"I was hurt in an automobile accident," he explained, though with what +seemed to be a trifle of nervousness. + +Locke turned to the doctor. He was rubbing his hands, and smiling, with +great unction, an action very unbecoming, to say the least, in a medical +man who had just lost a patient. Taken all in all, Locke felt he could +now sense the web of conspiracy tightening around him. The cards were +still in the hands of his enemies. + +He determined to incur any risk, to leave no stone unturned in order to +bring the criminal to justice, whoever he might be. One thing encouraged +him. The events seemed to have mollified Eva. He made an almost +imperceptible signal to Eva, who left the room to dress for the street. + +Meanwhile Locke left the library and went to a private telephone that +connected the garage to the house. He ordered the chauffeur to have a +fast runabout ready for instant call. Then, at the other telephone, he +notified the coroner's office of the death of the emissary. + +By this time Balcom, Paul, and the doctor came out of the library, the +doctor in high good humor, for had he not received a huge fee? He left +in his car. + +Balcom and Paul, however, were slower in going, and paced the hallway in +earnest conversation. Once they came to a dead halt close to the +stairway leading down to the Graveyard of Genius. They listened +intently. Evidently they came to a decision on something, for they left +the house very hurriedly. + +Immediately Locke called for the runabout. Eva came running down-stairs +and in a moment they took up the trail of the Balcom car. + +It seemed as if they traveled for miles, and Locke was commencing to +think that it was merely a wild-goose chase, when Balcom's car came to a +halt in one of the lower quarters of the city, before a house that was +apparently tenantless. + +To avoid discovery, Locke backed his car around a corner, got out, and +watched their movements from a safe distance. + +He saw Balcom, senior, alight, but Paul did not leave the car. Locke was +in some quandary what to do. To attempt to enter the house without +Paul's seeing him and raising the alarm would, he realized, be +impossible. Therefore he waited for nearly half an hour before his +patience was rewarded by seeing Balcom come out of the house, jump into +the car, and drive off hurriedly with Paul. + +Locke walked to the house and looked closely over the exterior. It was +little different from others in the same street. Then he walked +thoughtfully back to Eva and they argued pro and con about the +advisability of attempting to enter. + +Locke insisted on entering alone, but Eva would not hear of it. +Therefore, it was decided that they would go in together. + +When Balcom had alighted from his car half an hour before he had merely +stood for a moment in front of the door of the house when, mysteriously, +the door had opened. + +There was no one in sight. But he was so familiar with the house that it +might have been his own. He descended a flight of stairs and stood +before another door, where the same door-opening process was repeated. + +Balcom entered a darkened room and for a moment seemed quite alone. Then +from out the shadows, with a little half run, half lope, a strange +figure of man came toward him. + +He was in reality large of frame, but stooped and bent with age. An old +frock-coat was wrapped about him. But the most remarkable things about +the man were a pair of weirdly fascinating eyes with a mad glint in them +and an enormous full beard, snow white, that fell almost to his waist. + +At times the man talked rationally, in fact with the forcefulness of a +great savant. Then, abruptly, he would leave off and the rest of his +conversation was that of a babbling child. He was seldom at rest, +scampering here and there, not unlike a bird-dog on a fresh scent. +Seeking--always seeking--what? + +Balcom grasped his arm in order to arrest his attention. + +"Doctor Q," he addressed him, "you can have the revenge you have sought +so long. Have you prepared everything?" + +The old man chuckled and wagged his head in senile fashion. Balcom +grabbed both his shoulders so that the old man was facing him, and shook +him slightly. + +"Your enemies are here," he emphasized. "Have you prepared for their +reception?" + +And then the haze beclouding the old man's brain seemed to pass away and +his next moments were lucid. + +"Ah, it's you, Balcom. You were just saying--" + +Balcom explained that Locke and Eva had tracked him and on his departure +would undoubtedly enter to investigate the place. Doctor Q, for such was +his odd name, understood now, and an evil grimace distorted his wrinkled +face. + +"Let them come," he growled. "I am prepared. Why, I have even improved +certain features of the Chair of Death." + +He led Balcom into an inner room where many electric bulbs were dimly +glowing. At their entrance two brutal-looking men straightened up from +their task and saluted Balcom with great deference. Then they resumed +their tasks as electricians. + +"Want to see her work, sir?" one of the pair asked. + +Stepping around a partition that separated the knife-switch from the +room in which stood the electric chair, Balcom watched. + +The chair was of practically the same construction as the chairs used in +prisons for the supreme penalty, with electrodes to connect at the head, +arms, and legs of the man to be electrocuted. + +"Stand back, sir," called one of the men as he shot the switch home. + +Instantly a snapping sound was heard as the current surged through, and +the crackling sound such as the now familiar wireless makes as the long +sparks leap from pole to pole. It was Force. + +A satisfied look came into Balcom's eyes and he warmly congratulated the +mad inventor, who followed him to the door and watched him as he mounted +the stairs to depart with his son. + +Soon after the departure Doctor Q went to a strange-looking instrument +that seemed to have many of the characteristics of the periscope. He +pulled a lever, a panel opened, and immediately the space directly in +front of his street door was revealed to him. He stood there, watching +intently, much as a spider watches for a fly. + +Soon Locke and Eva showed in the panel above. He next pressed a button +and saw the two enter. Then he went to a huge divan on the other side of +the room and whipped off a covering that was concealing some gigantic +thing beneath. + +It was the Automaton, prostrate, at full length, without motion. At +least it seemed so. + +The madman glanced around, and then glided into an inner room from the +larger one. He was just in time, for a moment later Locke and Eva +entered. + +They, too, glanced around fearfully. They saw the dread form of the +Automaton and, although it did not move, Locke would have admitted he +was ready to beat a retreat. + +It was uncanny, weird. In the dim light the monster seemed to assume +gigantic proportions. But he lay so still that their jangling nerves +became quieted. They even approached him, Locke with automatic in hand +in case the iron terror were shamming. But there was no sign of life--or +whatever it was that animated this thing. + +Locke, handing his gun to Eva, determined to investigate further. He +went to the inner door and listened. But he could hear no sound. He +turned the knob and entered. He was amazed at what he saw. But, as there +was apparently no living thing about, he took courage and entered +farther. He took note of the switches, saw the deadly chair, and was +about to test the apparatus to see if it could be possible that a +practical electric chair existed in the heart of a peaceful city, when +he heard Eva shriek in heart-rending terror. + +He rushed madly back to where he had left her. But as he passed through +the door some one dealt him a blow on the head, and as though pole-axed +he dropped to the floor. + +After Locke had left her to go into the inner room Eva's fears revived +and she wished to follow him. But she was ashamed to have him think her +a coward. She forced herself to remain rooted to the spot. + +Her eyes had followed Locke through the doorway and her ears were +strained to hear the faintest sound from the other room. In her anxiety +about Locke's safety she even forgot the Automaton, and, in turning the +better to watch the doorway, she drew nearer to the divan upon which the +monster lay. + +It was this action that had brought her into peril. Slowly one of the +monster's arms commenced to move, and before Eva could spring away she +was enfolded in his deadly embrace. It was that that made her shriek +madly, wildly, in utter terror. + +Then she saw Locke running through the door to her, saw him struck from +behind, and she fainted. + +The Automaton, evidently thinking Eva dead, let her limp body slip to +the floor. For a moment it towered over her, as though contemplating +whether to trample on her or no. At this juncture an emissary distracted +its attention and the terror left her lying there without further +injury. + +The Automaton now assumed command of Locke's electrocution. + +Under its direction the emissaries picked up Locke's body and placed it +in the electric chair. They slit his trousers so that the deadly +electrodes might form a better contact with his flesh. His sleeves were +rolled back for the same reason. Next the headpiece was firmly adjusted. +Now all the straps were tightly clinched. + +The Automaton waved his arm. + +A man stepped to the switch. + + + +CHAPTER XV + + +There was a moan from the front room. Eva was recovering from her faint. +The Automaton indicated to the emissary at the switch to do nothing +until he had found out what was going on. + +Locke had, meanwhile, recovered consciousness and realized his awful +position. Here was a situation which, on its face, seemed unescapable. +Yet Locke would not give in. + +Straining every effort, he tried to extricate himself before the deadly +current could sever the thread of life. Seconds seemed ages. Still he +tried. + +With a mighty effort he strained every muscle of his gigantic chest and +the very straps that held him groaned from the force of his muscular +exertion. Even now the death-man was at the switch and it was barely a +question of seconds or heart-beats between him and death. + +With a quick twist of his giant shoulder he threw his whole weight +against the chest strap and it parted. Lurching forward, he freed his +head and neck from the cruel straps, which snapped and parted. + +The death-man paused for a fraction of a second to see what caused the +commotion in the chair. To that pause Locke owed his life. With a final +supreme effort he threw himself on the floor just as the knife-switch +swung into position and the wicked blue flame of death leaped across the +head electrodes. + +Once freed, he catapulted himself across the room and with a vicious +upper-cut sent the emissary sprawling unconscious to the floor. Without +a thought of himself he rushed into the next room where Eva now stood in +panic, glued to the spot, in fear of the Frankenstein monster that would +crush her in its grasp. + +With murderous mien the thing crossed the room slowly, until only the +table stood between her and destruction. + +Like a wild animal Locke hurled himself into the room and with a master +stroke of quick wit flung the heavy oaken table over at the monster. +Then he seized Eva, and before the monster could turn in its tracks, +half dragged, half carried her from the room. + +In the hall further difficulty confronted Locke, for the place was well +guarded. Several henchmen darted forth from dark corners of the murky +place and would have intercepted him. + +As the first approached, Locke, with a quick jiu-jitsu thrust, hurled +him for a fall that would have broken the back of a less hardy man. The +next one was just turning the top of the stairs, and Locke, quick to +take advantage of the situation, adopted the only means of escape. + +He seized the man bodily about the waist and, lifting him over his head, +threw him upon his other oncoming foe. The result was that the two were +flung down the stairs. + +"Run!" he cried to Eva in a voice that was a command. + +Without waiting he picked her up and carried her over the sprawling mass +of legs and arms to safety below. + +Once outside, he felt a little embarrassed at having the beautiful girl +in his arms and he half murmured an apology as he placed her feet gently +on the ground. + +Life at Brent Rock was far from monotonous. + +Like a great game of checkers, the various members of the establishment +were being moved about, guided by some strange hand, it seemed. + +Now one, then another seemed to gain the advantage, and as each strove +for control of the vast fortune, the battle of wits surged back and +forth. + +Balcom was playing a game, it was plain. But to what extent? Sometimes +it seemed as though Zita was his aide and would stop at nothing to +succeed. Again it was that Zita played the game alone, still fostering +her secret but hopeless love for Locke. Again it seemed as if Paul were +playing the game, either alone or with some one else. + +Just now it was apparent that Balcom and Zita, for their own ends, +whatever might be the identity of the Automaton, planned a coup for +themselves. + +During one of Locke's absences Zita had secured access to his +laboratory, and while looking around had discovered the dictagraph +hidden in the desk drawer. Often Balcom and Zita, either together or +alone, had taken advantage of the discovery. + +It was at a time when both were using the mechanical eavesdropper on +Locke and Eva in the library that Locke suddenly decided to return to +the laboratory, without saying anything about it. + +Zita's quick ear heard him down the hall. + +"Quick!" she warned. "Some one is coming!" + +She sprang toward the closet door, which stood ajar, and in an instant +Balcom was with her. The two were concealed in the closet as the +laboratory door opened and Locke entered. + +Locke walked to his table of test-tubes and picked up one containing +mercury. What prompted this action he did not know. Perhaps it was his +fascination for the elusive metal. Perhaps it was some subconscious +feeling. At any rate, he held it aloft and gazed at it in the light. As +he did so a strange thing happened. Reflected in its surface on the +glass, yet distorted like a convex mirror, he could see the door of the +closet open just a crack and the evil faces of Balcom and Zita peer out. + +He did not move nor did he in any way betray what he saw, but +nonchalantly set the tube of precious metal down and pretended to seek +something from the table. He turned slowly and retraced his steps to the +library below, where he entered, holding his fingers to his lips in +warning to Eva not to speak. He walked quickly over to a writing-desk, +took a pencil, and began to write. + +"Balcom and Zita are listening on the dictagraph. Pretend to quarrel +with me." + +Eva read in amazement as he wrote. Quickly she comprehended. Then they +walked silently until they were almost under the chandelier which held +the transmitter of the dictagraph. + +"I have something I want to say to you, Mr. Locke," began Eva, with a +wink and a smile at him, "and it grieves me to say it." + +"What is it?" asked Locke, with distinct anxiety, winking back. + +"I am afraid I shall have to dispense with your services," continued +Eva, as she reached out her hand and gave Locke's a little squeeze. + +Up-stairs, Balcom and Zita listened intently, their heads close together +so that each could catch every word. Balcom was nodding with +satisfaction. Each looked at the other as though they could hardly +believe their ears. + +"But I have tried to serve and protect you," protested Locke, as his +face wreathed in smiles at Eva, who was carrying the deception off +perfectly. Then he added, plaintively, "I am sorry that I have failed." + +"Your protection has led me into danger," returned Eva, in her best +voice to denote anger, "and your seeming interest is out of place--and, +besides, _Mr._ Locke, Paul Balcom does not like your being here. You +know he is the man I am to marry." + +As she said this, Eva looked roguishly at him. Locke's face clouded a +little, although he knew it was only in a joke. + +"But, Miss Brent," he continued to protest, "I had hoped--" + +"Not another word, Mr. Locke," interrupted Eva, as she edged very close +to him and gazed into his eyes. "Please leave this house at once--I hate +you!" And, not suiting the action to the word, she reached out and gave +his hand a squeeze that told more than words what her true thoughts in +the matter were. + +Locke leaned over and was on the point of kissing her when she held up +her hand and pointed to the receiver above in the chandelier as if it +really had eyes as well as ears. He looked up and was forced to check a +laugh lest it be heard by the listeners above. + +In the laboratory, Balcom had heard enough. He turned to Zita, and with +a hurried command told her to go down-stairs. + +"Keep an eye on him and tell me where he goes," was the parting +instruction of Balcom as the two separated on the stairs at the very +time that Paul blustered in the front door. + +"Morning, Governor," nodded Paul, as he gave his hat to the butler. + +"A very good morning, Paul," emphasized Balcom, quite unctuously, as he +went on to tell his son of the supposed quarrel between Eva and Locke +which he had overheard. + +A light of triumph came into Paul's eyes. Eva's happiness, even her +life, meant nothing to him. She was merely a means to his own evil ends +and he now felt sure that he held her in his grasp. Besides, in so far +as such a selfish nature can care for another human being, Paul cared +for De Luxe Dora. There was a fascination for him in her tigerish, +unscrupulous nature that a good woman could never inspire. + +And now, as he eagerly listened to his father, he visualized new +motor-cars, a yacht, rivers of champagne, a life of mad gaiety with his +favorite pals, men and women. + +Locke, in the library, was laughing quietly with Eva over the success of +the ruse. But there was, notwithstanding, an undercurrent of seriousness +running through their thoughts. For, although they had scored against +their adversaries in misleading them as to their intentions, both +realized that Balcom was a tremendously clever man, astute and wise +beyond the average in the ways of the world, and that the slightest lack +of caution, the smallest flaw in the acting of the parts they had +elected to play, would inevitably lose for them the advantage they had +gained. + +They went into the most minute details of the plans they had formulated, +and they realized that in order to keep the wool pulled over Balcom's +and Paul's eyes it was necessary that they separate, at least +apparently, for a few days. Locke gave out that he was to seek evidence +in the lower quarters of the city, while Eva was to play the game at +home. It was to Eva that the more difficult role fell. + +Locke bade her an affectionate farewell and left by a door opposite to +the one leading to the main hallway, where the voices of Paul and his +father were now audible. + +Eva opened the hallway door and greeted Paul, feigning delight and +chiding him for his long absence--which had not been even a +day--intimating that there must be some woman in whom he was interested. +She made a pretty show of jealousy. + +Paul, wearing his vanity on his sleeve, was delighted and his eyes shone +with satisfaction. He took a step forward and attempted to take Eva in +his arms. But she evaded him playfully, while he pursued her. Finally +she could bear no more. The game revolted her. She made the excuse that +she must attend her father, and ran up-stairs. + +So a day or two passed, days which were sheer torture to Eva. Paul +called every day, bringing her little gifts, and it must be acknowledged +that he showed exquisite taste. + +They took long walks together. On horseback they cantered all over the +country. Friends called, and it was at such times that Eva found her +only relief from Paul's attentions. Many a rubber of bridge she played +just to escape being alone with him. