,,! ,,craig ,,k5n$y ,,s]ies ,,! ,,romance ,,( ,,ela9e ,a ,,detective ,,novel ,sequel to ! ,exploits ,,by ,,ar?ur ,b4 ,,reeve ,,cont5ts ,,*apt] ,i ,,! ,,s]p5t ,,sign ,,ii ,,! ,,cryptic ,,r+ ,,iii ,,! ,,wat*+ ,,eye ,,iv ,,! ,,v5geance ,,( ,,wu ,,fang ,v ,,! ,,%ad[s ,,( ,,w> ,,vi ,,! ,,lo/ ,,torp$o ,,vii ,,! ,,gray ,,fri> ,,viii ,,! ,,vani%+ ,,man ,,ix ,,! ,,subm>9e ,,h>bor ,x ,,! ,,conspirators ,,xi ,,! ,,wireless ,,detective ,,xii ,,! ,,dea? ,,cl\d ,,xiii ,,! ,,se>*light ,,gun ,,xiv ,,! ,,life ,,*a9 ,,xv ,,! ,,fla% ,,xvi ,,! ,,disappe>+ ,,helmets ,,xvii ,,! ,,triumph ,,( ,,ela9e ,,! ,,romance ,,( ,,ela9e ,,*apt] ,i ,,! ,,s]p5t ,,sign ,rescu$ by ,k5n$y at la/ f ! t]rible incubus ( ,b5nett's p]secution 9 8 d\ble life ( lawy] & ma/] crim9al1 ,ela9e _h1 = ! fir/ "t 9 _m weeks1 a feel+ ( security4 ,n[ t ! /ra9 0 (f1 h[ev]1 %e felt t %e ne$$ re/ & a *ance to recov] h]self & x occurr$ to h] t a few quiet days ) ,aunt ,tabi?a1 :o _h be5 h] nurse :5 %e 0 a little girl1 w\ld d h] a _w ( good4 ,%e s5t = ,aunt ,tabby1 yet ! fasc9ation ( ! exp]i5ces ?r\gh :i* %e _h j gone /ill hung ov] h]4 ,%e c\ld n resi/ ?9k+ & read+ ab\t !m1 z %e sat1 "o morn+1 ) ! fai?ful ,ru/y 9 ! cons]vatory ( ! ,dodge h\se4 ,i _h told ! /ory at l5g? 9 ! ,/>1 & ! head+ ov] x caught h] eye4 ,x read3 ,,! ,,clut*+ ,,h& ,,dead ------ ,d\ble ,life ,expos$ by ,craig ,k5n$y ,p]ry ,b5nett1 ! ,fam\s ,"y ,lawy]1 ,takes ,poison--,k5n$y ,n[ on ,trail ( ,ma/] ,crim9al's ,hidd5 ,millions4 ---- ,z ,ela9e glanc$ d[n ! column1 ,j5n+s ann\nc$ t ,aunt ,tabby1 z %e lov$ to call h] old fri5d1 _h arriv$1 & 0 n[ 9 ! libr>y ) ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,) an exclamation ( delight1 ,ela9e dropp$ ! pap] &1 foll[$ by ,ru/y1 almo/ ran into ! libr>y4 ,aunt ,tabby 0 a /\t1 eld]ly1 jolly-fac$ woman1 precisely ! sort :om ,ela9e ne$$ to wat* ov] h] j n[4 ,oh1 ,i'm s glad to see y1 half laugh$ ,ela9e z %e lit]ally flung h]self into h] nurse's arms4 ,i feel s un/rung--& ,i ?\ght t if ,i c\ld j run (f = a few days ) y & ,jo%ua 9 ! c\ntry :]e no "o w\ld "k1 x might make me feel bett]4 ,y h always be5 s good to me4 ,m>ie6 ,are my ?+s pack$8 ,v well4 ,!n1 get my wraps4 ,h] maid left ! room4 ,bless y\r s\l1 mo!r$ ,aunt ,tabby /rok+ h] s(t gold5 hair1 ,i'm always glad to h y 9 t f9e h\se y b\ght me4 ,&1 fai?1 ,miss ,ela9e1 ! h\se is a spl5did place to re/ 9 b ,i don't "k :at's ! matt] ) x lately4 ,jo%ua says its haunts-- ,haunts8 repeat$ ,ela9e 9 amus$ surprise4 ,:y1 :at d y mean8 ,m>ie ent]$ ) ! wraps be=e ,aunt ,tabby c\ld reply & ,j5n+s foll[$ ) ! baggage4 ,nons5se1 cont9u$ ,ela9e gaily1 z %e put on h] coat1 & turn$ to bid ,aunt ,joseph9e good-bye4 ,good-bye1 ,tabi?a1 said h] real aunt4 ,keep good c>e ( my little girl4 ,t ,i w1 return$ ! nurse4 ,we don't h all ^! tr\bles out 9 ! c\ntry t y city folks h4 ,ela9e w5t out1 foll[$ by ,ru/y & ,j5n+s ) ! luggage4 ,n[ = a long ride 9 ! good fre% air1 sigh$ ,ela9e z %e lean$ back on ! cu%ions ( ! ,dodge lim\s9e & patt$ ,ru/y1 :ile ! butl] /[$ away ! bags4 ,! air c]ta9ly did1 if any?+1 height5 ! beauty ( ,ela9e & at la/ !y arriv$ at ,aunt ,tabby's1 tir$ & hungry4 ,! c> /opp$ & ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,tabby & ! dog got out4 ,!re1 wait+ = !m1 0 ,uncle ,jo%ua1 z ,ela9e playfully call$ him1 a =m] g>d5] ( ! ,dodges1 n[ a pla91 hone/ c\ntryman on :om ! city 0 fa/ encroa*+1 a jolly old fell[1 unh>m$ by ! _w4 ,aunt ,tabby's 0 an attractive small h\se1 n _m miles f ,new ,york1 yet n 9 ! g5]al l9e ( suburban travel4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y & ,i _h decid$ to br+ ,b5nett's pap]s & docum5ts ov] to ! laboratory to exam9e !m4 ,we 7 n[ engag$ 9 go+ ov] ! great mass ( mat]ial :i* he _h collect$1 9 ! hope ( f9d+ "s clue to ! /ol5 millions :i* he mu/ h amass$ z a result ( 8 villa9y4 ,! table 0 /ack$ high4 ,a knock at ! door told u t ! expressman _h arriv$ & a mom5t lat] he ent]$1 deliv]+ a heavy box4 ,k5n$y sign$ = x & />t$ to unpack x4 ,i 0 h>d at "w1 :5 ,i came across a l>ge manila envelope c>efully seal$1 on :i* 7 writt5 ! figures #g1jjj1jjj4 ,too excit$ ev5 to exclaim1 ,i tore ! envelope op5 & exam9$ ! cont5ts4 ,inside 0 ano!r envelope4 ,i op5$ t4 ,x conta9$ m]ely a blank piece ( pap]6 ,) *>act]i/ic skill at cov]+ 8 tracks1 ,b5nett _h also cov]$ 8 money4 ,puzzl$1 ,i turn$ ! pap] ov] & ov]1 look+ at x c>efully4 ,x 0 a l>ge %eet ( pap]1 b x %[$ no?+4 ,huh6 ,i snort$ to myself1 conf\nd him4 ,yet ,i c\ld n help smil+ at my own folly1 a m9ute lat]1 9 ?9k+ t ! ,clut*+ ,h& w\ld leave any in=mation 9 su* an obvi\s place z an envelope4 ,i ?rew ! pap] into a wire basket on ! desk & w5t on sort+ ! o!r /uff4 ,k5n$y _h by ?is "t f9i%$ unpack+ ! box1 & 0 exam9+ a bottle :i* he _h tak5 f x4 ,come "h1 ,walt]1 he call$ at l5g?4 ,ev] see any?+ l t8 ,i c't say1 ,i confess$1 gett+ up to g to him4 ,:at is x8 ,br+ a piece ( pap]4 he add$4 ,i w5t back to ! desk :]e ,i _h be5 work+ & look$ ab\t ha/ily4 ,my eye fell on ! blank %eet ( pap] :i* ,i _h tak5 f ,b5nett's envelope1 & ,i pick$ x up f ! basket4 ,"h's "o1 ,i said1 h&+ x to him4 ,:at are y do+8 ,k5n$y did n answ] directly1 b began to treat ! pap] ) ! liquid f ! bottle4 ,!n he light$ a ,buns5 burn] & ?ru/ ! pap] into ! flame4 ,! pap] did n burn6 ,a new sy/em ( fire-pro(+1 laugh$ ,craig1 enjoy+ my a/oni%m5t4 ,he cont9u$ to hold ! pap] 9 ! flame4 ,/ill x did n burn4 ,see8 he w5t on1 )draw+ x1 & />t+ to expla9 ! prop]ties ( ! new fire-pro(]4 ,he _h sc>cely begun1 :5 he /opp$ 9 surprise4 ,he _h happ5$ to glance at ! pap] aga91 b5t ov] to exam9e x m int5tly1 & 0 n[ look+ at x 9 surprise4 ,i look$ also4 ,!re1 cle>ly disc]nible on ! pap]1 0 a small "p ( :at look$ l an ar*itect's draw+ ( a fireplace4 ,craig look$ up at me1 nonpluss$4 ,:]e did y say y got t8 he ask$4 ,x 0 a blank piece ( pap] among ,b5nett's effects1 ,i return$1 z my/ifi$ z he1 po9t+ at ! litt]$ desk at :i* ,i _h be5 work+4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 b ?ru/ ! pap] back aga9 into ! flame4 ,sl[ly1 ! heat ( ! burn] seem$ to br+ out ! complete draw+ ( ! fireplace4 ,we look$ at x1 ev5 m my/ifi$4 ,:at is x1 d y suppose8 ,i qu]i$4 ,i ?9k1 he repli$ sl[ly1 t x 0 drawn ) sympa!tic ink4 ,! heat ( ! burn] br\ght x out into sight4 ,:at 0 x ab\t8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e _h gone to b$ t night at ,aunt ,tabby's 9 ! room :i* h] old nurse _h fix$ up especially = h]4 ,x 0 a v attractive little room ) da9ty *9tz curta9s & cov]s & = ! fir/ "t 9 _m weeks ,ela9e slept s\ndly & fe>lessly4 ,d[n-/airs1 9 ! liv+-room1 ,ru/y also 0 asleep1 8 nose betwe5 8 paws4 ,! liv+-room 0 9 keep+ ) ev]y?+ at ,aunt ,tabby's1 pla91 neat1 homelike4 ,on "o side 0 a l>ge fireplace t gave to x an air ( qua9t hospitality4 ,sudd5ly ,ru/y woke up1 8 e>s po9t$ at ?is fireplace4 ,he /ood a mom5t1 li/5+1 !n1 ) a b>k ( al>m he sp$ swiftly f ! liv+-room1 up ! /airs at a b\nd1 until he came to ,ela9e's room4 ,ela9e felt 8 cold nose at h] h& & /irr$1 !n awoke4 ,:at is x1 ,ru/y8 %e ask$1 m9dful ( ! =m] days :5 ,ru/y gave w>n+ ( ! ,clut*+ ,h& & 8 emiss>ies4 ,ru/y wagg$ 8 tail4 ,some?+ 0 wrong4 ,ela9e foll[$ him d[n to ! liv+-room4 ,%e w5t ov] & light$ ! electric lamp on ! table1 !n turn$ to ,ru/y4 ,well1 ,ru/y8 %e ask$1 almo/ z if he 7 human4 ,%e _h no ne$ to repeat ! "q4 ,ru/y 0 look+ /raight at ! fireplace4 ,ela9e li/5$4 ,sure en\gh1 %e he>d /range noises4 ,0 t ,aunt ,tabby's haunt8 ,:atev] x 01 x s\nd$ z if x came up f ! v dep?s ( ! e>?4 ,%e c\ld n make out j :at x s\nd$ l4 ,x might h be5 "s "o /rik+ a piece ( iron1 a bolt1 ) a sl$ge4 ,:at 0 x8 ,%e cont9u$ to li/5 9 wond]1 !n ran to ,aunt ,tabby's b$room door1 on ! fir/ floor1 & knock$4 ,aunt ,tabby woke up & %ook ,jo%ua4 ,aunt ,tabby6 ,aunt ,tabby6 call$ ,ela9e4 ,yes1 my de>1 answ]$ ! old nurse1 n[ fully awake & /raight5+ h] nightcap4 ,jo%ua6 ,toge!r ! old c\ple came out into ! liv+-room1 /ill 9 _! nightclo!s1 ,jo%ua yawn+ sleepily /ill4 ,li/56 :isp]$ ,ela9e4 ,!re 0 ! noise aga94 ,?is "t x 0 m z ?\gh "s "o 7 beat+ a rat-tat-tat ) some?+ on a rock4 ,x 0 weird1 uncanny1 z all /ood !re1 none kn[+ :]e ! /range noises came f4 ,x's ! haunts6 cri$ ,aunt ,tabby1 trembl+ a bit4 ,= ?ree nights n[ we've be5 he>+ ^! noises4 ,ar\nd & ar\nd ! room !y walk$1 /ill try+ to locate ! /range s\nds4 ,7 !y "u ! floor8 ,x 0 impossible to say4 ,!y gave x up & /ood !re1 look+ blankly at ea* o!r4 ,0 x ! "w ( human or sup]human h&s8 ,f9ally ,jo%ua w5t to a table draw] & op5$ x4 ,he took out a huge1 murd]\s-look+ revolv]4 ,"h1 ,miss ,ela9e1 he urg$1 press+ x on h]1 take ?is--keep x ne> y6 ,! noises ceas$ at l5g?1 z /rangely z !y _h begun4 ,half an h\r lat]1 !y _h all gone back to b$ & 7 asleep4 ,b ,ela9e's sleep n[ 0 fitful1 a con/ant procession ( faces flitt$ be=e h] clos$ eyes4 ,sudd5ly1 %e woke ) a />t & />$ into ! semi-d>kness4 ,0 t face real1 or a dream face8 ,0 x ! hide\s helmet$ face t _h dragg$ h] d[n into ! sew] once8 ,t man 0 dead4 ,:o 0 ?is8 ,%e gaz$ at ! b$room w9d[1 hold+ ! huge revolv] tightly4 ,!re1 vague 9 ! night light1 appe>$ a figure4 ,surely t 0 no dream face ( ! oxyg5 helmet4 ,besides1 x 0 n ! same helmet4 ,%e sat bolt upright & fir$1 po9tblank1 at ! w9d[1 %iv]+ ! glass4 ,a second lat] %e _h leap$ f ! b$1 swit*$ on ! lights & 0 runn+ to ! sill4 ,d[n-/airs1 ,aunt ,tabby & ,uncle ,jo%ua _h he>d ! %ot4 ,jo%ua 0 n[ wide awake4 ,he seiz$ 8 old %otgun & ran out into ! liv+room4 ,foll[$ by ,aunt ,tabby1 he hurri$ to ,ela9e4 ,:-:at 0 x8 he ask$1 puff+ at ! ex]tion ( runn+ up-/airs4 ,i saw--a face--at ! w9d[--) "s k9d ( ?+ ov] x6 gasp$ ,ela9e4 ,x 0 l "o ,i saw once be=e4 ,uncle ,jo%ua did n wait to he> any m4 ,) ! gun po9t$ ahead ( him1 ready = in/ant action1 he ran out ( ! room & into ! g>d51 b5ea? ,ela9e's w9d[4 ,he look$ ab\t = signs ( an intrud]4 ,!re 0 n a s\nd4 ,no "o 0 ab\t1 "h4 ,i don't see any "o1 he call$ up to ,ela9e & ,aunt ,tabby 9 ! w9d[4 ,he happ5$ to look d[n at ! gr\nd4 ,be=e him 0 a small box4 ,he pick$ x up4 ,"h's some?+1 ?\gh1 he said4 ,jo%ua w5t back into ! h\se4 ,:at is x8 ask$ ,ela9e z he rejo9$ ! wom54 ,%e took ! curi\s little box & unfa/5$ ! cov]4 ,z %e op5$ x1 %e drew back4 ,!re 9 ! box 0 a little ivory figure ( a man1 all hun*$ up & %runk51 a hide\s figure4 ,%e recoil$ f x--x rem9d$ h] too mu* ( ! ,*9ese devil-god %e _h se51--& %e dropp$ ! box4 ,= a mom5t all /ood look+ at x 9 horrifi$ amazem5t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 ! aft]noon foll[+ ! day ( our /range discov]y ( ! fireplace done 9 sympa!tic ink on ! app>5tly blank %eet ( pap] 9 ,b5nett's effects1 :5 ! speak+-tube s\nd$ & ,i answ]$ x4 ,:y--x's ,ela9e1 ,i exclaim$4 ,k5n$y's face %[$ ! ke5e/ pleasure at ! unexpect$ visit4 ,tell h] to come "r up1 he said quickly4 ,i op5$ ! door = h]4 ,:y--,ela9e--,i'm awfully glad to see y1 he greet$1 b ,i ?\ght y 7 ru/icat+4 ,i 01 b1 ,craig1 x seems to me t :]ev] ,i g1 some?+ happ5s1 %e return$4 ,y "k1 ,aunt ,tabby said !re 7 haunts4 ,i ?\ght x 0 an old woman's fe>--b la/ night ,i he>d ! /range/ noises out !re1 & ,i ?\ght ,i saw a face at ! w9d[--a face 9 a helmet4 ,& :5 ,jo%ua w5t out1 ?is is :at he f\nd on ! gr\nd "u my w9d[4 ,%e h&$ ,k5n$y a box1 a peculi> affair :i* %e t\*$ g+]ly & only ) signs ( ! greate/ av]sion4 ,k5n$y op5$ x4 ,!re1 9 ! bottom ( ! box1 0 a little ivory devil-god4 ,he look$ at x curi\sly a mom5t4 ,let me see1 he rum9at$1 /ill reg>d+ ! sign4 ,! h\se y b\ght = ,aunt ,tabby1 once belong$ to ,b5nett1 didn't x8 ,ela9e nodd$ h] head4 ,yes1 b ,i don't see :at t c h to d ) x1 %e agre$1 add+ ) a %udd]1 ,b5nett is dead4 ,k5n$y _h tak5 a piece ( pap] f ! desk :]e he _h put x away c>efully4 ,h y ev] se5 any?+ t looks l ?is8 he ask$1 h&+ h] ! pap]4 ,ela9e look$ at ! plan c>efully1 z ,k5n$y & ,i scann$ h] face4 ,%e glanc$ up1 h] expression %[+ pla9ly ! wond] %e felt4 ,:y1 yes1 %e answ]$4 ,t looks l ,aunt ,tabby's fireplace 9 ! liv+-room4 ,k5n$y said no?+ = a mom5t4 ,!n he seiz$ 8 hat & coat4 ,if y don't m9d1 he said1 we'll g back !re ) y4 ,m9d8 %e repeat$4 ,j :at ,i _h hop$ y w\ld d4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,wu ,fang1 ! ,*9ese ma/] m9d1 _h arriv$ 9 ,new ,york4 ,beside ,wu1 ! inscrutable1 ,long ,s91 a/ute ?\gh he 01 0 a m]e pigmy--8 slave1 8 advance ag5t1 z x 71 a t5tacle s5t out to discov] ! mo/ promis+ outlet = ! nef>i\s tal5ts ( 8 ma/]4 ,new ,york did n "k ( ! arrival ( ,wu ,fang1 ! my/]i\s--yet4 ,b d[n 9 ! secret recesses ( ,*9at[n1 9 ! ways t are devi\s & d>k1 ! ori5tal crooks knew--& trembl$4 ,?us x happ5$ t ,long ,s9 0 n p]mitt$ to enjoy ev5 ! =eta/e ( ,b5nett's spoils :i* he _h =c$ f him aft] 8 weird trans=mation into 8 real self1 ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 :5 ! ,*9aman _h giv5 him ! poison$ draught t _h put him into 8 long sleep4 ,he _h obta9$ ! pap] %[+ :]e ! treasure amass$ by ! ,clut*+ ,h& 0 hidd51 b ,wu ,fang1 8 ma/]1 _h come4 ,wu _h imm$iately e/abli%$ himself 9 ! mo/ sumptu\s ( ap>tm5ts1 hidd5 beh9d ! squalid ext]ior ( ! ord9>y t5em5t build+ 9 ,*9at[n4 ,! night foll[+ 8 arrival1 ,wu ,fang 0 recl9+ on a divan1 :5 8 s]vant ann\nc$ t ,long ,s9 0 at ! door4 ,z ,long ,s9 ent]$1 x 0 evid5t t1 cunn+ & %rewd ?\gh he 0 himself1 ,wu 0 inde$ 8 ma/]4 ,he approa*$ 9 fe> & awe1 cr++ l[4 ,h y br\ght ! map ) y8 ask$ ,wu4 ,long ,s9 b[$ l[ aga91 & drew f "u 8 coat ! pap] :i* he _h obta9$ f ,b5nett4 ,= a mom5t ! two1 ma/] & slave 9 guile1 b5t ov]1 closely /udy+ x4 ,at "o po9t 9 ! map ,long ,s9's bony f+] paus$ ov] a note :i* ,b5nett _h made3 ,,bew>e ,,poison$ ,,gas ,,^u ,,op5+ ,,comp>tm5t4 ,& y ?9k y c trace x out8 ask$ ,wu4 ,)\t a d\bt1 b[$ ,long ,s94 ,he w5t ov] to a bag ne>-by1 :i* he _h already s5t up by ano!r s]vant1 & op5$ x4 ,inside 0 an oxyg5 helmet4 ,he replac$ x1 aft] %[+ x to ,wu4 ,) ! aid ( ! sci5ce ( ! :ite devil1 we %all ov]come ! sci5ce ( ! :ite devil1 purr$ ,long ,s9 subtly4 ,outside1 ,wu _h already ord]$ a c> to wait1 & toge!r ! two drove (f rapidly4 ,into ! c\ntry1 !y sp$1 until at la/ !y came to a lonely turn 9 a lonely road1 some:at remov$ f ! section t 0 rapidly be+ built up z population rea*$ out f ! city1 b on a s+le-track$ trolley l9e4 ,long ,s9 alight$ & disappe>$ ) a p>t+ ^w ( in/ruction f ,wu :o rema9$ 9 ! c>4 ,! ,*9aman c>ri$ ) him ! heavy bag ) ! oxyg5 helmet4 ,along ?is int]urban trolley ! c>s made only half-h\rly trips at ?is "t ( night4 ,long ,s9 hurri$ d[n ! road until he came to a trolley pole1 !n look$ ha/ily at 8 wat*4 ,x 0 tw5ty m9utes at lea/ be=e ! next c> w\ld pass4 ,quickly1 almo/ monkey-l1 he climb$ up ! pole1 c>ry+ ) him ! end ( a wire :i* he _h tak5 f ! bag4 ,hav+ ?r[n ?is ov] ! fe$ wire1 he slid quickly to ! gr\nd aga94 ,!n1 c>ry+ ! o!r end ( ! wire 9 8 rubb]-glov$ h&s1 he made 8 way ?r\gh ! und]bru%1 9 & out1 almo/ l ! s]p5t he 01 until he came to a passageway 9 ! r\gh & uncle>$ hillside--a small op5+ =m$ by ! rocks4 ,x 0 d>k inside1 b he did n hesitate to ent]1 c>ry+ ! wire & ! bag ) him4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 nightfall be=e we arriv$ ) ,ela9e at ,aunt ,tabby's4 ,we ent]$ ! liv+-room & ,ela9e introduc$ u bo? to ,aunt ,tabby & h] husb&4 ,x 0 difficult to tell :e!r ,ela9e's old nurse 0 m glad to see h] ?an ! fai?ful ,ru/y :o almo/ ov]:elm$ h] ev5 aft] s %ort an abs5ce4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ! greet+s1 ,i took occasion to look ov] ! liv+-room4 ,x 0 a v cozy room1 simply & ta/efully furni%$1 & ,i fanci$ t ,i c\ld see 9 ! neatness ( ,aunt ,tabby a t\* ( ,ela9e's h&1 = %e _h furni%$ x = h] fai?ful old fri5d4 ,i foll[$ ,k5n$y's eyes1 & saw t he 0 look+ at ! fireplace4 ,sure en\gh1 x 0 ! same 9 design z ! fireplace :i* ! heat _h s unexpect$ly br\ght out 9 sympa!tic ink on ! blank %eet ( pap]4 ,k5n$y lo/ no "t 9 exam9+ x1 & we cr[d$ ar\nd him z he w5t ov] x in* by in*1 foll[+ ! directions on ! draw+4 ,at "o po9t 9 ! draw+ a peculi> protub]ance 0 m>k$4 ,k5n$y 0 evid5tly hunt+ = t4 ,he f\nd x at la/ & press$ ! sort ( lev] 9 sev]al ways4 ,no?+ seem$ to happ54 ,b f9ally1 almo/ by *ance1 he seem$ to discov] ! secret4 ,a small section at ! side ( ! fireplace op5$ up1 disclos+ an iron ladd]1 lead+ d[n into "o ( ^? *>act]i/ic hid+-places 9 :i* ! ,clut*+ ,h& us$ to delight4 ,k5n$y look$ at ! my/]i\s op5+ "s "t1 z if try+ to fa?om ! my/]y4 ,let's g d[n & explore x1 ,i sugge/$1 tak+ a /ep t[>d ! ladd]4 ,k5n$y rea*$ out & pull$ me back4 ,!n )\t a ^w he press$ ! little lev] & ! door clos$4 ,i ?9k we'd bett] wait a :ile1 ,walt]1 he decid$4 ,i w\ld r he> ,aunt ,tabby's haunts myself4 ,he c>efully w5t ov] n only ! re/ ( ! h\se b ! gr\nds ab\t x1 )\t discov]+ any?+4 ,aunt ,tabby1 ) true c\ntry hospitality1 seem$ unable to receive gue/s )\t fe$+ !m1 &1 al?\gh we _h _h a big d9n] at a fam\s road-h\se on ! way out1 /ill none ( u c\ld f9d x 9 our he>ts to refuse h] hospitality4 ,ev5 t div]sion1 h[ev]1 did n prev5t u f talk+ ( no?+ else b ! /range noises1 & ,i ?9k1 z we wait$1 we all got into ! frame ( m9d :i* w\ld h manufactur$ !m ev5 if !re _h be5 none4 ,we 7 sitt+ ab\t ! room :5 sudd5ly ! mo/ weird & uncanny rapp+s began4 ,ru/y 0 on 8 feet 9 a mom5t1 b>k+ l mad4 ,we look$ f "o to ano!r4 ,x 0 impossible to tell :]e ! noises came f1 or ev5 to describe !m4 ,!y 7 c]ta9ly n gho/ly rapp+s4 ,9 fact1 !y s\nd$ m l "s tw5tie? c5tury piece ( ma*9]y4 ,we li/5$ a mom5t1 !n ,k5n$y walk$ ov] to ! fireplace4 ,y c explore x ) me n[1 ,walt]1 he said quietly1 t\*+ ! lev] & op5+ ! panel :i* disclos$ ! ladd]4 ,he />t$ d[n ! ladd] & ,i foll[$ closely4 ,ela9e 0 ab\t to jo9 u1 :5 ,k5n$y paus$ on ! topmo/ r\nd & look$ up at h]4 ,no1 no1 "y lady1 he said ) mock sev]ity1 y h be5 ?r\gh en\gh already--y /ay :]e y are4 ,ela9e argu$ & begg$ b ,k5n$y 0 obdurate4 ,x 0 only :5 ,aunt ,tabby & ,jo%ua add$ _! entreaties t %e cons5t$ reluctantly to rema94 ,toge!r1 ,craig & ,i desc5d$ into ! d>kness ab\t eight or t5 feet4 ,!re we f\nd a passageway1 excavat$ ?r\gh ! e>? & rock1 along :i* we crept4 ,x 0 crook$ & unev51 & we /umbl$1 b kept go+ sl[ly ahead4 ,k5n$y1 :o 0 a few feet 9 front ( me1 /opp$ sudd5ly & ,i almo/ fell ov] him4 ,:at is x8 ,i :isp]$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,long ,s9 _h made 8 way f ! op5+ ( ! cave to ! po9t on ! plan :i* 0 m>k$ by a cross1 & !re he _h set up 8 electric drill :i* 0 connect$ to ! trolley wire4 ,he 0 work+ furi\sly to take advantage ( ! fifte5 m9utes or s be=e ! next c> w\ld pass4 ,! tunnel _h be5 wid5$ out at ?is po9t into a small subt]ranean *amb]4 ,x 0 dug out ( ! e>? & ! ro( 0 r\ghly propp$ up1 mo/ ( ! weight be+ borne by "o ma9 wood5 prop :i*1 9 ! dampness1 _h n[ become old & rott54 ,on "o side x 0 evid5t t ,long ,s9 _h already be5 at "w1 digg+ & drill+ ?r\gh ! e>? & rock4 ,he _h gone s f> n[ t he _h disclos$ :at look$ l ! face ( a small safe set directly into ! rock4 ,z he work$ he w\ld /op f "t to "t & consult ! map4 ,!n he w\ld take up drill+ aga94 ,he _h n[ come to ! po9t on :i* ,b5nett _h writt5 8 w>n+4 ,quickly he op5$ ! bag & took out ! oxyg5 helmet1 :i* he adju/$ c>efully ov] 8 head4 ,!n he set to "w ) r$\bl$ en]gy4 ,x 0 t drill z well z 8 p\nd+ on ! rock :i* _h s al>m$ ,ela9e & ,aunt ,tabby ! night be=e & :i* n[ _h be5 ! signal = ,k5n$y's excursion ( discov]y4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,our man1 :oev] he 01 mu/ h he>d u approa*+ d[n ! tunnel1 = he paus$ 9 8 "w & ! noise ( ! drill ceas$4 ,he look$ ab\t a mom5t1 !n w5t ov] to ! prop & exam9$ x1 look+ up at ! ro( ( ! *amb] above him4 ,evid5tly he fe>$ t x 0 n p>ticul>ly /rong4 ,f our vantage po9t ar\nd ! b5d 9 ! passageway we c\ld see ?is /range & unc\? figure4 ,:o is x1 d y ?9k8 ,i :isp]$1 cr\*+ back aga9/ ! wall = fe> t he might look ev5 ar\nd a corn] or ?r\gh ! e>? & discov] u4 ,z ,i spoke1 my h& loos5$ a piece ( rock t jutt$ out & be=e ,i knew x !re 0 a cra%4 ,conf\nd x1 ,walt]1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4 ,d[n ! passageway ! figure 0 n[ ?or\ghly on ! al]t1 />+ ) 8 goggle-l eyes into ! blackness 9 our direction4 ,x 0 n ! ro( above him t 0 unsafe4 ,he 0 wat*$1 & he did n hesitate a m9ute to act4 ,he seiz$ ! bag & pick$ 8 way quickly ?r\gh ! passage z if ?or\ghly famili> ) e turn ( ! walls & r\ghness ( ! floor4 ,we 7 discov]$ & if we 7 to accompli% any?+1 x 0 n[ or nev]4 ,k5n$y da%$ =w>d & ,i foll[$ close aft] him4 ,we 7 mak+ mu* bett] "t ?an our /range visitor & 7 ga9+ on him rapidly4 ,ne>] & ne>] we came to him1 =1 9 spite ( 8 famili>ity ) ! cav]n he 0 hamp]$ by ! outl&i% head-ge> t he wore4 ,x 0 only ano!r in/ant1 :5 ,k5n$y w\ld h laid 8 h&s on him4 ,sudd5ly he half turn$1 rais$ 8 arm & da%$ some?+ to ! e>? mu* z a *ild explodes a toy torp$o4 ,i fully expect$ t x 0 a bomb2 b1 z a mom5t lat]1 ,i f\nd t ,k5n$y & ,i 7 /ill unh>m$1 ,i knew t x mu/ be "s o!r product ( ?is devili% g5ius4 ,! ?icke/ & mo/ imp5etrable smoke seem$ to p]vade ! n>r[ cav]n6 ,a ,*9ese smoke bomb6 sputt]$ & c\gh$ ,k5n$y1 z he retreat$ a m9ute1 !n ) r5ew$ vigor endeavor$ to p5etrate ! d5se & opaque fumes4 ,we manag$ to g ahead /ill1 b ! intrud] _h explod$ "o aft] ano!r ( 8 peculi> bombs1 always keep+ ahead ( ! smoke :i* he creat$1 & we f\nd t "u its cov] he _h made good 8 escape1 probably rea*+ ! entrance ( ! cave 9 ! und]bru%4 ,at ! o!r end ( ! passageway1 up 9 ! liv+-room ( ! cottage1 ! draught _h c>ri$ l>ge quantities ( ! smoke4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,tabby & ,jo%ua c\gh+ & *ok+1 saw x1 & op5$ a w9d[1 :i* seem$ to cause a curr5t ( air to sweep ?r\gh ! :ole l5g? ( ! passageway & help$ to cle> away ! fumes rapidly4 ,long ,s91 mean:ile1 _h />t$ to "w 8 way ?r\gh ! bu%es to rea* ! wait+ c>1 ) ,wu1 !n paus$ & li/5$4 ,he>+ no s\nd1 he replac$ ! helmet :i* he _h tak5 (f4 ,pursuit 0 n[ useless = u4 ,) revolv]s drawn1 we crept back along ! passageway until we came aga9 to ! *amb] itself4 ,!re1 on ! floor1 lay a bag ( tools1 op5$1 z ?\gh somebody _h be5 work+ ) !m4 ,caught r$-h&$6 exclaim$ ,k5n$y ) great satisfaction4 ,he look$ at ! tools a m9ute & !n at ! electric drill1 & f9ally an idea seem$ to /rike him4 ,he took up ! drill & advanc$ t[>d ! safe4 ,!n he turn$ on ! curr5t & appli$ ! drill4 ,! drill 0 ( ! v late/ design & x w5t quickly ?r\gh ! /eel4 ,b beyond t !re 0 ano!r ?9 /eel p>tition4 ,?is ,k5n$y tackl$ next4 ,! drill w5t ?r\gh & he )drew x4 ,in/antly ! mo/ p5etrat+ & nause\s odor seem$ to p]vade ev]y?+4 ,k5n$y cri$ out4 ,b 8 w>n+ 0 too late4 ,we /agg]$ back1 ov]come by ! escap+ gas & fell to ! gr\nd4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,long ,s91 ) 8 oxyg5 helmet on aga91 _h return$ to ! passageway & 0 n[ /eal?ily creep+ back4 ,he came to ! *amb] & !re discov]$ u ly+ on ! gr\nd1 ov]come4 ,he b5t d[n &1 to 8 great satisfaction1 saw t we 7 really unconsci\s4 ,quickly he mov$ ov] to ! safe & pri$ op5 ! la/ ?9 /eel plate4 ,inside 0 a small box4 ,he pick$ x up & tri$ to op5 x1 b x 0 lock$4 ,!re 0 no "t to "w ov] x "h1 & he took x "u 8 arm & />t$ to leave4 ,he paus$ a mom5t to look at u1 !n took out a piece ( pap] & a p5cil & on ! pap] wrote1 ,?anks = y\r tr\ble4 ,b5ea?1 x 0 sign$ by 8 special /amp--! s]p5t's head1 m\? op5 & fangs %[+4 ,long ,s9 look$ at u a mom5t1 !n a subtle smile seem$ to spread ov] 8 face4 ,at la/ he _h u 9 8 p[]4 ,he drew out a long1 wick$-look+ ,*9ese knife & /uck x ?r\gh ! note4 ,!n he felt ! edge ( ! knife4 ,x 0 ke54 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! sitt+-room1 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,tabby & ,jo%ua _h be5 li/5+ int5tly at ! fireplace b he>d no?+4 ,!y 7 n[ gett+ decid$ly worri$4 ,f9ally1 ! fumes :i* we _h releas$ made _! way to ! room4 ,!y 7 consid]ably dilut$ by fre% air by t "t1 b1 al?\gh !y 7 nause\s1 7 n suffici5t to ov]come any "o4 ,/ill1 ! smell 0 t]rible4 ,i c't /& x any long]1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,i'm go+ d[n !re to see :at has become ( !m4 ,aunt ,tabby & ,jo%ua tri$ to /op h]1 b %e broke away f !m & w5t d[n ! ladd]4 ,ru/y leap$ d[n aft] h]4 ,jo%ua tri$ to foll[1 b ,aunt ,tabby held him back4 ,he w\ld h gone1 too1 if %e _h n manag$ to /rike ! spr+ & %ut ! door1 clos+ up ! passageway4 ,jo%ua got angry !n4 ,y are mak+ a c[>d ( me1 he cri$1 beat+ on ! panel ) ! butt ( 8 gun & /ruggl+ to op5 x4 ,he seem$ unable to fa?om ! secret4 ,ela9e 0 n[ mak+ h] way z rapidly z %e c\ld ?r\gh ! tunnel1 ) ,ru/y beside h]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 j z ,long ,s9 _h rais$ 8 knife t ! s\nd ( h] foot/eps al>m$ him4 ,he paus$ & leap$ to 8 feet4 ,!re 0 no "t = ei!r to retreat4 ,he />t$ t[>d ,ela9e1 & seiz$ h] r\ghly4 ,back & =? ov] ! rocky floor !y /ruggl$4 ,z !y f\ght1--%e ) frantic /r5g?1 he craftily1--he back$ h] sl[ly up aga9/ ! prop t upheld ! ro(4 ,he rais$ 8 ke5 knife4 ,%e recoil$4 ,! prop1 none too /rong1 sudd5ly gave way "u h] weight4 ,! :ole ro( ( ! *amb] fell ) a cra%1 e>? & /one ov]:elm+ ,ela9e & h] assailant4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,by ?is "t ,jo%ua _h left ! h\se & _h gone out into ! g>d5 to get some?+ to pry op5 ! fireplace door4 ,( a sudd51 to 8 utt] amazem5t1 a few feet f him1 x seem$ z if ! v e>? sank 9 8 g>d51 leav+ a yawn+ *asm4 ,he look$1 unable to make x out4 ,be=e 8 v eyes a /range figure1 ! figure ( ,long ,s9 9 8 oxyg5 helmet1 appe>$1 /ruggl+ up1 z if by magic f ! v e>?1 %ak+ ! debris (f himself1 z a dog w\ld %ake (f ! wat] aft] a plunge 9 a pond4 ,long ,s9 0 gone 9 a mom5t4 ,!n aga9 ! e>? began to move4 ,a paw appe>$1 !n a %>p black nose1 & a mom5t lat]1 ,ru/y1 too1 dug himself out4 ,jo%ua _h run into ! h\se to get a spade :5 ,ru/y1 l a %ot1 bolt$ = ! h\se1 took ! w9d[ at a leap & all cov]$ ) e>? l&$ be=e ,jo%ua & ,aunt ,tabby4 ,see6--he w5t d[n !re--n[ he's "h6 cri$ ,aunt ,tabby1 po9t+ at ! fireplace1 !n look+ at ! w9d[4 ,ru/y 0 runn+ back & =? f ,jo%ua to ! w9d[4 ,foll[ him6 cri$ ,aunt ,tabby4 ,ru/y l$ ! way back aga9 to ! g>d51 to ! cave-94 ,ela9e6 gasp$ ,aunt ,tabby4 ,by ?is "t ,jo%ua 0 digg+ furi\sly4 ,ru/y1 too1 seem$ to und]/&4 ,he ?rew back ! e>? ) 8 paws1 help+ ) e ounce ( /r5g? 9 8 little body4 ,at la/ ! spade turn$ up a bit ( clo?4 ,ela9e6 ,aunt ,tabby cri$ out aga94 ,%e 0 9 a sort ( little pocket1 protect$ by ! =tunate =mation ( ! e>? z x fell1 yet almo/ suffocat$1 weak b consci\s4 ,aunt ,tabby ru%$ up z ,jo%ua laid d[n ! spade & lift$ out ,ela9e4 ,!y 7 ab\t to c>ry h] into ! h\se1 :5 %e cri$ weakly1 b ) all h] rema9+ /r5g?4 ,no--no--,dig6 ,craig--,walt]6 %e manag$ to gasp4 ,ru/y1 too1 0 /ill at x4 ,jo%ua fell to aga94 ,man & dog work$ ) a w4 ,!re !y are6 cri$ ,ela9e1 z all ?ree pull$ u out1 unconsci\s b /ill alive4 ,?\gh we did n "k x1 !y c>ri$ u into ! h\se1 :ile ,ela9e & ,aunt ,tabby bu/l$ ab\t to get some?+ to revive u4 ,at la/ ,i op5$ my eyes & saw ! mo!rly ,aunt ,tabby b5d+ ov] me4 ,craig 0 already reviv$1 weak b ready n[ to d any?+ ,ela9e ord]$1 z %e held 8 h& & /rok$ 8 =ehead s(tly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile ,long ,s9 _h made 8 way to ! automobile :]e 8 ma/]1 ,wu1 wait$ impati5tly4 ,did y get x8 ask$ ,wu eag]ly4 ,long ,s9 %[$ him ! box4 ,hurry1 ma/]6 he cri$ brea?lessly1 leap+ into ! c> & /ruggl+ to take (f ! helmet z !y drove away4 ,!y may be "h--at any mom5t4 ,! ma*9e 0 (f l a %ot & ev5 if we _h be5 able to foll[1 we c\ld n n[ h caught x4 ,back 9 ,wu's sumptu\s ap>tm5t1 lat]1 ,wu & 8 slave1 ,long ,s91 aft] _! hurri$ ride1 dismiss$ all ! s]vants & plac$ ! little box on ! table4 ,wu rose & lock$ ! door4 ,!n1 toge!r1 !y took a %>p in/rum5t & tri$ to pry (f ! lid ( ! box4 ,! lid flew (f4 ,!y gaz$ 9 eag]ly4 ,inside 0 a small] box1 :i* ,wu seiz$ eag]ly & op5$4 ,!re1 on ! plu% cu%ion lay m]ely a r\nd knobb$ r+6 ,0 ?is ! end ( _! great expectations8 ,7 ,b5nett's millions m]ely my?ical8 ,! two />$ at ea* o!r 9 *agr94 ,wu 0 ! fir/ to speak4 ,:]e !re %\ld h be5 sev5 million doll>s1 he mutt]$ to himself1 :y is !re only a my/ic r+8 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,! ,,cryptic ,,r+ ,k5n$y _h be5 engag$ = "s "t 9 ! only "w outside ( ! ,dodge case :i* he _h cons5t$ to take = weeks4 ,our old fri5d1 ,dr4 ,leslie1 ! ,coron]1 _h appeal$ to him to solve a v tickli% po9t 9 a ,tong murd] case :i* _h set all ,*9at[n agog4 ,x 01 inde$1 a v bewild]+ case4 ,a ,*9aman nam$ ,li ,*ang1 lead] ( ! ,*ang ,wah ,tong1 _h be5 poison$1 b s f> no "o _h be5 able to det]m9e :at poison x 0 or ev5 to prove t !re _h be5 a poison1 except = ! fact t ! man 0 dead1 & ,k5n$y _h tak5 ! ?+ up 9 a great measure because ( ! sudd5 turn 9 ! ,dodge case :i* _h br\ght u into su* close contact ) ! ,*9ese4 ,i _h be5 wat*+ ,k5n$y ) int]e/1 = ! ,tong w>s always make picturesque newspap] /ories1 :5 a knock at ! door ann\nc$ ! arrival ( ,dr4 ,leslie1 anxi\s = "s result4 ,h y be5 able to f9d out any?+ yet8 he greet$ ,k5n$y eag]ly z ,craig look$ up f 8 microscope4 ,k5n$y turn$ & nodd$4 ,y\r dead man 0 murd]$ by means ( aconite1 ( :i*1 y "k1 ! active pr9ciple is ! deadly alkaloid aconit9e4 ,craig pull$ d[n f ! %elf above him "o ( 8 well-?umb$ /&>d works on toxicology4 ,he turn$ ! pages & read3 ,pure aconite is probably ! mo/ actively poison\s sub/ance ) :i* we are acqua9t$4 ,x does n produce any decid$ly *>act]i/ic po/-mortem appe>ances1 &1 9 fact1 !re is no reliable *emical te/ to prove its pres5ce4 ,! *ances ( its detection 9 ! body aft] dea? are v slight4 ,dr4 ,leslie look$ up4 ,!n !re is no te/1 none8 he ask$4 ,!re is "o t is br& new1 repli$ ,k5n$y sl[ly4 ,x is ! new />*-gra9 te/ j discov]$ by ,pr(essor ,rei*]t1 ( ! ,univ]sity ( ,p5nsylvania4 ,! peculi>ities ( ! />* gra9s ( v>i\s plants are q z great z ^? ( ! blood cry/als1 :i*1 y w recall1 ,walt]1 we us$ once4 ,! />* gra9s ( ! poison h rema9$ 9 ! w\nd4 ,i h recov]$ !m f ! dead man's blood & h /udi$ !m microscopically4 ,!y c be def9itely recogniz$4 ,?is is pla9ly a case ( aconite poison+--probably sugge/$ to ! ,ori5tal m9d by ! poison arr[s ( ! ,a9us ( ,nor!rn ,japan4 ,dr4 ,leslie & ,i bo? look$ ?r\gh ! microscope1 comp>+ ! />* gra9s :i* ,k5n$y _h discov]$ ) ^? ( scores ( micro-photographs :i* lay scatt]$ ov] ! table4 ,!re are sev]al treatm5ts = aconite poison+1 rum9at$ ,k5n$y4 ,i w\ld say t "o ( ! late/ & be/ is digital9 giv5 hypod]mically4 ,he took d[n a bottle ( digital9 f a cab9et1 add+1 only x 0 too late 9 ?is case4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,j :at ! relations 7 betwe5 ,long ,s9 & ! ,*ong ,wah ,tong ,i h nev] be5 able to det]m9e exactly4 ,b "o ?+ 0 c]ta93 ,long ,s9 on 8 arrival 9 ,new ,york _h (f5d$ ! ,tong & n[ t 8 ma/]1 ,wu ,fang1 0 "h ! (f5ce 0 ev5 great]1 = ! crim9al society brook$ no rival4 ,9 ! d>k recesses ( a poorly furni%$ cell>1 s]v+ z ! ,tong headqu>t]s1 ! new lead] & sev]al ( 8 mo/ tru/$ foll[]s 7 n[ plott+ rev5ge4 ,long ,s91 !y believ$1 0 responsible = ! murd]1 &1 ) truly ,ori5tal guile1 !y _h obta9$ a hold ov] ,wu ,fang's secret>y4 ,_! plan decid$ on1 ! ,*9am5 left ! headqu>t]s & made _! way sep>ately up-t[n4 ,!y rejo9$ "o ano!r 9 ! %elt] ( a r poor h\se1 be=e :i* 0 a bo>d f5ce1 9 ! vic9ity ( a fa%ionable ap>tm5t h\se4 ,a mom5t's conf]5ce foll[$1 & !n ! secret>y glid$ away4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,wu _h tak5 ano!r ap>tm5t up-t[n 9 "o ( ! l>ge ap>tm5t h\ses ne> a p>kway2 = he 0 f> too subtle to op]ate f 8 real headqu>t]s back ( ! squalid ext]ior ( ,*9at[n4 ,!re ,long ,s9 0 n[ engag$ 9 mak+ all possible provisions = ! safety ( 8 ma/]4 ,any "o :o _h be5 walk+ along ! b\lev>d & _h happ5$ to glance up at ! ro( ( ! tall ap>tm5t build+ might h se5 ,long ,s9's figure silh\ett$ aga9/ ! sky on ! top ( ! mans>d ro( ne> a flagpole4 ,he _h j f9i%$ fa/5+ to ! flagpole a /\t rope :i* /ret*$ taut across an areaway "s tw5ty or ?irty feet wide to ! next build+1 :]e x 0 fa/5$ to a *imney4 ,aga9 & aga9 he te/$ x1 & f9ally ) a nod ( satisfaction desc5d$ f ! ro( & w5t to ! ap>tm5t ( ,wu4 ,!re1 alone1 he paus$ = a few m9utes to gaze 9 wond] at ! cryptic r+ :i* _h be5 ! net result s f> ( 8 ef=ts to f9d ! millions :i* ,b5nett1 z ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 _h hidd54 ,he wore x1 /rangely en\gh1 ov] 8 index f+]1 & z he exam9$ x he %ook 8 head 9 d\bt4 ,nei!r he nor 8 ma/] _h yet be5 able to fa?om ! significance ( ! r+4 ,long ,s9 ?\ght t he 0 unobs]v$4 ,b outside1 look+ ?r\gh ! keyhole1 0 ,wu's secret>y1 :o _h /ol5 9 on ! mission :i* _h be5 set = him at ! ,tong headqu>t]s4 ,long ,s9 w5t ov] to a desk & op5$ a secret box 9 :i* ,wu _h plac$ sev]al packages ( money ) :i* to bribe ^? :om he wi%$ to get into 8 p[]4 ,x 0 ,long ,s9's mission to c>ry out ?is s*eme1 s he pack$ ! money into a bag1 drew 8 coat m closely ab\t him & left ! room4 ,no soon] _h he gone ?an ! secret>y hurri$ into ! room1 paus$ a mom5t to make sure t ,long ,s9 0 n com+ back1 !n hurri$ ov] to a closet ne>-by4 ,f a secret hid+-place he drew out a small b[ & arr[4 ,he sat d[n at a table & ha/ily wrote a few ,*9ese *>act]s on a piece ( pap]1 roll+ up ! note into a ?9 quill :i* he ins]t$ into a prep>$ place 9 ! arr[4 ,!n he rais$ ! w9d[ & deftly %ot ! arr[ out4 ,d[n ! /reet1 back ( ! bo>d f5ce1 :]e ! f9al conf]5ce has tak5 place1 0 a r sleepy-look+ ,*9aman1 tak+ an occasional puff at a cig>ette dop$ ) opium4 ,he jump$ to 8 feet sudd5ly4 ,) a ?ud an arr[ _h buri$ itself quiv]+ 9 ! f5ce4 ,quickly he seiz$ x1 drew out ! note & read x4 ,9 ! ,canton v]nacul> x read briefly3 ,he goes ) mu* money4 ,x 0 en\gh4 ,in/antly ! />tl+ news ov]came ! effect ( ! dope1 & ! ,*9aman %uffl$ (f quickly to ! ,tong headqu>t]s4 ,!y 7 wait+ = him !re1 & he _h sc>cely deliv]$ ! message be=e _! plans 7 made4 ,"o by "o !y left ! headqu>t]s1 hid+ 9 doorways1 basem5ts & areaways along ! n>r[ /reet4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,long ,s9 0 mak+ 8 r\nds1 visit+ all ^? :om ! glitt] ( ,wu's money c\ld corrupt4 ,sudd5ly f ! %ad[s ( a n>r[ /reet1 l9$ ) ! /ores ( petty ,*9ese m]*ants1 half a doz5 li! & murd]\s figures leap$ out beh9d ,long ,s9 & seiz$ him4 ,he /ruggl$1 b !y easily ?rew him d[n4 ,any "o :o has visit$ ,*9at[n kn[s t at e corn] & b5d ( ! crook$ /reets /&s a policeman4 ,x 0 sc>cely a second be=e ! noise ( ! scuffle 0 he>d1 b x 0 too late4 ,! half doz5 ,tong m5 _h seiz$ ! money :i* ,long ,s9 c>ri$ & _h deftly /ripp$ him ( ev]y?