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + + +At last, late one afternoon, the faithful old butler announced to Eva +privately that Locke was on the wire and wished to speak to her. + +Eva almost ran to the telephone, and her hand shook with sheer joy as +she took the receiver. + +"Yes, everything is moving along even more rapidly than I expected," +replied Locke to her eager inquiry. "Whenever Paul leaves Brent Rock he +goes directly to a miserable cafe and there I see him with a number of +people of the underworld. He seems to have a great deal of influence +over them. I'm sifting all the clues, and as soon as I unmask him I will +send for you." + +Eva gave him a brief outline of how she had fared in his absence and an +account of her father's condition, which was now very bad. Everything +the doctor had done seemed to be without effect. + +Locke assured her that he hoped soon to lay hands on the antidote that +would restore Brent to health and sanity, and begged Eva to be brave in +the mean time. + +When the conversation was over Eva felt certain that no one had +overheard what she and Quentin had said. But she was mistaken, as she +was to learn at her cost. For, far down in the bowels of the earth, in +the den of the Automaton, an emissary had tapped in on the telephone +wire and had heard every word. + +Down-town, among the haunts of Paul, on the west side, was the Black Tom +Cafe. Every attempt had been made to make the place bizarre. About the +walls were palings that represented a back fence, along which crawled +painted black cats in every conceivable state--a rather odd conceit for +a cabaret. + +Although the sun had not yet set, the electric lights were already +agleam. On a raised platform three weary-eyed musicians were pounding +and thumping out the latest Broadway hit. + +There were not half a dozen people in the place, and these were +obviously denizens of this quarter of the town. They were listless and +weary, mere shells of human beings. And yet it was such as these that +the slumming parties at night romantically dubbed bohemians. + +They showed scant interest as De Luxe Dora, unaccompanied for once, +swept into the place. Dora was gorgeously and flashily dressed and +fairly scintillated with jewels. She seated herself not far from the +door and ordered a cocktail. Then she whistled a bar of music +suggestively to the piano-player, who immediately caught it, and the +"orchestra" with a show of animation strummed out her suggestion. She +sent over drinks for them and was rewarded with more song hits. + +Jauntily now Paul came in. A couple of men roused themselves and +slouched over to him. They held a whispered conversation, and Paul was +insistent on some point. He evidently had his way, for the men slunk +back to their places and, sprawling out, were in a moment as listless as +before. + +Paul nodded to Dora in greeting, but she turned her back. He gave a low +whistle of astonishment and went over to her. + +"Say, Dora, why the grouch?" he asked. + +For a moment she disdained to answer and glared at him witheringly. Then +she blurted out, "You're throwing me down for that baby face with the +money!" + +Paul gave a short laugh and shrugged his shoulders. "Don't be silly," he +laughed. "She'll be our meal-ticket." + +He sat down, and over a couple more cocktails he had Dora quite +mollified. + +A few moments later Locke entered and slipped quickly into a chair, +since he did not wish to be seen. In his hand he carried a newspaper +which he now unfolded and held up in front of him so that it hid his +face. Next he poked a hole through the center of the sheet so that he +could see without being seen. + +At this moment, seemingly in all earnestness, Paul and Dora resumed +their quarrel, and Dora's strident voice echoed through the cafe. + +"If you throw me down you'd better look out," she bawled. + +Paul jumped up, and for a moment it looked as though he would strike +her. But he changed his mind, cursed her, and finally stalked out of the +cafe. + +Locke folded his paper, paid his bill to the sleepy waiter, and started +after Paul. At the entrance he stopped, thought a moment, and then went +directly to Dora's table and sat down. + +"Why, what are you doing here?" she gasped, in great surprise. "Don't +you know that you may be _killed_?" + +"It's a risk that I must run," replied Locke. "But tell me--you tried to +kill me once--why?" + +"Because I was a fool, controlled by my love for Paul Balcom--the beast! +I hate him!" + +Dora drank viciously, then, with jealous venom, leaned over to Locke, +and asked, "If that girl, Eva Brent, finds out about him, will she throw +him over?" + +Locke played the game diplomatically, and apparently succeeded in +further incensing Dora against her lover, for, suddenly she jumped up. + +"Meet me here in an hour. I'll have everything arranged to spoil Paul +Balcom's game," she whispered, as she swept out of the cafe with +demi-mondaine majesty. + +Locke was elated at the thought of having won so powerful an enemy to +his side. But, had he heard Dora's remark to Paul as she met him around +a convenient corner, his elation would have given way to caution. + +Paul eagerly questioned her with a glance as she approached. + +"Well, he fell for it," she announced, toughly, then added, "just as you +fell for his dictagraph game with the girl." + +There was just a bit of jealousy yet in the tone of Dora. She was not +yet convinced of her complete triumph over Eva. + +At the same time Locke left the cafe and entered a telephone-booth, from +which he called up Eva. + +"Come to the Black Tom immediately," he said. "Dora is now on our side +and we'll learn the truth, she promises." + +Eva at once started to get ready so that she would arrive at the time +Locke had fixed, while he loitered in the neighborhood, waiting until +the hour agreed upon with Dora was almost gone. + +Dora was already waiting for him outside the place when he returned to +the Black Tom. + +"How is everything?" inquired Locke. + +"All arranged. You'll get Paul right." + +Just then a man slouched past. + +"Follow that fellow," whispered Dora. + +Locke nodded and did so. + +The man proceeded into the cafe and Locke followed. But instead of +sitting down in the main room the man passed through into an inner room. +Locke followed. He looked about. It seemed to be a sort of storeroom, as +nearly as he could make out. + +His guide pressed a secret panel and, stepping through an aperture, +beckoned Locke to follow. Locke drew his automatic and went ahead in the +inky blackness that lay beyond the panel. The next moment the very floor +under his feet seemed to give way. He felt himself thrown down bodily +into a sort of subcellar. + +Locke was immediately pounced upon by lurking emissaries who seized him +after a terrific battle and held him firmly. + +"Where's a rope?" growled one. + +There was no answer as the men struggled. The question was repeated. +Apparently one of them looked about. + +"Use the wire," he growled. + +The questioner gave a grunt of brutal satisfaction. There in this +storeroom lay a huge roll of barbed wire. Coil after coil of this barbed +wire was wound about Locke as he struggled, but ever more feebly, for +with each coil now the barbs began to cut cruelly into his flesh. + +Some one lighted a candle and by its light he saw many carboys of acid +standing in a row. + +Directly behind them, so that there could be no doubt of the horrible +fate in store for him, stood the Automaton. + +Already at the entrance to the Black Tom Cafe Eva's speedy runabout came +to a stop. Dora was at the curb to meet her and was all winning smiles. + +Instinctively Eva shrank from this overdressed woman. But it had been +Locke's desire that she come to this place, and she decided to follow +the woman, for would it not lead to the unmasking of Paul, whom she +hated? + +Once or twice on the descent into the cafe Eva hesitated, but was gently +urged on by Dora. + +Eva was utterly disgusted by the flotsam and jetsam in human guise that +she found sprawling at the tables, but she decided to brave the place. + +"Wait a moment and I'll get Mr. Locke," smiled Dora. + +For a moment, the better to blot out the distasteful scene, Eva closed +her eyes. + +When she opened them again it was to look into the ferocious, bestial +face of the giant emissary who, with fingers clutched like the talons of +some foul bird, was reaching toward her to grasp her by the throat. + +In the noisome cellar Locke lay as though fascinated by the dread form +that confronted him, as well as by its more dreadful purpose. + +The Automaton drew back its massive foot and deliberately kicked over +one after another of the carboys. + +A pungent odor at once permeated the cellar air as the acid ate into the +floor. + +Its purpose accomplished, the Automaton stalked toward Locke, and stood +towering above him. + +Would it crush out Locke's life under its ponderous heel? Or would it +leave him to a death more horrible? + +Like writhing serpents, the rivulets of seething, burning acid crept +closer, closer. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + + +The Automaton and its emissaries left the cellar. In the distance a door +slammed and Locke was left to his terrible fate. + +Except for the gurgling of the flowing acid and the scampering of the +rats all was silent. + +Locke tried to move. But the sharp barbs of the wire cut into his flesh, +a torture to test the fortitude of a stoic. + +Moreover, Locke had barely recovered from the shock of his fall into the +cellar. Thus for a few seconds that seemed to him to be ages he lay +there watching the fiery death creep closer. Then the will to live +surged through him and he struggled furiously to escape from the deadly +path of the acid. Gone now was his flinching and shrinking as the sharp +barbs lacerated his tender flesh. Gone was the calmness that denoted +surrender and the acceptance of his fate. + +With bunching muscles he writhed inch by inch to one side, out of the +path of the flow of the acid. He was just in time, for, at his last +mighty effort, the consuming fluid flowed past, not an inch from his +face. + +To extricate himself from the coils of the wire was a slow and painful +task. Wounded with a hundred wounds, with each movement of his body +adding a further injury, many times Locke was forced to desist in his +efforts to free himself. However, he persisted, though, strong man that +he was, the tears of agony burned his eyes and beads of cold sweat stood +on his brow even before the first coil was loosened. + +He could not, even to save his own life, have persisted in this +self-inflicted torture had it not been for the thought of Eva hurrying +to this dreadful den. That thought almost drove him mad and spurred him +to furious effort. + +It was well that it did. For at this very moment the beastly emissary in +the cafe above was closing in on her. + +Locke gave a final heave and tugged at the last strands of the wire that +held him prisoner. His clothes ripped to tatters and his flesh torn and +lacerated, he at last stood free. + +Without an instant's pause he collected packing-cases and even barrels. +He stacked them one upon the other, pyramiding them under the trap-door +through which he had fallen into the cellar. Then he climbed upon them, +leaped, and tried to grasp the edge of the floor above him, but fell +short and came tumbling down amid the boxes and barrels, only to start +stacking them up all over again. + +Finally he managed to grasp the edge of the floor with one hand and draw +himself up. For a few moments he lay panting on the floor, then groped +for the panel through which he had entered not half an hour before. It +was locked, but a shrewd kick above the lock opened it to him and he +rushed through the storeroom and out into the now brilliantly lighted +cafe. + +He was barely in time. + +The emissary already had Eva in his grasp and was choking her into +unconsciousness. The foul habitues of the resort, far from aiding the +poor girl, seemed for the first time that day to be showing interest and +to be thoroughly enjoying the brutal sight. + +With a shout Locke charged. His right swing landed just behind the +emissary's ear and the man dropped, pulling Eva down with him. But Locke +had her up and behind him in a second. + +Three other emissaries appeared as though by magic and attacked him on +all sides. + +Locke's automatic had been lost when he fell into the cellar. +Consequently he grabbed up one of the cafe chairs, which he wielded like +a club. + +One emissary had worked around until he was at one side of Locke and +almost behind him, a blackjack raised in his hand. But Eva warned Locke +in time. Whirling about, he made a full swing with the chair and caught +the emissary full in the face with it. The man went down and stayed +down. + +"Run quick as you can," panted Locke to Eva. "Get the car started." + +She was reluctant to leave him, and Locke saw that delay was dangerous. +He hurled what remained of the chair into the faces of the last two +emissaries, then turned and rushed up the steps, carrying Eva along with +him. + +A whir of the starter, the throbbing of the engine as the gas in the +cylinders ignited, and they were streaking toward Brent Rock, safe. + +In a still fashionable, but older, part of the town, the elder Balcom +had his quarters. They were spacious and furnished in Oriental style, +with many a suggestion of the Indian Ocean. + +Balcom was evidently annoyed, and seriously so. He was striding up and +down the apartment, scowling and puffing furiously at a black cigar. In +his hand was a letter, and from time to time he halted and glanced at +it, then fell back to his quick walking again, while a sinister light +came into his eyes. Yet the contents of the note were hardly such as +would have seemed likely to cause a man of honest purpose any agitation. + + MR. HERBERT BALCOM, + + International Patents, Inc. + + DEAR SIR,--A special meeting of the executive board of + International Patents, Inc., will be called at Brent Rock + this afternoon to determine the future policies of this company. + + [Signed] EVA BRENT. + +Balcom had read the notice for the tenth time when a negro servant +entered and announced that his son Paul wished to see him. + +"Show him in--then," growled Balcom to the servant. + +Paul entered. He was evidently somewhat chagrined and crestfallen. Nor +did his father's next words tend to cheer him up. + +"I suppose you'll acknowledge that you've made a miserable mess of it," +accused the older man. "When will you stop mixing women with business?" + +Paul was silent. Indeed there was nothing that he could say. + +"And now look at this note," pursued Balcom, in growing rage. "It brings +things to a head. What can we do?" + +He thrust the note at Paul, who read it. Balcom himself reread it, +crumpled it in anger, tore it, and threw the pieces in violence on the +floor. + +This time it was to be Paul who was to formulate a plan. It was of such +a dark and criminal nature that even Herbert Balcom, hardened as he was +himself, was for the moment appalled at his son's temerity. But as he +listened to Paul's words they fascinated him and he leaned forward the +better to take in the scheme. + +As Paul and his father planned, it seemed that here was power unlimited, +wealth beyond all counting and without the possibility of discovery. +For, like most men of his caliber, the approbation of the community was +dear to Balcom. + +"Good, Paul!" approved Balcom. "Go to it at once." + +Paul looked keenly at his father. + +"Haven't you anything to add?" + +"No, I have nothing to advise. The scheme is perfect, and as you +conceived it you can also execute it. The best of luck to you, my boy." + +A few moments later Paul went out, his dark face beaming at being +reinstated in his father's good graces. He was full of his plan. + +Down in one of the city's worst sections and near the river-front there +stood an old ramshackle building. Why it had not been condemned by the +building inspectors was a mystery. But it stood in all its squalid +ugliness. The door and the windows were locked and shuttered. One could +see at a glance that the building had been long unused. + +There was an alley strewn with tin cans and other refuse leading to the +back of the house, and it was down a flight of broken brick steps that +Old Meg, the fortune-teller, had her den where through the superstitions +of those inhabiting the neighborhood she managed to eke out a miserable +existence. The interior of the den was unspeakably filthy. The furniture +consisted of a broken-down couch, a chest of drawers in a like +condition, a card-table, a few kitchen chairs, and some boxes. Most of +the panes in the windows had been broken and the empty spaces had been +covered with old newspapers. Consequently, a candle thrust into an old +wine-bottle supplied the only real light. + +At the table, idly shuffling a pack of grimy cards, sat Old Meg, a +horrible old hag, wrinkled in face like a mummy, with only the stumps of +teeth which had more the appearance of tusks. Her unkempt hair was +matted and ugly wisps of it hung down over her bleary eyes. For clothes +she wore an old-fashioned faded gingham wrapper and around her shoulders +a dirty torn shawl. On her feet was a pair of man's shoes, many sizes +too large, which had evidently been cast away as useless by some former +owner, himself squalid. These she managed to keep on by tying the tops +with wrapping-cord. A more unlovely human being it would have been hard +to find in all the great city. There she sat, crooning a ballad to +herself in a high, cracked voice. It sounded like an incantation. + +A step sounded in the alley and Old Meg looked up and listened intently. +The sound came nearer. She got up and retreated into a dark corner, for +she knew the neighborhood well, and many a time some thug, brutal with +drink, had entered her den and wrung her last few pennies from her. + +But it was no inhabitant of this quarter of the town who entered this +time. It was Paul Balcom. + +The hag grinned in a horrible way at him, for it was not unusual for +people of his kind to visit her and it always meant money. With her +apron she dusted off the chair that stood at the table and begged him to +be seated. Then she shuffled the cards and cut, shuffled and cut, and +then as though at last satisfied she laid them face downward on the +table and spoke. + +"Wish, my handsome gentleman, and may your wish come true." + +"Go ahead with the hocus-pocus," growled Paul. + +Mother Meg picked up one card after another and her cracked voice was +evidently following a set formula. + +"If the queen of spades comes between the king of clubs and the queen of +hearts--" + +Paul listened with a strained intentness as the hag singsonged on and +on. Then a look of satisfaction came into his eyes and he smiled +happily. Next his look changed to a nasty look of determination, and he +abruptly got up, tossing a bank-note on the table which Old Meg grabbed +with avidity, calling down Heaven's blessings on the handsome gentleman +until Paul, running up-stairs, could hear no more. + +Paul returned immediately to his father's apartment, where Balcom was +impatiently waiting for him. He described minutely Old Meg, her +eagerness for money, and the squalid quarters in which she lived. The +elder Balcom seemed satisfied and they left the apartment together. + +"Paul," directed Balcom, "get out to Brent Rock as soon as you can while +I make arrangements with this Old Meg." + +Balcom stepped into his own car, while Paul hailed a taxicab, and a few +minutes later Balcom alighted before the house of Old Meg. He walked +down the alley and descended into the den. + +As before, Meg was in hiding in a dark corner until she could ascertain +just who her visitor might be. Seeing Balcom, she came out and +courtesied and scraped as she had for Paul. + +Balcom announced the object of his visit immediately, and while he was +speaking he fingered a roll of bills which he had taken from his pocket +the better to arouse the old hag's avariciousness. + +It had the desired effect and her eyes fairly gleamed with the craving +of possession. + +"Do as I tell you, Meg," directed Balcom, "and I'll make you rich. Do +you understand? Rich!" he emphasized, rolling out the last word silkily +on his tongue. + +Old Meg's last scruples, had she ever had even one, fell before this +temptation and she became almost the slave of Balcom. + +Balcom now gave a command and the old hag sidled to the door of an inner +room. + +"Jimmy! Jimmy!" she called. "Come here to me." + +In a moment a boy slunk into the room. He was sharp-faced, pinched for +food, and in tatters, as disreputable-looking as the hag herself. Meg +whispered something to him, and, as though galvanized by an electric +current, the boy shot up-stairs. He was soon back again with two +brutal-looking men who looked suspiciously at Balcom and then shuffled +into a corner, where they conferred eagerly with Old Meg. + +At first it was plain to be seen that they were refusing to do her +bidding, but Meg made a movement as though she were counting money. +After that it was equally plain that they agreed. + +Meg sidled over to Balcom and he unwrapped a few bills of large +denomination and handed them to her. She immediately hid them in her +dress, with many a furtive look toward her accomplices. + +Balcom's eyes followed those of the old hag, and, realizing that his +whole conspiracy might fail unless the men were assured of further +reward on the completion of their task, he approached them smoothly. + +"Of course," he insinuated, "you understand that if you three follow +instructions to the letter I'll double that amount." Then he left the +place, brushing his coat with his handkerchief as he did so. "Brent +Rock," he said to his chauffeur, curtly, as he stepped into his car. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + + +Eva and Locke were seated at a long table in the library of Eva's home. +Before them were many ledgers of International Patents, Incorporated. +Eva was reading certain entries in the books, while Locke was making +notes to be used at the coming directors' meeting. + +Eva closed the ledger from which she had been reading and announced, "I +intend, at the meeting, to insist that the patents held in the Graveyard +of Genius be released to the world." + +"It is the only honorable thing to do," agreed Locke. "You will +undoubtedly meet with violent opposition from Balcom and some few who +owe their fortunes to him, but in the end you will win." + +"If we could only have found the antidote," sighed Eva, "and my father +could only be again in control of things." + +"All we can do is to act as we think he would have acted if he were in +control," soothed Locke. + +"May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Locke?" interrupted a voice. + +It was Zita who had entered noiselessly and now stood well within the +room. + +How long had she been there? How much had she overheard? Both Eva and +Quentin exchanged worried glances. + +Locke rose and went over to Zita, who spoke to him in a whispered +undertone. + +The matter was so trivial that it hardly warranted her intrusion. Locke +was puzzled. But he was a man and, therefore, did not understand. For, +as Zita continued, there was a world of longing in her eyes. She even +went so far as to finger the lapel of his coat. + +Eva understood only too well, and her face crimsoned. She bit her lips, +and in vexation at Zita her finger-nails pressed into her palms. Paul's +entrance at this moment was a distinct relief, much as she despised the +man. + +"What's all the fuss about?" he inquired. + +Paul had a gaiety of manner that he could slip on like a coat, and it +was this quality that made him dangerous. He was popular and attractive. + +Paul took Eva's hand and managed to hold it just the fraction of a +second longer than was necessary to convey friendship. Then Eva withdrew +her hand, but not before Locke saw it and scowled. + +It was not long before the elder Balcom also arrived. + +"Good afternoon, my children," he greeted, jovially. "I'm just a bit +ahead of time, I imagine. But why you children don't leave dry matters +of business to us older heads I'm blessed if I know." + +"Mr. Balcom," retorted Eva, keenly, "the older head that would protect +my interests and the interests of those poor inventors lies stricken, as +you know, in the room above. In his absence the children, as you are +pleased to call us, will do their best." + +Balcom glared, while Zita with a strange glance toward Eva left Locke +and joined Balcom in a far corner of the room. + +"Zita," Balcom whispered, "the time has arrived to take you out of this +false position." + +Zita trembled with suppressed excitement as she heard this, and followed +Balcom back toward the table, where the others were already seating +themselves. + +It was approaching the hour, when Eva rose and was about to speak. +Balcom motioned and stopped her with a gesture. + +"One moment, please, Miss Brent," he interrupted. "Before the others +arrive I am going to establish Zita's real position in this house." + +All at the table looked at one another in openly expressed astonishment. +Zita, with eyes cast down, hands clasped in her lap, seemed almost +demure, though about her mouth played a faint smile. + +Even Paul did not understand this phase of the conspiracy and looked at +his father as much as to say, "I wonder what the old man is up to now?" + +Locke was the first to recover his coolness. "Just what, Mr. Balcom, do +you mean?" he asked. + +"I mean--" began Balcom, then stopped. "But first I will produce a +witness who can vouch for all the facts which I am about to relate." + +Balcom went to the door and opened it. There, bobbing