+ else ( value4 ,! s\nd ( ! approa*+ policeman n[ al>m$ !m4 ,j z ! new ,tong lead] _h rais$ an axe to br+ x d[n ) cru%+ =ce on ,long ,s9's skull a %ot rang out & ! axe fell f ! brok5 wri/ ( ! ,*9aman4 ,9 ano!r mom5t ! policeman _h seiz$ him4 ,!n foll[$ a %>p fight 9 :i* ! ,tong m5's k ( jiu-jitsu /ood !m 9 good /ead4 ,! policeman 0 hurl$ aside1 ! ,tong lead] broke away1 & "o by "o 8 foll[]s disappe>$ ?r\gh d>k hallways & alleyways1 leav+ ! policeman ) only two prison]s & ,long ,s9 ly+ on ! sidewalk4 ,b ! r+ & ! money 7 gone4 ,are y hurt mu*8 dem&$ ! burly ,iri% (fic]1 assi/+ ,long ,s9 to 8 feet1 none too g5tly4 ,long ,s9 0 furi\s ov] ! loss ( ! preci\s r+1 yet he knew to involve himself 9 ! :ite man's law w\ld end only 9 disa/] bo? = him & 8 ma/]4 ,he =c$ a pa9ful smile1 %ook 8 head & manag$ to get away d[n ! /reet mutt]+4 ,he made 8 way up-t[n & back to ! ap>tm5t ( ,wu1 & !re1 pac+ up & d[n 9 a fury1 att5d$ to 8 w\nds4 ,8 =ef+]1 f :i* ! r+ _h be5 s ru?lessly snat*$1 0 a con/ant rem9d] to him ( ! loss4 ,any "o :o c\ld h /udi$ ! v5gefulness ( 8 face w\ld h se5 t x bod$ ill = "s "o4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 ! day aft] h] return f ,aunt ,tabby's t ,k5n$y call$ aga9 ^u ,ela9e to f9d t %e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 7 engag$ 9 ! pleasant pa/ime ( arrang+ an ent]ta9m5t4 ,j5n+s ann\nc$ ,craig & held back ! porti]es z he ent]$4 ,oh1 good6 cri$ ,ela9e z %e saw him4 ,y are j 9 "t4 ,i 0 go+ to s5d y ?is1 b ,i %\ld mu* r give x to y4 ,%e h&$ him a ta/efully engrav$ %eet ( pap] :i* he read ) int]e/3 ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge reque/s ! honor ( y\r pres5ce at an ,ori5tal ,reception on ,april #f?1 at #h o'clock4 ,v int]e/+1 exclaim$ ,craig en?usia/ically4 ,i %all be delight$ to come4 ,he look$ ab\t a mom5t at ! libr>y :i* ,ela9e 0 already re>rang+ = ! ent]ta9m5t4 ,!n y mu/ "w1 %e cri$ gaily4 ,y are j 9 "t to help me buy ! decorations4 ,no objections--come along4 ,%e took ,k5n$y's arm playfully4 ,b ,i h a v important inve/igation = ! ,coron] t ,i am-- ,no excuses1 %e cri$1 laugh+ly1 dragg+ him out4 ,among ! _m places :i* ,ela9e _h d[n on h] %opp+ li/ 0 a small ,*9ese curio %op on l[] ,fif? av5ue4 ,!y ent]$ & 7 greet$ ) a pr(\nd b[ by ! proprietor4 ,he 0 ! new ,tong lead]1 & ?is up-t[n %op 0 8 cov]4 ,9 actual fact1 he 0 :at might h be5 call$ a ,*9ese f5ce = /ol5 goods4 ,9 _! int]e/ 9 ! weal? ( /range & curi\s ornam5ts display$ 9 ! %op !y did n notice t ! ,*9aman's wri/ 0 b\nd tightly "u 8 fl[+ sleeve4 ,ela9e expla9$ :at x 0 %e want$1 & ) ,k5n$y's aid select$ a numb] ( ,*9ese hang+s & decorations4 ,!y 7 ab\t to leave ! %op :5 ,ela9e's eye 0 attract$ by a little %[ case 9 :i* 7 _m qua9t & valuable ,*9ese ornam5ts 9 gold & silv] & cov]$ ivory4 ,:at an odd look+ ?+1 %e said1 po9t+ out a knobb$ r+ :i* repos$ on ! black velvet ( ! case4 ,q odd1 agre$ ,k5n$y4 ,! subtle ,*9aman /ood by ! pile ( hang+s on ! c\nt] :i* ,ela9e _h b\ght1 ov]joy$ at su* a l>ge sale4 ,prais+ ! r+ to ,ela9e1 he turn$ ins9uat+ly to ,k5n$y4 ,!re 0 no?+ else = ,craig to d--he b\ght ! r+1 & ! ,*9aman prov$ aga9 8 ability z a m]*ant4 ,f ! curio %op :]e ,ela9e _h complet$ h] pur*ases !y drove to ,k5n$y's laboratory4 ,i _h be5 at "w on a /ory = ! ,/> :5 !y ent]$4 ,y w be !re1 too1 ,mr4 ,jameson8 coax$ ,ela9e1 z %e told ( _! morn+'s "w4 ,i ne$$ no urg+4 ,we 7 9 ! mid/ ( plann+ ! ent]ta9m5t :5 a slight c\gh beh9d me made me />t & turn quickly4 ,!re /ood ,long ,s91 ! a/ute ,*9aman :o _h deliv]$ ! bomb to ,k5n$y & _h betray$ ,b5nett4 ,we _h se5 v little ( him s9ce !n4 ,long ,s9 b[$ l[ & %uffl$ ov] clos] to ,k5n$y4 ,i notic$ t ,ela9e ey$ ,long ,s9 %>ply4 ,b z yet we _h se5 no reason to suspect him1 s clev]ly _h he cov]$ 8 tracks4 ,k5n$y1 hav+ us$ him once to capture ,b5nett1 0 /ill n unwill+ to use him 9 attempt+ to discov] :]e ,b5nett's hidd5 millions lay4 ,i am 9 great tr\ble1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 began ,long ,s9 9 a l[ tone4 ,y don't "k ! ,*9ese ( ! city1 b if y did y w\ld "k :at blackmail]s !re are among !m4 ,i h refus$ to pay blackmail to ! ,*ong ,wah ,tong1 & s9ce !n x has be5 tr\ble1 tr\ble1 tr\ble4 ,k5n$y look$ up quickly at ! "n ,*ong ,wah ,tong1 ?9k+ ( ! inve/igation :i* ! ,coron] _h ask$ him to make into ! murd]4 ,he & ,long ,s9 mov$ a few /eps away1 discuss+ ! affair4 ,ela9e & ,i 7 /ill talk+ ov] ! ent]ta9m5t4 ,%e happ5$ to place h] h& on ! desk ne> ,long ,s94 ,my back 0 t[>d him & ,i did n see him />t sudd5ly & look at h] h&4 ,on x 0 ! r+--! r+ :i*1 unkn[n to u1 ,long ,s9 _h f\nd 9 ! passageway "u ,aunt ,tabby's g>d51 ( :i* he _h be5 robb$1 & :i* n[1 by a /range *ance1 _h come into ,ela9e's possession4 ,x 0 a peculi> situation = ,long ,s91 al?\gh z yet we did n "k x4 ,he c\ld n lay claim to ! my/ic r+1 = !n ,k5n$y w\ld make him prove 8 own]%ip1 & ! :ole affair ( :i* we /ill knew no?+ w\ld be expos$4 ,he act$ quickly4 ,long ,s9 decid$ to recov] ! r+ by /eal?4 ,ela9e 0 /ill talk+ en?usia/ically ab\t h] p>ty1 :5 ,long ,s9 turn$ f ,k5n$y & mov$ t[>d u ) a b[4 ,! lady speaks ( an ,ori5tal reception1 he rem>k$4 ,w\ld %e c>e to engage a magician8 ,ela9e turn$ to him surpris$4 ,d y mean t y are a magician8 %e ask$1 puzzl$4 ,long ,s9 smil$ quietly4 ,he rea*$ ov] & took a small bottle f ,k5n$y's laboratory table4 ,hold+ x 9 8 h& almo/ directly be=e u1 he made a few sleight-(-h& passes1 &1 pre/o6 ! bottle _h disappe>$4 ,a few m passes1 & a te/ tube appe>$ 9 its place4 ,be=e we knew x he _h caus$ ! te/ tube to disappe> & ! bottle to reappe>4 ,we all applaud$ en?usia/ically4 ,i don't ?9k t is su* a bad idea aft] all1 nodd$ ,k5n$y to ,ela9e4 ,p]haps n1 %e agre$1 a little d\btfully4 ,i hadn't int5d$ to h su* a ?+1 b--:y1 ( c\rse1 t w\ld int]e/ ev]ybody4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 ! night ( ! reception4 ,! ,dodge libr>y 0 trans=m$4 ,! ,ori5tal hang+s :i* ,ela9e & ,k5n$y _h pur*as$ seem$ to brea! my/icism4 ,at ! f> end ( ! room a plat=m _h be5 arrang$ to =m a /age on :i* ,long ,s9 0 to p]=m 8 sleight-(-h&4 ,! draw+-room also 0 decorat$ l ! libr>y4 ,at ! o!r end ( ! room ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e1 9 picturesque ,ori5tal co/ume1 7 greet+ ! gue/s4 ,e "o seem$ to be delight$ ) ! novelty ( ! affair4 ,we came 9 j a bit ahead ( ,long ,s91 & ,ela9e greet$ u4 ,almo/ ev]ybody _h arriv$ :5 ,ela9e turn$ to ! gue/s & introduc$ ,long ,s9 ) a little spee*4 ,long ,s9 b[$ & e "o applaud$4 ,he made 8 way to ! plat=m 9 ! libr>y & m\nt$ x4 ,i %all n attempt to describe ! amaz+ s]ies ( tricks :i* he p]=m$4 ,8 h&s & f+]s seem$ to move l lightn+4 ,among o!r ?+s1 ,i rememb] he took up a cov] f a table ne>-by4 ,he held x up be=e u4 ,in/antly x seem$ t a flock ( pigeons flew out ( x ar\nd ! room4 ,h[ he did x ,i don't "k4 ,!y 7 real pigeons1 h[ev]1 & ! trick br\ght d[n ! h\se4 ,long ,s9 b[$4 ,ano!r ( 8 feats :i* ,i recall 0 no?+ less ?an k9dl+ a fire on a small bit ( t9 &1 z ! flames m\nt$1 he delib]ately /epp$ into !m1 app>5tly z unh>m$ z a salam&]4 ,s x w5t f "o ?+ to ano!r4 ,! ent]ta9m5t 0 brilliant 9 itself1 b ,long ,s9 seem$ to put ! f9i%+ t\* to x4 ,9 fact1 ,i suppose t x 0 a c\ple ( h\rs t he cont9u$ to amuse u4 ,he _h f9i%$ & e "o cr[d$ ab\t him to congratulate him on 8 skill4 ,8 only answ]1 h[ev]1 0 8 inscrutable smile4 ,?is is wond]ful1 wond]ful1 ,i repeat$ z ,i happ5$ to meet ,ela9e alone4 ,we walk$ into ! cons]vatory :ile ! gue/s 7 cr[d+ ar\nd ,long ,s94 ,%e seat$ h]self = ! fir/ "t dur+ ! ev5+4 ,may ,i get y an ice8 ,i sugge/$4 ,%e ?ank$ me1 & ,i hurri$ (f4 ,z ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! draw+-room ,i did n notice t ,long ,s9 _h manag$ to escape fur!r congratulations ( ! gue/s4 ,j !n a wait] pass$ ?r\gh ) ices on a tray4 ,i call$ to him & he /opp$4 ,a mom5t lat] ,long ,s9 himself took an ice f ! tray & retreat$ back ( ! porti]es4 ,no "o 0 ab\t1 & he ha/ily drew a bottle f 8 pocket4 ,on ! bottle 0 a ,*9ese label4 ,he palm$ ! bottle1 & any "o :o _h *anc$ to see him w\ld h notic$ t he pass$ x two or ?ree times ov] ! ice1 !n1 lift+ ! porti]es1 ent]$ ! draw+-room aga94 ,he _h made ! circuit ( ! rooms 9 su* a way z to br+ himself out directly 9 my pa?4 ,) a smile he /opp$ be=e me1 rubb+ bo? h&s toge!r4 ,x is = ,miss ,ela9e8 he ask$4 ,i nodd$4 ,by ?is "t sev]al ( ! gue/s :o 7 fasc9at$ ) ,long ,s9 ga!r$ ab\t u4 ,long ,s9 flutt]$ op5 a ,*9ese fan :i* he _h us$ 9 8 tricks1 pass$ x ov] my h&1 & 9 "s incompreh5sible way ,i felt ! plate ) ! ice lit]ally disappe> f my grasp4 ,my face mu/ h %[n my surprise4 ,a bur/ ( laught] f ! o!r gue/s greet$ me4 ,i look$ at ,long ,s91 half angry1 yet unable to say any?+1 = ! joke 0 pla9ly on me4 ,he smil$1 made ano!r pass ) ! fan1 & in/antly ! plate ) ! ice 0 back 9 my h&4 ,!re 0 no?+ = me b to take ! joke 9 ! _s 9 :i* ! o!r gue/s _h tak5 x4 ,i laugh$ ) !m & manag$ to get away4 ,mean:ile ,k5n$y _h be5 mov+ f "o to ano!r ( ! gue/s seek+ ,ela9e4 ,he _h already tak5 an ice f ! wait] & 0 go+ 9 ! direction ( ! cons]vatory4 ,!re he f\nd h]4 ,won't y take ?is ice8 he ask$1 h&+ x to h]4 ,x is v k9d ( y1 %e said1 b ,i h already s5t ,walt] = "o4 ,k5n$y insi/$ & %e took x4 ,%e _h already />t$ to eat x :5 ,i appe>$ 9 ! doorway4 ,i 0 r vex$ at ,long ,s9 = hav+ delay$ me1 & ,i mumbl$ some?+ ab\t x4 ,k5n$y laugh$1 r pleas$ at hav+ beat5 me4 ,nev] m9d1 ,walt]1 he said ) a smile1 ,i'll take x4 ,& er--,i don't ?9k t ,ela9e w object if y play ! ho/ = a little :ile ) ,aunt ,joseph9e1 he h9t$4 ,i saw t ?ree 0 a cr[d & ,i turn$ to retrace my /eps to ! draw+-room4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 0 n alone4 ,back ( ! palms 9 ! cons]vatory two beady black eyes 7 eag]ly wat*+4 ,long ,s9 _h not$ e movem5t z 8 clev]ly laid plan misc>ri$4 ,*att+ ) animation1 ,k5n$y ta/$ ! ice4 ,he _h tak5 only a c\ple ( spoonfuls :5 a look ( wond] & horror seem$ to spread ov] 8 face4 ,he rose quickly4 ,a cold sweat seem$ to break out all ov] him4 ,8 n]ves almo/ refus$ to respond4 ,8 tongue seem$ to be p>alyz$ & ! muscles ( 8 ?roat seem$ to be l /eel b&s4 ,he took only a few /eps1 began to /agg]1 & f9ally sank d[n on ! floor4 ,ela9e scream$4 ,we ru%$ 9 f ! libr>y & draw+-room4 ,!re lay ,k5n$y on ! floor1 8 face mo/ t]ribly contort$4 ,we ga!r$ ar\nd him & he tri$ to raise himself & speak1 b seem$ unable to utt] a s\nd4 ,he _h fall5 ne> ! f\nta9 & "o h& droop$ ov] into ! wat]4 ,z he fell back he seem$ to h only j en\gh /r5g? to )draw 8 h& f ! f\nta94 ,on ! /one cop+1 sl[ly & labori\sly1 he mov$ 8 f+]4 ,:at's ! matt]1 old man8 ,i ask$1 b5d+ ov] him4 ,!re 0 no answ]1 b he manag$ to turn 8 head1 & ,i foll[$ ! direction ( 8 eyes4 ,) trembl+ f+] he 0 trac+ out1 "o by "o1 "s lett]s4 ,i look$ & x fla%$ ov] me :at he meant4 ,he _h writt5 ) ! wat]3 ,digital9--lab-- ,i jump$ up & almo/ )\t a ^w da%$ out ( ! cons]vatory1 d[n ! hall & into ! fir/ c> wait+ outside4 ,to ! laboratory1 ,i direct$1 giv+ ! driv] ! directions1 & drive l ! deuce6 ,=tunately !re 0 no "o to /op u1 & ,i "k we broke all ! spe$ laws ( ,new ,york4 ,i da%$ into ! laboratory1 almo/ broke op5 ! cab9et1 & seiz$ ! bottle ( digital9 & a hypod]mic syr+e1 !n ru%$ madly out aga9 & into ! c>4 ,mean:ile "s ( ! gue/s _h lift$ up ,k5n$y1 too excit$ to notice ,long ,s9 9 8 hid+-place4 ,!y _h laid ,craig d[n on a c\* & 7 endeavor+ to revive him4 ,"s "o _h already s5t = a doctor1 b ! aconite 0 work+ quickly on its victim1 & he 0 sl[ly /iff5+ out4 ,ela9e 0 frantic4 ,i sc>cely wait$ = ! c> to /op 9 front ( ! h\se4 ,i op5$ ! door & ru%$ 94 ,)\t a ^w ,i ?ru/ ! antidote & ! syr+e into ! h&s ( ! doctor & he w5t to "w imm$iately4 ,we wat*$ ) anxiety4 ,f9ally ,k5n$y's eyes op5$ & gradually 8 brea?+ seem$ to become m normal4 ,! antidote _h be5 giv5 9 "t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y 0 consid]ably brok5 up by ! n>r[ escape :i* he _h _h1 &1 naturally1 ev5 ! next morn+1 did n feel l himself4 ,9 ! excitem5t ( leav+ ,ela9e's we _h =gott5 ! bottle ( digital94 ,z = myself1 ,i _h be5 s ov]joy$ at see+ my old fri5d re/or$ t ,i w\ld h =gott5 any?+4 ,k5n$y look$ r wan & peak$1 b insi/$ on go+ to ! laboratory z usual4 ,d y rememb] :at became ( ! bottle ( digital98 he ask$1 fumbl+ 9 ! closet4 ,me*anically ,i felt 9 my own pockets2 x 0 n !re4 ,i %ook my head4 ,i don't seem to rememb] :at became ( x--p]haps we left x !re4 ,9 fact1 we mu/ h left x !re4 ,i don't l to h su* ?+s ly+ ar\nd loose1 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 tak+ up 8 hat & coat ) =c$ en]gy4 ,i ?9k we _h bett] get x4 ,ela9e _h sp5t r a sleepless night aft] ! attempt to poison h] :i* _h misc>ri$ & result$ 9 poison+ ,k5n$y4 ,to keep h] m9d (f ! ?+1 %e _h already />t$ to take d[n ! decorations4 ,j5n+s & ,m>ie1 z well z a c\ple ( workm51 7 re/or+ ! libr>y to its normal condition "u ! direction ( ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,! telephone rang & ,ela9e answ]$ x4 ,h] face %[$ t some?+ />tl+ _h happ5$4 ,x 0 ,jameson1 %e cri$1 almo/ dropp+ ! receiv]1 ov]come4 ,!y all hurri$ to h]4 ,he says t ,mr4 ,k5n$y & he 7 visit+ t ,*9aman ?is morn+ & ,mr4 ,k5n$y suff]$ a relapse--is dy+ !re1 9 ! ,*9aman's ap>tm5t4 ,he wants u to come quickly & br+ t m$ic9e t !y us$ la/ night4 ,he says x is on ! tab>et 9 ! libr>y4 ,m>ie1 w y look = x8 ,&1 ,j5n+s1 get ! c> "r away4 ,j5n+s hurri$ f ! room1 & a mom5t lat] ,m>ie _h f\nd ! bottle beh9d "s ornam5ts on ! tab>et & came back ) x4 ,sc>cely kn[+ :at to d1 ,ela9e1 foll[$ by ,aunt ,joseph9e1 _h ru%$ f ! h\se1 hatless & coatless1 j z ! c> swung ar\nd f ! g>age 9 ! re>4 ,j5n+s w5t out ) ! wraps4 ,!y seiz$ !m & leap$ into ! c>1 :i* />t$ (f swiftly4 ,x 0 only a matt] ( m9utes :5 !y pull$ up be=e ! ap>tm5t h\se :]e ,wu _h tak5 ! suite f :i* ,long ,s9 _h telephon$ ! message 9 my "n4 ,toge!r ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e hurri$ 94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y w5t directly f ! laboratory to ! ,dodge h\se4 ,i don't ?9k ,i ev] saw su* an expression ( surprise on anybody's face z t on ,j5n+s's :5 he op5$ ! door & saw u4 ,he 0 agha/4 ,back ( him we c\ld see ,m>ie4 ,%e look$ z if %e _h se5 a gho/4 ,is ,miss ,ela9e 98 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,j5n+s 0 ev5 too dumf\nd$ to speak4 ,:y1 :at's ! matt]8 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 ,!n--er--y are n ill aga98 he manag$ to blurt out4 ,ill aga98 repeat$ ,k5n$y4 ,:y1 expla9$ ,j5n+s1 didn't ,mr4 ,jameson j n[ telephone t y _h _h a relapse 9 ! ap>tm5t ( t ,*9aman1 & = ,miss ,ela9e to hurry ov] !re "r away ) t bottle ( m$ic9e8 ,k5n$y wait$ to he> no m4 ,seiz+ me by ! arm1 he turn$ & da%$ d[n ! /eps & back aga9 into ! taxicab 9 :i* we _h come4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ,wu's ap>tm5t ,long ,s9 0 giv+ 8 secret>y & ano!r ,*9aman ! mo/ explicit in/ructions4 ,z he f9i%$ ea* nodd$ & %[$ him a ,*9ese dirk conceal$ "u 8 bl\se4 ,j !n a knock s\nd$ at ! door4 ,! secret>y op5$ x1 & ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,ela9e almo/ ran 94 ,be=e !y knew x1 ! secret>y _h lock$ ! door4 ,long ,s9 rose & b[$ ) a smile4 ,:]e is ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 dem&$ ,ela9e4 ,long ,s9 b[$ aga91 spread+ out 8 h&s1 palm outw>d4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 ,he is n "h4 ,!n1 /raight5+ up1 he fac$ ! two wom5 squ>ely4 ,y h a r+ t means mu* to me1 he said quickly4 ,! only way to get x f y 0 to br+ y "h4 ,he 0 po9t+ n[ at ! r+ on ,ela9e's f+]4 ,%e look$ at x a mom5t 9 surprise1 !n at ! m5ac+ ,*9aman1 & turn$ quickly4 ,%e ran to ! door4 ,x 0 lock$4 ,long ,s91 motionless1 smil$4 ,!re is no way to get out1 he murmur$4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 /&+ n[ ) h] back to ! door lead+ into ano!r room4 ,%e happ5$ to look up & saw ! secret>y1 :o 0 ne> h] & half turn$ away4 ,f :]e %e 0 /&+ %e c\ld see ! murd]\s dirk up 8 sleeve4 ,%e act$ in/antly4 ,)\t a ^w %e summon$ all h] /r5g? & /ruck him4 ,! secret>y /umbl$4 ,ela9e1 %e cri$1 look out6 !y h knives4 ,be=e ,ela9e knew x ,aunt ,joseph9e _h tak5 h] by ! arm1 _h pull$ h] into ! back room1 &1 al?\gh ,long ,s9 & ! o!rs _h ru%$ =w>d1 manag$ to slam ! door & lock x4 ,! ,*9am5 set to "w imm$iately to pry x op54 ,:ile !y 7 at "w on ! do]1 :i* 0 already sway+1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,ela9e 7 runn+ ab\t1 try+ to f9d an outlet f ! room4 ,!re seem$ to be no way out4 ,ev5 ! w9d[s 7 lock$4 ,i don't "k :y !y want ! r+1 :isp]$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 b !y won't get x4 ,give x to me1 ,ela9e4 ,%e almo/ seiz$ ! r+1 hid+ x 9 h] wai/4 ,z %e did s ! door bur/ op5 & ,wu1 ,long ,s9 & ! o!r ,*9am5 ru%$ 94 ,a second lat] !y seiz$ ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y & ,i da%$ up be=e ! ap>tm5t h\se 9 :i* we knew t ,long ,s9 liv$1 leap$ out ( ! c> & hurri$ 94 ,x 0 on ! second floor1 & we did n wait = ! elevator b took ! /eps two at a "t4 ,k5n$y f\nd ! door lock$4 ,in/antly he :ipp$ out 8 revolv] & %ot ! lock 9 pieces4 ,we ?rew ourselves aga9/ ! door1 ! brok5 lock gave way & we ru%$ 9 ?r\gh ! front room4 ,no "o 0 !re1 b 9 a back room we c\ld he> s\nds4 ,x 0 ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e /ruggl+ ) ! ,*9am54 ,long ,s9 & ! o!rs _h seiz$ ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 try+ to help h] j z we ru%$ 94 ,) a bl[ ,k5n$y knock$ out ! secret>y1 :ile ,i /ruggl$ ) ! o!r ,*9am5 :o block$ ! way4 ,!n ,k5n$y w5t directly at ,long ,s94 ,!y /ruggl$ furi\sly4 ,long ,s91 ) 8 wond]ful k ( jiu-jitsu1 might n h be5 a mat* = six o!r ,*9am51 b he 0 = "o :ite man4 ,) a mighty ef=t he ?rew ,k5n$y1 ru%$ = ! door &1 z he pass$ ?r\gh ! outside room1 seiz$ a ,tong axe f ! wall4 ,afraid ( ! wond]ful jiu-jitsu1 ,i _h pick$ up ! fir/ ?+ h&y1 :i* 0 a tab>et4 ,i lit]ally broke x ov] ! head ( my ,*9aman1 !n turn$ & da%$ out aft] ,long ,s9 j z ,k5n$y pick$ himself up & foll[$4 ,i caught up ) ! ,*9aman & we _h a little /ruggle1 b he manag$ to break away & rais$ 8 axe ?reat5+ly4 ,a %\t f ,k5n$y caus$ him to turn & run d[n ! flight ( /airs1 ,k5n$y closely beh9d him4 ,9 ! ma9 hall ( ! ap>tm5t h\se 7 two elevator %afts fac+ ! /reet entrance1 "s tw5ty-five or ?irty feet away4 ,?r\gh ! /reet door ! janitor & two or ?ree o!r m5 7 runn+ 94 ,!y _h he>d ! noise ( ! fight+ above4 ,escape to ! /reet 0 cut (f4 ,we 7 beh9d him on ! flight ( /airs4 ,long ,s9 did n hesitate a mom5t4 ,he ran to ! elevator1 ! door ( :i* 0 op51 seiz$ ! elevator boy & s5t him sprawl+ on ! m>ble floor4 ,!n he slamm$ ! door & ! elevator %ot up4 ,k5n$y 0 only a few feet beh9d1 & he took 9 ! situation at a glance4 ,he leap$ into ! o!r elevator1 & be=e ! surpris$ boy c\ld int]f]e %ot x up only a few feet beh9d ,long ,s94 ,up ! two elevators rose1 ,k5n$y fir+ z be/ he c\ld at ,long ,s91 :ile ! %ots rev]b]at$ ?r\gh ! elevator %aft l cannon4 ,x 0 a wild race to ! ro(4 ,long ,s9 _h ! />t1 & z ! elevator rea*$ ! top floor he flung x op51 da%$ out & ?r\gh a door up to ! ro( itself4 ,a second lat] ,k5n$y's elevator /opp$4 ,craig leap$ out & fir$ 8 la/ %ot at ! legs ( ,long ,s9 z he disappe>$ at ! top ( ! flight ( /airs to ! ro(4 ,he flung ! revolv] f him & foll[$4 ,)\t a mom5t's hesitation ,k5n$y ?rew himself at ,long ,s94 ,!y /ruggl$ ) ea* o!r4 ,f9ally ,long ,s9 manag$ to wr5* "o arm lose & raise ! ,tong axe ov] ,k5n$y's head4 ,k5n$y dodg$ back4 ,z he did s he tripp$ on ! v edge ( ! ro( & w5t slid+ d[n ! slates ( ! mans>d4 ,=tunately he 0 able to cat* himself 9 ! gutt]4 ,x 0 ! opportunity t ,long ,s9 want$4 ,he />t$ across ! rope1 :i* he _h /ret*$ f ?is ap>tm5t h\se to ! build+ across ! c\rt1 ) all ! deftness ( ! mo/ exp]t ,*9ese acrobat4 ,by ?is "t ,i _h rea*$ ! ro(1 foll[$ by ! janitor & ! elevator boys4 ,k5n$y 0 n[ crawl+ up ! mans>d1 help+ himself z be/ he c\ld by "s ( ! ornam5tal ironwork4 ,i hurri$ ov] ) ! janitor1 & toge!r we pull$ him out ( dang]4 ,long ,s9 _h rea*$ ! ro( on ! opposite side z we ran across 9 ! direction ( ! taut rope4 ,a mom5t lat] he return$ & b[$ at u mock+ly1 !n disappe>$ beh9d a skylight4 ,k5n$y did n /op an in/ant4 ,y fell[s g d[n to ! /reet & see if y c head him (f t way1 he cri$4 ,/ay "h1 ,walt]4 ,be=e ,i knew x he _h seiz$ ! rope & 0 go+ across to ! o!r build+1 h& ov] h&4 ,x 0 a p]il\s und]tak+1 b 8 blood 0 up4 ,k5n$y _h almo/ rea*$ ! o!r ro( :5 sudd5ly f beh9d ! skylight /epp$ ,long ,s94 ,) a wick$ le]1 he advanc$ to ! edge ( ! ro(1 8 axe uprais$4 ,i look$ across ! yawn+ *asm1 horrifi$4 ,sl[ly ,long ,s9 rais$ ! axe above 8 head1 ga!r+ all ! /r5g? :i* he _h1 wait+ = ,k5n$y to approa* clos]4 ,k5n$y /opp$4 ,swiftly ! axe desc5d$1 sla%+ ! rope at "o bl[4 ,l ! weight ( a p5dulum ,k5n$y swung back aga9/ our own build+1 manag+ to keep 8 hold on ! rope ) sup]human /r5g?4 ,i b5t f> ov] ! edge ( ! ro(1 fully expect+ to see him da%$ to pieces at ! bottom ( ! c\rt4 ,!re 0 a trem5d\s %att]+ ( glass4 ,! rope _h be5 j long en\gh to make him /rike a w9d[ & he _h gone cra%+ ?r\gh ! glass ?ree floors bel[4 ,i da%$ d[n ! /airs & into ! ap>tm5t4 ,k5n$y 0 ly+ on ! floor badly cut4 ,i rais$ him up4 ,he 0 daz$ & consid]ably ov]come2 b z he /agg]$ to 8 feet ) my help ,i saw t no bones 7 brok54 ,help me1 quick1 ,walt]1 he urg$1 mov+ t[>d ! elevators4 ,mean:ile ,long ,s9 _h quickly div$ d[n into ! next build+4 ,a few mom5ts lat] he _h come out on ! gr\nd floor at ! re>4 ,gaz+ ab\t to see :e!r he 0 foll[$1 he disappe>$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,back 9 ! ap>tm5t1 ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 7 j ab\t to run out :5 ! two ,*9am5 :o _h be5 knock$ out recov]$4 ,"o ( !m ?rew himself on ,ela9e4 ,aunt ,joseph9e tri$ to w>d him (f1 b ! o!r "o /ruck h] & ?rew h] d[n4 ,be=e %e c\ld recov] !y _h seiz$ ,ela9e4 ,) a ha/y guttural exclamation !y pick$ h] up & ran out4 ,in/ead ( go+ d[n-/airs !y cross$ ! hallway1 slamm+ ! door beh9d !m4 ,z ,k5n$y & ,i rea*$ ! gr\nd floor we saw ! janitor & "o ( ! elevator boys on ei!r side ( ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,ela9e6 ,ela9e6 %e cri$4 ,:at's ! matt]8 dem&$ ,k5n$y1 lean+ heavily on me4 ,!y h kidnapp$ h]1 cri$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,k5n$y pull$ himself toge!r4 ,tell me1 quick--h[ did x happ58 he dem&$ ( ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,x 0 ! r+1 %e cri$1 h&+ x to him4 ,k5n$y took ! r+ & look$ at x = a mom5t4 ,!n he turn$ to u blankly4 ,all ! rooms 7 empty4 ,ela9e _h be5 spirit$ away4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,! ,,wat*+ ,,eye ,n a clue 0 left by ! kidnapp]s :5 !y s my/]i\sly spirit$ ,ela9e away f ! ap>tm5t ( ,wu ,fang4 ,%e _h disappe>$ z completely z if %e _h vani%$ into ! ?9 air4 ,k5n$y 0 frantic4 ,wu & ,long ,s9 !mselves seem$ to h vani%$1 too4 ,:]e !y held h]1 :at _h happ5$ to h] 0 a seal$ book4 ,& yet1 no move ( ours 0 made1 no matt] h[ secret1 t x did n seem to be kn[n to !m4 ,x 0 z ?\gh a weird1 uncanny eye gl>$ at u1 wat*+ ev]y?+4 ,craig neglect$ no possibility 9 8 eag] se>*4 ,he ev5 visit$ ! little h\se 9 ! c\ntry :i* ,ela9e _h giv5 to ,aunt ,tabby1 & sp5t sev]al h\rs exam9+ ! collaps$ subt]ranean *amb] 9 ! va9 hope t x might yield a clue4 ,b x _h n4 ,x 0 half fill$ ) debris f above1 :]e ! pill> _h giv5 way t night :5 we _h all s ne>ly lo/ our lives4 ,/ill1 !re 0 en\gh room 9 :at rema9$ ( ! cav]n s t we c\ld move ab\t4 ,k5n$y _h ev5 dug away "s ( ! e>? & rock1 9 ! hope ( discov]+ "s trace ( ! /range visitor :om we _h surpris$ at "w4 ,b "h1 also1 he _h f\nd no?+4 ,x 0 madd5+4 ,:at might at any mom5t be happ5+ to ,ela9e--& he p[]less to help h]8 ,unescapably1 he 0 =c$ to ! conclusion t n only ,ela9e's amaz+ disappe>ance1 b ! tragic succession ( ev5ts :i* _h prec$$ x1 _h be5 caus$1 9 "s way1 by ! curi\sly engrav$ r+ :i* ,aunt ,joseph9e _h tak5 f ,ela9e4 ,craig _h tak5 possession ( ! my/ic r+ himself1 & n[1 =c$ back on ?is sole clue1 x _h occurr$ to him t if ! r+ 7 s valuable1 o!r attempts w\ld1 )\t d\bt1 be made to get possession ( x4 ,i came into ! laboratory1 "o aft]noon1 to f9d ,k5n$y surr\nd$ by jewel]'s tools1 h>d at "w mak+ an exact copy ( ! r+4 ,:at d y ?9k ( x1 ,walt]8 he ask$1 hold+ up ! replica4 ,p]fect1 ,i repli$1 admir+ly4 ,:at are y go+ to d ) x8 ,i c't say--yet1 answ]$ ,k5n$y1 =lornly1 b if ,i und]/& ^! ,*9ese crim9als at all1 ,i "k t ! only way we c ev] track !m is ?r\gh "s trick4 ,p]haps ! replica w sugge/ some?+ to u lat]4 ,he plac$ ! copy 9 a velvet-l9$ box closely resembl+ t 9 :i* ! real r+ lay1 & dropp$ bo? into 8 pocket4 ,let's see if ,aunt ,joseph9e has receiv$ any ^w1 he rem>k$ abruptly1 putt+ on 8 hat & coat1 & nodd+ to me to foll[4 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 n ! only visitors to ! subt]ranean *amb] :]e x _h seem$ t ! clue to ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s millions might be f\nd4 ,x 0 z ?\gh t hidd51 wat*+ eye foll[$ u4 ,! night aft] our own unsuccessful se>*1 ,wu ,fang1 accompani$ by ,long ,s91 made 8 way into ! cav]n4 ,z !y fla%$ _! electric bull's-eyes ab\t ! place1 !y c\ld see readily t we _h already be5 digg+ !re4 ,wu exam9$ ! safe :i* _h be5 brok5 into1 :ile ,long ,s9 repeat$ 8 exp]i5ces !re4 ,& y say !re 0 no?+ else 9 x8 dem&$ ,wu4 ,no?+ b ! r+ :i* !y got f me1 repli$ ,long ,s91 ruefully4 ,/range--v /range1 rum9at$ ,wu1 /ill reg>d+ ! empty /rong box4 ,long ,s9 0 n[ go+ ov] ! walls ( ! cav]n m9utely1 8 close-set1 beady black eyes exam9+ e squ>e in* ( x4 ,a sudd5 l[ guttural exclamation caus$ ,wu to turn to him quickly4 ,long ,s9 _h discov]$1 back ( ! debris1 a small oblong slot1 cut into ! rock4 ,above x 7 "s peculi> m>ks4 ,wu hurri$ ov] to 8 h5*man1 & toge!r !y tri$ to deciph] :at _h be5 scrat*$ on ! rock4 ,z ,long ,s9's sl5d] & s9i/] =ef+] trac$ ov] ! inscription1 ,wu sudd5ly caught him by ! elb[4 ,! r+6 he cri$1 z at la/ he int]pret$ ! mean+ ( ! cryptic *>act]s4 ,b :at ab\t ! r+8 ,= a mom5t ,wu look$ at ! slot 9 deep ?\ght4 ,!n he rea*$ d[n & )drew a r+ f 8 own f+] & dropp$ x ?r\gh ! slot4 ,!y li/5$ a mom5t4 ,!y c\ld he> ! r+ t9kle z ?\gh x 7 runn+ d[n "s sort ( track-l declivity inside ! rock4 ,!n1 fa9tly1 !y c\ld he> x drop4 ,x _h fall5 into a little cup ( a comp>tm5t bel[ at _! feet4 ,no?+ happ5$4 ,wu recov]$ 8 r+4 ,b he _h hit at la/ ^u ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s secret6 ,b5nett _h devis$ a r+-lock :i* w\ld op51 ! treasure vault4 ,no o!r r+ except ! "o :i* he _h s c>efully hidd5 0 ( ! size or weight t w\ld move ! lev] :i* w\ld set ! ma*9]y work+ to op5 ! treasure h\se4 ,aga9 ,wu tri$ ano!r ( 8 own r+s1 & a ?ird "t ,long ,s9 dropp$ 9 a r+ f 8 f+]4 ,/ill !re 0 no result4 ,! r+ :i* we lo/ is ! key to ! puzzle--! only key1 exclaim$ ,wu ,fang f9ally4 ,we mu/ recov] x at all haz>d4 ,to 8 subtle m9d a plan ( action seem$ to unfold almo/ in/antly4 ,!re is no good rema9+ "h1 he add$4 ,& we h ga9$ no?+ by ! capture ( ! girl1 unless we c use h] to recov] ! r+4 ,long ,s9 foll[$ 8 ma/] ) a sort ( intuition4 ,if we h to /eal x1 he sugge/$ def]5tially1 x c be accompli%$ be/ by mak+ use ( ,*ong ,wah ,tong4 ,! ,tong 0 ! crim9al b& :i* !y _h (f5d$1 :i* _h 9 fact /ol5 ! r+ f ,long ,s9 & sold x to ,ela9e4 ,yet 9 a game su* z ?is enmity c\ld n la/ :5 x 0 mutually disadvantage\s4 ,wu took ! sugge/ion4 ,he decid$ in/antly to make peace ) 8 enemies--& use !m4 ,lat] t night1 9 8 c>1 ,wu /opp$ ne> ! little curio %op kept by ! new ,tong lead]4 ,long ,s9 alight$ & ent]$ ! %op1 :ile ! ,tong man ey$ him suspici\sly4 ,my ma/] has come to make peace1 he began1 salut+ ! ,tong lead] beh9d ! c\nt]4 ,no?+1 9 reality1 c\ld h pleas$ ! ,tong m5 m1 = 9 _! he>ts !y fe>$ ! ma/]-l subtlety ( ,wu ,fang4 ,! conf]5ce 0 %ort & ,long ,s9 ) a b[ left quickly to rejo9 ,wu1 :ile ! ,tong lead] disappe>$ into a back room ( ! %op :]e sev]al ( ! inn] circle sat4 ,all is well1 ma/]1 report$ ,long ,s9 :5 he _h made 8 way back to ! c> ar\nd ! corn] 9 :i* ,wu 0 wait+4 ,wu smil$ & a mom5t lat] foll[$ by 8 slave 9 crime ent]$ ! curio %op & pass$ ?r\gh ) great dignity into ! room 9 ! re>4 ,z ! two ent]$1 ! ,tong m5 b[$ ) great respect4 ,let u be enemies no m1 began ,wu briefly4 ,let u r help ea* o!r z bro!rs4 ,he ext5d$ 8 "r h&1 palm d[n1 z he spoke4 ,= a mom5t ! ,tong lead] p>ley$ ) ! o!rs1 !n /epp$ =w>d & laid 8 own h&1 palm d[n1 ov] t ( ,wu4 ,"o by "o ! o!rs did ! same1 includ+ ,long ,s91 ! aggriev$4 ,peace 0 re/or$4 ,wu _h ris5 to g1 & ! ,tong m5 7 b[+ a respectful f>ewell4 ,he turn$ & saw a l>ge vase4 ,= a mom5t he paus$ be=e x4 ,x 0 an enorm\s affair & 0 app>5tly compos$ ( a mosaic ( r>e ,*9ese enamels1 cunn+ly put toge!r by ! deft & pati5t f+]s ( ! ori5tal craftsm54 ,ext5d+ f ! widely curv+ b[l bel[ 0 an extremely long1 n>r[1 tap]+ neck4 ,wu look$ at x int5tly2 !n an idea seem$ to /rike him4 ,he call$ ! ,tong lead] & ! o!rs ab\t him4 ,quickly he outl9$ ! details ( a plan4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,h y receiv$ any ^w yet8 ask$ ,aunt ,joseph9e anxi\sly1 :5 ,j5n+s _h u%]$ u into ! ,dodge libr>y4 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head sadly4 ,!re 0 no ne$ to repeat ! "q to ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,! te>s 9 h] eyes told only too pla9ly t %e h]self _h he>d no?+1 ei!r4 ,craig b5t ov] & plac$ 8 h& on h] %\ld]4 ,= ! mom5t1 none ( u c\ld control our emotions4 ,a few m9utes lat]1 ,j5n+s ent]$ ! room s(tly aga94 ,! expressm5 are outside1 ma'am1 ) a l>ge package1 he said4 ,a package8 inquir$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 look+ up1 surpris$4 ,= me--are y sure8 ,j5n+s b[$ & repeat$ 8 rem>k4 ,aunt ,joseph9e foll[$ him out into ! hall4 ,!re1 already1 ! deliv]y m5 _h set d[n a huge ori5tal vase ) a rem>kably long & n>r[ neck4 ,x 01 z befitt$ su* a really beautiful object ( art1 mo/ c>efully crat$4 ,b to ,aunt ,joseph9e x came z a complete surprise4 ,i c't imag9e :o c\ld h s5t x1 %e temporiz$4 ,are y q sure x is = me8 ,! expressman1 ) a book1 look$ up f ! li/ ( names d[n :i* he 0 runn+ 8 f+]4 ,?is is ,mrs4 ,dodge1 isn't x8 he ask$1 po9t+ ) 8 p5cil to ! entry ) ! address foll[+ x4 ,!re seem$ to be no "n ( a %ipp]4 ,yes1 %e repli$ dubi\sly1 b ,i don't und]/& x4 ,wait j a mom5t4 ,%e w5t to ! libr>y door4 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e said1 may ,i tr\ble y & ,mr4 ,jameson a mom5t8 ,we foll[$ h] into ! hall & !re /ood gaz+ at ! my/]i\s gift :ile %e relat$ its rec5t hi/ory4 ,:y n set x up 9 ! libr>y8 ,i sugge/$1 see+ t ! expressm5 7 gett+ re/ive at ! delay4 ,if !re is any mi/ake1 !y w s5d = x soon4 ,no "o ev] gets any?+ = no?+4 ,aunt ,joseph9e turn$ to ! expressm5 & nodd$4 ,) ! aid ( ,j5n+s !y c>ri$ ! vase into ! libr>y & !re x 0 uncrat$1 :ile ,k5n$y cont9u$ to "q ! man ) ! book1 )\t elicit+ any fur!r in=mation ?an t he ?\ght x _h be5 reconsign$ f ano!r express company4 ,he knew no?+ m ?an t x _h be5 plac$ on 8 wagon1 prop]ly m>k$ & prepaid4 ,:5 ,k5n$y rejo9$ u1 ! vase _h be5 completely uncrat$1 ,aunt ,joseph9e sign$ = x1 &1 grumbl+ a bit1 ! expressm5 left4 ,!re we /ood1 nonpluss$ by ! curi\s gift4 ,craig walk$ ar\nd ! vase1 look+ at x critically4 ,i _h a feel+ ( be+ wat*$1 "o ( ^? s5sations :i* psy*ologi/s tell u are utt]ly baseless & unf\nd$4 ,i 0 glad ,i _h n said any?+ ab\t x :5 he tapp$ ! vase ) 8 cane1 !n /uck x d[n ! long n>r[ neck1 work+ x ar\nd z well z he c\ld4 ,! neck 0 s long & n>r[1 h[ev]1 t 8 /ick c\ld n fully explore ! inside ( ! vase1 b x seem$ to me to be q empty4 ,well1 !re's no?+ 9 x1 anyh[1 ,i v5tur$4 ,i _h spok5 too soon4 ,k5n$y )drew 8 cane & on ! f]rule1 adh]+ z ?\gh by "s /icky sub/ance1 0 a note4 ,k5n$y pull$ x (f & unfold$ x1 :ile we ga!r$ ab\t him4 ,maybe x's f ,ela9e1 cri$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 grasp+ at a /raw4 ,we read3 ,,de> ,,aunt ,,joseph9e1 ,?is is a tok5 t ,i am unh>m$4 ,h ,mr4 ,k5n$y give ! r+ to ! man at ! corn] ( ,williams & ,br[nlee ,av5ues at midnight to-night1 & !y w surr5d] me to him4--,,ela9e4 ,p4 ,s4 ,h him come alone or my life w be 9 dang]4 ,we look$ at ea* o!r 9 amazem5t4 ,i ?\ght some?+ l ?is w\ld happ51 rem>k$ ,craig at l5g?4 ,oh1 cri$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 x's too good to be true4 ,we'll d x1 exclaim$ ,k5n$y quickly1 only ?is is ! r+ t we'll give !m4 ,he drew f 8 pocket ! replica ( ! r+ :i* he _h made & %[$ x to ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,!n he drew f ano!r pocket ! real r+1 replac+ ! replica4 ,"h's ! real "o1 he said 9 a l[ tone4 ,gu>d x z y w\ld gu>d y\r life4 ,%e took ! r+1 almo/ fe>fully4 ,x seem$ z if no?+ b mis=tune _h foll[$ x4 ,/ill1 %e realiz$ t x 0 necess>y t %e %\ld take c>e ( x1 if ! plan 0 to "w4 ,&1 oh1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 %e implor$1 z we rose to g1 please get back my little girl = me4 ,craig clasp$ h] h&4 ,i'll try my be/1 he repli$ f]v5tly1 patt+ h] %\ld] to *e] h] up1 z %e sank into a *air4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 worn out ) ! sleepless nights ( worry s9ce ,ela9e's disappe>ance4 ,aft] we _h gone1 %e tri$ to eat d9n]1 b f\nd t %e _h no appetite4 ,all ! ev5+ %e sat 9 ! libr>y1 ) a book at :i* %e />$1 ?\gh %e sc>cely read a page4 ,h[ev]1 z ! h\rs l5g!n$1 %e f\nd h]self nodd+ ?r\gh %e] exhau/ion4 ,x 0 gett+ late & h] ?\ghts 7 /ill on ,ela9e1 ,at ! desk 9 ! libr>y1 %e 0 exam9+ ! curi\s r+1 :i* %e _h tak5 f h] jewel case1 ?9k+ ( ! t]rible tra9 ( ev5ts t _h foll[$ x4 ,al?\gh %e _h int5d$ to sit up until %e receiv$ "s ^w f ,k5n$y t night1 ! long /ra9 _h told on h] & 9 spite ( h] worry ab\t ,ela9e1 %e decid$1 at l5g?1 to retire4 ,%e replac$ ! r+ 9 ! case1 lock$ ! case1 & turn$ out ! lights4 ,good night1 ,j5n+s1 %e said1 z %e pass$ ! fai?ful old butl] 9 ! hall4 ,good night1 ma'am1 he repli$1 paus+ on 8 r\nds to see t ! doors & w9d[s 7 lock$4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 clasp+ ! jewel case tightly1 m\nt$ ! /airs & ent]$ h] room4 ,%e lock$ ! door c>efully & put ! jewelry case "u h] pill[4 ,!n %e swit*$ (f ! light4 ,! mom5t ,j5n+s's foot/eps ceas$ d[n-/airs 9 ! libr>y1 a small piece ( ! vase seem$ to break away f ! re/ ( ! mosaic1 z ?\gh x 7 knock$ out f ! inside4 ,!n a l>ge piece fell out1 & ano!r4 ,at la/ f ! /range hid+-place a li! figure1 z %9y z ?\gh ba!d 9 oil1 nak$ except = a lo9-clo?1 seem$ to squirm =? l a s]p5t4 ,x 0 ,wu ,fang--! wat*ful eye :i*1 lit]ally z well z figuratively1 _h be5 level$ at u 9 "o =m or ano!r ev] s9ce ! kidnapp+ ( ,ela9e4 ,sil5tly he tipto$ to ! doorway & li/5$4 ,!re 0 n a s\nd4 ,j z noiselessly !n he w5t back to ! libr>y table & muffl+ ! telephone bell1 took d[n ! receiv]4 ,he :isp]$ a numb]1 wait$1 !n :isp]$ "s directions4 ,a mom5t lat] he worm$ 8 way out ( ! libr>y & into ! draw+-room4 ,on he w5t cauti\sly1 snake-l1 up ! /airs until he came to ! door ( ,aunt ,joseph9e's room4 ,he b5t d[n & li/5$4 ,!re 0 no s\nd except ,aunt ,joseph9e's brea?