her head and +smirking mechanically, stood that loathsome creature, Old Meg. In these +rich surroundings her frightful squalor was all the more accentuated. +Those at the table drew back in utter disgust as she tottered into the +room. As she passed Zita she paused. + +"I held you in these arms when you were but a wee baby," she muttered, +hideously. + +Zita drew away from her and looked at Balcom questioningly. Balcom now +leaned far over the table and spoke impressively. + +"Twenty years ago Brent was secretly married to his secretary. There was +a child. But Brent craved money, and power that the money would bring. +Saddled with a wife and child, he was barred from his ambition, which +was to marry some rich woman. So he made a hell on earth for his wife +until, in desperation, she consented to an annulment of their marriage." + +The room was breathlessly quiet as Balcom continued. + +"Years passed and then his conscience smote him. He made his own child +his secretary." Then he turned to Zita, pointing at her. "There she +sits," he exclaimed, "and half of the voting power of this company +belongs to her--Zita Brent, Zita Dane _Brent_." + +Instantly Locke was on his feet. + +"Balcom, you lie!" he rasped. + +"Lie or no lie," retorted Balcom, "as vice-president of the company I +refuse to permit any action to be taken until Zita's position is legally +established." + +Locke turned to Eva. "Miss Brent," he asked, with a bow, "may I speak +for you?" + +Eva nodded. + +"Then, Balcom," remarked Locke, "we shall carry the proposed motion over +your head. You cannot produce sufficient proofs to retard our action." + +"My protests," sneered Balcom, as he strode toward the door, "will be +entered in the minutes of this meeting." + +Zita, in the excitement, had already disappeared. Paul bowed to Eva and +Locke mockingly and followed his father. + +Old Meg squeezed herself against the walls of the library and was trying +to get out of the room without being detected. But Locke was too alert +for her and caught her by the shoulder, detaining her. She tried to +fight him off with her feeble arms. Again and again he tried to question +her. + +"The story is true, I tell you, gospel true," Meg repeated over and over +again. + +Locke let her go and she started toward the door. Then the habit of a +lifetime overcame her and she turned. + +"If you would know the truth, my pretty," she croaked at Eva, "come to +Old Meg." Then she hobbled out. + +Eva was naturally perturbed, although Locke tried to comfort her. Yet +she could not forget what had happened between him and Zita just before +the meeting, and, woman-like, she now held aloof. + +"Eva," pleaded Locke, "won't you trust me? Things are in such a critical +state that we must not have any misunderstanding." + +But Eva merely tossed her pretty head. "I don't care for Zita or her +actions," she replied, petulantly. + +Locke diplomatically changed the subject. "I believe," he said, slowly, +"that that old hag is in the pay of either Paul or his father, and I +mean to find out which it is." + +Locke had started across the hallway when Eva called him back. + +"Quentin," she said, earnestly, "I trust you--absolutely." Then she hid +her face in her hands and almost ran into the dining-room. + +Had she been a moment sooner she would have caught that mysterious +person, Doctor Q, who had entered the house some time before, and, on +overhearing heated words coming from the library, had remained with his +ear glued to the keyhole, absorbing every word that was said until +Balcom left. But he had shuffled away before she ran in. + +Back in Old Meg's den some time later the little gutter rat who, a few +hours before, had brought the two thugs back to Balcom and Old Meg was +coiled up in a corner, asleep. + +With light footsteps that did not awaken the sleeping boy, a strange +little figure now came scurrying down the brick stairs. The figure +hesitated a moment, then entered the foul den. + +In tatters, like the sleeping street gamin, this other boy still had +something winsome, something elusively handsome, about him, a certain +refinement of features. However, a black patch over one eye showed that +this gamin was manly enough, evidently, when it came to fighting. He +stirred the sleeping boy with his foot, and the boy, cursing volubly and +beyond his years, roused himself. + +They talked excitedly in whispers and the boy who had just entered gave +the street arab some money. Then together they tiptoed into the other +room and down a flight of rickety steps into the cellar. This cellar +connected with another cellar of large size that was used as a +storehouse. + +The boys barely spoke and, when it was necessary, only in whispers. They +came to a pile of cotton bales, found a convenient space between the +bales, crawled in, and lay still. + +Night was coming fast as the hag, trailed by Locke, left Brent Rock. She +walked fast for so old a woman, but, finally, coming to a street-car +line, she took the first car that came along. Locke had had the +foresight to have himself followed by one of the numerous Brent cars and +so was able to keep the street-car in sight until the old woman alighted +in her squalid quarter of town. Locke got out of his machine and +followed her on foot, keeping close to the walls of the buildings to +avoid having her see him. + +Old Meg turned the corner that ran alongside her dwelling, and there, +for the first time, gave an indication that she was aware that she was +being followed. She chuckled to herself, gave a few stumbling capers +which might have been an imitation of a dance step, then waved her hand. +Was it a signal? + +Locke was never to reach the alley. Old Meg had whipped around the +corner so quickly that for a moment he was puzzled as to just where she +had disappeared. He stopped with his back half turned to a flight of +stairs leading down to the cellar entrance of a big warehouse. Suddenly +he was sent stumbling forward to his knees, half dazed by a treacherous +blow dealt from behind. + +He was up again in an instant and was defending himself from the attack +of half a dozen thugs. He put up a splendid fight, but the odds were too +great, and in a few minutes he was down on the ground, unconscious and +bound. + +The emissaries of the Automaton, for such they were, carried him down +the steps and into the warehouse cellar. + +Already, on leaving Brent Rock, Paul Balcom had not been idle. He had +been immediately driven to a telegraph-office, where, after having used +nearly an entire pad of blanks, he succeeded in composing the following +message: + + DEAREST QUENTIN,--Have proofs that Old Meg spoke the + truth. Meet me immediately at her place. + + ZITA. + +The message was addressed to Locke at Brent Rock and was marked +"Important." + +"That ought to fetch her!" muttered Paul, as he left the office. + +Twenty minutes or so later the telegram was delivered to the butler at +Brent Rock, who brought it at once to Eva. + +At first she was loath to open a message addressed to some one else. But +Quentin's affairs and her own were so intertwined by this time that she +felt that the telegram would, in all probability, concern her as well as +Locke. She tore it open. + +"Dearest Quentin," she read and for a minute could get no farther, for +it seemed as if a mist had formed before her eyes. She clutched at the +balustrade. Then pride, jealousy, and a certain anger surged up within +her and she finished reading the telegram. + +Eva was in a quandary what to do. She paced up and down the hallway, +biting her lips and repressing the tears. + +Could it be possible, after all, that Locke was faithless? Was this the +man who had been so kind, who had saved her from a thousand dangers? At +any rate, she would find out once and for all. + +Faint and heart-sick, she gave orders to have her runabout brought +around. It was a long drive from Brent Rock, but Eva's fast speedster +covered the ground quickly. Twice policemen tried to stop her and, +failing, probably took the number of her car. Nothing could deter her. +And, as the cool evening wind lashed her face, faith in Locke revived +and the suspicion came that she might be rushing into danger. But no +thought of herself entered her mind as she stepped on the accelerator +and the car shot forward. Her single thought was of speed, more speed, +to get to Locke quickly. + +She was appalled at the squalor of the neighborhood in which she finally +found herself. Disgusted and revolted at the filth of Old Meg's abode, +still not for an instant did she falter or hesitate. She ran down the +steps to Old Meg's home. + +The old hag was evidently awaiting her, for this time she did not hide +at the sound of approaching footsteps, but came forward, courtesying and +mumbling greetings, while her eyes gleamed with a satisfaction that was +positively hellish. + +"Mr. Locke--where is he?" Eva gasped. + +"All in good time, my pretty, all in good time," mumbled the hag. +"You're to wait for him here." + +But Eva insisted on seeing Locke at once and the old hag lied volubly. +He had been here, and had stepped out for a moment. No, she did not know +where--to get a cigar, maybe. Would the pretty lady hear her fortune +told while she waited? + +As there was apparently nothing that she could do until Locke returned, +Eva sat at the card-table while Old Meg droned her old fortune-telling +rigamarole. + +In spite of her growing fear and agitation Eva became interested. There +was something calming in the monotonous voice of the old crone. + +"When the queen of spades comes between the jack of hearts and the king +of diamonds and the--a--the--" + +A door directly behind Eva silently and slowly opened. Stealthily a +boy's head was thrust out. On the young face was a world of deadly +hatred. As the sputtering candle burned brighter for a moment, +startlingly, a vague change was noticeable in the lineaments of the +features. + +It was the same gamin who had given the sleeping boy money. But now, in +the candle-light, with only the head showing, it was no boy who glared +malevolently at Eva, but a woman--and that woman was the implacable +Zita! + +The head disappeared to give place to the visages of two +horrible-looking men, the same brutes who were present when Balcom had +spread the net of his conspiracy. + +"When the jack of clubs," droned the witch, "and the--" + +With barely a sound the two thugs entered the room behind Eva. In the +hand of one was an old gunny sack. + +"--and the queen of hearts--" + +Eva was so interested now that she leaned far over the table, her eyes +fastened on the cards as they fell. + +A thug stumbled. Eva, startled, sat back quickly and tried to rise. But +the next instant she felt herself struggling in the heavy folds of the +grimy gunny sack. + +The emissaries, carrying Locke, had staggered with their burden into the +warehouse cellar until, coming to a closed door, one of them rapped on +it in a peculiar manner that was evidently a signal. An instant, and the +door opened. + +Through it stalked the Automaton. + +The monster gazed intently at Locke as though to determine whether it +were indeed he, then waved the emissaries on to the shaft of a huge +freight elevator. + +In the shaft, directly under the elevator platform, they now cast +Locke's unconscious body. + +"Are you sure the watchman's still up above?" asked one. + +"Sure." + +"Then give a ring for the basement." + +A thug pressed the button that signaled. In a moment, creaking and +groaning, the massive elevator started to descend. + +A shuffling of feet was heard and down the stairs leading from Old Meg's +quarters came the two thugs carrying Eva. A few feet behind them, still +in boy's clothes, was Zita. + +The jar to his body as the emissaries threw him on the concrete floor +had tended to bring Locke back to consciousness. For a moment he lay +still. Then the sound of the descending elevator attracted his +attention. He gazed upward and dimly saw the slowly moving platform. In +a flash he realized his danger. + +Locke struggled fiercely to dislodge his bonds. He contorted his body, +expanded his powerful chest in an effort to break the ropes that held +him a prisoner. + +At this moment the thugs that were carrying Eva passed by, followed by +others. Apparently they took no notice of him, but continued on their +way with the helpless girl. + +Locke, his own danger forgotten, became frantic with apprehension for +her and tore savagely at the restraining ropes. + +Zita stopped. Her face was a study of conflicting emotions as she saw +Locke struggling at the bottom of the shaft. + +Floor by floor, inch by inch, the enormous elevator, that would crush +out Locke's life as though he were an insect, continued to descend. + +Zita stepped to an electric switch. That switch would stop the elevator +immediately and save Locke's life. + +She raised her hand--and then, looking after the retreating thugs and +emissaries, she saw Eva again. Zita's lips formed a cruel line and a +flinty hardness came into her eyes. + +Her hand dropped. + +There were only a few feet between Locke and the descending elevator. +Locke was struggling frenziedly to escape and rescue Eva. + +Zita's hand went out again and grasped the handle of the switch. + +She hesitated, hate on her face. + +Would she, for love of Locke, who had not returned her love, save him? + +Could she bring herself to save this man--for a woman she hated, who had +won him from her? + +If she saved him it would be only to lose him to the other woman. + +With a great creaking the massive elevator was within only a few short +inches of Locke. + + + +CHAPTER XIX + + +Every fiber of Zita's body was galvanized into action as she threw the +whole weight of her body against the elevator emergency-control switch. + +There was a sputtering of blue flame as the connection was made, and +Zita closed her eyes. With a shudder she heard the great elevator strike +the cellar floor and then rebound. + +She dared not open her eyes. The last thing that she had seen was Locke +struggling frantically to escape from under the elevator that was only a +few inches above him and seemed destined to crush out his life. + +Slowly, fearfully, she opened her eyes. Locke's body lay motionless at +her feet, separated almost literally by only the breadth of a hair from +the shaft. + +The relief, the reaction from her terrible emotions, made Zita half +hysterical. Trembling in every limb, she made her way to Locke and fell +on her knees by him. She wrapped her arms about him and held his head +up. + +It was thus that she was holding him when his eyes slowly opened and +gazed questioningly into her own, his brow knitted in perplexity. + +Then, with a rush, it all came back to him--the descending elevator, +Zita standing at the switch, while his life hung in the balance, his +last frantic effort to escape just before the descending elevator had +grazed his head, rendering him unconscious. That Zita, at the last +moment, had attempted to save his life he did not know, nor why she now +gazed at him frankly with eyes of love. + +It was all inexplicable to him. + +Another instant and he had wrenched himself loose from Zita's arms and +was struggling with the ropes that still bound him even after he had +managed to roll out from under the elevator in the last nick of time. + +He had suddenly realized that the sight of Eva being carried off by the +emissaries had not been a hideous dream, but a terrible actuality, and +that at this very moment she was probably in the most imminent danger. + +Zita realized that he wanted freedom to rush to Eva's assistance. Had +she dared, she would have refused to release him from her arms, would at +least have hindered his untying his bonds. But there was a masterful +something about his silent demand to be released that would admit of no +refusal. + +In a few seconds Locke completed the freeing of himself and was dashing +madly toward the door through which the gang, carrying Eva, had passed. + +The door was unlocked, and, hesitating not an instant, Quentin dashed +through and into a large room. + +Eva, the gunny sack removed and still unconscious, lay on the floor. The +emissaries were grouped around her. In the background, dimly visible, +stood the iron monster. + +Startled, they looked up as Locke rushed into the room. But before they +could do more, Locke had whipped out his automatic and, point-blank, was +blazing away at the murderous crew. Two emissaries fell dead or mortally +wounded. The others scattered. + +Only the Automaton, man of iron that he was, showed no sign of fear. +Instead, he advanced ponderously upon Locke. + +The automatic barked again, but did not succeed in deterring the +monster. Locke realized the futility of using this puny weapon against +such a foe. + +He dashed toward Eva. It was the work of only an instant to snatch her +up, practically from under the monster's feet, to turn, and to carry her +through the door by which he had been brought in. Holding her in one +arm, he slammed the door shut and shot the bolt. + +He was just in time, for the next instant the door bulged out beneath +the dead weight of the Automaton as it hurled its massive form against +the other side. + +Zita vas still waiting at the elevator shaft when Locke, carrying Eva in +his arms, entered. At the sight Zita's whole body expressed her +unquenched hatred of the unconscious girl. Her eyes narrowed, her lips +became livid, and her hands clenched as though she would like to strike +the helpless Eva. + +"Zita," demanded Locke, suspiciously, "why did you hesitate to save my +life?" + +"Because," she replied--and her voice indicated the force of her answer +whether it were really the truth or not--"I love you, and would not save +you--for _her_." + +Zita turned and ran up the stairs leading to Old Meg's as Locke turned +to try to revive Eva. + +But the hammer blows of the monster resounded throughout the cellar. At +any moment the door might come crashing down and Locke and Eva might +again be at the mercy of the iron fiend. + +Locke caught up Eva in his arms again and, groping, sought the exit of +the warehouse. + +He dared not follow Zita through Old Meg's den. Love that could for any +reason hesitate or injure the one loved was incomprehensible to him. He +felt that the hag's den might now be but an ambush and that Zita might +have run ahead to warn the uninjured emissaries of his coming. + +By a lucky chance he found the path leading directly to the warehouse +steps and the street. Eva's speedster had not been moved or tampered +with and he placed Eva gently in the seat, climbed in, and started the +motor. As he did so three emissaries came running out of the alley +leading to Old Meg's. But shooting the gears into high speed, Locke +easily evaded them and turned up the first corner. + +He was going to take Eva to the first doctor's or a drug-store, but it +proved not to be necessary. The rush of the air as the car moved rapidly +revived her, and in a few moments she was quite herself again, eagerly +questioning him about her rescue. + +Although they were thankful for their escape, still they could not blind +themselves to the fact that all their efforts had been in vain, that +they stood no nearer to their great desire, and that, at least until +now, their enemies had proved too wily and too strong for them. + +But they were young, courageous, and resourceful, and as they drew up +before Brent Rock they were busily engaged with plans for the future. + +It was the following afternoon in the Chinese quarter. The Celestials +were celebrating one of their numerous feasts. Long multicolored banners +and streamers were hanging from every window and balcony and were even +strung across the narrow street, almost brushing the faces of the motley +throng that passed beneath. Tom-toms and cymbals beat and clashed, while +from the Chinese theater came the shrill piping of reeds and the +high-pitched chanting voices of Chinamen. + +Street venders cried their wares and the windows of the Oriental shops +were gaily bedecked for the holiday. + +Through the dense happy throng a man made his way. He, too, was an +Oriental, but of a different race. A giant in size, he calmly pushed and +shoved the smaller Celestials out of his path, and, although they +chattered angrily at him, their resentment went no farther, for his size +and the menace of his swarthy face made them pause. + +Before the entrance of a curio-shop he halted and consulted a card. +Then, satisfied that he had found his destination, he picked up a wicker +carrying-case that for the moment he had placed on the curb and entered +the shop. + +A Chinaman stepped forward, scrutinized him closely, and, nodding +significantly, bade the new-comer follow him. + +They went to the back of the shop. The Chinese clapped his hands, and a +panel in the wall slid back, disclosing a stairway. The new-comer +stepped through the aperture and the panel closed behind him. He mounted +the stairs and came to a room, magnificent in its Oriental splendor. + +Priceless rugs covered the floor and walls, while on wonderfully carved +teakwood stands reposed ancient porcelains, specimens of bygone +dynasties, antique arms and armor cunningly wrought, jades and ivories +marvelously fashioned by master craftsmen long since dead. Seen through +the filmy haze of rising incense, the room was a veritable +treasure-house of Oriental art. + +On low settees a few richly clad Chinese were reclining, and in a far +corner, gazing intently into a globe of crystal, sat a man of the same +race as the new-comer, a Madagascan. + +Startled at the entrance of the giant, he left off his shadow-gazing and +came hastily forward, cringing as he did so. + +The giant, in an impressive, booming voice, now spoke for the first +time. + +"I, the Strangler, have come from Madagascar with the Great Torture." + +A door opened and Doctor Q entered the room, his head wagging from side +to side. + +As he caught sight of the Madagascan he stopped short and put his hand +to his head with a gesture of perplexity, striving piteously to place +the stranger. He could not succeed. With a half-running, half-stumbling +gait he withdrew to a corner of the room and furtively watched the two +Madagascans. + +There came the sound of a gong. A panel slid back, and into the room +there majestically swept a Chinaman of pure Mongolian type. + +He was gorgeously clad in flowing silks and wore the princely cap with a +button. At a glance his piercing eye took in every detail of the room. +Then he went directly to the Madagascan, whose overbearing air of +assurance immediately forsook him at the Chinaman's approach. + +He bowed low and reverently, for it was Long Fang to whom he made +obeisance, Long Fang, leader of a great Tong, and implacable foe to all +others, a Chinese whose tentacles of power reached into every corner of +the underworld, spreading terror. + +In an incisive, icy voice that sent a chill through the big man's frame, +he now spoke. + +"You