+4 ,sil5tly he drew f a fold 9 ! lo9-clo? a screwdriv] & remov$ ! screws f ! h+es ( ! door4 ,quietly he pu%$ ! b$room door op51 pivot+ x on ! lock1 j f> en\gh op5 s t he c\ld slip ?r\gh4 ,creep+ along ! floor1 l a reptile ^: sign he _h assum$1 he came ne>] & ne>] ,aunt ,joseph9e's b$4 ,z he paus$ = a mom5t 8 quick eye seem$ to cat* sight ( ! bulg+ lump "u h] pill[4 ,8 long ?9 h& rea*$ out = x4 ,aunt ,joseph9e mov$ re/lessly 9 h] sleep4 ,in/antly he seiz$ a murd]\s-look+ ,*9ese dirk fa/5$ to 8 side & rais$ x above h] head ready to /rike on ! slighte/ outcry4 ,%e mov$ slightly1 & relaps$ into s\nd sleep aga94 ,hold+ ! knife above h]1 ,wu sl[ly & quietly remov$ ! jewel-case f "u h] pill[4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 a c\ntry road-h\se ,long ,s9 0 wait+ pati5tly4 ,! telephone rang & ! proprietor answ]$4 ,long ,s9 0 at 8 side almo/ be=e he c\ld h& ov] ! receiv]4 ,x 0 ,long ,s9's ma/]1 ,wu4 ,bew>e1 came ! :isp]$ message ov] ! wire4 ,k5n$y has made a false r+4 ,i'll get ! real "o4 ,by ! great ,devil ( ,gobi1 y mu/ cut him (f4 ,x is done1 return$ ,long ,s91 hang+ up ! receiv] 9 great excitem5t4 ,he hurri$ out ( ! room & left ! road-h\se4 ,d[n ! road 9 an automobile1 b\nd betwe5 two ,*9am51 "o at h] head & ! o!r at h] feet1 0 ,ela9e1 wrapp$ ar\nd 9 blankets1 n ev5 h] face visible4 ,! gu>ds look$ up />tl$ z ,long ,s9 /reak$ out ( ! %ad[ to ! c>4 ,quick6 he ord]$4 ,! ma/] w get ! r+ himself4 ,i w take c>e ( ,k5n$y4 ,an in/ant & !y 7 gone1 :ile ,long ,s9 slunk back into ! %ad[s f :i* he _h come4 ,?r\gh ! und]bru% ! wily ,*9aman made 8 way to an old b>n1 :i* /ood back "s di/ance f ! road1 & ent]$ ! front door4 ,!re 0 ano!r door 9 ! re>1 & "o q l>ge w9d[4 ,9 ! dim light ( a lant]n hang+ f a raft] c\ld be se5 sev]al l>ge b>rels 9 a corn]4 ,)\t a mom5t's hesitation1 ,long ,s9 seiz$ a bucket & plac$ x "u ! spiggot ( "o ( ! b>rels4 ,! liquid p\r$ =? into ! bucket & he empti$ ! cont5ts on ! floor1 fill+ ! bucket aga9 & aga9 & sw++ x "r & left 9 e direction until ! b>rel _h f9ally run dry4 ,!n he mov$ ov] to ! w9d[1 :i* he exam9$ c>efully4 ,satisfi$ ) :at he _h done1 he drew a slip ( pap] f 8 pocket & ha/ily wrote a note1 re/+ ! pap] on an old box4 ,:5 he _h f9i%$ writ+1 he fold$ up ! note & ?ru/ x into a little holl[ c>v$ ,*9ese figure :i* he took also f 8 pocket4 ,^! 71 app>5tly1 8 em]g5cy prep>ations :i* he 0 ready to execute 9 case he receiv$ su* a message f 8 ma/] z he _h actually receiv$4 ,) a f9al ha/y glance ab\t he ext+ui%$ ! lant]n1 lett+ ! moonlight /ream fitfully ?r\gh ! s+le w9d[4 ,!n he left ! b>n1 ) bo? front & re> doors op54 ,tak+ advantage ( e bit ( %elt]1 he made 8 way across ! field 9 ! direction ( ! crossroads1 f9ally dropp+ d[n beh9d a huge rock "s y>ds f ! f+] po/ t po9t$ ea* way to ,williams & ,br[nlee ,av5ues4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,late t night1 ,k5n$y left 8 ap>tm5t prep>$ to foll[ ! in/ructions 9 ! note :i* _h be5 s /rangely deliv]$ 9 ! vase4 ,z he climb$ into a road/]1 he tuck$ ! robe mo/ c>efully into a corn] "u ! lea!r seat4 ,= heav5's sake1 ,craig1 ,i gasp$ f "u ! robe1 let me h a little air4 ,i _h tak5 my place "u ! robe be=e ! c> 0 driv5 up be=e ! ap>tm5t1 le/ "s emiss>y ( ,wu ,fang might be wat*+ to see t !re 0 no su* trick4 ,y'll get air en\gh :5 we get />t$1 ,walt]1 he laugh$ back "u 8 brea?1 app>5tly address+ ! eng9e4 ,k5n$y 0 a h>d driv] :5 he want$ to be & en\gh 0 at /ake to-night to make him drive h>d4 ,he :izz$ along 9 ! road/]1 & ,i 0 inde$ glad en\gh to huddle up "u ! robe4 ,we _h rea*$ a po9t 9 ! suburbs :i* 0 des]t$ & ,i did n recognize a ?+ :5 he pull$ up by ! side ( ! road ) a j]k4 ,i pe]$ ?r\gh a crease 9 ! corn] ( ! robe1 & saw him slide out f "u ! :eel & /& by ! side ( ! c>1 look+ up & d[n4 ,ahead ( u ! road curv$ %>ply & ,i _h no idea :at 0 !re1 ?\gh ,k5n$y seem$ to "k ! place4 ,a mom5t lat] he pull$ ! robe p>tly (f me1 & b5t d[n z ?\gh exam9+ ! batt]ies on ! side ( ! c>4 ,get out on ! o!r side 9 ! %ad[ ( ! c>1 ,walt]1 he :isp]$ ho>sely4 ,g d[n ! road a bit--only cut 9 & keep "u cov]4 ,?is is ,williams ,av5ue4 ,y'll see a big rock4 ,hide beh9d x4 ,ahead y'll see ,br[nlee ,av5ue4 ,be prep>$ = any?+4 ,i %all h to tru/ ! re/ to y4 ,i don't "k myself :at's go+ to happ54 ,i slid out & w5t along ! edge ( ! road1 z ,craig _h direct$1 & f9ally cr\*$ beh9d a huge rock1 feel+ on z mu* t5sion z if ,i _h be5 a boy play+ at ,wild ,we/4 ,only ?is might at any mom5t develop into ! reality ( a ,wild ,f> ,ea/4 ,aft] a mom5t to give me a *ance1 ,craig himself left ! c> pull$ up close by ! side ( ! road & w5t ahead on foot4 ,at la/ he came to ! cross-roads j ar\nd ! b5d1 :]e 9 ! moonlight he c\ld read ! sign3 ,williams ,av5ue & ,br[nlee ,av5ue4 ,he /ood !re a mom5t1 !n glanc$ at 8 wat* :i* regi/]$ bo? h&s approa*+ ! h\r ( twelve4 ,he gaz$ ab\t at ! des]t$ c\ntry4 ,_h ! appo9tm5t be5 a hoax1 aft] all1 a s*eme to get him away f ! city = "s purpose8 ,sudd5ly1 at 8 feet 9 ! du/ ( ! road some?+ heavy seem$ to drop4 ,he look$ ab\t quickly4 ,no "o 0 9 sight4 ,he rea*$ d[n & pick$ up a little ,*9ese figure4 ,tapp+ x ) 8 knuckle1 he exam9$ x curi\sly4 ,x 0 holl[4 ,f ! inside he drew out a piece ( pap]4 ,he /ra9$ 8 eyes 9 ! moonlight & manag$ to make out3 ,! ,s]p5t is all-wise1 & 8 fang is fatal4 ,y h sign$ ! :ite girl's dea? w>rant4 ,b5ea? ?is s9i/] w>n+ 0 /amp$ ! s]p5t sign ( ,wu ,fang4 ,x 0 n a hoax1 & ,k5n$y /ood !re a mom5t gaz+ ab\t 9 t5se anxiety4 ,_h t uncanny wat*+ eye obs]v$ 8 e action8 ,0 x />+ at him n[ 9 ! blackness8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ,i _h made my way /eal?ily1 pe]+ into ! bu%es & c>eful n ev5 to /ep on any?+ t w\ld make a noise & 0 n[1 z ,i h said1 cr\*$ beh9d ! big rock to :i* ,craig _h direct$ me4 ,i he>d him g along ! road & look$ ab\t cauti\sly1 b c\ld he> & see no?+ else4 ,i _h begun to wond] :e!r ,k5n$y might n h made a mi/ake :51 sudd5ly1 f beh9d ! %ad[ ( ano!r rock1 ahead ( me1 b t[>d ,br[nlee ,av5ue1 ,i saw a tall1 gaunt figure ( a man rise 9 ! moonlight1 almo/ z if x _h sprung f ! v e>?4 ,my he>t gave a leap1 z he quickly rais$ 8 "r arm & hurl$ some?+ z f> z he c\ld 9 ! direction t ,k5n$y _h tak54 ,if x _h be5 a bomb1 foll[$ by an explosion1 ,i w\ld n h be5 surpris$4 ,b no s\nd foll[$ z ! figure dropp$ back z if x _h be5 a wrai?4 ,i /ole out f my own hid+-place 9 ! %ad[ ( my rock & d>t$ quickly to ! %elt] ( a bu%1 ne>] ! figure4 ,! figure 0 no wrai?4 ,x turn$ to /eal away4 ,i rememb]$ ,k5n$y's p>t+ words4 ,if ! man ev] ga9$ ! d>kness ( a clump ( woods1 j beyond u1 he 0 z good z safe4 ,?is 0 ! "t to act4 ,i leap$ at him & we w5t d[n1 roll+ ov] & ov] 9 ! und]bru% & /ubble4 ,we f\ght fi]cely1 b ,i c\ld n seem to get a glimpse ( 8 face :i* 0 muffl$4 ,he 0 p[]ful & /rong] ?an ,i & aft] a t\gh tussle he broke loose4 ,b ,i _h succe$$1 nev]!less4 ,i _h delay$ him j long en\gh4 ,k5n$y he>d ! s\nd ( ! /ruggle & 0 n[ cra%+ ?r\gh ! h$ge at ! cross-roads 9 our direction4 ,i manag$ to pick myself up1 j z ,k5n$y rea*$ my side &1 toge!r1 we foll[$ ! retreat+ figure1 z x made its way among ! %ad[s4 ,across ! op5 space be=e u we foll[$ him & at la/ saw him dive into an old b>n4 ,a mom5t lat] we foll[$ hot-foot into ! b>n4 ,z we ent]$1 we c\ld he> a peculi> grat+ noise1 z ?\gh a door 0 swung on its ru/y h+es4 ,! front door 0 op54 ,evid5tly ! man _h gone ?r\gh & clos$ ! back door4 ,we ?rew ourselves aga9/ ! back door4 ,b x did n yield4 ,!re 0 no "t to wa/e & we turn$ to ru% out aga9 by ! way we _h come1 j z ! front door 0 slamm$ %ut4 ,! man _h trapp$ u4 ,he _h left bo? doors op51 _h run ?r\gh1 brac$ ! back door1 !n _h ru%$ ar\nd outside j 9 "t to brace ! front door also4 ,we c\ld he> 8 feet crun*+ ! dry leaves & twigs z he w5t ar\nd ! side ( ! b>n aga94 ,toge!r we ?rew ourselves aga9/ ! front door1 b1 al?\gh x yield$ a little he _h b>r$ x s t x w\ld resi/ our unit$ /r5g? = "s "t4 ,aga9 & aga9 we ?rew ourselves aga9/ x4 ,x 0 horribly d>k 9 !re1 except = an oblong spot :]e ! moonlight /ream$ 9 ?r\gh a w9d[4 ,sudd5ly ! pale silv] ( ! moonlight on ! floor r$d5$4 ,! man _h /ruck a mat* & ?r[n x into a mass ( oil-soak$ /raw & gunp[d] :i* protrud$ ?r\gh "o ( ! wea!r-beat5 bo>ds1 ne> ! floor4 ,x 0 only a matt] ( a second or s n[ :5 ! fire swept into ! b>n itself4 ,!re 0 no beat+ x out4 ,"s "o _h lit]ally soak$ ! /raw & ! floor ) oil4 ,x seem$ z ?\gh ! :ole place bur/ into a sudd5 blaze ( t9d]4 ,outside1 we c\ld he> foot/eps rapidly retreat+ t[>d ! %elt] ( ! clump ( woods4 ,= a second ,i look$ dismay$ at ! rapidly-m\nt+ flames4 ,a v pretty situation1 ,i =c$ ) a laugh4 ,b ,i hope he doesn't ?9k we'll /ay "h & burn1 ) a p]fectly good w9d[ 9 full view4 ,i took a /ep t[>d ! w9d[1 b be=e ,i c\ld take ano!r1 ,k5n$y yank$ me back4 ,don't ?9k = a mom5t t he ov]look$ t1 he %\t$4 ,craig look$ ar\nd ha/ily4 ,9 a corn]1 j back ( u 0 a long pole4 ,he snat*$ x up & mov$ cauti\sly t[>d ! w9d[1 keep+ ! pole z level z possible z he endeavor$ to get a lev]age on ! sa%4 ,! flames 7 m\nt+ fa/] & high]1 lick+ up ev]y?+4 ,keep back1 ,walt]1 he mutt]$1 j z f> z y c4 ,he _h sc>cely rais$ ! w9d[ a fraction ( an in* :5 an old ru/y1 heavy anvil & a b5t worn pl[%>e cra%$ d[n to ! floor directly ov] ! spot :]e ,i %\ld h be5 if he _h n dragg$ me away4 ,i />t$ back1 agha/4 ,no?+ _h be5 ov]look$ to f9i% u (f4 ,i ?9k y may try x safely n[1 all "r1 smil$ ,k5n$y coolly4 ,we climb$ out ( ! w9d[1 n an in/ant too soon f ! rag+ inf]no ab\t u4 ,hav+ ga9$ ! clump ( woods1 ! gaunt figure _h paus$ long en\gh to gloat ov] 8 clev] s*eme4 ,in/ead1 he saw u mak+ good our escape4 ,) a ge/ure ( int5se fury he turn$4 ,!re 0 no?+ m = him to d b to zigzag 8 way to safety across c\ntry4 ,! b>n 0 n[ burn+ fi]cely & x 0 almo/ z light z day ab\t u4 ,k5n$y paus$ only long en\gh to look d[n at ! gr\nd :]e ! fire _h be5 />t$4 ,see1 ,walt]1 he exclaim$ po9t+ to a squ>e ind5tion 9 ! s(t soil4 ,no :ite man ev] made a footpr9t l t4 ,i b5t ov]4 ,! pr9ts _h ! squ>5ess ( ^? pap]-lay]$ soles ( a ,*9aman4 ,long ,s91 came ! "n involunt>ily to my lips1 = ,i knew t ,wu w\ld delegate j su* a job to 8 fai?ful slave4 ,k5n$y did n pause an in/ant long]1 b 9 ! light ( ! burn+ b>n1 z be/ he c\ld1 />t$ to foll[ ! trail 9 a desp]ate endeavor ei!r to ov]take ,long ,s91 or at lea/ to f9d ! f9al direction 9 :i* he w\ld g4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! entrance ( ! passageway :i* l$ to ! little und]gr\nd *amb] 9 :i* we _h s\ght ! treasure hidd5 by ! ,clut*+ ,h&1 ,wu ,fang 0 seat$ on a rock wait+ impati5tly1 ?\gh n[ & !n indulg+ 9 a s9i/] smile at ! subtle trick by :i* he _h recov]$ ! r+4 ,! s\nd ( approa*+ foot/eps di/urb$ him4 ,he 0 f> too clev] to leave any?+ to *ance &1 l a s]p5t1 he wriggl$ beh9d ano!r rock & wait$4 ,x 0 only a glance1 h[ev]1 t he ne$$ to allay 8 suspicions4 ,x 0 ,long ,s91 brea?less4 ,wu /epp$ out beside him s quietly t ev5 ! acute ,long ,s9 did n he>4 ,well8 he said 9 a guttural tone4 ,long ,s9 drew back 9 fe>4 ,i h fail$1 oh ma/]1 he repli$ 9 an implor+ tone4 ,ev5 n[ !y foll[ my tracks4 ,x 0 bad en\gh to confess defeat )\t ! fe> ( capture4 ,wu fr[n$4 ,we mu/ "w quickly1 !n1 he mutt]$4 ,he pick$ up a d>k lant]n ne>-by1 indicat+ ano!r to ,long ,s94 ,!y ent]$ ! cave1 fla%+ ! lights ahead ( !m4 ,be c>eful1 ord]$ ,wu1 proce$+ g+]ly f "o /epp+-/one to ano!r4 ,we %all be foll[$ no fur!r ?an ?is4 ,he paus$ a mom5t & po9t$ 8 f+] at ! e>?4 ,ev]y:]e1 except "h & !re :]e a /one project$1 0 a /icky1 slimy sub/ance4 ,x 0 an old trick ( primitive races4 ,bird lime1 hiss$ ,wu1 po9t+ at ! viscid sub/ance made ( ! juice ( ! holly b>k1 extract$ by boil+1 & mix$ ) a ?ird "p ( nut oil & grease4 ,!y pass$ on f /one to /one until !y came to ! subt]ranean *amb] itself4 ,)\t a mom5t's hesitation1 ,wu made 8 way t[>d ! rock 9 :i* !y _h f\nd ! slot ) its cryptic inscription4 ,long ,s9 wat*$ 8 ma/] 9 sil5t admiration z1 at la/1 he drew =? ! my/ic r+ = :i* !y _h d>$ all4 ,)\t a ^w1 ,wu dropp$ x 9 ! slot4 ,x t9kl$ d[n ! runway1 a protub]ance hit a trigg] & pu%$ x a hair's bread?4 ,a noise beh9d !m caus$ ! two to turn />tl$4 ,ev5 ,wu _h n expect$ x4 ,on ! o!r side ( ! *amb]1 a great rock 9 ! gr\nd sl[ly turn$1 z ?\gh on a pivot4 ,!y wat*$1 fasc9at$4 ,ev5 !n ,wu did n =get ! preci\s r+1 b z ! rock turn$1 rea*$ d[n quickly & recov]$ x f ! cup at ! floor4 ,in* by in* ! pivot$ rock mov$ on its axis4 ,!y fla%$ _! lant]ns full on x &1 z x mov$1 !y c\ld see disclos$ huge piles ( gold & silv] 9 co9s & b>s & ornam5ts1 a *e/ lit]ally fill$ ) brilliants1 set & unset1 rubies1 em]alds1 preci\s /ones ( e conceivable v>iety1 a cave t w\ld h /agg]$ ev5 ,aladd9--! ri* rew>d ( ! c\ntless m>aud+ op]ations ( ,b5nett's o!r p]sonality4 ,= a mom5t !y c\ld m]ely /& 9 av>ici\s exultation4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,pa9fully & sl[ly1 we manag$ to trail ,long ,s9's footpr9ts1 until we came to a road :]e !y 7 lo/ 9 ! h>d macadam4 ,!re 0 no "t to /op4 ,we mu/ foll[ ! road on ! *ance t he _h tak5 x4 ,b :i* way8 ,k5n$y *ose ! mo/ likely direction1 = ! trail _h be5 at an angle to ! road & ,long ,s9 0 n likely to d\ble back4 ,we _h n gone _m rods be=e ,k5n$y paus$ a m9ute & look$ ab\t 9 ! moonlight4 ,x's "r1 ,walt]1 he cri$4 ,d y recognize x8 ,i look$ ab\t4 ,!n x fla%$ ov] me4 ,?is 0 ! back road t l$ pa/ ! entrance to ! treasure vault at ,aunt ,tabby's4 ,we w5t on n[ m quickly1 li/5+ c>efully to cat* any s\nds1 b he>d no?+4 ,at la/ ,k5n$y /opp$1 !n plung$ among ! rocks & bu%es beside ! road4 ,we 7 at ! cave4 ,y g 9 ?is way1 ,walt]1 he direct$4 ,i'll g ar\nd & d[n :]e x cav$ 94 ,i grop$ my way along ?r\gh ! d>kness4 ,i _h gone only a y>d or two1 :5 x seem$ z ?\gh some?+ _h grasp$ my foot4 ,) a great wr5* ,i manag$ to pull x loose4 ,b ! weight on my o!r foot _h imb$d$ x deep]4 ,i /ruggl$ to free ?is foot & got ! o!r caught4 ,my revolv]1 :i* ,i _h drawn1 0 j>r$ f my h& & 9 ! ef=t to recov] x1 ,i lo/ my balance4 ,unable to move a foot 9 "t to cat* myself1 ,i fell =w>d4 ,my h&s 7 n[ cov]$ by ! slimy1 /icky /uff1 & ! m ,i /ruggl$1 ! worse ,i seem$ to get entangl$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,wu & ,long ,s9 paus$ only a m9ute 9 a/oni%m5t4 ,!n !y lit]ally fell ^u ! weal? t lay be=e !m1 gloat+ ov] ! gold1 /uff+ _! h&s into ! jewels1 lift+ !m up & lett+ ! priceless gems run ?r\gh _! f+]s4 ,sudd5ly !y paus$4 ,!re 0 ! slight t9kle ( a ,*9ese bell4 ,k5n$y _h rea*$ ,aunt ,tabby's g>d51 outside ! ro( ( ! subt]ranean *amb] :]e x _h giv5 way1 _h gone d[n c>efully ov] ! e>? & rock1 & 9 do+ s _h brok5 a /r+ /ret*$ across ! passageway4 ,! t9kle ( a bell atta*$ to x ar\s$ 8 att5tion & he /opp$ %ort1 a second1 to look ab\t4 ,wu ,fang _h arrang$ a primitive al>m4 ,quickly1 ,wu & ,long ,s9 blew out _! lant]ns :ile ,wu gave ! rock a pu%4 ,sl[ly1 z x _h op5$1 x n[ clos$ & !y /ood !re li/5+4 ,i 0 /ill /ruggl+ 9 ! bird lime1 gett+ myself m & m cov]$ ) x1 :5 ! rev]b]ation ( revolv] %ots rea*$ me4 ,wu & ,long ,s9 _h op5$ fire on ,k5n$y1 & ,k5n$y 0 reply+ 9 k9d4 ,9 ! cav]n x s\nd$ l a v]itable bomb>dm5t4 ,z !y retreat$1 !y came ne>] & ne>] to me & ,i c\ld see ! revolv]s spitt+ fire 9 ! d>kness4 ,s int5t 7 !y on ,k5n$y t !y =got me4 ,i wat*$ !m fe>fully z !y hopp$ deftly f "o /one to ano!r to avoid ! lime--& 7 gone4 ,craig6 ,craig6 ,i manag$ to cry feebly4 ,be c>eful4 ,keep to ! /ones4 ,he /ra9$ 8 eyes t[>d ! gr\nd 9 ! d>kness1 at ! s\nd ( my voice4 ,!n he /ruck a mat* & in/antly took 9 ! situation :i*1 to me1 "u any o!r circum/ances1 w\ld h be5 ludicr\s4 ,/epp+ f /one to /one1 he foll[$ ! retreat+ ,*9am54 ,b !y _h already rea*$ ! m\? ( ! cave & 7 mak+ _! way rapidly d[n ! road to a b5d1 9 ! opposite direction f :i* we _h come4 ,!re1 ,wu's automobile 0 wait+4 ,!y leap$ into x & ! driv]1 )\t a ^w1 %ot ! c> (f into ! d>kness ( e>ly dawn4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,k5n$y appe>$1 b !y _h made _! getaway4 ,baffl$1 he turn$ & retrac$ 8 /eps to ! cave4 ,i don't ?9k t ,i ev] welcom$ him m s9c]ely ?an ,i did z1 f9ally1 ,i crawl$ sl[ly out f ! bird lime1 exhau/$ by ! ef=t t ,i _h made to free myself f ! /icky mess4 ,!y got away1 ,walt]1 he said1 light+ a lant]n !y _h dropp$4 ,by ,george1 he add$1 ,i ?9k a little vex$ t ,i _h n be5 able to /op !m1 y are a sight6 ,he 0 ab\t to laugh1 :5 ,i fa9t$4 ,i c rememb] no?+ until ,i woke up ov] by ! wall ( ! *amb] :]e he dragg$ me4 ,k5n$y _h be5 work+ h>d to revive me1 &1 z ,i op5$ my eyes1 he /raight5$ up4 ,8 eye sudd5ly caught some?+ on ! rock beside him4 ,!re 0 a little slot c>v$ 9 x1 & above ! slot 0 a peculi> inscription4 ,= sev]al m9utes1 ,k5n$y puzzl$ ov] x1 z ,wu _h done4 ,!n he discov]$ ! little cup ne> ! gr\nd4 ,! r+6 he sudd5ly cri$ out4 ,i 0 too muddl$ to appreciate at once :at he meant1 b ,i saw him rea* into 8 fob pocket & draw =? ! replica ( ! tr9ket :i* _h caus$ s mu* disa/]1 z if x _h be5 curs$ by ! ,clut*+ ,h& himself4 ,he dropp$ x into ! slot4 ,/ruggl+ to my feet1 ,i saw across f me ! v rock itself mov+4 ,0 x an halluc9ation1 born ( my n]v\s condition8 ,look1 ,craig6 ,i cri$ involunt>ily1 po9t+4 ,he turn$4 ,no1 x 0 n a vision4 ,x actually mov$4 ,toge!r we wat*$4 ,sl[ly ! rock turn$ on a pivot4 ,!re 7 disclos$ to our a/oni%$ eyes ! hidd5 millions ( ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,i look$ f ! gold & jewels to ,k5n$y1 9 spee*less amazem5t4 ,we h beat5 !m1 anyh[1 ,i cri$4 ,sl[ly ,craig %ook 8 head sadly4 ,yes1 he murmur$1 we h f\nd ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s millions1 b we h lo/ ,ela9e4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,! ,,v5geance ,,( ,,wu ,,fang ,ela9e 0 /ill 9 ! p[] ( ,wu ,fang4 ,k5n$y _h ?w>t$ ! ,*9ese ma/] crim9al 9 8 se>* = ! millions amass$ by ! ,clut*+ ,h&4 ,b any joy t we might h d]iv$ f ?is success 0 completely obscur$ by ! fe> t ,wu might wreak "s diabolical v5geance on ,ela9e4 ,x 0 a tickli% situation4 ,9 fact1 ,i d\bt :e!r ,craig w\ld h discov]$ ! treasure at all1 if our pursuit ( ,wu & ,long ,s9 ! night be=e _h n lit]ally =c$ u into do+ s4 ,nor 7 ,k5n$y's fe>s unf\nd$4 ,wu & ,long ,s9 _h sc>cely rea*$ ! secret ap>tm5t back ( ! deceptive ext]ior ( ! ,*9at[n t5em5t1 :5 ! subtle ,*9aman began to contemplate 8 rev5ge4 ,long ,s9 0 smok+ a ,*9ese pipe1 re/+ aft] _! hurri$ flight1 :ile ,wu1 ! tireless1 0 seat$ at a table at ! o!r end ( ! room4 ,at la/ ,wu ,fang took up a long ,*9ese dirk f ! table be=e him1 look$ at x1 turn$ x ov]1 felt its edge4 ,x 0 ke5 & ! po9t 0 %>p4 ,he rose & delib]ately walk$ across to a door lead+ into a back room4 ,on a c\* lay ,ela9e & ) h]1 z a gu>dian1 0 ,weepy ,m>y :om ! ,clut*+ ,h& _h us$ to lure h] to ! *ur* :]e ! fak$ record ( h] fa!r's m>riage 0 suppos$ to be4 ,inde$1 ?