have been overlong on your journey and we have been waiting for +you." Then with a menace in his voice he snarled, "It is well for you +that you came at last." + +The big man shuddered and remained silent. Long Fang crossed to Doctor +Q. + +"The instrument of torture is here," he said. "The Madagascan has just +brought it. He is an unrivaled strangler." + +"Let him approach," commanded Doctor Q. + +Long Fang beckoned, and the Strangler came forward. His eyes had been +fixed on the Chinese, but now they roved to the figure of Doctor Q, and +he fell back in consternation, clutching the other Madagascan by the +shoulder and gasping in awestruck tones. + +"In our country his magic is supreme!" + +With difficulty he controlled himself and bowed low, his forehead almost +touching the floor. Then he looked away, cringing. + +"I see that you recognize me," Doctor Q chuckled, fiendishly. "Good! You +will not be so foolish as to fail me." + +"No, no, master, I swear it by--" + +"Never mind your oath. My power is my guaranty. Go--follow Long Fang. He +will direct you to the torture-chamber." + +Doctor Q turned on his heel and hobbled out of the room. + +Long Fang and the Strangler were about to proceed to the torture-chamber +when footsteps were heard on the stairway that led to the curio-shop +below. Long Fang and the Madagascan stopped and listened. + +Another moment and De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom stepped into the room. +With a curt command Paul called Long Fang to him and the Chinaman, +important as he was, hastened to obey. + +What was this strange power that Paul, at will, could exercise +throughout the underworld? + +With a few terse questions Paul ascertained the exact condition of +affairs. + +"You say, Long Fang, that all is ready?" + +"All, master. We only awaited your coming." + +Then with a graceful gesture he asked, "Will you so far honor your +humble servant?" as he indicated the way into another room. + +Dora, followed by Paul and the Chinese, stepped through the portal and +came to a Chinese temple. + +It was a large room and the decorations, although equally well executed +as those in the room they had just left, were actually terrifying. +Flying dragons and serpents done in bronze hung from the ceiling, while +on a raised dais at the farther end of the room was an enormous +squatting figure of the seven-handed god. Before it, in braziers, fire +gleamed, giving off a heavy, pungent odor that was almost overpowering +to Occidental nostrils. + +On either side of the huge image hung silken curtains, in all +probability covering doorways into yet other chambers. + +For the first time Dora showed signs of interest. With the shop and the +first chamber she was already familiar, but this was something new, +something to give the spur to her satiated, _blase_ nature. She moved +about the place, fingering the rare tapestries, contemplating probably +what gorgeous hangings they would make for her own apartment. + +Dora's preoccupation gave Long Fang his opportunity to confer with Paul +alone and he moved closer to him. + +"Master," he nodded, "why not use the beautiful lady to lure the other +one into our power?" + +Paul shook his head negatively. He knew that Eva was aware that Dora was +her enemy. + +"But, master," persisted the Chinese, "you told me that this Miss Brent +loves her father, and that she would do anything for his recovery. Let +this lady tell her that the Madagascan has brought an antidote that will +restore his reason. She will come here and we shall trap her." + +For a moment Paul stood in deep thought, then called to Dora. + +At first she laughed at the idea that Eva would even listen to her. But +Dora was clever and conceited and in the end she agreed that at least +she would make the attempt. + +At this moment in another quarter of town Paul's father was ready to +leave his apartment, yet from his nervousness it could readily be seen +that he was waiting for some one. A Madagascan servant entered and +salaamed. + +"Master," he announced, "the Strangler has arrived from Madagascar." + +Balcom's face lighted up with intense satisfaction and cunning at the +news. He waved the servant away, picked up his hat and stick, and +hurried out. + +In the library at Brent Rock Eva and Locke were having an earnest +conversation. Locke had on his motoring togs and was on the point of +going out. + +"By elimination," he was saying, "I will prove that either Paul or his +father is the Automaton. I am going to trap Paul." + +"Quentin," cautioned Eva, "for my sake be careful." + +Locke strove to quiet her fears, pointing out that his scheme was +necessary in order to save her father, and in the end Eva reluctantly +consented. + +She went with him to the porte-cochere where his car was already +waiting. + +"Good luck!" she tried to call cheerfully, in spite of her misgivings. + +Long after his car had disappeared in the distance she stood there +gazing after it, a world of anxiety in her eyes. + + + +CHAPTER XX + + +Darkness had settled down upon Brent Rock, following the departure of +Locke, when a trim runabout drew up under the porte-cochere and Dora +stepped lightly out of it. + +She paused for a moment and looked about curiously. For some time she +hesitated. In this house lived the girl whom in her heart Dora hated +bitterly. + +What sort of reception might she expect? Yet Paul and his +underworldlings had played on Dora's pride until they had prevailed on +her to undertake the mission. As she looked about all her old assurance +came back to her and Dora turned and approached the door boldly. + +Eva was just about to go up-stairs to her room when she heard the butler +at the door and a woman's voice asking whether Miss Brent was at home. +Eva paused a moment. + +There was evidently a slight altercation between the butler and the +new-comer as the latter raised her voice sharply. + +"You will tell Miss Brent I must see her," reiterated Dora. + +There was a pause, during which the butler was heard to murmur +something, and then the woman's voice was heard again. + +"Tell Miss Brent that if she refuses to see me she will regret it all +her life." + +Eva was intensely interested now, for she recognized the voice of De +Luxe Dora. But with her interest there came a feeling of repulsion with +which this woman always inspired her, and her first impulse was to have +Dora shown out of the house. + +The very nature of the danger with which they were all surrounded, +however, prohibited such a drastic course. Yet how dare that woman enter +Brent Rock? + +Still, the very fact of her so daring pointed to some serious matter +which Eva felt she ought to know. At any rate, there could be no harm to +listen to Dora's reason for coming, and there would probably be much to +be learned. + +Eva called to the butler and he stepped aside, and Dora, all smiles now, +and with her hand extended in greeting, advanced toward Eva, who ignored +her extended hand. + +"Need I tell you," remarked Eva, coldly, "that I am astounded at your +presumption in coming here?" + +"Miss Brent," replied Dora, "believe me, nothing but my present mission +could have induced me to do so. There are wheels within wheels which +have made it appear that I am your enemy. But that is far from being the +truth, as my present mission to you will prove." + +Dora was clever and played her cards cleverly. However, Eva was on +guard. + +"Please come to the point," she insisted. "Tell me exactly why you have +come." + +Dora paused a moment, then replied, impressively, "I have come to save +your father's life." + +Eva caught herself almost gasping in astonishment as Dora covertly +watched the effect of her words. "You have the antidote, then?" asked +Eva, breathlessly. + +"Not exactly that," replied Dora, quickly. "But I can take you where you +can obtain it. A man has arrived from Madagascar who has it in his +possession." + +"What shall I do?" almost wailed the poor girl. "How can I know that you +speak the truth?" + +Dora's voice now assumed a cold decisiveness. "That is for you to +decide," she said merely. "Refuse to come with me and your father will +surely die of his madness. Consent--and he may live." + +Eva could hesitate no longer. Bidding Dora wait, she ran up the stairs, +returning in a few moments garbed for the street. + +They left the house together, but not before the butler had +surreptitiously slipped a large automatic into Eva's hand-bag. + +In the Chinese temple, or Joss-house, the last devotee had departed. The +hanging lights had been dimmed and now the fantastic shapes with which +the place was decorated, seen in the subdued light, stood out in all +their shadowy weirdness. + +From the raised dais, the seven-handed god assumed an added majesty and +awfulness, while, deep-seated as though from a smoldering caldron, two +points of fire gleamed from the god's eyes with utmost malevolence. + +Slowly a panel in the wall slid back and the bestial visage of the +Strangler peered out. + +After making sure that there was no one about, with noiseless tread he +glided into the temple. + +Like a shadow, a second figure, that of a Chinaman, followed him. The +two made a complete circuit of the temple, stopping now and again to +examine some object which arrested their attention. Then, as if by a +prearranged signal, they both prostrated themselves before the fire god. + +After making many obeisances they got to their feet and, as mysteriously +as they entered, slipped away in the same manner that they had come. A +panel closed behind them, but not the same panel. + +The inner room in which they now found themselves was divided by a +partition that extended a few feet out into the temple room itself. + +This room was vividly painted with weird figures depicting Chinese forms +of torture, a veritable charnel-house of what in Europe would be called +the Dark Ages. There were plenty of evidences that at no very distant +date this chamber had been in use to punish horribly those who had +offended against the fire god or the commands of the Tong leaders. + +On one side of the partition was a large iron wheel to which was +attached a rope extending through the partition and forming a loop or +noose on the other side. The purpose of this device was only too +apparent. Once the neck of a victim was in the noose, a few turns of the +wheel, the noose would tighten, and the victim would be inevitably +strangled to death. In a slightly changed form it was the +garroting-machine of old Spain. + +The Strangler tested the rope, twisted the wheel, while his companion +occupied himself by watching the effect of the wheel on the noose on the +other side of the partition. + +Apparently satisfied that the machine was in good working order, the +Madagascan straightened up and waved his companion out of the room. + +The Chinaman returned by means of the sliding panel into the temple +again. + +As she left Brent Rock behind, Eva's fears increased. Speeding through +the night with this woman whom she instinctively dreaded, whom she had +every reason to distrust, many times on the trip Eva wished herself back +at her home. + +On the other hand, to remain inactive while there was a chance to save +her father's life was unthinkable. And so, for his sake, she kept on and +the car sped ahead. + +Dora, on the contrary, anxious to allay Eva's fears, was very voluble, +expressing many sentiments which even to a young girl of little worldly +experience were palpably at variance with the woman's character. + +In and out of the narrow streets of the city's lower quarter the car +twisted and turned, and at last entered gaily decked Chinatown, where it +came to a halt. + +If Eva was afraid before she was now doubly so. The strange Oriental +faces which seemed to leer at her from street and curb seemed to be +almost of another world, and she thought of the many tales she had +heard, of their treachery and cunning. + +Dora, sensing what was passing through her mind, kept up a patter of +small talk as she urged Eva forward. + +By another entrance than the one that led through the Chinese curio-shop +they entered the Joss-house and came to the worshiping-room of the +temple. + +Eva gazed fearfully about her now at all the fantastic decorations with +which she was surrounded. Her only comfort was the handle of the +automatic that the butler had pressed on her as she was leaving home. + +"This Madagascan with the antidote," asked Eva, tremulously, "where is +he?" + +"Don't worry, dearie," quieted Dora. "Wait a moment here and I will +bring him." + +Dora turned on her heel and left the temple by the door leading into the +beautiful lounging-room beyond. + +Eva stood transfixed by the solemn awfulness of the place and the grim +visage of the fire god. Why had she been brought to such a place? What +new terrors awaited her here? + +She seemed alone--yet was she? + +She felt a thousand eyes regarding her, as though a thousand dangers +lurked to destroy her just beyond those fearful walls. + +She was staring now at the god. What made his eyes gleam so banefully? + +She thought she heard a sound! + +Was the wall at the right of the statue moving? Or was it merely her +heightened imagination? + +Fascinated, she watched. + +Yes, she was sure now. Slowly, slowly a portion of that wall was +actually sliding back. + +Now she saw a hand. Then an arm followed. With a slow, gliding movement +that even to Eva's strained ears was noiseless, a man, his back toward +her, slid into the room. + +Eva, shrinking back, wanted to shriek. But instead she whipped out the +automatic and in an instant had the man covered. + +The man was still evidently unconscious of her presence. But suddenly he +must have heard Eva move. For he wheeled around, and instinctively his +hands went above his head. + +As for Eva, the cry that she had suppressed at his appearance was +suppressed no longer, for the man whom she held at her mercy was--Locke! + +"How did you come here?" gasped Eva. + +Hurriedly he told her his story--how he felt that the clue that would +lead to the unraveling of this mystery was now to be found in Chinatown, +how he had made his way, therefore, to the Chinese quarter, how he had +tracked the Madagascan. + +Knowing the futility of trying to enter any private place of the +Orientals, much less their temple, in Occidental garb, he had waylaid a +Chinaman in an alley, had stripped him, and had changed clothes with +him. + +Disguised thus, Locke had managed to enter, to observe, and was only now +on his way to summon assistance. For he had decided to have the place +raided. Only now he was stricken almost dumb with astonishment at being +confronted by Eva. + +There was no time for more. Before Eva could explain her own presence +there the door burst open, the panels slid back, and a horde of +emissaries and Chinamen swarmed about them. + +Eva fired her automatic again and again, but could not stay the rush. + +Locke fought with the courage of despair. But they were too many and +soon bore him down. + +As they carried Locke into the chamber of torture the last thing he saw +was Eva surrounded by her foes, who were closing in on the poor girl. + +Towering above them all, he saw the gigantic form of the Automaton. + +In the torture-chamber Locke was shackled hand and foot to the +partition, while the noose of the garroting-machine was placed about his +neck. + +The Madagascan supervised this work, then waved the emissaries out of +the room. They were alone there now, these two--the professional +murderer and his victim. + +With a sneer the Madagascan turned and went to the other side of the +partition where the wheel was by which the noose was tightened, +strangling the victim. + +But the Strangler little knew with whom he had to deal, for already +Locke was struggling at his shackles. + +With almost incredible dexterity Locke succeeded in loosening them, one +after the other, so that, as the Madagascan started to turn the wheel, +Locke, with a marvelous effort, bracing his feet against the wall and +grasping the staples to which the shackles had been attached, managed to +pin-wheel his body around and around, as the Strangler turned the iron +wheel that tightened the noose which was to stifle out his life. + +Fortunately the Madagascan turned slowly, so that Locke managed to turn +his body faster than the wheel was being turned, thus gaining on the +noose and at each revolution loosening it a trifle. + +Another quick turn of his body, the pressure against his neck had become +less! + +Yet another complete circle, and, tearing at the noose, he managed to +get his head free. + +It was the work of only an instant to dash around the partition and beat +the Strangler to the floor. Another instant, and he had torn back the +panel into the temple. + +The sight that confronted him was sickening. + +Two fiends were holding Eva close to the floor, while now from the fire +god's eyes a blinding glare of flame blazed forth, the two rays +converging and scorching the very ground as they traveled slowly nearer +and nearer, in their fatal focus, to the helpless girl. + +With a wild shout, Locke charged on them all. + +Taken by surprise, the brutes holding Eva were easy to handle, for the +others had gone. + +Fortunately, the automatic which Eva had been carrying was lying, +neglected, on the floor. Locke snatched it up and, shooting one of the +thugs, managed to cower the other. + +Half supporting Eva, he retreated through the torture-chamber into an +outer room. There was no time to lose. Already the alarm had been spread +to the other emissaries and Chinamen, and it was only a matter of +seconds when all the murderous crew would again be piling after them. + +Locke looked about in desperation. There was a window. He flung it open. +Below, the air-shaft or court was blind. But there was a balcony by +which he could reach an adjoining low roof. He had no idea where it +might lead, but any unknown danger was preferable to the known dangers +that threatened behind him. + +Through the window he passed with Eva, and so across balconies and roofs +until they came to a fire-escape, which they descended. + +In another moment they were free of Chinatown. + +Many a curious glance was cast at them, a young girl, well gowned, and a +disheveled white man in Chinese garb. + +Locke hailed a night-hawk cabman and they were soon speeding on their +way back to safety and Brent Rock. + + + +CHAPTER XXI + + +At the cove fishing-village, set on the extreme outskirts of the town, +there stood an old fisherman's shack that was shunned by all the good +folk of the city. + +While there was nothing definite that could be said of the evil deeds of +the inhabitants, there was much shaking of heads and wagging of tongues +to the effect that all was not as it should be at the cove. + +The owner of the old shack, Old Tom, was an ill-favored, taciturn man +who would have naught to do with any of his neighbors, and asked only +that they keep out of his path and leave him alone. He even evinced an +aversion to dogs and to little children, driving them away from his +shack whenever he found them near it. + +The threat that "Old Tom will catch you" would make a cove +fishing-village tractable at any time. + +Old Tom rarely put to sea, and when he did it was more often than not +after nightfall, a time when the good folk of the village were preparing +for a night's rest. + +It was stated by one old crony that often at night other men came to Old +Tom's shack, that they entered slyly, and that well into the morning +revelry, and often oaths and brawls, could be heard from within. + +Some hinted that Old Tom was a smuggler; others, even, that he was a +wrecker. True it was that often strange lights were seen to flicker +outside the bar to the cove. + +Also there had been wrecks, and often, in the morning, when the +fishermen put out to a wreck, after a storm, it would be discovered that +some one had been there before them, since valuable and readily portable +parts of the wreck were frequently missing. + +But while suspicion pointed to Old Tom and the strange men that +frequented his place, proofs positive of a crime were invariably +lacking, and so the village tolerated Old Tom's presence and predicted +his bad end. + +It was to this shack that there came very early one morning, before the +break of day, a wounded man assisted by a woman. The woman gave a +peculiar rap at the door. There was a quick scurry inside, as of +fast-moving feet, then silence. + +The woman rapped again, and this time with more force. After a moment a +sash was raised and a querulous voice demanded what was wanted. + +"It's De Luxe Dora and Paul Balcom, and he's wounded. Quick, open the +door!" + +There was a rush to open the door now and rough hands gently assisted +the wounded man to a seat inside. + +While Paul was not perhaps so dangerously wounded, yet it was easy to be +seen that the wound was not to be trifled with, for the cut had been +severe and the blood flowed copiously. + +Dora, whatever her attitude toward others, had a true solicitude for +Paul, and all the womanliness of her nature came to the surface as she +tenderly bathed Paul's head and attempted to bind the wound with the +rough bandages at hand. + +There were several tough-looking men standing about, and from their +ready sympathy, real or feigned, it was easy to be seen that these men, +too, like the others of the underworld, stood ready to do Paul's +slightest bidding, to guard him with their lives if need be. + +What was this strange power that this man, scarcely more than a youth, +wielded over these outlawed men? + +"Quick!" exclaimed Dora. "Watch the window. We've probably been +followed." + +A grim-visaged man moved lumberingly over to the window and glued his +head against the pane, straining his eyes as he peered out. + +For a long time he did not move, while, with the others grouped around, +Dora tried to stanch the flow of blood from Paul's injured head. + +Suddenly the watcher at the window turned and shouted, "Man comin' up +the lane!" + +Instantly there was confusion within the shack. The men scattered in all +directions, while one old hag, the only woman in the shack besides Dora, +hobbled over to a stool and took up the mending of a huge net where she +had left off. + +Old Tom ambled over to Dora and for a moment they talked hurriedly. +Finally Dora came to a decision, as she pointed to the old rickety +stairway to an attic above. + +"Carry him to the attic," she directed. "He can be well hidden there. As +for the rest of you, remember, no one has come here to-night." + +Two of the men lifted Paul, who, while not in an absolutely unconscious +condition, was much too weak by this time from loss of blood to assist +himself. + +They carried him up the stairs and into an old, disused room to which +Dora followed, and when the two men had descended the stairs she +remained, alternately ministering to Paul and listening for what might +happen below. + +Paul and Dora had left the main room of the shack not a moment too soon. +For barely had the two men who had carried Paul to the attic returned +when a face was momentarily seen outside, while a pair of eyes peered +into the room. + +A moment later there was a peremptory knock at the door. + +"Come in!" growled Old Tom. + +With eyes that scanned every cranny and nook and searched every face, +Locke stepped into the shack. + +The men came forward a step, then halted. There was something in Locke's +face that showed that he was in deadly earnest and not to be trifled +with. + +Locke looked from one to the other, then turned to Old Tom. "The wounded +man who was brought here," he demanded, "where is he?" + +"There 'ain't been no wounded man brought here," retorted Old Tom. + +The men crowded a little closer, all denying vehemently that any one had +entered. + +At this instant a drop of blood fell on Locke's sleeve from the ceiling +above. Quickly he checked the impulse to look up, although he was +startled by it. He recovered himself on the instant and waited until +under a pretext he could divert their attention to something else. Then +he glanced hastily upward, as they looked in another direction. There, +forming slowly, was another drop of blood, and it was about to fall. + +Locke had gained his object. As surely as though he had been brought +face to face with Paul, he knew that he was lying on the floor of the +attic above. + +Single-handed, against so many and in this shack, Locke realized that he +could do nothing. He apologized gruffly for his intrusion, conveying the +impression that he felt he had made a mistake, and backed his way to the +door. + +In an instant the door to the attic stairs was flung open and Dora +rushed into the room. + +"You fools!" she snarled at the surprised men who were just +congratulating themselves on how they had put one over on Locke. "I tell +you he's wise. He saw the blood. Look up above you. Now go get him." + +But the fishermen had no desire for this outside work and hung back, +while Dora raved at them. + +From the ceiling, drop by drop, blood was falling, forming a little pool +on the floor. Paul could not be moved now. They must make the best of it +and be ready for any raid Locke might prepare. + +At Brent Rock Eva was conversing with her lawyer. Matters had reached +such a state in the affairs of International Patents that it was +evident, even to her, that some drastic action must be taken, and at +once. + +In a corner of the room, coiled up in a big armchair, Zita was +apparently reading a new magazine, but was, in reality, listening +intently to every word that was being uttered. + +Finally Eva and the lawyer were in full accord, and she accompanied the +elderly attorney to the door. As they parted, Zita strained her ears to +hear the last words. She did not get it all, but quite enough to tell +her what they had decided upon. + +"As my lawyer," she overheard Eva say, "I wish you to have Mr. Locke +appointed receiver." + +There was some more she missed, but that was quite enough for Zita. She +got out of the chair quickly and left the room without being observed, +and a few moments later she had left the house. + +In a telephone-booth, not far from the cove fishing-village, Locke by +this time had his chief of the Department of Justice on the wire. + +"I've located him, Chief," he telephoned, excitedly, "but it will take +four good men to capture him." + +"I'll send them at once," the chief replied, as both hung up their +receivers hurriedly. + +Meanwhile, in Herbert Balcom's sumptuous, semi-Oriental apartment two +men were in earnest conversation. One was the owner, Balcom, the other +that strange, half-demented being, Doctor Q, whose mind now, for the +moment, seemed to be lucid. + +The matter under discussion was undoubtedly a weighty one, for both men +sat with knitted brows, and for the moment, at least, seemed in a +quandary about something. + +Suddenly there came a hurried ringing at the outside-door bell and +Balcom leaped to his feet. They could hear the door opened, quick +footsteps in the hallway, and then, without ceremony, the door was flung +open and Dora burst into the room. + +Balcom scowled a welcome, for he hated this woman, who had, as he +thought, spoiled the chances of his son with Eva. But Dora did not wait +for the threatened outburst. + +"Hurry!" she cried. "You must do something. Paul has been wounded--never +mind how--but he lies in a fishing-shack down at the cove--and they are +going to arrest him--Locke is!" + +For the moment both men seemed to be stricken dumb, while Dora, in a +state of wild excitement, pleaded for them to do something--anything to +save the one person she loved. + +It was at this juncture that the door opened again, admitting another +woman. It was Zita, very agitated, though, of course, under better +control than Dora. Besides, Zita did not know what had happened to Paul, +nor did she love him. It was merely that she felt that things could be +made to play into her own hands if the news she brought were immediately +acted upon. + +Hastily she told what she had overheard about the proposed receivership, +and all four now--Balcom, Doctor Q, Dora, and Zita--talked excitedly. + +But it was plainly Balcom who was in command of the situation. Although +livid with rage at the news he had heard, yet he maintained control of +the others, directing what they should do with a decisiveness that was +truly remarkable. It showed the mental force of the man, demonstrating +how greatly he was to be feared by any bold enough to be his enemy. For +Balcom loved that spoiled son of his and would hesitate at no act, not +even at a crime, to save him from even what he justly deserved. + +At last their plan was formed, and all four departed their several ways +to execute it. + +Balcom had decided upon going directly to Brent Rock. His ire had not +abated one iota during the trip, either, and, as he almost ran up the +steps to the mansion, he pushed the astounded butler to one side as +though he were merely a piece of furniture. + +"Tell Miss Brent I want to see her at once," he threatened. + +The butler raised a hand deprecatingly at Balcom's tone, but Balcom, +beside himself, smashed it down and strode toward the library just as +Eva, hearing the voices, was coming out. For an instant she drew back in +apprehension and amazement as Balcom advanced on her, still snarling. + +"See here, Eva," he hissed, "if Locke tries to arrest my son--he'll be +killed." + +For the instant Eva was stunned. What did the man mean? But as Balcom +showed no signs of regaining control of himself, and every moment became +more abusive and violent, indignation gave place to every other +sentiment, and she sharply ordered Balcom to leave the house. + +Threatening dire things and hinting even more if there were a +receivership, Balcom strode out. + +Eva stood for a long time shocked into inaction. Then, slowly, fears for +Locke's safety came uppermost and she paced back and forth the length of +the hall. + +Finally the old butler came to her deferentially. + +"And did you notice, ma'am," he asked, "that during his tirade he +mentioned about a cove fishing-village? Might I suggest that that is +where Mr. Paul is and Mr. Locke will not be found far off?" + +Eva thought a moment, recognized the sound sense of the remark, and +ordered that her car be brought. A few moments later she had taken the +wheel and was soon out of sight of Brent Rock. + +Close pressed against a wall of a back lane of the cove fishing-village, +Locke was standing, waiting for the men whom his chief had promised to +send. + +Finally they came to him, first making their coming known to Locke by a +peculiar low whistle. + +"The other two will be along directly," whispered one of the pair. +"Thought it better not to come in a bunch." + +As Locke laid his plans, the other two came from out of the shadows. + +The entire party now moved cautiously toward Old Tom's shack. Just +before they arrived one of the men said that he could see two figures +entering the place. But as Locke had seen nothing, no attention was paid +to the remark. + +Locke now placed one of his men on either side of the door. The other +two he sent to the rear, so that they could surround the gang. + +He knocked at the door. This time it was immediately opened. Followed by +the detectives with revolvers drawn, Locke rushed boldly into the shack, +while his other two men closed in from the rear. + +The emissaries, finding themselves surrounded, would have capitulated, +probably without a struggle, had not the old hag, to whom no one had +paid much attention, picked up a small anchor and thrown it at Locke and +the advancing detectives. + +As it was, the anchor struck Locke a glancing blow and he stumbled +backward against one of his own men, upsetting him. That, of course, +gave the advantage to the thugs, and they advanced, attacking savagely. + +It was at too close quarters, in the midst of such a melee, to use guns +without danger of getting one of one's own party. Thus it was a +primitive battle of brute force. + +Locke and the detectives were trained men, however, and were surely +gaining the upper hand, so much so that Locke managed to tear himself +loose and dash for the door leading to the attic. He opened it, and +there, with revolver leveled at his head, stood De Luxe Dora. + +It was the work of only an instant to disarm her, however, and he rushed +up the stairs, Dora after him. + +There was a body lying on the floor--Paul, undoubtedly, thought Locke. + +He took it by the shoulder and turned it over, then fell back in +amazement, for there, smiling mockingly at him, was Zita! + +"You think you're pretty clever, don't you?" jeered Dora. + +But it was no time to bandy words, and Locke left them and rushed down +the stairs just as a horde of emissaries swarmed up to meet him, +reinforcements to the fisher thugs. + +For in some way the Automaton had been warned of Locke's presence, and +with all the emissaries it could summon had hastened to Old Tom's shack. + +Most unfortunate of all, the Automaton and its men had arrived just +behind the car bearing Eva, and she, not suspecting the danger, had +entered the shack. + +Although she did not see Locke, she was overjoyed to see that the +detectives held the upper hand. She had started to search for him, when +there came a terrifying crash at the door and more emissaries, followed +by the Automaton, came into the room. + +The detectives were almost instantly overpowered, and the mob made for +the stairs just as Locke was descending. + +In that narrow space a most terrible battle took place. Man after man +Locke hurled against his fellows, and they went crashing down, only to +rise again and attack. + +Finally they came to hand-grips, and Locke, lunging furiously to free +himself, threw his body against the partition of the stairway and it +came crashing down, hurling Locke and the emissaries to the floor below. + +Locke was badly stunned, and before he could rise the emissaries had +swathed him in the huge net that the old hag had been mending. Next they +bound him with ropes until he was utterly helpless in the meshes of the +net. + +Eva, half crazed with horror, was in a far corner, and the Automaton was +advancing upon her. She was paralyzed with fear. + +What fate was in store for her--what for Locke? + + + +CHAPTER XXII + + +The sharp crack of an automatic echoed through the shack. The detective +known as Jim had come back to consciousness, and now, from behind an +overturned table where he had fallen, he started to fire shot after shot +into the mob of emissaries. + +He had fallen in a far corner and could be reached only after an attack +of some paces, and even the emissaries, numerous as they were, hesitated +to advance on a determined man placed in such an advantageous position. +Furthermore, the diversion caused by the shots had other effects. The +sound of the shots brought Locke fully out of his stunned condition and +he started to struggle frantically in the meshes of the net that held +him prisoner. + +The Automaton, for the moment, ceased to follow Eva, and moved over to +its men in order to take command and to direct their movements, while +yet another detective came to his senses and began to threaten the mob. + +Locke was threshing about and was slowly but surely freeing himself. An +emissary threw a chair, and for a moment Locke lay still in pain. But in +another moment he was working even more frantically at the ropes and the +net that held him. + +Eva started over to help him, but he shouted to her to stand back, since +that would bring her in line with the detectives' fire. The shots were +flying over Locke's body as he struggled. Some of the emissaries went +down; others found places of refuge behind which they hid. + +Finally Locke managed to kick his feet free of the net and, rolling and +tossing, managed to work the meshes up about his shoulders and neck, +thus releasing his hands. It was the work of an instant only, now, to +slip the enveloping net over his head and he was free. + +Locke rolled out of the direction of the revolver-shots and toward Eva, +who was now standing before a huge open fireplace. + +He was none too soon, for the moment that the Automaton saw that Locke +had escaped the iron terror left the men and stalked ponderously over to +crush out Locke's life. + +The two detectives fired point-blank at the monster and both shots took +effect with a ringing, metallic sound. But they did not halt the +Automaton an instant. Locke, reaching the fireplace, seized a pair of +old tongs and threw firebrand after firebrand in the path of the +advancing terror. + +To the Automaton fire was evidently quite another affair from mere puny +bullets, for it not only paused, but came to a full stop, looking around +as though in a quandary as to what to do against such a defense. + +This moment of hesitation gave Locke and Eva their opportunity. Calling +to the detectives to cease firing a moment, they passed between friends +and foes, dashed over to and up the attic stairs. + +As they reached the attic above they were just in time to see Zita, +still dressed in Paul's clothes, and Dora, jump from the attic window. + +Although it was a low, rambling building, still it was a high jump, even +for a man, and Locke was astounded that they should attempt such a +thing, even in their undoubted state of panic. + +However, it gave Locke a splendid idea, which he acted upon immediately. +Hooking his feet on the window-frame, he took hold of Eva's wrists +firmly and swung her far out of the window. Held in this way, Eva was +only a few feet from the ground, and when Locke released her she landed +safely and almost without a jar. + +For Locke, always in perfect training, the jump offered no difficulties. +In an instant he had rejoined her and they were running away from the +shack toward Eva's waiting car. + +Locke had an almost overpowering desire to return to assist his +detectives, whom he realized might be in sore straits, but he also +realized that his first duty was to this girl who was in his charge, on +whom the events through which they had just passed had had a +nerve-racking effect. Again, he reflected, as he saw people coming down +the beach, that the Automaton and his men would soon be outnumbered and +glad to flee. + +Quentin and Eva had almost reached the motor which Eva had left at some +distance from Old Tom's shack, and were passing a low clump of bushes, +when a low moan fell upon their ears. + +At first Locke thought that it might be a trap and was for paying no +attention to the sound, but Eva, woman-like, insisted. He investigated. +Reclining on the ground, and looking more like a little boy in man's +clothes, lay Zita. + +She was holding one ankle and her face showed that she must be in great +pain. + +"Help me," she moaned. "When I jumped from the window I sprained my +ankle. Dora helped me to this place and then she left me and drove +away." + +Although this girl was his enemy, no thought of leaving her in this +condition entered Locke's mind. Gently raising her from the ground, with +the help of Eva, Locke supported her to the car. + +Locke still held Zita to ease her pain, while Eva took the wheel, and, +although they could hear shouts and even shots behind them, Eva drove +slowly in order not to add to Zita's misery. It showed the sympathy of +their characters that, much as Locke and Eva felt that Zita had injured +them, nevertheless, pausing in a flight from deadly peril, they found it +in their hearts to be kind to an enemy. + +Arriving at Brent Rock, they carried Zita to her room and the family +physician was sent for. He pronounced the injury slight and more of a +strain than a sprain. + +While the doctor was at the house he also paid a visit to Brent, who, +while his mental condition had remained as apparently hopeless as ever, +had gained much in strength, owing to the diet and restful care. He was +now able to sit up, fully dressed. As it was a case of drug poisoning, +the doctor had thought it best not to allow the patient to relax too +completely. But, whatever the strange drug that had stolen away Brent's +reason, the effect showed no signs of departure, and they were as much +in the dark as to the antidote as ever. + +A few moments after the doctor had left, when he made his morning call +the next day, the counsel of the corporation was announced. He was shown +into the library immediately and it was there that Locke and Eva went +into conference with him. + +The attorney had brought with him many share-holders' proxies, and these +he handed over to Eva. + +"These proxies," he was declaring, "give you absolute control, Miss +Brent. With them you can force Mr. Balcom completely out of +International Patents." + +"What's that you say?" + +It was Balcom himself who spoke. How the man had got past the butler, +who certainly had no love for him, was mystifying. Yet here he was, +ready and eager to defend his interests. + +"I was just telling Miss Brent," informed the lawyer, coldly, "that with +these proxies which I have obtained and just handed to her, she was in +complete control of the company." + +"And you, Mr. Balcom," interposed Locke, stepping forward, "will play no +further part in the activities of the company. Miss Brent desires your +resignation, to take effect immediately." + +"Why--why--this is unheard of--absurd!" sputtered Balcom. "I'll--I'll--" +And his rage got the better of him. + +"No, Mr. Balcom," again interrupted Locke, "you will do nothing. It is I +who will give you twenty-four hours to arrange your affairs with the +company before I order your removal--or arrest." + +Balcom tried to remonstrate, to plead his innocence of any wrong-doing. +Finding no sympathy by taking this attitude, his manner changed abruptly +and he attempted to bluster. + +A decisive movement toward the telephone on the part of Locke checked +this and, chameleon-like, Balcom's usual suave manner came to the fore. +He bowed himself out. + +"It will, of course, be as you say." He smiled oilily. + +Once in the hall, however, his manner changed again, and, darkly +scowling and biting his thin lips, he was about to quit the place, when +Zita, limping only slightly, intercepted him. + +"Mr. Balcom," she pleaded, "come out the back way. I must see you alone +a moment." + +They tiptoed out to the grounds, and, behind a hedge where they could +not be observed from the house, talked. + +"Tell me what has happened," demanded Zita. + +"Happened?" repeated Balcom. "Why, they've thrown me out of the +company--at least, they think they have." + +His mind was working quickly, and after a pause he turned to Zita +sharply. "Can you get Brent out of the house and bring him to me here +behind this hedge at eight o'clock to-night?" + +Zita nodded an eager acquiescence and left him, returning to the house. + +That evening Locke, returning from a stroll around the grounds, noticed +a movement in some shrubbery at the side of the foot-path. He went +closer to investigate, and a rough-looking individual broke from cover +and ran away through the underbrush as fast as he could go. It was too +dark to follow and Locke hastened his steps to the house, fearing some +new deviltry on the part of the Automaton or his emissaries. + +He had just entered the darkened hallway when, much to his surprise, he +saw the figure of a man, leaning heavily on the arm of a woman, +descending the stairs. + +He stepped behind some portieres and waited until they reached the foot +of the stairway. Then he stepped out and confronted them. + +Zita gave a startled cry, and would have fled had not Locke caught and +held her. As for poor Brent, he simply stood there, swaying from side to +side and smiling foolishly. + +Eva heard the commotion and came running down the stairs. She was amazed +until Locke explained the situation to her. Then her indignation knew no +bounds. Putting her arms around her father, she turned to Zita. + +"How dare you?" she demanded, scathingly. "For doing this you will leave +this house immediately and--never return." + +Zita, for a moment, was on the verge of breaking down, but recovered +herself and, with an angry retort on her lips, went out, slamming the +door behind her. + +Zita slipped around the house and to the hedge designated by Balcom as +their meeting-place. + +She was surprised but relieved when she did not find him there, and +glanced at her wrist watch, which stood at a few minutes past eight. She +was about to turn around when she caught sight of a bit of paper. Taking +it, she read: + + Bring him to my rooms. + +That was all, and the message was unsigned. + +Zita greatly feared Balcom's wrath at her failure, but, nevertheless, +she started for his apartment. + +At that moment Balcom and the mysterious Doctor Q were talking in the +latter's dingy laboratory. Doctor Q's mind, for the time being, at +least, seemed perfectly clear, and he had formulated a daring plan. + +"Send Locke word that you will give yourself up," he was saying, "but +tell him that he must come to your apartment to get you. I will do the +rest." + +Balcom left hurriedly and was driven directly home, where he got Locke +on the telephone and repeated the instructions that Doctor Q had +suggested. + +"Am I to understand that you intend to turn state's evidence?" +questioned Locke, doubtfully. + +"Assuredly," hastened Balcom. + +"Then I'll be right over." + +As Balcom hung up the receiver he chuckled sardonically. He was just +turning to an antique brazier to arrange for Locke's reception when Zita +was announced and at once admitted. + +"I've failed, Mr. Balcom," she apologized, "failed miserably. Locke took +Mr. Brent away from me--and they ordered me never to return to the +house." + +"You little idiot!" Balcom almost hissed. "I'll not tolerate a failure, +either. Get out!" + +Although Zita almost went on her knees in her pleading to him, Balcom +was adamant, and finally she left in utter despair. + +Outside, she telephoned to Paul to see if she might