\gh ,wu _h lo/ ! ,clut*+ ,h&'s millions1 he _h se5 8 *ance & _h fall5 heir to :at 0 left ( ,b5nett's crim9al organization4 ,z ,wu1 ! ,s]p5t1 ent]$ & advanc$ sl[ly t[>ds ,ela9e1 %e cr\*$ back f him 9 deadly fe>4 ,he /opp$ be=e h] )\t a ^w & 8 m5ac+ eye seem$ to read h] v ?\ghts4 ,sl[ly he drew f "u 8 robe ! ,*9ese dirk4 ,he felt ! edge ( x aga9 & gaz$ significantly at ,ela9e4 ,%e %rank back ev5 fur!r1 z f> z ! divan w\ld p]mit4 ,x 0 a critical mom5t4 ,j !n ,long ,s9 ent]$4 ,"o ( ! five millions waits outside1 he report$ simply1 ) a b[4 ,wu und]/ood4 ,x _h be5 a pleasant fiction ( 8 t al?\gh he did n1 ( c\rse1 absolutely control su* a /up5d\s organization he c\ld1 by 8 subtle p[]1 =ce almo/ unlimit$ allegiance f ! simple coolies 9 t di/rict ( ,*9a f :i* he came4 ,out 9 ! front room1 j a mom5t be=e1 a knock at ! door _h di/urb$ ,long ,s91 & a ,*9ese s]vant _h ann\nc$ a visitor4 ,long ,s9 _h wav$ to ! s]vant to u%] him 9 & a poorly clad coolie _h ent]$4 ,he b[$ z ,long ,s9 fac$ him4 ,:]e is ! ma/]8 he _h ask$4 ,long ,s9 _h n deign$ to speak4 ,) a m]e wave ( 8 h&1 he indicat$ t he w\ld be ! be>] ( ! message1 & _h foll[$ ,wu ?r\gh ! door ( ! back room4 ,s1 almo/ by *ance1 ,wu 0 int]rupt$ 9 ! brutal v5geance :i* _h fir/ come to 8 m9d4 ,he %ea!d ! knife &1 /ill )\t a ^w1 w5t back into ! ma9 room1 giv+ a nod to ,weepy ,m>y to gu>d ,ela9e closely4 ,wu ey$ ! coolie until ! newcom] c\ld almo/ feel ! ma/]'s p5etrat+ gaze1 al?\gh 8 head 0 b[$ 9 awe4 ,quickly ! coolie ?ru/ 8 h& "u 8 bl\se & drew =? a package4 ,) ano!r b[1 he advanc$4 ,= y\r enemies1 oh ma/]1 he said1 h&+ ! package ov] to ,wu4 ,= ! fir/ "t s9ce ! loss ( ! treasure1 ,wu ,fang seem$ to take an int]e/ 9 some?+ besides rev5ge4 ,! coolie />t$ to op5 ! package1 remov$ ! pap] wrapp]1 & !n a silk wrapp+ inside4 ,f9ally he came to a box1 f :i* he drew a lea!r p\*1 ea* op]ation conduct$ ) great] c>e z x became evid5t t ! cont5ts 7 especially preci\s 9 "s way4 ,!n he took f ! p\* a small vial4 ,:at is x8 dem&$ ,wu ,fang1 z ! coolie display$ x4 ,! coolie drew =? n[ a magnify+ glass & a glass slide4 ,op5+ ! vial ) great c>e he %ook some?+ out on ! slide1 !n plac$ x "u ! l5s4 ,look6 he said simply4 ,wu b5t ov] & look$4 ,"u ! l5s :at _h =m]ly seem$ to be m]ely a black speck ( dirt became n[ "o ( ! mo/ weird & uncanny little creatures to be f\nd 9 all ! realm ( nature4 ,x seem$ to be all legs & feel]s mov+ at once4 ,a normal p]son w\ld h look$ at ! creature only ) ! greate/ repugnance4 ,wu reg>d$ x ) a sort ( unholy fasc9ation4 ,& x is8 he qu]i$4 ,:at ! :ite man calls ! ,african tick :i* c>ries ! recurr5t fev]1 answ]$ ! coolie def]5tially4 ,a fla% ( int5se exultation seem$ to d>k5 ,wu ,fang's s9i/] face4 ,sev]al times he pac$ up & d[n ! room1 z he contemplat$ ! sight :i* he _h j se54 ,!n he came to a sudd5 det]m9ation4 ,wait1 he said to ! coolie1 z he mov$ sl[ly aga9 into ! back room4 ,long ,s9 _h rema9$ !re4 ,) ,weepy ,m>y he 0 gu>d+ ,ela9e :5 ,wu ,fang re5t]$4 ,ela9e 0 ?or\ghly ar\s$ by ?is "t4 ,ev5 ! fact t ,wu no long] held ! murd]\s dirk did n s]ve to reassure h]1 = ! look on 8 face 0 ev5 m t]rible ?an be=e4 ,he smil$ cunn+ly to himself4 ,suff]+ is a /ate ( m9d1 he said 9 a l[ tone1 & ,i h decid$ t x w\ld be poor rev5ge = me to h>m y4 ,y are free4 ,no?+ c\ld h come z a great] surprise to ,ela9e4 ,ev5 ,long ,s9 _h n expect$ any su* spee* z ?is4 ,ela9e1 h[ev]1 0 wond]-/rick54 ,d y--d y really mean x8 %e ask$1 sc>cely able to believe :at h] e>s he>d4 ,wu m]ely nodd$1 & ) a wave ( 8 h& to ,long ,s9 indicat$ t ,ela9e 0 to be releas$4 ,long ,s91 ! slave1 did n /op to "q 8 ma/]1 b m]ely mov$ ov] to a closet & took out ! hat & wraps :i* ,ela9e _h worn :5 %e _h be5 kidnapp$ 9 ! up-t[n ap>tm5t4 ,he h&$ !m ov] to h] & %e put !m on ) trembl+ h&s4 ,no "o /opp$ h] & %e n]v$ h]self to take sev]al /eps t[>d ! door4 ,%e _h sc>cely cross$ half ! room4 ,wait6 ord]$ ,wu %>ply4 ,0 he m]ely tortur+ h]1 z a cat might torture a m\se8 ,%e /opp$ ob$i5tly1 afraid to look at him4 ,?is w be ! v5geance ( ,wu ,fang1 he w5t on impressively4 ,sl[ly1 "o by "o1 y\r fri5ds w weak5 & die1 !n y\r family1 until f9ally only y are left4 ,!n w come y\r turn4 ,he /opp$ aga9 & rais$ 8 long lean =ef+]4 ,g1 he hiss$4 ,i wi% y mu* joy4 ,he turn$ to ,long ,s9 & :isp]$ a ^w to him4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,long ,s9 drew =? a l>ge silk5 h&k]*ief & ti$ x tightly ov] ,ela9e's eyes4 ,!n he took h] h& & l$ h] out4 ,!re 0 to be no *ance by :i* %e c\ld lead a raid+ p>ty back to ! d5 9 :i* %e _h be5 held4 ,i don't ?9k t 9 all our fri5d%ip ,i h ev] se5 ,k5n$y s utt]ly depress$ z he 0 :5 we return$ aft] ! discov]y ( ! va/ =tune :i* ,b5nett _h clev]ly secret$4 ,i came ^u him 9 ! laboratory ! next morn+ :ile he 0 try+ to read4 ,he _h laid aside 8 sci5tific "w1 & n[ he _h ev5 laid aside 8 book4 ,!re seem$ to be absolutely no?+ to d until "s new clue turn$ up4 ,i plac$ my h& on 8 %\ld]1 b ! words t w\ld enc\rage him di$ on my lips4 ,sev]al times ,i />t$ to speak1 b ea* "t ,i *eck$ myself4 ,!re did n seem to be any?+ t w\ld be appropriate = su* an occasion4 ,a %>p r+ at ! telephone made bo? ( u fairly jump1 s n]v\s _h we become4 ,k5n$y rea*$ ov] in/antly = ! in/rum5t 9 ! vague hope t at la/ !re 0 "s news4 ,z ,i wat*$ 8 face1 x *ang$ fir/ f despair to wond]1 & f9ally x seem$ to light up ) ! mo/ rem>kable look ( relief & happ9ess t "o c\ld imag9e4 ,i %all be "r ov]1 he cri$1 jamm+ ! receiv] d[n on ! hook1 & 9 ! same motion rea*+ = 8 hat & coat4 ,walt]1 he cri$1 x is ,ela9e6 ,!y h let h] g6 ,i seiz$ my own hat & coat 9 "t to foll[ him & we da%$ out ( ! laboratory4 ,! susp5se "u :i* ,aunt ,joseph9e _h be5 liv+ _h told on h]4 ,h] niece1 ,ela9e's c\s91 ,m>y ,br[n1 :o liv$ at ,rockl$ge1 _h come into ! city to com=t ,aunt ,joseph9e & !y _h be5 sitt+1 t morn+1 9 ! libr>y4 ,m>ie1 ! maid 0 busy ab\t ! room1 :ile ,aunt ,joseph9e talk$ sadly ov] ,ela9e's /range disappe>ance4 ,%e 0 on ! v]ge ( te>s4 ,sudd5ly a />tl$ cry f ,j5n+s out 9 ! hall caus$ bo? ladies to jump to _! feet4 ,!y c\ld sc>cely believe :at !y he>d z ! fai?ful old butl] cri$ out ! "n4 ,:y--,miss ,ela9e6 he gasp$4 ,an in/ant lat] ,ela9e h]self bur/ into ! room & flung h]self into ,aunt ,joseph9e's arms4 ,all talk+ & half cry+ f joy at once1 !y cr[d$ ab\t h]4 ,brea?lessly %e answ]$ ! que/ions t flew ?ick & fa/4 ,9 ! excitem5t ,aunt ,joseph9e _h seiz$ ! telephone & call$ our numb]4 ,%e did n ev5 wait to break ! good news1 b h&$ ! telephone to ,ela9e h]self4 ,we left ! laboratory on ! run1 too fa/ to notice t j ar\nd ! build+ l9e at ! corn] /ood a lim\s9e ) %ades drawn4 ,ev5 if we _h paus$ to glance back1 we c\ld n h se5 ,wu ,fang & ,long ,s9 inside1 gaz+ out ?r\gh ! corn] ( ! curta9s4 ,!y 7 9 ,european dress n[ & _h evid5tly come prep>$ = j :at !y knew 0 likely to happ54 ,9 all ! /range s]ies ( ev5ts1 ,i d\bt :e!r we _h ev] made bett] "t f ! laboratory ov] to ! ,dodge h\se ?an we did n[4 ,we 7 admitt$ by ! fai?ful ,j5n+s & almo/ ran into ! libr>y4 ,oh1 ,craig6 cri$ ,ela9e1 z ,k5n$y1 almo/ spee*less1 seiz$ h] by bo? h&s4 ,= a few seconds none ( u c\ld speak4 ,!n foll[$ a v]itable flood ( eag] conv]sation4 ,i wat*$ ,ela9e c>efully1 9 fact we all did1 = %e seem$1 9 spite ( ! excitem5t ( h] return1 to be almo/ a complete n]v\s wreck f ! t]rible exp]i5ces %e _h und]gone4 ,won't y come & /ay ) me a few days up 9 ! c\ntry1 de>8 urg$ ,m>y at la/4 ,ela9e ?\ght a mom5t1 !n turn$ to ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,yes1 consid]$ h] aunt1 ,i ?9k x w\ld d y good4 ,/ill %e hesitat$2 !n %yly look$ at ,k5n$y & laugh$4 ,y1 too1 ,craig1 mu/ be fagg$ out1 %e said frankly4 ,come up !re ) u & take a re/4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,i %all be delight$1 he accept$ promptly4 ,y1 too1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 %e add$1 turn+ to me4 ,i hesitat$ a mom5t & ,k5n$y tri$ to cat* my eye4 ,i 0 j ab\t to speak :5 he br\ght 8 heel d[n %>ply on my toe4 ,i look$ at him aga9 & caught j ! trace ( a nod ( 8 head4 ,i saw t ,i 0 de trop4 ,no1 ?ank y1 ,i repli$4 ,i'm afraid ,i'd bett] n g4 ,really1 ,i h too mu* "w />+ at me4 ,i c't get away--b x's v k9d ( y to ?9k ( ask+ me4 ,we *att$1 !n left a few mom5ts lat] s t ,k5n$y c\ld pack4 ,ar\nd ! corn] f ! laboratory1 z we da%$ out1 _h be51 z ,i h said1 ,wu ,fang & ,long ,s9 look+ out f ! lim\s9e4 ,no soon] _h we disappe>$ across ! campus ?an _! driv] />t$ up ! c> & !y sp$ ar\nd to our ap>tm5t4 ,cauti\sly !y alight$ & walk$ d[n ! /reet4 ,!n mak+ sure !y 7 n obs]v$1 !y ent]$ & m\nt$ ! /airs to our doorway4 ,long ,s9 0 /ation$ d[n ! hall on gu>d :ile ,wu ,fang drew f 8 pocket a blank key1 a file & a c&le4 ,he light$ ! c&le & held ! key 9 its flame until x 0 cov]$ ) soot4 ,!n he ins]t$ ! key 9 ! keyhole1 turn$ x & took ! key out4 ,work+ quickly n[1 he exam9$ ! key %>ply4 ,9 ! soot 7 slight scrat*es indicat+ :]e x /ruck & prev5t$ ! turn+ ( ! lock4 ,he fil$ ! key1 try+ x aga9 & aga94 ,f9ally he f9i%$1 & op5$ ! door4 ,beckon+ ,long ,s91 he ent]$ our rooms4 ,z !y /ood !re1 ,wu ,fang gaz$ ab\t our liv+-room1 ke5ly4 ,he 0 evid5tly consid]+ :]e to place some?+1 =1 "o aft] ano!r1 he pick$ up sev]al articles on ! desk & exam9$ !m4 ,ea* "t t he laid "o d[n he %ook 8 head4 ,f9ally 8 eye re/$ on ! telephone4 ,x seem$ to sugge/ an idea to him & he cross$ ov] to x4 ,c>efully hold+ d[n ! receiv] on ! hook1 he unscrew$ ! case :i* holds ! diaphragm1 :ile ) 8 clev] f+]s he held ! re/ ( ! in/rum5t intact4 ,!n he remov$ f 8 pocket ! vial :i* ! coolie _h giv5 him & plac$ its cont5ts on ! diaphragm itself4 ,quickly n[ he replac$ ! receiv]1 &1 hav+ f9i%$ _! "w1 ,long ,s9 & ,wu ,fang /eal?ily crept out4 ,a second "t1 z we approa*$ our ap>tm5t aft] ! visit to ,ela9e1 we 7 too excit$ to notice ! lim\s9e 9 :i* 7 ,wu & ,long ,s94 ,b no soon] _h we ent]$ ?an ,long ,s9 left ! c> ) a f9al ^w ( in/ruction f 8 ma/]4 ,up-/airs1 9 ! ap>tm5t1 ,k5n$y began hurri$ly to pack1 & ,i help$ him z well z ,i c\ld4 ,we 7 9 ! mid/ ( x :5 ! telephone rang & ,i answ]$ x4 ,hello6 ,i call$4 ,!re 0 no response4 ,hello1 ,hello6 ,i repeat$1 rais+ my voice4 ,/ill !re 0 no answ]4 ,i work$ ! hook up & d[n b c\ld get no reply4 ,f9ally1 disgu/$1 ,i hung up4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ,i recall n[1 x seem$ to me z ?\gh "s "o _h /uck a p9 into ! lobe ( my e>4 ,/ill1 ,i ?\ght no?+ ( x 9 ! excitem5t ( ,k5n$y's dep>ture1 & w5t to "w aga9 to help him pack4 ,we _h sc>cely got back to "w1 :5 ! telephone bell jangl$ aga91 & a second "t ,i answ]$ x4 ,is ,mr4 ,k5n$y !re8 came back a /range voice4 ,i h&$ ! in/rum5t to ,craig4 ,hello1 he call$4 ,:o is ?is8 ,no response4 ,hello1 hello1 he %\t$1 work+ ! hook z ,i _h done &1 z 9 my case1 !re 0 /ill no answ]4 ,"s crank1 he exclaim$1 jamm+ d[n ! receiv] 9 disgu/ & return+ to 8 pack+4 ,nei!r ( u ?\ght any?+ ( x at ! "t1 b n[ ,i recall t ,i did see ,k5n$y once or twice press ! lobe ( 8 e> z ?\gh some?+ _h hurt x4 ,we did n "k until lat] t 9 a pay /ation d[n ! /reet our ar* enemy1 ,long ,s91 _h be5 call+ u up & !n1 ) a wick$ smile1 refus+ to speak to u4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 ab\t a week lat] t ,i came home late "o night f ! ,/>1 feel+ pretty done up4 ,:atev] x 01 a viol5t fev] seem$ to h come on me sudd5ly4 ,i ?\ght no?+ ( x1 at fir/1 because ,i soon grew bett]4 ,b :ile x la/$1 ,i _h ! mo/ int5se %iv]+1 excruciat+ pa9s 9 my limbs1 & deliri\s heada*e4 ,i recall1 too1 t ,i felt a peculi> sor5ess on ! e>4 ,x 0 all l no?+ ,i _h ev] _h be=e4 ,inde$ ! next morn+ :5 ,i woke up1 ,i felt a lassitude t made x q h>d en\gh ev5 to l\nge ab\t 9 my ba?-robe4 ,f9ally1 feel+ no bett]1 ,i decid$ to see a doctor4 ,i put on my clo!s ) a decid$ ef=t & w5t out4 ,! ne>e/ doctor 0 ab\t half a block away & we sc>cely knew him1 = nei!r ,k5n$y nor ,i 7 exactly sickly4 ,well1 ask$ ! doctor1 z he clos$ ! door ( 8 (fice & turn$ to me4 ,:at seems to be ! matt]8 ,i tri$ to smile4 ,i feel z ?\gh ,i _h be5 celebrat+ n wisely b too well1 ,i repli$1 try+ to *e] up1 b z a matt] ( fact ,i h be5 lead+ ! simple life4 ,he s\nd$ me & p\nd$ me1 look$ at my tongue & my eyes1 li/5$ to my he>t & lungs1 ?\gh ,i don't ?9k he treat$ my symptoms v s]i\sly4 ,9 fact1 ,i might h kn[n :at he w\ld d4 ,he talk$ a little :ile on g5]alities1 diet & ex]cise !n walk$ ov] to a cab9et1 & empti$ out a few pills into a little pap] box4 ,take "o e h\r1 he said1 h&+ !m to me1 & c>efully return+ ! bottle to ! cab9et s t ,i c\ld n see :at 0 on ! label4 ,cut y\r cig>ettes to ?ree a day1 & don't dr9k c(fee4 ,f\r doll>s1 please4 ,i suppose ,i ought to h be5 cur$1 & 9 fact ,i 0 cur$--( go+ to t doctor4 ,i paid him & w5t back to ! ap>tm5t1 my head soon 9 a :irl f a new onset ( ! fev]4 ,i manag$ to get back into my ba?-robe1 & ?rew myself d[n on ! divan1 propp$ up ) pill[s4 ,i _h tak5 ! pills b !y _h no m effect ?an sug> ( milk4 ,by ?is "t1 ,i 0 mu* m deliri\s & 0 cry+ out4 ,i saw faces ab\t me1 b ,i did n see ! faces :i* 7 actually out by our hall door4 ,wu ,fang & ,long ,s9 _h wait$ pati5tly = _! rev5ge4 ,n[ t !y ?\ght suffici5t "t _h elaps$1 !y _h /ol5 /eal?ily to ! ap>tm5t door4 ,:ile ,long ,s9 wat*$1 ,wu li/5$4 ,! :ite devil has x1 :isp]$ ,wu ,fang1 z he rejo9$ 8 fell[ conspirator4 ,h[ long ,i %\ld h rema9$ 9 ?is /ate1 & 9 fact h[ long ,i did rema91 ,i don't "k4 ,vaguely1 ,i recall t our acqua9tance1 ,johnson1 :o _h ! ap>tm5t across ! hall1 at la/ he>d my cries & came out to 8 own door4 ,he ne$$ only a mom5t to li/5 at ours to "k t some?+ 0 wrong4 ,:y1 :at's ! matt]1 ,jameson8 he ask$1 pok+ 8 head 9 & look+ anxi\sly at me4 ,i c\ld only rave "s reply1 & he tri$ 8 be/ to quiet me4 ,:at's ! matt]1 old man8 he repeat$4 ,tell me4 ,%all ,i s5d = a doctor8 ,someh[ or o!r ,i knew ! /ate ,i 0 94 ,i knew x 0 ,johnson1 yet x all seem$ unreal to me4 ,) a great ef=t ,i ga!r$ all my scatt]$ wits & manag$ to %\t out1 ,telegraph ,k5n$y--,rockl$ge4 ,by ?is "t ,johnson himself 0 ?or\ghly al>m$4 ,he did n lose a second 9 dictat+ a telegram ov] ! telephone4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ab\t ! same "t1 up at ,rockl$ge1 ,k5n$y & ,ela9e1 ) h] c\s9 ,m>y ,br[n1 7 />t+ out = a horseback ride ?r\gh ! hills4 ,!y 7 *att+ gaily1 b ,k5n$y 0 =c+ himself to d s4 ,9 fact1 !y _h sc>cely gone half a mile :5 ,k5n$y1 :o 0 rid+ betwe5 ! two & fight+ (f by %e] n]ve ! illness he felt1 sudd5ly fell ov] 9 half a fa9t on ! horse's neck4 ,ela9e & ,m>y re9$ up _! horses4 ,:y1 ,craig1 cri$ ,ela9e1 />tl$1 :at's ! matt]8 ,! s\nd ( h] voice seem$ to ar\se him4 ,he brac$ up4 ,oh1 no?+1 ,i guess1 he said ) a =c$ smile4 ,i'm all "r4 ,x 0 no use1 h[ev]4 ,!y _h to cut %ort ! ride1 & ,k5n$y return$ to ! h\se1 glad to drop d[n 9 an easy *air on ! por*1 :ile ,ela9e hov]$ ab\t him solicit\sly4 ,8 head buzz$1 8 sk9 0 hot & dry1 8 eyes _h an unnatural look4 ,e n[ & !n he w\ld place 8 h& to 8 e> z ?\gh he felt "s pa94 ,!y _h already summon$ ! c\ntry doctor1 b x took him "s "t to get out to ! h\se4 ,sudd5ly a mess5g] boy rode up on 8 bicycle & m\nt$ ! por* /eps4 ,telegram = ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 he ann\nc$1 look+ ab\t & pick+ out ,craig naturally z ! p]son he want$4 ,k5n$y nodd$ & took ! yell[ envelope :ile ,ela9e sign$ = x4 ,li/lessly he tore x op54 ,x read3 ,,craig ,,k5n$y1 c_/o ,well+ton ,br[n1 ,rockl$ge1 ,n4 ,j4 ,jameson v ill4 ,wants y4 ,bett] come4 ,,johnson4 ,! message seem$ to r\se ,k5n$y 9 spite ( 8 fev]4 ,8 face %[$ ke5 al>m1 :i* he endeavor$ to conceal f ,ela9e4 ,b h] quick eye _h caught ! look4 ,i mu/ see ,walt]1 he exclaim$1 ris+ r weakly & go+ into ! h\se4 ,h[ he ev] did x is /ill1 ,i ?9k1 a my/]y to him1 b he manag$ to pack up &1 9 spite ( ! alt]nat+ fev] & *ills1 made ! j\rney back to ! city4 ,:5 at la/ ,craig arriv$ at our ap>tm5t1 x mu/ h seem$ to him t he f\nd me almo/ at dea?'s door4 ,i 0 t]ribly ill & weak by t "t1 b _h refus$ to see ! doctor aga9 & ,johnson _h manag$ to get me into b$4 ,ill himself1 ,k5n$y ?rew himself d[n = a mom5t exhau/$4 ,:5 did ?is ?+ come on ,walt]8 he ask$ ( ,johnson4 ,ye/]day1 ,i ?9k1 at lea/ z ne>ly z ,i c f9d out1 repli$ our fri5d4 ,craig 0 decid$ly worri$4 ,!re's only "o p]son 9 ,new ,york to call on1 he murmur$1 pull+ himself out ( b$ & gett+ into ! liv+-room z be/ he c\ld4 ,is t y1 ,god[ski8 he ask$ ov] ! telephone4 ,well1 doctor1 ?is is ,k5n$y4 ,come ov] to my ap>tm5t1 quick4 ,i've a case--two cases = y4 ,god[ski 0 a _w-fam\s sci5ti/ 9 8 l9e & _h specializ$ 9 bact]iology1 ma9ly 9 tropical diseases4 ,z ,k5n$y hung up ! receiv]1 he made 8 way back aga9 to ! b$room1 scrat*+ 8 e>4 ,he notic$ t ,i 0 do+ ! same 9 my delirium4 ,has ,walt] be5 scrat*+ 8 e>8 he ask$ ( ,johnson4 ,johnson nodd$4 ,t's /range1 consid]$ ,craig ?\ghtfully4 ,i've be5 do+ ! same4 ,he turn$ back into ! liv+-room & = a mom5t look$ ab\t4 ,f9ally 8 eye happ5$ to fall on ! telephone & an idea seem$ to occur to him4 ,he w5t ov] to ! in/rum5t & unscrew$ ! receiv]4 ,c>efully he look$ inside4 ,!n he look$ clos]4 ,!re 0 some?+ peculi> ab\t x & he pick$ up a blank %eet ( :ite pap]1 du/+ (f ! diaphragm on x4 ,!re1 on ! pap]1 7 innum]able little black specks4 ,j !n1 outside1 ,dr4 ,god[ski's c> drew up & he jump$ out1 sw++ 8 black bag4 ,n be+ acqua9t$ ) :at we 7 go+ ?r\gh1 ,god[ski did n notice ! almond-ey$ ,*9aman :o 0 wat*+ d[n ! /reet4 ,h[ d y d1 doctor1 greet$ ,craig fa9tly1 at ! door4 ,:at seems to be ! difficulty8 inquir$ ! doctor eag]ly4 ,i don't "k1 return$ ,craig1 b ,i h my suspicions4 ,i'm too ill to v]ify !m myself4 ,s ,i've call$ on y4 ,look at ,jameson fir/1 he add$4 ,:ile ,god[ski 0 exam9+ me1 ,craig manag$ to get out 8 microscope & 0 look+ ?r\gh x at ! /range black specks on ! pap]4 ,!re1 "u ! l5s1 he c\ld see ! mo/ rem>kable1 almo/ microscopic creature1 all legs & feel]s1 a mo/ vici\s object4 ,weak ?