induce him to use +his influence in reinstating her in his father's good graces. + +As soon as Zita was gone Balcom busied himself with the ancient brazier +and was standing before a small image of Buddha. He took a small package +and from it poured a powder into the bowl of the brazier. Then, going to +the table, he wrote a short note, after which he went to a divan and +awaited Locke's coming. + +Balcom had not long to wait. A ring came at the door and Balcom leaped +to his feet and lighted the powder in the brazier. Then he adjusted a +gas-mask that Doctor Q had given him, and, returning to the divan, lay +down, pulling a camel's-hair coverlet well over himself as he awaited +results. + +There was a rap at the door and a peremptory demand for entrance--a +pause--and a whispered consultation outside. + +"Open the door!" cried Locke, again. + +As there was no answer, heavy blows were rained upon the door, and +finally it gave way. + +Three men stumbled into the room. They stared about, then started to +search the place. One by one they started to cough. Locke, who was the +farthest away from the brazier, seemed to be the least affected. + +Finally he spied the note on the table and snatched it up. By the dim +light he read: + + You will never live to capture me. The deadly gas is + even now killing you. + +Locke gasped. There was the sound of a heavy fall behind him. He turned +and saw that one of his men was down. + +He took a step forward, when the other pitched on his face. + +Locke tried to rescue them, but by this time the deadly fumes had +reached him and he, too, fell to the floor, coughing his life away. + +At that moment Balcom got up from the divan and, stepping over Locke's +prostrate body, left the place, forgetting to close the door behind him. + +When Zita telephoned Paul, Paul made an immediate appointment for her to +meet him at Doctor Q's, and when she arrived there Paul was already in +conference with the doctor. + +Over the telephone Zita had already given Paul a brief account of what +had happened, and thus the two men were prepared with a plan when she +arrived. + +"Get Eva to the hypnotist's on River Street," instructed Doctor Q. "Tell +her that I have been hypnotized and that under the spell I will tell +all." + +It was a desperate thing for Zita to attempt, after treating the Brents +so shamelessly. But there was no alternative. For she knew well that, +with Balcom, only a success would offset her miserable failure earlier +in the evening. Besides, were not her fortunes tied up with Balcom--or +perhaps with Paul? She did not demur, but left immediately for Brent +Rock to make the attempt, revolving in her mind how she was to do it. + +Zita had difficulty in persuading Eva to see her at all, but, once she +had succeeded, the possibility that all the mystery might be cleared up +appealed strongly to Eva. For Zita had framed her story cleverly and was +playing desperately. + +"Then I'll meet you at the hypnotist's in about half an hour," agreed +Eva, after Zita had told her how friendless she herself was and how both +Balcom and Paul had refused her aid. + +Zita left Brent Rock alone and was passing a dark corner when a hand +reached out and grasped her by the arm and she heard a voice that she +recognized. + +"Your failure has made me redouble my efforts," it hissed. "I have just +killed Locke in my apartment and I--" + +It was Balcom. But Zita waited to hear no more. Secretly she had always +loved Locke. Though she had worked against him, the very thought that he +might be dead shocked her. She tore herself from the grasp of Balcom +before she could hear more and ran like a deer toward the apartment. + +Fortunately, it was not far. She tore up-stairs and through the door +that Balcom had left open. + +Everything was as Balcom had left it, except that now the three men lay +quite still. Zita staggered over to a window and threw it open. + +Next she got water and extinguished the still smoldering powder. Then, +falling on her knees, she tried to help the stricken men. + +Not much time did she spend with the others, but to Locke with great +tenderness she gave most of her attention. Tenderly she bathed his brow +and frantically tried even to breathe her breath into his burning lungs. + +Finally she was rewarded by seeing him open his eyes and gaze around. He +looked up at her. + +"I'll atone for all the wrong I've done," she sobbed, "only--" + +She would have asked him to love her, but she knew that it was useless +and the thought of Eva, caused the words to stick in her throat. + +Locke did not understand, and the look on his face showed it. + +"I didn't want to give you up," wailed Zita, now forgetting herself. "I +loved you. To prove it--I will help you now. The--the girl you love is +in terrible danger--you must hurry." + +It was only too true. Eva had driven immediately to the hypnotist's, and +he had been instructed about her coming. At his door she had knocked, +and an old, evil-visaged man, in flowing robes which were marked in +cabalistic signs, had opened the door. In true fakir fashion he salaamed +almost to the floor while in flowery language he bade her enter. + +Fearfully Eva stepped within. Signs of the zodiac, of cross-bones and +skulls, on walls and ceiling met her gaze everywhere. In an alcove Eva +could see a noosed rope hanging, for what purpose she knew not. But its +presence she felt was sinister. + +"I--I was told that a Doctor Q would be here," Eva faltered. "I do not +see him." + +"Gracious lady," bowed the hyponotist, "I will bring him at once. Pray +be seated." + +Eva seated herself before a table upon which there stood a curious +stand, supporting many mirrors. She examined it closely, and as she did +so they all began to move. Each mirror moved on its own axis and she +watched with fatal curiosity. For now a bright light was cast from +behind her on the revolving mirrors and they formed a scintillating +kaleidoscope that was bewildering in its intricacy. + +Eva quickly became fascinated. Then she was conscious of a drowsy +feeling stealing over her. She strove to rise, but her knees refused to +support her and she fell back in her chair. + +The hypnotist now shut off the machine and, stepping before Eva, made +several passes with his hands. + +Eva's eyes closed. The hypnotist turned and made a signal. Several +panels opened simultaneously and into the room there came a number of +emissaries, who crept upon the now completely hypnotized girl. + +Nor was that all. A sound, as of the clanking of chains, was heard, and +through an aperture in the wall larger than the others there stalked the +Automaton. + +At this very instant Locke and Zita burst into the room and rushed +toward Eva. + +The hypnotist slipped around them both and in a moment had caught Zita +in his arms. She struggled to escape, beating him with her little fists +in a fury of rage and fear. But he held her, and an emissary, bringing +ropes, with his help bound her securely. + +As for Locke, he made a frantic attempt to reach Eva, but his way was +blocked by a score of emissaries and the Automaton himself. Desperately +Locke dashed at the iron monster, only to be hurled to the floor as +though he were a tiny child. + +In another moment the emissaries had bound him and carried him to the +alcove in which hung the noosed rope. + +The hypnotist now pulled a lever and the method of the death intended +for Locke was revealed. Directly under the suspended rope was a +trap-door, which opened. Locke gazed down into blackness, nothingness. +An emissary threw some small, heavy object into the yawning hole. For a +long time nothing was heard. Then finally, far, far below there came to +their ears the sound of a distant splash. + +The fiendish plan was simple--to hang him and then to cut the rope. His +body would go hurtling down to the subterranean river below and be +carried out to sea. + +The hypnotist reversed the lever. The trap-door closed. Locke was +dragged beneath the rope and it was adjusted around his neck. + +Even in this awful moment his sole thought was of Eva. Would they throw +her, unconscious, down the same yawning trap? + +Powerless, he stood bound, fascinated, as he saw three emissaries seize +her. But instead of dragging her to the trap, they dragged her toward +one of the panels in the wall. + +What nameless torture was in store for her? + +He struggled furiously to get free to rush to her, but the noose only +tightened on his neck. + +The hypnotist stepped to the lever that operated the trap under Locke's +feet and began to pull the lever down. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + + +With a crash the hypnotist dropped unconscious to the floor as the +hypnotic machine started to revolve rapidly. The emissaries turned from +Locke and were dazzled by the blinding flashes from the whirling +mirrors. + +It was Zita who caused all the commotion. Unnoticed by the thugs, who +were intent on sending Locke to his death and dragging Eva through the +panel, Zita had managed to free herself from her bonds and, true to her +promise to Locke that she would help him, she had risked all for his +sake. + +Once free from the ropes, she had seized a heavy bronze vase and, at +just the critical moment of danger, had hurled it at the hypnotist's +head, striking him a terrific blow that had felled him and left him +unconscious on the floor before he could spring the trap. She had then +set the mechanical hypnotic machine in motion, and, standing behind it, +was herself practically invisible. It all happened so quickly that it +seemed like a miracle. + +Locke, his hope revived, swiftly grasped the one chance for life that +was left to him. By contracting his muscles he was able to slip out of +the ropes which bound his arms. But since the noosed rope around his +neck held him so that his toes barely touched the floor of the trap, he +could not, try as he might, manage to get the noose free. + +Suddenly a plan flashed across his mind. Hanging from the ceiling a few +feet in front of him he could see an enormous chandelier. Throwing his +hands above his head, he grasped the rope, thus relieving the strain on +his neck. Then, snapping his body backward, his feet came in contact +with the wall. With tremendous force he kicked out, causing his body to +swing in an arc toward the chandelier. + +It was not until he had wrapped his legs about the branches of the +chandelier that the emissaries noticed what he was doing, so fascinated +were they by the revolving mirrors. Even then they could scarcely resist +the auto-hypnotic powers of the contrivance. Finally, however, with a +shout they came to the attack. + +Locke was now hanging head downward. With one hand he succeeded in +loosening the noose from about his neck, while with the other he struck +out, hitting an emissary a fearful swinging blow that sent the fellow +staggering backward, to fall against the lever controlling the +trap-door. + +With a crash the trap was sprung, with the pit yawning beneath it. +Struggling, striking, grappling with his assailants, Locke managed to +hurl three of them to their deaths in the underground river below. + +Horror-stricken at the fate of their companions, the other emissaries +stepped back, when, to add to their confusion, Zita, with remarkable +strength for so frail a girl, lifted the stand of mirrors and hurled it +among them. + +Locke somersaulted to the floor and, seizing the broken stand, used it +as a weapon with deadly effect. + +The emissaries turned and fled. + +An instant later Locke started to the panel through which Eva had been +dragged, when he heard steps from the other side. It was the emissaries +who had seized Eva, coming back to see what all the rumpus was about. +Locke, forewarned, slipped close to the wall, and, as they passed +through the panel, one at a time, he was able to fell them to the floor. + +Then he rushed through the panel just in time to see Eva, pursued by the +Automaton, running toward him. + +The very strangeness of her terrible adventure had brought Eva out of +the hypnotic state into which she had been thrown and she clung to Locke +as though she were a child. + +Locke took her in his arms and, swiftly evading the slow-moving monster, +dashed back to the hypnotic room, calling to Zita to run to the street. +Thus all three were able to make good their escape. + +Eva had purposely left her motor turning over, and therefore it was +barely an instant after they were in the street before they were +streaking out of that quarter of the town. + +Zita was now overwhelmed by her feelings, but it was Eva herself who +spoke first. + +"Forgive me, Zita," begged Eva, in the rush of her emotions forgetting +all that Zita had done. "But for you, both of us would now be dead." + +For some moments Zita could not reply in her silent sadness at seeing +the joy of Locke with this girl. + +"I--I forgive you?" she murmured, at length. "It is for you to forgive +me." She paused a moment and choked back a sob; then added, bravely, +"I--I can even wish for your happiness, my dear; my hope is dead." + +Only Locke understood, and as he watched Zita he resolved to do all he +could for her, realizing that some one else had made her a victim of her +love and jealousy. + +All breathed a sigh of relief when at last they came again in sight of +the lights of Brent Rock. + +There was just the trace of a shadow to cloud the momentary happiness at +their safe arrival, as, on the steps, Zita refused to enter. + +"I--I must say good-by," she murmured, wistfully, turning to go out into +the night alone. + +Nothing that either Locke or Eva could say seemed to swerve her purpose. + +"Can't you see?" she exclaimed, finally, turning to Locke. "Balcom, +Paul, and Doctor Q all trust me now. I can help you solve the mystery +better if I leave the house." + +This was so evident that Locke and Eva were forced to consent. They took +her back to the city, leaving her where she could be unobserved, then +returned in a very hopeful mood again to Brent Rock. + +"I think she can and will help us," declared Eva, intuitively. + +"Yes," agreed Locke, slowly, "and if Zita finds the record of her birth +I believe we shall solve the mystery." + +Worn out with the terrors through which she had passed, Eva bade Locke +an affectionate good-night and went to her room, while he went to the +laboratory and tried again to find an antidote for the Madagascar +madness, a work that kept him up late and to which he returned again +early the following morning. + +It was on that following day, in the River Road apartment of De Luxe +Dora, that Paul and she were having a demi-monde lovers' quarrel. Paul +was intoxicated, and Dora may have been angry about that. Or it may have +been that she was jealous of some other woman. However, they were +quarreling fiercely when there came a knock at the door. + +"You open it," flashed Dora to Paul. + +He demurred a moment, then, changing his mind, consented and crossed to +the door, while Dora ran to her own room and hid. + +Paul was very much surprised to find that the visitor was Zita, much +excited. + +"I want you to help me on something of great importance," she exclaimed, +almost before she had entered. + +"Why, certainly! Anything you desire!" hiccoughed Paul. "Come on in." + +Zita entered the apartment and they crossed over to the chaise-longue, +where Zita made her direct plea. + +"Help me find the record of my birth," she begged. + +Paul pulled his wandering wits together and thought a moment; then a +particularly crafty look came into his eyes as he detached a key from +his key-ring. + +"Here, take this," he directed. "It's the key to my father's apartment. +The records you want are there. He and I have quarreled and you can go +as far as you like." + +Zita took the key eagerly, thanked Paul profusely, and started for the +door. + +She had barely passed the threshold before Dora, who had heard all, was +at the telephone in her own room and was angrily calling up Balcom at +his apartment. + +Balcom, assisted by his Madagascan servant, was at the moment packing a +trunk, perhaps preparatory to a hasty flight, should that become +necessary. The moment the telephone rang he picked up the receiver and +nearly choked with anger as he heard Dora's whispered voice over the +wire. + +"Paul has given Zita the key to your apartment," Dora hastened, "and she +is coming over to steal the record of her birth." + +"She is--eh? Well, I'll take care of that," growled Balcom, as he rang +off. + +Balcom went to a drawer in the table and from it took a large book. +Rapidly he turned over the pages until he found what he wanted. Then he +made an erasure and an entry and replaced the book in the drawer. Next +he called the servant. + +"When she comes, you make her a prisoner," he directed. "Understand?" + +The Madagascan nodded and raised one of Balcom's hands to his own +forehead as a sign of his fidelity. + +Balcom went out and the servant stepped into the empty trunk to await +the arrival of Zita. + +But it was a very different person with whom the Madagascan had to +contend in the end. + +On leaving Dora's apartment, Zita telephoned Brent Rock, and Locke +answered immediately. Locke readily agreed to make the search of +Balcom's apartment in Zita's stead. + +When the Madagascan heard a key in the door he stealthily peeped from +his hiding-place and saw, instead of Zita, Locke. + +Locke's back was turned, and the Madagascan, undaunted, sprang from the +trunk and leaped, catlike, on Locke's back. But he had not reckoned on +his antagonist. Locke, always on guard, was not taken quite by surprise. +He caught the savage in a jiu-jitsu hold, throwing him over his head to +land in a far corner of the room. + +In spite of the fall, the Madagascan bounded to his feet, like a rubber +ball, but a few stiff jabs from Locke soon took all the fight out of him +and he lay still, completely knocked out. + +Locke made a hurried but systematic search of the room, and finally +found the book that he sought, taking it and returning to Eva at Brent +Rock. + +After telephoning, Zita went directly to Doctor Q's laboratory, to which +she was admitted after he had seen her through his periscope +annunciator. + +The doctor was fumbling with a test-tube, from which some heavy fumes +were issuing. He motioned her to a chair, near a table upon which were +many papers which looked to Zita as though they might be of importance. +Always quick to act, Zita raised her hand as if to arrange her hair, and +as she did so she purposely knocked the test-tube out of the doctor's +hand. The acid spattered on some of the papers, quickly setting them +afire. + +Doctor Q, wildly excited, started to beat out the flames, and in so +doing allowed several unseared letters to flutter to the floor. One in +particular arrested Zita's attention. It was a drawing, a plan of some +sort, and was marked, "Plan of Den." + +Zita placed her foot on it, and, while Doctor Q was engaged with the +small blaze, she reached down and, hastily folding it, thrust it into +one of the low shoes she was wearing. Then she went to Doctor Q's +assistance and in a jiffy the fire was out. The doctor was furiously +angry at her, and, feeling that she had accomplished all that she might +expect, she expressed her regrets for the accident and went out before +his anger became any worse. + +Thus it was that Zita arrived at Brent Rock only a few moments after +Locke, whom she found in the library with Eva, turning over the pages of +the record he had secured at Balcom's. + +The record purported to be a record of marriages of Wallace County, New +York, and Locke finally found an entry that read, "Peter Brent and Rita +Dane." + +For a moment Zita was stunned. It was her mother's name. + +Locke smiled. "Yes, Zita," he said, quietly, "for a moment Eva and I +were surprised, too. But it's a palpable forgery. Balcom has tried to +prove that you and Eva are half-sisters, but look." + +He handed her a powerful magnifying-glass and through it the clumsy +forgery stood out in all its crudeness, showing plainly where other +names had been erased and these inserted. + +Zita was greatly disappointed, for she had thought that at last she +would establish her identity. Then she remembered the paper she had +hidden in her shoe. She slipped the paper out and handed it to Locke, +who was greatly excited over its importance. + +They were still studying it when Locke heard a strange noise, as of +shuffling feet, in the hallway. He jumped to the door, and there, in the +dim light of the stairway leading down to the Graveyard of Genius, he +saw a knot of men carrying another man, who was evidently helpless. +Locke started forward, but they were gone. + +Eva hurried up-stairs to her father's room, fearing something was wrong. + +"Father's gone!" she cried, despairingly. + +Locke threw himself full against the door at the head of the cellar +stairs which the men had slammed shut. He tried to batter it down, but +it was too strongly built. Then he drew his revolver and with the barrel +started to push out the pins from the hinges. He worked feverishly and +succeeded in driving the top pin out. Then, using it as a lever, he was +able to pull the door from its frame. + +He dashed down the stairs, but was late by only the fraction of a +second, as a metal hand was just closing the huge door to the Graveyard +of Genius. He fumbled at the secret combination, and as he was doing so +Eva and Zita joined him. + +The door swung open and they rushed through. But the place was deserted. + +"They've carried your father through some secret passage," exclaimed +Locke. "That would explain much that is strange that has happened about +the house, too." + +Just then Zita stepped forward with the plan in her hand. "See," she +cried, "there is a secret passage marked on this." + +Locke studied the plan for some time, but whoever had drawn it had +carefully concealed both the exact location of the passage and the +method by which it was reached. As he searched, however, an idea +occurred to Locke. + +"I'll rig a trap with a camera," he decided, finally. + +A few minutes later he returned to the room with his special +quick-shutter camera, a flash-bag, and a ball of light twine. Carefully +he focused the camera on the wall where the plan showed the secret +passage to be. Then he rigged up the flash-bag and connected the whole +with the twine, which he strung all about the Graveyard of Genius, so +that, should any part of the wall move, it would cause the twine to +break which in turn would at the same time release the shutter of the +camera and explode the powder of the flashlight. Thus, without any +direct human agency, a photograph would be taken. + +Next he attached wires and ran them to the library above, where he +installed an annunciator, the needle of which would indicate when the +trap was sprung and the picture taken. Fascinated, the two girls +watched. Eva was almost fainting with grief at the terrible fate that +had overtaken her father. Even in his