\gh he 01 he c\ld n help an exclamation ( exultation at 8 discov]y1 j z ,god[ski _h f9i%$ ) me4 ,look6 he cri$1 call+ ! doctor4 ,i "k :at ! tr\ble is1 ,god[ski4 ,he _h />t$ to tell1 b ! excitem5t ( ! j\rney & ! ex]tion 7 s great t he c\ld h>dly mumble4 ,"h--look--on ?is pap]1 he cri$4 ,f ! telephone-- ,he _h ris5 & 0 h&+ ! pap] to ! sci5ti/ :5 8 weakness ov]came him4 ,he fell flat on 8 face on ! floor & dropp$ ! pap]1 spill+ ! cont5ts4 ,god[ski1 n[ ?or\ghly al>m$1 b5t ov] ,craig4 ,b ! delirium _h ov]come ,k5n$y1 too4 ,unable to make any s5se out ( ,craig's brok5 w&]+s1 ,god[ski lo/ no "t 9 tak+ samples ( our blood4 ,!n he hurri$ away to 8 laboratory 9 8 c>4 ,z he did s1 h[ev]1 ,long ,s9 leap$ into a taxicab :i* 0 wait+ & foll[$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ,god[ski's laboratory1 :]e he 0 /udy+ tropical diseases1 ! bact]iologi/ set to "w at once to confirm 8 own gr[+ suspicions4 ,f a monkey :i* he _h !re = exp]im5tal purposes1 he drew (f "s blood samples4 ,!n1 ) ! aid ( 8 assi/ant1 he took ! blood samples he _h obta9$ f u4 ,! monkey's blood1 "u ! microscope1 seem$ full ( r elongat$ wriggl+ g]ms ( a peculi> species4 ,9 & out !y made _! way among ! blood corpuscles ea* l a d>t aim$ at life itself4 ,!n he took ! samples ( our blood4 ,9 !m 7 ! same g]ms--c>ri$ by t gruesome tick6 ,! spirillum6 he mutt]$4 ,!y are infect$ ) ,african recurr5t fev]4 ,! only rem$y is atoxyl1 adm9i/]$ intrav5\sly1 aft] ! mann] ( ,pr(essor ,ehrli*'s fam\s '#fjf'4 ,god[ski _h rung ! call box ha/ily = a mess5g]1 :5 ,long ,s91 :o _h manag$ /eal?ily to creep up to ! doctor's laboratory w9d[1 sc[l$1 ?r\gh at ! action--!n mov$ away4 ,:ile 8 assi/ant ga!r$ ! app>atus1 ! doctor wrote3 ,,miss ,,anne ,,septix1 #cja ,w4 --? ,/4 ,please g at once to ! ap>tm5t ( ,craig ,k5n$y1--,cl>emont ,ave4 ,surgical case4 ,,god[ski1 ,m4 ,d4 ,! boy arriv$ f9ally & ! doctor gave him a g5]\s tip to hurry ) ! note4 ,he _h n turn$ ! corn]1 h[ev]1 :5 ,long ,s9 appe>$4 ,subtly he play$ on ! boy's cupidity to get him to deliv] a note ( 8 own1 ev5 (f]$ to deliv] ! boy's note = him4 ,! fla% ( a five doll> bill made ! re/ easy4 ,z ! boy disappe>$ on a fake err&1 ,long ,s91 ) ! real note hurri$ d[n-t[n1 smil+ wick$ly4 ,!y h discov]$ ! fev]1 ,ma/]1 he report$ 9 ! d54 ,wu 0 beside himself ) rage4 ,be=e he c\ld speak1 h[ev]1 ,long ,s9 spread out ,god[ski's message4 ,b ,i h ?is1 he add$4 ,x took m]ely a glance to sugge/ to ,wu a new plan ( action4 ,he rose & mov$ quickly into ! back room4 ,come1 he ord]$ ,weepy ,m>y4 ,y mu/ dress up z a nurse--imm$iately4 ,quickly %e donn$ "o ( ! num]\s disguises :ile ,wu plann$ 8 campaign4 ,"h1 he direct$ :5 %e 0 ready1 h&+ h] a little vial4 ,y mu/ infect e in/rum5t ! doctor uses on ,k5n$y & ,jameson1--see8 ,%e nodd$ & a mom5t lat] 0 on h] way upt[n4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile ,god[ski himself _h arriv$ at our ap>tm5t1 mu* to ! relief ( our fri5d ,johnson1 & 0 unpack+ 8 in/rum5ts4 ,quickly he improvis$ two op]at+ tables1 & plac$ "o ( u on ea*4 ,!n1 ) 8 assi/ant1 he put on 8 :ite robes1 mask1 gloves & o!r precautions = asepsis1 sett+ out ! app>atus = ! intrav5\s adm9i/ration ( ! drug t w\ld kill ! spirillum4 ,god[ski 0 busy ) ! atoxyl1 mix+ x 9 a normal salt solution4 ,he w\ld drop 9 a few drops ( an acid1 !n a few drops ( an alkal9e solution1 s z to keep ! mixture neutral4 ,f9ally1 he p\r$ ! solution into a conta9]1 to ! bottom ( :i* 0 atta*$ a long tube4 ,?is conta9] he rais$ high ov] our heads1 clamp+ ! tube4 ,!n he fa/5$ a t9y ne$le to ! end ( ! tube1 s t x c\ld be ins]t$ 9 our arms1 cat*+ skillfully a ve9--a v difficult piece ( "w 9 :i* he excell$4 ,! liquid w\ld !n fl[ by ! =ce ( gravity f ! conta9] d[n ?r\gh ! tube1 ?r\gh ! holl[ ne$le & into ! ve9 :]e x w\ld act on ! g]ms ( ! fev]4 ,!y _h f9i%$ _! prep>ations & 7 wait+ = ,miss ,septix4 ,%e ought to be "h1 n[1 mutt]$ ,god[ski impati5tly1 look+ at 8 wat*4 ,j !n a cab drove up outside4 ,p]haps t is %e1 he exclaim$4 ,x mu/ be4 ,a few mom5ts lat] ! door ( ! ap>tm5t op5$4 ,8 face %[$ 8 disappo9tm5t4 ,x 0 a /rang]4 ,miss ,septix is ill1 %e introduc$1 & s5t me to take h] place4 ,! doctor look$ ab\t4 ,v well1 !n1 he said briskly1 see+ 8 prep>ations4 ,are y ready to g ahead8 ,%e nodd$ & ?rew (f h] coat t cov]$ h] immaculate :ite uni=m4 ,! speciali/ plung$ :ole-he>t$ly into 8 "w ( sav+ u n[4 ,h& me t ne$le1 please1 he direct$ ! false nurse4 ,%e mov$ ov] to ! table ne>-by & took x up1 paus+ only long en\gh to dip x secretly into a vial %e c>ri$ ) h]4 ,please hurry1 repeat$ ! doctor4 ,%e turn$ f ! table & h&$ x to him4 ,he adju/$ x & already held x pois$ = ! ?ru/ :i* 0 n to cure b to poison u fur!r4 ,weepy ,m>y6 cri$ a fright5$ voice at our door4 ,ela9e _h be5 deeply al>m$ by ! sudd5 illness ( ,k5n$y & ! message f ,jameson4 ,no soon] _h ,k5n$y gone1 ?an x fla%$ ov] h] t ,wu ,fang _h pr$ict$ some?+ l ?is4 ,! ?reat6 %e exclaim$1 seek+ h] c\s94 ,m>y1 ,i mu/ g to ! city--"r away4 ,on ! next tra91 !n1 %e _h be5 spe$+ back to ,new ,york1 &1 arriv+ at ! /ation1 %e realiz$ t !re 0 n a mom5t to lose4 ,%e call$ a cab1 drove directly to our ap>tm5t1 & hurri$ 91 )\t ev5 r++ ! bell4 ,"o glance at ! improvis$ hospital 0 en\gh to al>m h]4 ,b ! sight t _h transfix$ h] 0 ( a woman ^: face %e rememb]$ only too well1 ?\gh ,k5n$y & ,i _h nev] se5 h]4 ,please1 ,miss1 began ,god[ski's assi/ant1 try+ to quiet ,ela9e1 :ile ,god[ski turn$ 9 vexation to 8 "w4 ,no1 no6 repeat$ ,ela9e4 ,?is woman is no nurse4 ,%e is a crim9al6 ,god[ski paus$4 ,x 0 true he did n "k ! woman4 ,he gaz$ f ,ela9e to ,weepy ,m>y 9 d\bt4 ,! game 0 up4 ,weepy ,m>y dropp$ a piece ( gauze :i* %e _h soak$ 9 ! solution f ! vial :i* ,wu _h giv5 h] & bolt$ = ! door4 ,s sudd5 0 h] flight t no "o 0 quick en\gh to /op h]4 ,%e manag$ to rea* ! hall & slam ! door4 ,d[n %e ru%$ to ! /reet1 ,god[ski's assi/ant aft] h]4 ,!re1 await+1 0 ,long ,s9's c>4 ,%e leap$ 9 & 0 (f 9 a mom5t4 ,! assi/ant _h j "t to dive at ! runn+-bo>d4 ,b 8 grip 0 poor & ,long ,s9 easily ?rew him (f4 ,y--y fool6 he hiss$ at ,m>y1 z soon z ! dang] ( pursuit 0 ov] & ! assi/ant _h gone back into ! ap>tm5t4 ,oh1 sir1 %e begg$1 x 0 n my fault4 ,miss ,dodge came 9--unexpect$ly--%e recogniz$ me4 ,if ,i _h n fl$1 !y w\ld h caught me--p]haps y1 too4 ,long ,s9 0 furi\s4 ,he ?reat5$ h] & %e c[]$ back4 ,h[ev]1 !re 0 no?+ to be ga9$ by t & he subsid$ & drove quickly d[n-t[n4 ,! excitem5t m ?an ev] al>m$ ,ela9e n[4 ,tell me1 %e appeal$ to ,dr4 ,god[ski1 :at is ! matt]8 ,9 "s way1 he repli$ quickly1 !y h become infect$ by ! bite ( an ,african tick :i* c>ries spirillum fev]4 ,%e got away1 9 a cab1 pant$ ! assi/ant1 return+4 ,god[ski rais$ 8 h&s 9 despair4 ,i 0 j ab\t to />t1 he cri$4 ,ev]y?+ is ready4 ,i c't s5d = ano!r nurse4 ,e m9ute c\nts4 ,ela9e _h ?r[n (f h] coat & hat4 ,h] sleeves 7 up 9 a mom5t & be=e ! doctor knew :at %e 0 ab\t %e 0 scrubb+ h] h&s 9 ! antiseptic wa%4 ,only--%[ me--:at to d1 %e cri$4 ,i w be ! nurse6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,sev]al days lat]1 :5 we _h recov]$ suffici5tly f ! diabolical attack t _h be5 made ^u u1 ,k5n$y 0 aga9 at "w 9 ! laboratory1 :ile ,i 0 writ+4 ,we /ill felt r weak1 b ,god[ski's skill _h pull$ u out all "r4 ,our speak+-tube s\nd$ & ,i knew t x 0 ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,h[ d y feel8 inquir$ ,ela9e anxi\sly1 z %e almo/ ran across ! laboratory to ,craig4 ,f9e6 he exagg]at$1 brightly4 ,really8 %e repeat$ anxi\sly4 ,look6 he said1 turn+ to 8 microscope4 ,he took "s blood f a te/ tube 9 our electric incubator & plac$ a drop on a slide4 ,x 0 "s ( ! blood infect$ by ! g]ms c>ri$ by ! tick4 ,t is h[ our blood look$--be=e ! new nurse arriv$1 he smil$1 :ile ,ela9e look$ at x 9 horror4 ,!n he prick$ 8 arm & let a drop sme> on ano!r slide4 ,n[ look at t--p]fectly normal1 he add$4 ,oh--,i'm s glad1 %e exclaim$ radiantly4 ,normal--?anks to y4 ,y sav$ u4 ,y 7 j 9 "t1 cri$ ,craig tak+ bo? h] h&s 9 84 ,he 0 ab\t to kiss h]1 :5 %e broke away4 ,craig1 %e :isp]$1 blu%+ & look+ ha/ily at u4 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i c\ld only smile at ! disgu/$ glance ,craig gave u1 z he ?ru/ 8 h&s 9 8 pockets & wi%$ u a ?\s& miles away at t mom5t4 ,,*apt] ,v ,,%ad[s ,,( ,,w> ,= a long "t ,k5n$y _h1 ,i knew1 be5 at "w at odd mom5ts 9 ! laboratory secretly4 ,:at x 0 t he 0 work+ on1 ev5 ,i 0 unable to guess1 s closely _h he gu>d$ 8 secret4 ,b t x 0 some?+ mom5t\s1 ,i 0 assur$4 ,long ,s9 _h already be5 arre/$ & x 0 a day or two aft] ! escape ( ,wu himself :o _h come j 9 "t to prev5t ! confession by "o ( 8 emiss>ies ( ! :]eab\ts ( 8 secret d54 ,k5n$y _h ,*ase & ano!r detective :om he frequ5tly employ$ on r\t9e matt]s at "w ov] ! clues develop$ by 8 use ( ! sphygmograph4 ,ela9e1 anxi\s = news1 _h dropp$ 9 on u at ! laboratory j z ,k5n$y 0 ha/ily op5+ 8 mail4 ,craig came to a l>ge lett] ) an (ficial look1 slit op5 ! envelope1 & unfold$ ! lett]4 ,hurrah6 he cri$1 jump+ up & ?ru/+ ! lett] be=e u4 ,read t4 ,across ! top ( ! pap] 7 emboss$ 9 blue ! =midable words3 ,unit$ ,/ates ,navy ,dep>tm5t1 ,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,! lett] 0 mo/ int]e/+3 ,,pr(essor ,,craig ,,k5n$y1 ,! ,univ]sity1 ,new ,york ,city4 ,,de> ,,sir1 ,y\r telautomatic torp$o model 0 te/$ ye/]day & ,i take great pleasure 9 /at+ t x 0 entirely successful4 ,!re is no d\bt t ! ,unit$ ,/ates is safe f attack z long z we reta9 its secret4 ,v s9c]ely y\rs1 ,,daniel ,,wat]s1 ,ass't ,sec'y4 ,oh1 ,craig1 congratulat$ ,ela9e1 z %e h&$ back ! note4 ,i'm s glad = y\r sake4 ,h[ fam\s y w be6 ,:5 are we go+ to see ! wond]ful inv5tion1 ,craig8 ,i add$ z ,i grasp$ 8 h& &1 9 return1 he almo/ broke ! bones 9 m9e wr++ x4 ,z soon z y wi%1 he repli$1 mov+ ov] to ! safe ne>-by & op5+ x4 ,"h's ! only o!r model 9 exi/5ce besides ! model ,i s5t to ,wa%+ton4 ,he held up be=e u a cig>-%ap$ affair ( /eel1 ab\t eight in*es long1 ) a t9y propell] & rudd] ( a size to correspond4 ,above 0 a s]ies ( wires1 f\r or five in*es 9 l5g?1 :i*1 he expla9$1 7 ! a]ials by :i* ! torp$o 0 controll$4 ,! pr9ciple ( ! ?+1 he w5t on pr\dly1 is t ,i use wireless waves to actuate relays on ! torp$o4 ,! p[] is 9 ! torp$o2 ! relay releases x4 ,t is1 ,i s5d a *ild ) a message2 ! gr[n man1 ?r\gh ! relay1 does ! "w4 ,s1 y see1 ,i c sit miles away 9 safety & s5d my little ,david out any:]e to /rike d[n a huge ,golia?4 ,x 0 n difficult to cat* 8 en?usiasm ov] ! m>vell\s inv5tion1 ?\gh we c\ld n foll[ him ?r\gh ! mazes ( explanation ab\t radio-comb9ators1 telecommutators & ! re/ ( ! te*nicalities4 ,i may say1 h[ev]1 t on 8 radio-comb9ator he _h a s]ies ( keys m>k$ ,=w>d1 ,back1 ,/>t1 ,/op1 ,rudd] ,"r1 ,rudd] ,left1 & s on4 ,he _h sc>cely f9i%$ 8 brief description :5 !re came a knock at ! door4 ,i answ]$ x4 ,x 0 ,*ase & 8 assi/ant1 :om ,k5n$y _h employ$ 9 ! affair4 ,we've f\nd ! place on ,pell ,/reet t we ?9k is ,wu ,fang's1 !y report$ excit$ly4 ,x's 9 numb] f\rte51 z y ?\ght4 ,we've left an op]ative disguis$ z a bl9d begg> to wat* ! place4 ,oh1 good6 exclaim$ ,ela9e1 z ,craig & ,i hurri$ out aft] ,*ase & 8 man ) h]4 ,may ,i g ) y8 ,really1 ,ela9e1 object$ ,craig1 ,i don't ?9k x's safe4 ,!re's no tell+ :at may happ54 ,9 fact1 ,i ?9k ,walt] & ,i _h bett] n be se5 !re ev5 ) ,*ase4 ,%e p\t$ & plead$1 b ,craig 0 obdurate4 ,f9ally %e cons5t$ to wait = u at home provid$ we br\ght h] ! news at ! e>lie/ mom5t & demon/rat$ ! wond]ful torp$o z well4 ,craig 0 only too glad to promise & we wav$ good-bye z h] c> :isk$ h] (f4 ,half an h\r lat] we turn$ into ,*9at[n f ! %ad[ ( ! elevat$ railroad on ,*a?am ,squ>e1 do+ our be/ to affect a ,b[]y sl\*4 ,we _h n gone f> be=e we came to ! bl9d begg>4 ,he 0 sitt+ by numb] f\rte5 ) a sign on 8 brea/1 gr9d+ indu/ri\sly at a small b>rel organ be=e him on :i* re/$ a t9 cup4 ,we pass$ him & ,k5n$y took out a co9 f 8 pocket & dropp$ x into ! cup4 ,z he did s1 he ?ru/ 8 h& into ! cup & quickly took out a piece ( pap] :i* he palm$4 ,! bl9d begg> ?ank$ & bless$ u1 & we dodg$ into a doorway :]e ,k5n$y op5$ ! pap]3 ,wu ,fang gone out4 ,:at %all we d8 ,i ask$4 ,g 9 anyh[1 decid$ ,k5n$y quickly4 ,we left ! %elt] ( ! doorway & walk$ boldly up to ! door4 ,deftly ,k5n$y =c$ x & we ent]$4 ,we _h sc>cely m\nt$ ! /airs to ! d5 ( ! ,s]p5t1 :5 a s]vant 9 a back room1 he>+ a noise1 /uck 8 head 9 ! door4 ,k5n$y & ,i made a da% at him & quickly ov]p[]$ him1 snapp+ ! bracelets on 8 wri/s4 ,wat* him1 ,walt]1 direct$ ,craig z he made 8 way into ! back room4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! devi\s plots & s*emes ( ,wu ,fang1 8 nef>i\s "w _h br\ght him into contact n only ) crim9als ( ! l[e/ ord] b ) ^? high up 9 f9ancial & diplomatic circles4 ,?us x happ5$ t at su* a crisis z ,k5n$y _h br\ght ab\t = him ,wu _h sudd5ly be5 call$ out ( ! city & _h receiv$ an ord] f a gr\p ( p[]ful =eign ag5ts kn[n secretly z ! ,intellig5ce ,(fice to meet an emiss>y at a c]ta9 rocky promontory on ! ,connecticut %ore ( ,long ,isl& ,s\nd ! v day aft] ,k5n$y's little affair ) him 9 ! laboratory & ! day be=e ! lett] f ,wa%+ton arriv$4 ,?\gh he 0 mortally afraid ( ,k5n$y's pursuit1 !re 0 no?+ to d b obey ?is imp]ative summons4 ,quietly he slipp$ out ( t[n1 ! m readily :5 he realiz$ t ! summons w\ld take him n f> f ! millionaire cottage colony :]e ,ela9e _h h] summ] home1 :i*1 h[ev]1 %e _h n yet op5$4 ,!re1 on ! rocky %ore1 he sat gaz+ out at ! waves1 wait+1 :5 sudd5ly1 f ar\nd ! promontory1 came a boat r[$ by two /alw>t sailors4 ,x c>ri$ z pass5g]s two d>k-complexion$1 d>k-hair$ m51 =eign]s evid5tly1 ?\gh c>efully dress$ s z to conceal bo? _! id5tity & nationality4 ,z ! boat came up to a /rip ( s&y bea* among ! rocks1 ! sailors held x :ile _! two pass5g]s jump$ out4 ,!n !y r[$ away z quickly z !y _h come4 ,! two my/]i\s /rang]s salut$ ,wu4 ,we are "u ord]s f ! ,intellig5ce ,(fice1 introduc$ "o :o seem$ to be ! lead]1 to get ?is ,am]ican1 ,k5n$y4 ,a subtle smile ov]spread ,wu's face4 ,he said no?+ b ?is adv5ture promis$ to s]ve m ?an "o end4 ,in=mation has j come to u1 ! /rang] w5t on1 t ,k5n$y has inv5t$ a new wireless automatic torp$o4 ,already a lett] is on its way in=m+ him t x has be5 accept$ by ! ,navy4 ,! o!r man :o _h be5 draw+ a cig>-%ap$ outl9e on ! wet s& look$ up4 ,we mu/ get ^? models1 he put 91 add+1 bo? ( !m--! "o he has & t ! gov]nm5t has4 ,c x be done8 ,i c get !m1 answ]$ ,wu s9i/]ly4 ,& s1 :ile ,k5n$y 0 draw+ toge!r ! net ab\t ,wu1 t wily crim9al _h already plann$ an attack on him 9 an unexpect$ qu>t]4 ,d[n 9 ,wa%+ton ! v morn+ t our pursuit ( ,wu came to a head1 ! (ficials ( ! navy dep>tm5t1 bo? naval & civil1 7 hav+ ! f9al conf]5ce at :i* !y 7 to accept (ficially ,k5n$y's m>vell\s inv5tion :i*1 x 0 confid5tly believ$1 w\ld ultimately make w> impossible4 ,seat$ ab\t a long table 9 "o ( ! bo>d rooms 7 n only ! (fic]s b ! (ficials ( ! dep>tm5t ^: sanction 0 necess>y = ! f9al /ep4 ,by a w9d[ sat a /5ograph] :o 0 transcrib+1 z !y 7 tak51 ! notes ( ! mom5t\s meet+4 ,!y _h j complet$ ! exam9ation ( ! torp$o & laid x on ! end ( ! table sc>cely an arm's l5g? f ! /5ograph]4 ,z he f9i%$ a page ( notes he glanc$ quickly at 8 wat*4 ,x 0 exactly ?ree o'clock4 ,ha/ily he rea*$ ov] = ! torp$o & ) "o swift1 sil5t movem5t toss$ x out ( ! w9d[4 ,d[n bel[1 9 a clump ( rhodod5drons1 = sev]al mom5ts _h be5 cr\*+ "o ( ! m5 :o _h borne ! ord]s to ,wu ,fang at ! /range meet+ on ! promontory4 ,8 eyes seem$ rivet$ at ! w9d[ above him4 ,sudd5ly ! supreme mom5t = :i* ?is da/>dly plot _h be5 tim$ came4 ,z ! torp$o model dropp$ f ! w9d[1 he d>t$ =w>d1 caught x1 turn$1 & 9 an in/ant he 0 gone4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,wu ,fang himself _h return$ aft] sett+ 9 motion ! =ces :i* he f\nd necess>y to call to aid ! =eign ag5ts 9 _! plots aga9/ ,k5n$y's torp$o4 ,z ,wu approa*$ ! door ( 8 d5 & 0 ab\t to ent]1 8 eye fell on our outpo/1 ! bl9d begg>4 ,in/antly 8 suspicions 7 ar\s$4 ,he look$ ! begg> ov] ) a fr[n1 ?