sickness, at least she had had +him. But now he was gone--to what she could only guess. Locke tried to +console her as they paced the library above, even though he realized +that such consolation was hollow. + +It was perhaps half an hour later when suddenly the needle of the +annunciator began to vibrate rapidly. All leaped to their feet and ran +down the stairs to the Graveyard. + +At once Locke rushed to the camera, put in a slide, and took out the +plate-holder. Then they hurried up to his laboratory. + +There Locke procured a developing-bag and started to work. Nervously and +impatiently Eva and Zita watched him at his task. + +At last the negative was ready and Locke drew it from the bag and held +it to the light. + +There, glaring out of the plate, was the devilish face of Balcom! + +Eva and Zita both uttered a cry of astonishment and consternation. Even +Locke was amazed. But the strongest feeling he had was anger as he +turned to them. + +"You two take this plan," he exclaimed. "It shows a den with an exit +indicated. Get some one to go with you; find the place and wait for me +there. I can find the secret entrance from the Graveyard from this +negative--and I'm going through it." + +Balcom, in the passageway between the Graveyard of Genius and the +Automaton's den, was livid with fury. He realized that his picture had +been taken, surmised that the secret passage would be found and that +some assault on the den would be attempted. But he had had no time to +locate the camera, which Locke had hidden well, nor had he dared to +search longer for it when he heard Locke bounding down the stairs from +the library. + +Accordingly, he had retreated and hastened back through the passageway +into the Automaton's den. + +"Quick!" he shouted to the horde of emissaries in the place. "Bring +dynamite, electric wires, and a rack-bar. They think they have us +trapped. But if they try to follow me here, I tell you it will mean +certain death to them." + +The emissaires hastened to obey him. They brought the explosive and the +means to detonate it, and carried the stuff into the passageway, where +they made the connections. An emissary stepped forward and volunteered +to use the rack-bar when the time came, but Balcom waved him away. + +"No," he growled. "No one can take my revenge from me. I'll do the +killing." + +The emissaries fell back and went into the den. + +Balcom was making some final adjustments when the great rock separating +the passageway from the Graveyard of Genius swung slowly on its balanced +hinges. + +Startled from his work, even though he had expected the thing, Balcom +looked up, and in the passageway caught a glimpse of the dim outline of +his arch-enemy, Locke. + +Balcom had been right. Locke had found the clue to the secret entrance +to the tunnel. + +He worked feverishly to complete the final connection, but almost before +he finished Locke charged and the battle was on. + +Up and down the passageway they fought. Although Locke was the younger +man, yet in Balcom he found a giant of strength. + +It was a fight between these two alone, for no emissary, no Automaton, +now entered that passage of death. + +Neither uttered a sound. Neither had a weapon. It was the primitive +struggle of man to man for life. + +But now Locke's youth and clean living began to tell in his favor and he +sensed that his adversary was weakening. He redoubled his efforts. + +After a particularly vicious blow from Locke, Balcom threw up his hands +and toppled over backward--in the direction of the rack-bar itself. + +Locke tried to throw Balcom's body out of the way. It was too late. With +a thud Balcom crashed full upon the plunger, driving it home. + +There was a blinding flash, a dull roar, and the earth rocked. Huge +boulders were tossed about like feathers and the roof of the passage +caved in. + +Balcom was killed instantly. Locke, with better fortune, had been hurled +to the ground, where the earth and rocks, in falling, had formed a sort +of arch over his body. + +He was alive, though barely conscious. He knew that soon a search would +be made for him. But, buried under tons of earth and rock, could any +rescuers reach him in time? Was this the end? + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + + +For a long time Locke lay quite still. The shock to his nervous system +had been terrific, and, although physically almost uninjured, he had +lost his usual grip on himself and felt very helpless. + +He felt terribly tired. The thought came to him that he had done enough, +reached his limit of endurance. He craved sleep, a long sleep, and +forgetfulness. + +But youth and the undying desire for life and accomplishment won over +this deadly mood and he began to take note of his position. His mind +became clearer and the ringing in his ears, caused by the explosion, +gradually passed away. + +Then, like a flash, the question entered his mind of how he was able, +buried under tons of debris, to breathe so freely. Why was the air not +vitiated? + +He tried to move slowly and quietly so as not to dislodge any of the +rocks that formed an arch over his body. He succeeded beyond his +expectations, for his body was in a sort of natural pocket and not one +of his limbs was inextricably bound. Thus, twisting his body, he managed +to draw himself into what seemed to be an even more open space. + +He hardly dared to breathe, so fearful was he that any moment he might +reach a point where further progress would be impossible. He moved +slowly, gropingly, then suddenly he recoiled in horror, for his hand had +come in contact with something which he recognized to be a man's face. + +In his shaken condition it was some seconds before he could control the +wild jangling of his nerves. Then he searched his pockets and, finding a +match, lighted it. There, covered to the armpits by dirt and rocks, was +the body of Balcom, whose last act before his own death had been an +attempt to murder Locke. + +Locke shuddered and redoubled his efforts to escape from the gruesome +place. There still remained a small hole through which he must climb. +But he negotiated it successfully, and in another moment he was +aboveground and free. + +Eva and Zita had followed Locke's instructions, but had not waited to +find any one to go with them to the exit from the den. Nor did they wait +at the exit more than a few minutes. + +Eva had taken a small electric torch with her, and, becoming impatient +at the non-appearance of Locke, she flashed it about as she followed the +lines and marks indicated on the plan of the den. + +She and Zita were surprised at the magnitude of the entrance passageway +they uncovered. They had had to make a detour in order to reach the +beach at a point where it was indicated that the exit of the den would +be found, and even with the plan, which they consulted at every step, +they almost missed their objective, for the cleft in the rocks slanted +inward and was difficult to see even when one was standing directly in +front of it. + +They had peered into the cavern and were waiting when they heard the +explosion. They gazed at each other questioningly and with apprehension. + +"What do you think it is?" asked Eva, questioningly. + +Zita could, of course, offer no explanation and did not try. + +Impulsively both girls took a very foolish chance. Both had thought of +Locke and they started to run into the cave entrance and toward the +sound of the explosion. + +Zita was in the lead, and it was at this moment that the panic-stricken +emissaries came tumbling and fighting their way from the den. Zita +shrieked to Eva to save herself, and Eva, although unwilling to leave +her, knew that now she could do nothing to save Zita, and took her only +chance of escape. + +As for Zita, the emissaries were too frightened to pay any attention to +her. But behind them came the iron monster, without nerves, it seemed. +The Automaton saw her and pinned her to the rock wall until she was +unconscious. Then, picking her up as though she were a feather, it +carried her out to the beach. + +Locke, the moment he freed himself from the hole which had so nearly +been his grave, ran staggering toward the beach, for he felt +instinctively that Eva and Zita were in danger. + +Eva and Locke must have started at about the same time, she in her +flight away from the Automaton, and Locke to find the den exit, for they +met on the cliffside. + +"Thank God you are safe!" exclaimed Eva. + +Locke impulsively threw his arms about her and kissed her as they +related their narrow escapes. + +Locke resolved to follow the trail of the Automaton and to rescue Zita. +Also he had hopes of rescuing Eva's father at the same time. Eva wished +to accompany him, but he would not think of it, and insisted that she +return to Brent Rock and keep all the doors barricaded. In fact, he +followed her almost to the house and saw that she entered safely, then +hurried back to the beach. + +With the aid of Eva's electric torch, which she had given him, it was no +difficult task to trace the huge footsteps of the Automaton, though, one +by one, the footprints of the emissaries took divergent directions, +probably for the very purpose of confusing just such a pursuit. + +He followed the main track, however, until he came to the banks of a +small stream, and there the trail was completely lost, for the monster +had stepped into the water. Locke waded to the other bank and hunted for +further tracks, but there were none to be found. The Automaton had +undoubtedly waded up-stream to the point where he had decided to dispose +of Zita. + +Nothing daunted, Locke started wading upstream. This stream ran in a +gully between the rocks and the cliffs on either side, which were very +high. Time and time again Locke thought of turning back for more +searchers. But he hated to return to Eva without at least some news, and +therefore he persisted. + +He was at last rewarded, for just as he was about to turn to the right +where the stream made a bend, he thought he heard a low laugh. He +stopped dead in his tracks. Again the sound of the broken laughter came +to him. + +Cautiously Locke moved slowly forward until he could see around the +bend. + +It was a strange sight that met his gaze. Under an enormous overhanging +rock he saw about fifteen men standing, while against the cliff he could +distinguish the form of a girl. It was undoubtedly Zita. Sitting on a +rock and quite close to her was Peter Brent. + +The emissaries were clustered around the central figure, which was +waving its arms of steel and indicating what they should do. As the +Automaton gesticulated, tiny points of fire gleamed from its eyes. + +Seen in the light of the lanterns held by the emissaries, the Automaton +never looked more terrifying. Even Locke himself, who had encountered +the monster so often, felt a cold chill as he watched him and his men. + +Locke turned noiselessly, for well he knew that alone he could do +nothing. He started to retrace his steps to Brent Rock, and no sooner +had he arrived there than he told Eva that her father still lived and +was uninjured, and that Zita was safe in the new den of the Automaton +which he had discovered. Then he telephoned to his chief to send +officers immediately to Brent Rock. + +After the explosion that had killed Balcom and had come so near to +killing Locke, when he had finally rescued himself and had drawn himself +out of the hole, there was one who watched him. + +It was none other than that mysterious being, Doctor Q. What twist of +that disordered brain had brought him to the spot was not at once +evident. However, as soon as Locke had left to go toward Eva, Doctor Q +came from his hiding-place, madly smiling and wagging his head. He +peered into the hole and, seeing nothing, lighted a match and thrust it +far down into the darkness. + +There was a sharp intake of his breath, for the match revealed to him +the dead face of Herbert Balcom. + +Doctor Q drew back and stood erect. + +"Dead!" he muttered, as he ran his fingers through his hair dazedly. + +"Dead!" + +A strange thing happened. The mad light fled from the eyes of Doctor Q +and the twisted brain seemed to become clear. + +Suddenly in the very field the old man knelt down and prayed a thankful +prayer for his recovery. + +What was the strange power which Balcom had wielded over him, which +death had snapped? + +The officers arrived at Brent Rock and Locke was ready. The party left +immediately to go to the rescue of Brent and Zita, and it took them only +a short time to reach the spot which Locke had located. + +Disposing some of his force below the hanging rock, Locke and some +others went farther upstream. The two parties looked at their watches, +waiting a certain time agreed on. + +Then the two parties moved toward each other. As they came in sight of +the spot, Locke experienced a keen disappointment. He could see no one. +Advancing farther, he discovered Brent still on the same rock. Guarding +him were three emissaries. That was all. Zita, the Automaton, and the +other emissaries were gone. + +The three emissaries, seeing the numbers opposed to them, did not even +offer to resist. They were placed under arrest, but nothing could induce +them to tell where the others had gone. + +To fail Zita after she had so nobly saved his life in the lair of the +hypnotist was an unwelcome thought to Locke, and he resolved to rescue +her at any risk. But first he felt he must restore Brent to his +daughter, and therefore the party returned to Brent Rock. + +Eva was beside herself with joy at the safe return of her father, and +led him tenderly to his room and sent immediately for the doctor in +order that he might not suffer from his exposure. + +While this was going on at Brent Rock, Paul Balcom was rifling his +father's papers in the apartment where Balcom had lived. He had +unceremoniously thrown letters and documents all over the floor in his +mad search for something. Finally he found what he was looking for, and, +smiling triumphantly as he read the paper, he thrust it into his pocket +and hurriedly left the place, not stopping even to pick up the papers +scattered all about. + +Zita had evidently been watching the house, for no sooner had he left +than she ran up the front steps of the Balcom apartment. + +In some way she had procured a key and let herself in. Then began a +feverish search very similar to that which Paul had instituted. Only, +this time Zita picked up all the papers, arranging them and placing them +back in the drawers, after scanning their contents. + +She had almost finished when a small book lying in a distant corner of +the room caught her eye. + +At a glance she saw that it was a diary. Turning the pages rapidly, she +finally came to one over which she fairly gloated, for its information, +sold to the proper parties, might make her independent for life. + +Even as she was gloating over her find there came the sound of many feet +in the front hallway. Zita had no time to run out of the room before the +door opened, giving entrance to six emissaries, surrounding her. + +The emissaries locked all the doors and tramped out. Only their leader +remained for a moment to throw a parting shot. + +"Remember," he threatened, "this house is watched. See that you act +accordingly. You will, if you know what's good for you." + +Then he slammed the door and locked it behind him. + +For a long time Zita sat there, too despairing to move. Then her ear +caught the sound of stealthy footsteps in the hall, and she ran and hid +behind the portieres. The door opened slowly and Paul stole again into +the room. + +Having nothing to fear from him, Zita came from her hiding-place and +confronted him. Paul was startled for a moment at her sudden appearance, +but recovered himself on seeing that it was Zita. + +The paper that he had stolen from his father's desk had proved to him +that Zita had become highly desirable, and he was not one to miss such +an opportunity. + +As he questioned her, Zita told him briefly her story, or, rather, such +portions of it as she thought it desirable for him to know. Paul, in +turn, assured her of his undying friendship and something more. His +earnestness almost made it seem true, and he talked in his most +fascinating and attractive manner. He finally ended his conversation +with a direct proposal of marriage. But he had overstepped the mark and +Zita was not to be fooled. + +"Paul"--she laughed scornfully now--"you should be on the stage. It +needed only this proposal to prove to me that I am really Peter Brent's +daughter." + +"Peter Brent's daughter!" he exclaimed. "No, not his daughter--the +daughter of Doctor Q." + +"Impossible!" recoiled Zita, astounded at the assertion. + +"True, Zita," he asserted, "absolutely true. Here, look at this paper." + +With hands that trembled, Zita took the paper and read an amazing table. +Unless the paper lied, she was indeed the daughter of Doctor Q. + +There was only one thing to do and that was to confront Doctor Q at once +and force him to a full explanation. + +In order not to antagonize Paul, Zita was now particularly nice to him. +Her object was to get him to consent to her escape, so that she could +inform Locke and Eva of her discovery and all three confront Doctor Q +and wrest from him the story. + +At first Paul would not let her go unless she consented to marry him, +but Zita played him skilfully, so that finally he unlocked the door. + +Then Zita flew down the stairs and to a telephone around the corner, +where she called up Locke, to whom she told as much as she dared over +the wire. + +Locke told her that he and Eva would meet her within an hour in the +lobby of one of the city's largest hotels, and Zita hastened there, +where she waited impatiently until they arrived. + +Doctor Q admitted them immediately, and they noticed with astonishment +the wonderful change for the better that had taken place in the man. For +with the restoration of his mind all the evil lines of his face had been +obliterated, as it were, and in the place of the doddering half-imbecile +they found a genial, kindly, and distinguished gentleman who, with the +utmost hospitality, brought chairs and begged them to be seated. + +Zita, in her anxiety to know the truth, could hardly contain her +impatience. Tossed from pillar to post, dominated once by the strong, +evil mind of Balcom, Zita had run the gamut of human emotions before she +had barely passed her girlhood. + +Seeing her agitation, Locke undertook to interrogate the doctor. + +"Doctor Q," he began, "I believe you know the perpetrator of the crimes +to which we have all been subjected, and we have come to you in all +friendliness to ask you to clear this mystery up for us. Balcom is +dead," added Locke, pointedly. + +"Yes, I know that," interrupted Doctor Q. + +"You know?" all asked. "How do you know?" + +The doctor told of having seen Balcom's body. But at first he could not +explain why he was in the spot at the time. + +Then Locke went on to tell him of the document that Paul had shown to +Zita. + +Doctor Q sank heavily into a chair. + +"That document that Paul Balcom showed Zita," he exclaimed, after a +moment, "told the truth." + +All were startled. Zita would have risen with a cry had not Locke gently +touched her arm. + +"Tell us the story," demanded Locke of Q. + +For some moments Doctor Q seemed to be collecting his scattered +thoughts, as though still a haze hung over his mind. Then he began to +speak, becoming more certain of his strange story. + +"It was many years ago," he began, as all drew closer about him, +listening breathlessly to his narrative, "and all these years I have +been quite mad. The man now lying dead, Balcom, was the cause of all +these years of misery." + +The old man passed his hand over his head as though to wipe away a +recollection of hate and fear, then resumed: + +"I was an inventor in those days, and very successful. I had built up a +great fortune, had built a great house, and in that house I had a +beautiful wife and two of the loveliest children, a boy and a girl, that +ever man had." + +He paused again, then went on: + +"One day, a man entered my life and proposed to put my inventions on the +market very advantageously. He was suave, polished, and apparently a +gentleman. At any rate, I trusted him. You all knew him. It was Herbert +Balcom. + +"At the time I did not know that in order to give my inventions a clear +field the inventions of hundreds of poor inventors were to be +suppressed. I know now, Miss Brent, that your own father was led along +in the scheme, even as I was. Balcom possessed the master mind and we +were all as children in his hands." + +Doctor Q stopped a moment. It was evident that he was speaking with +restraint when it came to Peter Brent, perhaps glossing over what the +man had done. Though he did not say so, the mere fact that at last Brent +had seen the light and had planned a wholesale restitution weighed +supremely in Doctor Q's mind. + +"One day," he resumed, "Balcom came to me in what I know now was merely +feigned excitement and fear. 'They're after us!' he cried. 'Brent and I +have done our best--but the government is after you, and we can't +protect you any longer.' + +"Then for the first time Balcom told me of the real purposes of the +company, told me that he had been drawn into it by Brent. It was all a +tissue of lies--lies that drove me from my home and country. I hated +your father with an undying hate, Miss Brent. + +"Well, to make the sad story short, I took my wife and children and +sailed secretly for the farthermost parts of the world. Off the coast of +Madagascar, in the Straits, a typhoon came up. The vessel was driven on +the rocks and wrecked. I was cast ashore, and I vaguely remember how, +for days and weeks, I patrolled that beach, subsisting on shell-fish, +imploring God, day and night, to restore my wife and children to me. +Then my mind gave way. + +"The natives took me in, thinking me a god. They took me many miles +inland. Savages, the world over, are superstitious about the demented, +and so they treated me kindly. They installed me in a thatched hut of my +own and made me a leader. + +"How many months, years, I stayed with them I do not know. But, true to +my mechanical instinct, I rigged up a forge and improved many of the +crude instruments of the natives, principally those of agriculture. + +"But transcending every other feeling, I hated Brent. In my madness, I +conceived the idea that I would construct an iron giant that, upon its +completion, if I could only procure the brain of a man who had died of a +lightning stroke or other electric agency, I could, by installing this +brain in the brain cavity of the giant, give it volition, make it a +superman without feeling or conscience. It was a mad idea--but I was +mad. + +"At about this time Balcom came to Madagascar. He found me and, knowing +my intense hatred of Peter Brent, he cruelly added fuel to the fire. +Already he must have known that Brent was coming to his senses and +planning his great restitution to genius. + +"He promised me that if I would come to New York with him he would +secure an electrocuted brain so that I could perfect my steel automaton +and obtain my revenge. I was easily persuaded and I sailed with Balcom, +bringing the iron monster with me." + +A strange light gleamed in the old man's eyes as he spoke, not the light +of madness, but of kindliness now. + +"Children," he said, at length, "I have, during these lucid moments, +watched you all closely. Call it instinct if you will, but you, Zita, +and you, Quentin, seem to be particularly dear to me now. To-day, +returning from the scene of the explosion, with every faculty not only +clear, but rather sharpened by long disuse, I pieced the years, the +months, even the days together. I searched in an old trunk and I +found--this." + +It was a list of those rescued from the steamer _Magnifique_, and with +amazement they read the names among the passengers: + + QUENTIN LOCKE + ZITA LOCKE + +There was a short note at the bottom of the list, to the effect that no +trace of either the father or the mother of the two children had been +found. + +Paper after paper which Doctor Q had found, where they had been +preserved by Balcom, proved the identification and the story. + +Locke's head was in a whirl at the sudden change in relationships, but +not more so than Zita's. Finally Zita could stand the strain no longer. +What had been a hopeless love was now explained. + +"My--my brother!" she sobbed, as she buried her head on Quentin's +shoulder. + +Both turned to Doctor Q--Doctor Q no longer, but really Quentin Locke, +senior, whence had come the "Q." + +His eyes filled with tears and his voice choked. + +"My--children," he murmured, "I see that it is not too late for me to +find happiness, after all. Our enemy is dead. It was Balcom, of course, +who was in that frame of armor, who used that terrible poison that stole +away Brent's mind. The iron monster will walk no more. Henceforth Peter +Brent and Miss Eva and you, Quentin--will--" + +Doctor Q had not time to finish the sentence. + +The door burst inward. + +The Automaton, its eyes aflame, stalked in among them! + + + +CHAPTER XXV + + +As the Automaton crashed its way into the room all sprang back +terrified, aghast. + +For this monster, they had felt sure, was now nothing but an inanimate +shell of armor, since Balcom was dead. + +Yet here it was, stalking toward them and evidently as bent on +destruction as ever. + +What did it mean? + +In an instant Locke had helped Eva through an open window and turned to +assist Zita. But Doctor Q forestalled him and had already taken her in +his arms and had fled with her into another room. + +For the moment Locke was surprised to see that the Automaton totally +ignored him. Instead, it stalked to the door and wrenched it open. +There, cowering in the hall, in abject terror, was De Luxe Dora. + +How and why she had come there was a mystery. But the Automaton did not +hesitate. It raised its hands and, as it did so, long flashes of blue +flame leaped from the steel finger-tips toward the unfortunate woman. +Once she shrieked, then crumpled and fell dead. + +The monster then turned its attention to Locke, striding toward him with +a menacing gesture. But the diversion due to Dora had given all just the +time they needed to make good their flight. Locke threw a chair to +impede the progress of the monster, and then, as he saw that all the +others were safe, he lightly vaulted out of the window himself, to find +them waiting for him in the little yard below. + +"What do you make of it now--father?" asked Locke of Doctor Q. "Balcom +is dead. Who is now in the iron man?" + +Doctor Q shrugged. It was a mystery to him as much as ever, and he +seemed unable to throw any light on it. + +"But De Luxe Dora," queried Zita. "What had she come for? Why was she +struck down--first?" + +Again Doctor Q shook his head. + +From the yard they could hear the Automaton's heavy tread in the room +and, as there was nothing to be gained by remaining, they left the yard +and hurried away out of the neighborhood. + +They had not gone far, however, when Doctor Locke came to a full stop. + +"I must go back," he exclaimed. + +For a moment all thought he had again taken leave of his senses. Yet he +was obdurate. + +"Miss Brent--Eva," he explained, "you know that a grievous wrong has +been done your father through me. He lies ill of that most terrible of +diseases, the laughing madness. I alone possess the antidote, and it is +in the laboratory that we have just left. I pray that that iron beast +has not destroyed it." + +At the mere words Locke turned as if to go back for it. + +"No, Quentin," remonstrated his father. "You must remain to guard Eva." + +"Then I will go," insisted Zita. "I am not afraid now. Even when the +monster carried me off I overcame my fear, watched my chance, and +escaped from his den, where he left me. I will go." + +Finally Doctor Locke agreed that Zita might return with him, remain +outside, and give the alarm if anything happened to him. Thus, after +many remonstrances, it was agreed, and Eva and Quentin went on to Brent +Rock. + +No one had molested Brent in the mean time. The terror caused by the +explosion, as well as the loss of Balcom, for the time, at least, had +evidently cowed the emissary band. + +While Eva made Brent comfortable, Locke went immediately to the +laboratory, where he had something which he considered very important. + +"Quentin," remarked Eva, as she joined him, "your father spoke the +truth, I believe, when he said that it was Balcom in the Automaton, But +if that was the case, who is in it now?" + +Locke shook his head dubiously. "I give it up," he replied. "It's too +deep for me. But whoever it is, he won't trouble us long, I'll wager. +I've been perfecting a special gun and an explosive-gas bullet. No one +can shoot the monster. Nothing seems to stop it. But this weapon, I +think, will at last prove a match for it." + +Eva, who had always had the deepest interest in Quentin's work, listened +attentively as he explained in detail the working of the new weapon. + +"And now we come to the actual loading of these asphyxiating-poison +bullets," concluded Quentin. "I really must ask you, Eva, to go into +another room, for it is dangerous work and you must not risk your life +here." + +"But, Quentin," remonstrated Eva, "we've risked our lives so often +together that I have ceased to be afraid of anything." + +Quentin was insistent, and finally Eva agreed. + +As Doctor Q and Zita neared the former's laboratory, they saw that all +the lights in the house were out. Doctor Locke, against Zita's advice, +insisted on going in, and told his daughter to wait outside. It was then +that Zita disobeyed her father for the first time, for she flatly +refused to be left behind. + +"No," she insisted. "I found a father to-night and what we must risk we +risk together. It is no worse than the peril from which I once escaped." + +There was no reasoning with Zita, and they let themselves into the +little yard and went up the back steps. When they came to the door of +the laboratory they listened intently. + +There was no sound. Then they mustered up courage and cautiously entered +the room. For a long time they stood quite still, not daring to move. +Finally Doctor Q suddenly lighted a match. + +The room was in terrible confusion, as though cyclone-swept. + +Doctor Locke turned on an electric bulb and the room was flooded with +light. + +Everywhere there were traces of the Automaton. But the monster itself +had left the place. Doctor Locke crossed to the other door. There was a +sight that made them shudder. The body of De Luxe Dora was still huddled +in a heap on the floor. She was quite dead. + +But Doctor Locke had no time now to waste. Moments were precious. At any +instant they might again be attacked. Feverishly he began to search for +the bottle containing the antidote. + +At last he found it, carefully hidden, and in a bottle fortunately not +broken. + +They left everything as it was and hurriedly left the place, on their +way to Brent Rock. + +Meanwhile, in one of the worst quarters of the city, down in the cellar +of a huge warehouse, a mob of emissaries were gathered. They were +discussing the things that had led up to the explosion in the +Automaton's den, Balcom's death, and the arrest of their three pals. +Plans for the future they discussed, but, with their leader gone, these +hardened men were still as helpless as children. + +Suddenly above the din of voices a strange, familiar sound was heard, a +sound as of clanking chains, and the blood froze in the veins of every +man present. Then with wild shouts of terror they scattered in every +direction, for the Automaton was stalking toward them. + +Balcom, the man who had given the iron man life, was dead. And yet the +Automaton was among them! + +That night, in the holds of many vessels and on the brake-beams of many +trains pulling away from the city, emissaries who once were slaves of +the Automaton were fleeing the city in every direction. + +When Zita and her father arrived at Brent Rock, Locke was still working +at his new gas-gun. Eva was in the library, but when she heard the +voices in the hallway she ran to welcome them. + +"Oh, I'm so glad you've both returned safe," she cried. Then, unable to +withstand the suspense longer, she asked, "Have you brought it--the +antidote?" + +When Doctor Locke told her that the bottle that contained it was safely +stowed in his pocket Eva sank, overwrought, into a chair and cried with +simple relief and joy. + +In a moment, however, she had gained control of herself, dashed the +tears from her eyes, and almost seized the bottle from Doctor Locke. + +"Bring him down here, my dear," cautioned the doctor, still holding the +bottle. "You would not know how to administer it." + +Eva ran to her father's room, stopping only long enough to summon +Quentin, then together they led Brent down-stairs. + +Brent's condition was still pitiable. His mind was a total blank. These +people--Doctor Q, Zita, Quentin, even his own daughter--meant nothing to +him. He lived and breathed. But no ray of light entered the poor brain. + +They guided his halting steps into the library as if he had been +something less than a child, and placed him in the same big armchair on +which he had sunk the fatal morning that the fumes from the candles had +overcome him. + +Doctor Q drew out the bottle and, telling Zita to bring a glass of +water, measured out a few drops of the antidote, pouring them into the +glass. Then he moved over to Brent and tried to get him to drink it. For +a long time Brent merely clenched his teeth, but, once he was induced to +taste the mixture, he drank it eagerly. + +For ages, it seemed to those watching, Brent sat as before, vacantly +gazing straight ahead of him--so long, in fact, that a terrible fear +entered Eva's heart that, perhaps, after all, the antidote would fail +and that her father would remain without reason until the day of his +death. + +Then slowly a change was noticeable in his eyes, and all leaned forward +with overpowering intentness. What they were watching was like a +miracle. Slowly, very slowly, they saw the soul creep back into those +poor, mad eyes. + +Brent had been staring directly at his daughter as she watched him +anxiously. Now a puzzled look came over his face and, raising a hand, he +rubbed his forehead. + +Then a wonderful light seemed to shine from his eyes and he held out his +arms to Eva. + +With a sob of excited happiness Eva rushed to embrace him. + +As Locke stood behind him, Zita and Doctor Q walked to the other end of +the room, turning sidewise to the group. + +Suddenly Brent turned his eyes away from Eva and noticed Doctor Q for +the first time. + +"Who is that?" he asked Eva. + +"Why, father, that is--" + +At the sound of voices Doctor Q had turned around. + +"You!" gasped Brent, as he sank back into his chair. + +The look on his face was strange, perhaps half fear, half shame. + +Doctor Q came no nearer for a moment, while Eva hastened to explain what +had happened. Then unsteadily Brent rose and walked over to the doctor. + +"You are alive!" he exclaimed. "You have come again into my life so that +at last I can make restitution. My daughter has explained to me all that +you have suffered. Believe me it was through my own weakness. It seems +incredible that any man could be so infamous, so utterly without moral +scruples, as was Balcom. I believed the villain implicitly. That is, and +can be, my only excuse." + +The doctor placed his hand on Brent's shoulder. + +"I can understand only too well," he remarked, "for I, too, believed in +Balcom. You were a reticent man and so my dealings were all with him. I +was gullible, an inventor, not a business man. I should have come to you +before I fled the country, I suppose. Say no more about it, for I +forgive you from the bottom of my heart." + +But Brent insisted on explaining that at least he had had a desire to +right the great wrongs. + +"I can remember it all now," he continued. "I was about to make +restitution when a man connected with the company--I am sure now that he +was an adventurer, a crook, in the pay of Balcom, although Balcom +probably tried to hide it--came to me. His name, as I remember it, was +Flint. I was about to write a letter that showed that it was my +intention to right a wrong, when--something interrupted me and--the rest +I can't remember." + +Quentin, who had been standing behind the chair, now drew from his +pocket a piece of paper which he handed to Brent. + +"Yes--that is it," cried Brent, excitedly, taking it, and spreading it +out before them. "See!" + +It was a note addressed to Quentin Locke and read: + + I have done you a great wrong about which you know + nothing, but for which I will make amends-- + +"It was broken off," exclaimed Brent, making a sad effort to recollect +what had happened. "I don't remember how. But this Flint had been +telling me something about an iron monster. He had a model--said he had +seen the real thing in Madagascar, that it had a human brain, that it +walked and fought, that it had strength and life--but no conscience. He +hinted that the thing would do me harm if I persisted in a course that I +had determined for myself of giving back to inventors we had robbed the +things of which we had robbed them. I did not believe him. I thought the +thing absurd, and started to write the note, going a step farther than I +had ever threatened Balcom." + +Quentin, Doctor Q, and Zita exchanged glances as Eva's father resumed +his narrative. + +"Then I felt a choking sensation at my throat. I remember the effrontery +of Flint's laughing at me, in a maudlin sort of way, and then--a blank. +The next I recall was just now--Eva gazing at me with a worried +expression in her dear eyes. I called to her and kissed her, tried to +comfort her. Then I saw you, Locke, and Zita." + +Peter Brent, from the time he and Flint had been overcome by the fumes +from the candelabra until he received the antidote and recognized his +daughter, had not known a thing! + +As they talked there were many matters the two aged men discovered while +they pieced together the happenings of years. + +Each had been duped by the same man. Each had suffered great trouble +through this man's machinations and duplicity. + +As they talked, the attention of both turned to the younger Quentin +Locke, who seemed overjoyed at the recovery of his former employer. + +Brent had a very great feeling of affection and respect for the younger +man, for had he not really brought him up? + +As all questioned one another, they asked Brent much about the past, and +he told them all. + +He told how he had become finally suspicious of Balcom, of how he +insisted upon instituting a search for the doctor, his wife, and +children. He told how Balcom had opposed him up to the last moment. Then +he described his sailing half the world over in search of them, how at +times he found a trail, only to lose it again. + +Finally he told how at last he had found that the mother had been lost, +but the children saved. + +"I was in Bombay," he continued, "in despair that I would ever find any +of you. At that time I was an old man before my time, for my conscience +gave me no rest. I went down to the quay to purchase a ticket for my +return to New York, and, true to the habit I had formed, I asked the +ticket-seller if he had ever heard anything of the survivors of the +steamer _Magnifique_. + +"'Do I know anything of it?' repeated the ticket-seller. 'No, but +there's a man working on this dock now who never talks of anything else. +He was a sailor on the ship and one of the few who survived.' + +"You can believe me when I tell you that I ran down that dock and found +the man. He remembered you all well, remembered you children when you +were taken up with some other survivors, and he said he thought that +some family had taken you to Hong-Kong. + +"I canceled my passage to Liverpool and immediately sailed for China. +Still, my troubles were not over, for it was weeks before I finally +located you babies, Quentin and Zita. + +"I won't burden you with the difficulties I encountered before the +English family, the Danes, with whom I found you, would consent to give +you up. Nor will I take time to tell of our return to New York through +San Francisco. + +"Let it suffice for you to know that we arrived safely after I had +completely circled the world. I sent you to good schools, and when Zita +was old enough I made her my secretary so that I could watch over her. +Quentin, being older, I had not dared to have around at first. I feared +he might question me too closely. And what answer could I give him? +Could I tell him that International Patents had driven his father into +exile, that I had been partly the cause, the indirect cause, it is true, +but still the cause of his mother's death? I never found the courage to +do that and so I sent him to a preparatory school and later to college. +Years wiped out his childhood recollections and when he came here he +came as a stranger employed in the company's laboratory. I make no +defense, but I assure you all that my own sufferings have atoned for all +the wrongs I have done." + +Brent broke down and was almost weeping, when Quentin and Eva moved over +to his side and reassured him. + +As soon as Brent had recovered from his weakness he wanted to know all +that had happened since he had been unconscious under the drug, and as +he listened he was aghast at the Automaton and Balcom's villainy. + +"I've something here that will stop him, though," added Quentin, as he +showed the new gas-gun he had invented and explained its deadly +properties. "Bring him on again--I'm ready." + +"Quentin--please don't joke about that terrible monster," shivered Eva. +"It has injured us so often--I don't even want to talk about it--or +about the government that asked you to come here and set things right. +Let us forget--now that all is right." + +Quentin smiled at her and his quick mind saw that the time had come to +guide the conversation into pleasanter channels. He moved close to +Brent. + +"It looks, Mr. Brent," he said, quietly, "as though we all were at about +the end of our troubles. But there are two of us here who are not quite +happy--yet. Mr. Brent, I am going to claim a reward." + +"Anything, my dear Locke, anything I have is yours." + +"Then I may as well tell you that Eva and I love each other and I want +your consent to our marriage." + +Brent beamed. + +"That, Quentin, is the dearest wish my heart can have." + +Quentin turned to Eva to take her in his arms when there was a terrific +crash of glass in the conservatory, the splintering of wood, and the +Automaton, arms swinging like flails, charged like a mad thing into the +room. + +Its terrorizing eyes were agleam, its one desire destruction. A large +table stood in its way and it demolished it as though it were matchwood. + +The interruption came so abruptly that Brent, who in his right mind had +never seen the fiend and was now seeing it for the first time, was +paralyzed with horror. He tried to rise from his chair, but in his weak +condition fell back, helpless. + +Quentin made a flying leap over the demolished table and placed himself +directly in front of Brent and in the path of the monster. Doctor Q, +Zita, and Eva started for Locke's side, but he waved them back +frantically. + +Locke reached into his pocket and drew out his gas-pistol. The Automaton +was almost upon him when he raised his arm and fired. + +There was a blinding flash and a dull report. The Automaton stopped in +his tracks and, raising one mighty hand to its chest, staggered +backward. Again Quentin fired, and the Automaton slowly crumpled, +sinking to one knee. There was no need to fire again, for suddenly the +monster crashed to the floor and lay still. + +Locke started forward, but Eva shrieked for him to stand back. She had +not forgotten that once she had thought the monster dead and it had +suddenly seized her and almost crushed out her life. + +There was, however, nothing to fear this time. Quentin reassured her +that the gas fumes had passed away, then knelt by the iron terror. He +tried to remove the steel headpiece, but before he could accomplish it +the doctor came forward and in a moment had unfastened the bolts. + +As they were doing so a thick voice from inside could be distinguished, +muttering words about the capture of Brent and Zita just before Balcom +was killed, the escape of Zita, the rescue of Brent, the killing of +Dora, who had evidently come to betray something in jealousy. It was all +incoherent and Doctor Q and Quentin hastened to uncasque the man within. + +They lifted off the helmet and there was the contorted and dying face of +Paul Balcom, who had, in desperation, taken his father's place in a vain +hope to secure the fortune for himself. + +The poison was too strong, and as the girls turned, sickened, away, the +evil features froze, more evil than ever they had been in his evil life. + + * * * * * + +A few days later a brilliant wedding took place at Brent Rock, which +itself was a present to the bride and groom. + +After the guests had thinned out, Quentin and Eva strolled into the +garden, no longer in fear of attack from the steel Automaton. + +Eva glanced at her ring, musing. + +"After all the things from which you have escaped, dear," she murmured, +a bit timidly, "I am afraid nothing in the world can hold you." + +Quentin drew her into his arms, while her hand rested on his shoulder, +and kissed the little golden ring that encircled her finger. + +"Nothing but that band of love," he smiled. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MASTER MYSTERY*** + + +******* This file should be named 16168.txt or 16168.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/1/6/16168 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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