\ght a mom5t1 !n turn$ & in/ead ( ent]+ w5t up ! /reet4 ,he made ! circuit ( ! block & n[ came to an alley on ! next /reet t l$ back ( ! build+ 9 :i* he _h 8 d54 ,/ill fr[n+1 he gaz$ ab\t1 saw t he 0 n foll[$1 & ent]$ a doorway4 ,up ! /airs he made 8 way until he came to an empty l(t4 ,quickly he w5t ov] to ! blank wall & began feel+ cauti\sly ab\t z if = a secret spr+ hidd5 9 ! pla/]4 ,no "o 9 ! back room1 said ,k5n$y rejo9+ me 9 ! d5 itself ) ! prison]4 ,he's out1 all "r4 ,be=e ,craig 0 a mirror4 ,z he look$ into x1 at an angle1 he c\ld see a "p ( ! decorations ( ! wall beh9d him actually op5 out4 ,= an in/ant ! evil face ( ,wu ,fang appe>$4 ,)\t a ^w1 ,craig walk$ into ! back room4 ,z he did s1 ,wu ,fang1 knife 9 h&1 /eal?ily op5$ ! slid+ panel its full l5g? & noiselessly ent]$ ! room beh9d me4 ,) knife uprais$ = in/ant action he mov$ clos] & clos] to me4 ,he _h almo/ rea*$ me & paus$ to gloat z he pois$ ! knife ready to /rike1 :5 ,i he>d a %\t f ,k5n$y1 & a scuffle4 ,craig _h leap$ out f beh9d a scre5 ne> ! doorway to ! back room :]e he _h hidd5 to lure ,wu on4 ,) a p[]ful grasp1 he twi/$ ! knife f ,wu's h& & x fell ) a clatt] on ! floor4 ,i 0 at ,wu myself an in/ant lat]4 ,he 0 a p[]ful fight]1 b we manag$ to snap ! h&cuffs on him f9ally1 also4 ,walt]1 pant$ ,k5n$y /raight5+ himself out aft] ! fracas1 ,i'll /ay "h ) ! prison]s4 ,g get ! police4 ,i hurri$ out & ru%$ d[n ! /reet seek+ an (fic]4 ,up 9 ! d51 ,wu ,fang1 sil5t1 /ood ) 8 back to ! wall1 sc[l+ sull5ly4 ,close beside him hung a sort ( bell-cord1 j out ( rea*4 ,k5n$y1 revolv] 9 h&1 0 exam9+ ! writ+-table to discov] :atev] evid5ce he c\ld4 ,sl[ly1 imp]ceptibly1 in* by in*1 ,wu mov$ t[>d ! bell-cord4 ,he 0 rea*+ out ) 8 manacl$ h&s to seize x :5 ,k5n$y1 al]t1 turn$1 saw him1 & in/antly %ot4 ,wu lit]ally crumpl$ up & dropp$ to ! floor z ,craig b\nd$ ov] to him4 ,by ?is "t ,i _h f\nd a policeman & he _h summon$ ! wagon f ! ,elizabe? ,/reet /ation1 a few blocks away4 ,z we drove up be=e ! d51 ,i leap$ out & ! police foll[$4 ,imag9e my surprise at see+ ,wu /ret*$ on ! floor4 ,k5n$y _h tri$ to /aun* ! fl[ ( blood f a w\nd on ,wu's %\ld] ) a h&k]*ief & n[ 0 mak+ a tempor>y b&age :i* he b\nd on him4 ,h[ are y1 s]geant8 nodd$ ,k5n$y4 ,well1 ,i guess y'll admit ,i made good ?is "t4 ,! s]geant smil$1 recall+ a previ\s occasion :5 ! slipp]y ,wu _h squirm$ ?r\gh our f+]s4 ,k5n$y's re/less eye fell on ! bell-rope :i* _h caus$ ! tr\ble4 ,someh[1 he seem$ to h an irresi/ible desire to pull t rope4 ,he gaz$ ab\t ! room4 ,walt]1 y & ! s]geant take ! prison]s into ! next room1 he said4 ,i want to see :at ?is ?+ really is4 ,we mov$ ,wu & 8 s]vant & /ood 9 ! doorway4 ,craig gave ! rope a yank4 ,in/antly !re 0 an explosion4 ,a conceal$ %otgun 9 ! wall fir$1 scatt]+ %ot all ov] ! front ( ,wu's table1 j :]e we _h be5 /&+1 knock+ ov] & break+ vases1 scatt]+ pap]s & 9 g5]al wreck+ ev]y?+ be=e x4 ,s1 t's x1 :i/l$ ,craig4 ,y fell[s c come back n[4 ,two ( y m5 ,i'm go+ to leave "h to wat* ! place & make o!r arre/s if y c4 ,come on4 ,) ,k5n$y ,i left ! t5em5t :ile ! s]geant m>*$ ! prison]s out1 & we drove (f ) !m4 ,q a cr[d _h collect$ outside by ! "t we came out4 ,among !m1 naturally1 7 _m ,*9am51 & we c\ld n see two ( !m hid+ beh9d ! re/ on ! outskirts1 jabb]+ 9 l[ tones toge!r & mak+ ha/y plans4 ,z we clang$ away d[n ! /reet !y foll[$ m sl[ly on foot4 ,common humanity dictat$ t we take ,wu fir/ ( all to a hospital & get him fix$ up & to a hospital we w5t4 ,k5n$y & ,i ent]$ ) our prison]s1 closely gu>d$ by ! police4 ,craig h&$ ,wu ov] to two "y doctors & a nurse4 ,by ?is "t ,wu 0 v weak f loss ( blood4 ,/ill he _h 8 iron n]ve & t 0 c>ry+ him ?r\gh4 ,! two "y doctors & ! nurse _h sc>cely begun to take (f ,craig's rude b&age to replace x prop]ly1 :5 a noise outside told u t a weep+ & ge/iculat+ delegation ( ,*9ese _h arriv$4 ,keep 'em back1 call$ "o ( ! doctors to an att5dant4 ,! att5dant tri$ to drive !m away1 b no?+ c\ld =ce !m back m ?an an in* or two z1 9 brok5 ,engli%1 !y s\ght to f9d out h[ ,wu 04 ,_! importunity prov$ too mu* = only "o att5dant4 ,/ill gibb]+ & ge/iculat+1 ! cr[d bru%$ pa/ him z if he _h be5 a m]e re$4 ,! att5dant rag$ ab\t until he lo/ 8 head4 ,b x 0 no use4 ,!re 0 no?+ = him to d b to foll[ !m 94 ,k5n$y by ?is "t _h f9i%$ talk+ to ! doctors & h&+ ,wu ov] to !m4 ,!y _h tak5 him into a room 9 ! disp5s>y4 ,j !n ! *att]+ cr[d pu%$ 91 "s ask+ que/ions1 o!rs bewail+ ! fate ( ! great ,wu ,fang4 ,!y 7 s insi/5t t at la/ "o ( ! doctors 0 =c$ to dem& t ! police drive !m out4 ,!y />t$ to pu% !m back4 ,9 ! melee1 "o ( _! numb] manag$ to get away f ! re/ & rea* ! doorway to ! em]g5cy room4 ,he 01 z we f\nd out lat]1 dress$ almo/ precisely l ,wu1 al?\gh he _h on a some:at diff]5t cap4 ,9 build & size z well z features he 0 a v]itable ,dromio4 ,! o!r ,*9aman drew back beh9d ! scre5 :i* hid ! doorway to ! em]g5cy room & conceal$ himself4 ,mean:ile1 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 laugh+ at ! truly ludicr\s antics ( ! a/\nd$ ,cele/ials1 ?und]/ruck at ! capture ( ! pe]less lead]1 :ile ! police =c$ !m back4 ,well1 good-bye1 nodd$ ,craig to ! fir/ doctor & nurse :o _h att5d$ ,wu ,fang outside4 ,good-bye4 ,we'll fix him up & take good c>e t he doesn't *eat ! law1 !y said1 ) a nod to ! s]geant4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! em]g5cy room1 ,wu 0 plac$ on an op]at+ table & !re 0 b\nd up prop]ly1 ?\gh he 0 t]ribly weak n[4 ,back ( ! scre51 h[ev]1 ! o!r ,*9aman 0 hid+1 able to get an occasional glance at :at 0 go+ on4 ,!re happ5$ to be a table ne> him on :i* 7 gauze1 cotton & o!r ?+s4 ,he rea*$ ov] & took ! gauze & quickly made x into a b&age1 keep+ "o eye on ! b&ag+ ( ,wu4 ,!n he plac$ ! b&age ov] 8 own %\ld] & arm 9 ! same way t he saw ! doctors do+ ) ,wu4 ,!y _h f9i%$ ) ,wu & "o ( ! doctors mov$ ov] to ! doorway to call ! s]geant4 ,= ! mom5t ! re/ _h left ,wu alone1 8 eyes app>5tly half clos$ ?r\gh weakness4 ,ea* 0 busy ab\t 8 own especial task4 ,f beh9d ! scre5 :i* 0 only a few feet f ! op]at+ table1 ! secret$ ,*9aman /epp$ out4 ,quickly he plac$ 8 own hat on ,wu & took ,wu's1 !n took ,wu's place on ! table :ile ,wu slipp$ beh9d ! scre54 ,! doctor turn$ to ! suppos$ ,wu4 ,come n[1 he ord]$1 h&+ him ov] to ! police4 ,"h he is at la/4 ,! s]geant />t$ to lead ! prison] out4 ,z he did s1 he look$ %>ply at him4 ,he c\ld sc>cely believe 8 eyes4 ,!re 0 some?+ wrong4 ,all ,*9aman might look alike to "s p b n to him4 ,t's n ,wu ,fang6 he exclaim$4 ,in/antly !re 0 ! greate/ excitem5t4 ,! doctors 7 a/\nd$ z all ru%$ into ! em]g5cy room aga94 ,"o ( !m look$ beh9d ! scre54 ,!re 0 an op5 w9d[4 ,t's h[ he got away1 he cri$4 ,mean:ile1 sev]al blocks f ! hospital1 ,wu1 /ill weak b m ?an ev] n]v$ up1 came out ( 8 place ( concealm5t1 gaz$ up & d[n ! /reet1 &1 see+ no "o foll[+1 hurri$ away f ! hospital z fa/ z 8 %aky legs w\ld be> him4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,confid5t t at la/ our ar* enemy 0 safely l&$ 9 ! h&s ( ! police1 ,k5n$y & ,i _h left ! hospital & 7 ha/5+ to ,ela9e ) ! news4 ,we /opp$ at ! laboratory only long en\gh to get ! torp$o f ! safe & at a toy /ore :]e ,craig b\ght a f9e little clockwork battle%ip4 ,we f\nd ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 9 ! cons]vatory & quickly ,k5n$y relat$ h[ we _h captur$ ,wu4 ,b1 l all inv5tors1 8 pet 0 ! torp$o & soon we 7 absorb$ 9 8 description ( x4 ,z he unwrapp$ x1 ,ela9e drew back1 timidly1 f ! fe>ful eng9e ( de/ruction4 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,no1 x isn't dang]\s1 he said reassur+ly4 ,i've remov$ its *>ge & put 9 a p]cussion cap4 ,let me %[ y1 on a small scale1 h[ x works1 he add$1 w9d+ up ! battle%ip & plac+ x 9 ! f\nta94 ,next he plac$ ! torp$o 9 ! wat] at ! o!r end ( ! tank4 ,come ov] "h1 he said1 indicat+ to u to foll[ him into ! palms4 ,!re he _h plac$ ! /range wireless app>atus :i* controll$ ! torp$o4 ,he press$ a lev]4 ,we pe]$ out ?r\gh ! fronds ( ! palms4 ,t uncanny little cig>-%ap$ ?+ actually />t$ to move ov] ! surface ( ! wat]4 ,( c\rse ,i c\ld make x dive1 expla9$ ,craig1 b ,i want y to see x "w4 ,ar\nd ! tank x w5t1 turn$1 cut a figure eight1 z ,k5n$y manipulat$ ! lev]s4 ,!n x head$ /raight t[>d ! battle%ip4 ,x /ruck4 ,!re 0 a l\d report1 a spurt ( wat]4 ,"o ( ! skeleton ma/s fell ov]4 ,! battle%ip heel$ ov]1 & sl[ly sank1 b[ fir/4 ,wond]ful6 exclaim$ ,ela9e4 ,t 0 v reali/ic4 ,we bru%$ our way out ?r\gh ! ?ick palms1 congratulat+ ,k5n$y on ! p]fect success ( 8 demon/ration4 ,s a/oni%$ 7 we t we did n he> ! doorbell r+4 ,j5n+s answ]$ x & admitt$ two m54 ,is ,pr(essor ,k5n$y "h8 ask$ "o4 ,we h be5 to 8 ap>tm5t & to ! laboratory4 ,i'll see1 said ,j5n+s discretely1 tak+ ! c>d ( "o ( !m & leav+ !m 9 ! draw+-room4 ,two g5tlem5 to see y1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,j5n+s int]rupt$ our congratulations1 h&+ ,craig a c>d4 ,%all ,i tell !m y are "h1 sir8 ,craig glanc$ at ! c>d4 ,i wond] :at t c be8 he said1 turn+ ! c>d t[>d u4 ,x 0 engrav$3 ,w4 ,r4 ,b>nes ,u4 ,s4 ,secret ,s]vice4 ,yes1 ,i'll see !m1 he said1 !n to u1 ,please excuse me8 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i /roll$ (f 9 ! palms t[>d ! ,fif? ,av5ue side1 :ile ,j5n+s w5t out t[>d ! back ( ! h\se4 ,well1 g5tlem51 greet$ ,k5n$y z he met ! two detectives1 :at c ,i d = y8 ,! lead] look$ ab\t1 !n lean$ ov] & :isp]$1 ,we've j _h ^w1 ,pr(essor1 t y\r model ( ! torp$o has be5 /ol5 f ! ,navy ,dep>tm5t 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,/ol58 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 />+ agha/4 ,yes4 ,we fe> t an ag5t ( a =eign gov]nm5t has f\nd a traitor 9 ! dep>tm5t4 ,rapidly ,k5n$y's m9d pictur$ :at might be done ) ! deadly weapon 9 ! h&s ( an enemy4 ,&1 add$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man1 we h reason to believe t ?is =eign ag5t is us+ a ,*9aman1 ,wu ,fang4 ,b ,wu has be5 arre/$1 repli$ ,craig4 ,i arre/$ him myself4 ,! police h him n[4 ,!n y don't "k ( 8 escape8 ,k5n$y c\ld only />e z !y told ! /ory4 ,sudd5ly1 d[n ! hall1 came cries (1 ,help6 ,help6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:ile ,craig 0 %[+ u ! torp$o1 ! crim9al ma*9]y :i* ,wu _h set 9 motion at ord]s f ! =eign ag5ts 0 work+ rapidly4 ,outside ! ,dodge h\se1 a man _h %ad[$ u4 ,he wait$ until we w5t 91 !n slunk 9 himself by ! back way & climb$ ?r\gh an op5 w9d[ into ! cell>4 ,quietly he made 8 way up ?r\gh ! cell> until f9ally he rea*$ ! libr>y4 ,li/5+ c>efully he c\ld he> u talk+ 9 ! cons]vatory4 ,/eal?ily he mov$ out ( ! libr>y4 ,we _h left ! cons]vatory :5 he ent]$1 pe]+ ?r\gh ! palms4 ,on he /ole till he came to ! f\nta94 ,he look$ ab\t4 ,!re1 bobb+ up & d[n1 0 ! model ( ! torp$o = :i* he _h d>$ s mu*4 ,he pick$ x up & look$ at x1 gloat+4 ,! crook 0 ab\t to move back t[>d ! libr>y1 hugg+ ! preci\s model close to himself :5 he he>d ,j5n+s com+4 ,he />t$ back to ! cons]vatory4 ,j5n+s ent]$ j 9 "t to cat* a fleet+ glimpse ( "s "o4 ,8 suspicions 7 r\s$ & he foll[$4 ,! crook rea*$ ! cons]vatory & op5$ a glass w9d[ lead+ out into ! little g>d5 beside ! h\se4 ,he 0 ab\t to /ep out :5 ! s\nd ( voices 9 ! g>d5 arre/$ him4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i _h gone out & ,ela9e 0 %[+ me a new rose :i* _h j be5 s5t h]4 ,! crook fell back & dropp$ d[n beh9d ! palms4 ,j5n+s look$ ab\t1 b saw no "o & /ood !re puzzl$4 ,!n ! crook1 fe>+ t he might be captur$ at any mom5t1 look$ ab\t to see :]e he might hide ! torp$o4 ,!re did n seem to be any place4 ,quickly he began to dig out ! e>? 9 "o ( ! palm pots4 ,he dropp$ ! torp$o1 wrapp$ /ill 9 ! h&k]*ief1 into ! hole & cov]$ x up4 ,j5n+s 0 cle>ly puzzl$4 ,he _h se5 "s "o ru% 91 b ! cons]vatory 0 app>5tly empty4 ,he _h j turn$ to g out :5 he saw a palm move4 ,!re 0 a face6 ,he made a dive = x & 9 a mom5t bo? he & ! crook 7 roll+ ov] & ov]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,k5n$y & ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 7 talk+ e>ne/ly :5 !y he>d ! cry = help & ! scuffle4 ,!y ru%$ out & into ! cons]vatory 9 "t to see ! crook1 :o _h brok5 away1 knock out ,j5n+s4 ,he sprang to 8 feet & d>t$ away4 ,k5n$y's m9d 0 work+ rapidly4 ,_h ! man be5 aft] ! o!r model8 ,! detectives w5t aft] him4 ,b ,craig w5t = ! torp$o4 ,z he look$ 9 ! tank1 x 0 gone6 ,he turn$ & foll[$ ! crook4 ,i 0 /ill 9 ! g>d5 ) ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e :5 ,i he>d s\nds ( a /ruggle & a mom5t lat] a man em]g$ ?r\gh ! w9d[ ( ! cons]vatory foll[$ by two o!r m54 ,i w5t = him1 b he manag$ to elude me & da%$ = ! wall 9 ! back ( ! g>d54 ,! ,secret ,s]vice m5 fir$ at him b he kept on4 ,a mom5t lat] ,craig came ?r\gh ! w9d[4 ,did any ( y take ! torp$o8 he ask$4 ,no1 repli$ ,ela9e1 we left x j z y _h x4 ,k5n$y seem$ wild ) anxiety4 ,!n bo? models h be5 /ol56 he cri$1 da%+ aft] ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 ) me close beh9d4 ,! crook by ?is "t _h rea*$ ! top ( ! wall4 ,j z he 0 ab\t to let himself d[n safely on ! o!r side1 a %ot /ruck him4 ,he pit*$ ov] & we ran =w>d4 ,b he _h j en\gh ( a />t4 ,9 spite ( ! %ock & ! w\nd he manag$ to pick himself up & ) ! help ( a conf$]ate hobbl$ into a wait+ c>1 :i* sp$ away j z we came ov] ! wall4 ,we dropp$ to ! gr\nd j z ano!r c> approa*$4 ,craig comm&e]$ x f its a/oni%$ driv]1 ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 & ,i pil$ 9 & we 7 (f 9 a few seconds 9 hot pursuit4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,d[n at ! t]m9al :]e tra9s came 9 f ,wa%+ton1 ,wu1 mu* bett] n[1 0 wait+4 ,he _h pull$ a long coat ov] 8 ,*9ese clo!s & wore a sl\* hat4 ,z he look$ at ! incom+ pass5g]s he spi$ ! man he 0 wait+ =1 ! "y crook :o _h be5 wait+ 9 ! %rubb]y outside ! ,navy ,build+ :5 ! torp$o model 0 ?r[n out4 ,! man _h ! model c>efully wrapp$ up1 "u 8 arm4 ,z 8 eye travell$ ov] ! cr[d he recogniz$ ,wu b did n betray x4 ,he walk$ by &1 z he pass$1 ha/ily h&$ ,wu ! package conta9+ ! model4 ,wu slipp$ x "u 8 coat4 ,!n ea* w5t 8 way1 9 opposite directions4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 a close race betwe5 ! c> be>+ ! two crooks & t :i* ,k5n$y _h impress$ into s]vice1 b we kept on up ?r\gh ! city & out across ! c\ntry1 into ,connecticut4 ,"t & aga9 !y almo/ got away until x became a "q ( foll[+ tire tracks4 ,once we came to a cross-road & ,k5n$y /opp$ & leap$ out4 ,deeply plant$ 9 ! mud1 he c\ld see ! tracks ( ! c> ahead lead+ out by ! left road4 ,close beside ! tire tracks 7 ! footpr9ts ( two m5 go+ up ! "r h& road t[>d ! ,s\nd4 ,y foll[ ! c> & ! driv]1 decid$ ,craig1 ha/ily indicat+ ! road by :i* x _h gone4 ,i'll foll[ ! footpr9ts4 ,! ,secret ,s]vice m5 jump$ back into ! c> & ,k5n$y & ,i w5t along ! %ore road foll[+ ! two crooks4 ,already ! w\nd$ crook1 support$ by 8 pal1 _h made 8 way d[n to ! wat] & _h come to a long :>f4 ,!re1 ne> ! l&-end1 !y _h a secret hid+-place into :i* !y w5t4 ,! o!r crook drew =? a smoke signal & began to prep>e x4 ,k5n$y & ,i 7 able1 n[1 to move fa/] ?an !y4 ,z we came 9 sight ( ! :>f1 ,k5n$y paus$4 ,!re !y are1 two ( !m1 he indicat$4 ,i c\ld j make !m out 9 _! hid+-place4 ,! fell[ :o _h /ol5 ! torp$o 0 by ?is "t s weak f loss ( blood t he c\ld h>dly hold 8 head up1 :ile ! o!r hurri$ to fix-! smoke signal4 ,he happ5$ to glance up1 & saw u4 ,come1 ,r$1 brace up1 he mutt]$4 ,!y're on our trail4 ,! w\nd$ man 0 almo/ too weak to answ]4 ,i--,i c't1 he gasp$ weakly1 ,y--g4 ,!n1 ) a great ef=t1 rememb]+ ! mission on :i* he _h be5 s5t1 he :isp]$ ho>sely1 ,i hid ! second torp$o model 9 ! ,dodge h\se 9 ! bottom (-- ,he tri$ h>d to f9i%1 b he 0 too weak4 ,he fell back1 dead4 ,8 pal _h wait$ z long z he d>$ to le>n ! secret4 ,he jump$ up & ran out j z we bur/ into ! hid+-place4 ,k5n$y dropp$ d[n by ! dead man & se>*$ him1 :ile ,i da%$ aft] ! o!r fell[4 ,b ,i 0 n s well acqua9t$ ) ! lay ( ! l& z he &1 be=e ,i knew x1 he _h d>t$ into ano!r ( 8 num]\s hid+-places4 ,i hunt$ ab\t1 b ,i _h lo/ ! track4 ,:5 ,i return$1 ,i f\nd ,k5n$y writ+ a ha/y note4 ,i c\ldn't foll[ him1 ,craig1 ,i confess$4 ,too bad1 fr[n$ ,craig evid5tly greatly worri$ by :at _h happ5$1 z he fold$ ! note4 ,walt]1 he add$ s]i\sly1 ,i want y to g f9d ! fell[4 ,he h&$ me ! note4 ,& if any?+ sep>ates u to-day--give ?is note to ,ela9e4 ,i did n pay mu* att5tion to ! tone he assum$1 b (t5 aft]w>d ,i pond]$ ov] x & ! s]i\s & tr\bl$ look on 8 face4 ,i 0 too *agr9$ at los+ my man to ?9k mu* ( x !n4 ,i took ! note & hurri$ out aga9 aft] him4 ,mean:ile1 z ne>ly z ,i c n[ make out1 ,k5n$y se>*$ ! dead man aga94 ,!re 0 c]ta9ly no clue to 8 id5tity on him1 nor _h he ! torp$o model4 ,craig look$ ab\t4 ,sudd5ly1 he fell flat on 8 /oma*4 ,!re 0 ,wu ,fang himself1 com+ to ! :>f1 c>ry+ ! model ( ! torp$o :i* _h be5 /ol5 9 ,wa%+ton & br\ght up to him by 8 emiss>y4 ,k5n$y1 cr\*+ d[n & tak+ advantage ( e object t %elt]$ him1 crawl$ cauti\sly into an angle4 ,unsuspect+1 ,wu came to ! l&-end ( ! :>f4 ,!re he saw 8 lieut5ant1 dead--& ! smoke signal /ill beside him1 unlight$4 ,he b5t ov] 9 amazem5t & exam9$ ! man4 ,f 8 hid+-place ,k5n$y crept /eal?ily4 ,he _h sc>cely got )9 rea* ( ,wu :5 ! al]t ,*9aman seem$ to s5se 8 pres5ce4 ,he rose quickly & swung ar\nd4 ,! two ar* enemies gaz$ at ea* o!r a mom5t sil5tly4 ,ea* knew x 0 ! f9al1 fatal enc\nt]4 ,sl[ly ,wu drew a long knife & leap$ at ,k5n$y :o grappl$ ) him4 ,!y /ruggl$ m]cilessly4 ,9 ! /ruggle1 ,craig manag$ to te> ! torp$o out ( ,wu's h&s1 j z !y roll$ ov]4 ,x fell on a rock4 ,in/antly an explosion tore a hole 9 ! s&1 scatt]+ ! gravel all ab\t4 ,rel5tlessly ! combat rag$4 ,out on ! :>f itself !y w5t1 "r up to ! edge4 ,!n bo? w5t ov] into ! wat]1 lock$ 9 ea* o!r's vice-l grip4 ,ev5 9 ! wat]1 !y /ruggl$1 frantically4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,my se>* = ! escap$ crook 0 unsuccessful4 ,someh[1 h[ev]1 x l$ me across c\ntry to a road4 ,z ,i approa*$1 ,i he>d a c> & look$ up4 ,!re 7 ! ,secret ,s]vice m54 ,i call$ !m & /epp$ out ( ! bu%es4 ,!y /opp$ & jump$ out ( ! c> & ,i ran to !m4 ,come back ) me1 ,i urg$4 ,we f\nd two ( !m4 ,"o is dead4 ,craig s5t me to trace ! o!r4 ,i've lo/ ! trail4 ,p]haps y c f9d x = me4 ,we cra%$ ?r\gh ! bru% quickly4 ,sudd5ly ,i he>d some?+ t caus$ me to />t4 ,x s\nd$ l an explosion4 ,!re's ! place--ov] !re1 ,i po9t$1 paus+ & indicat+ ! direction ( ! :>f :5ce _h come ! explosion4 ,:at 0 x8 ,we did n /op a mom5t1 b hurri$ 9 t direction4 ,we rea*$ ! %ore :]e we saw m>ks ( ! explosion & ( a fight4 ,out on ! pi] ,i ran brea?lessly4 ,i ru%$ to ! v edge & gaz$ ov]1 !n climb$ d[n ! slipp]y pil+ & pe]$ into ! black wat] b5ea?4 ,a few bubbles seem$ to ooze up f bel[4 ,0 t all8 ,no1 z ,i gaz$ d[n ,i saw t "s d>k object 0 !re4 ,sl[ly ,wu ,fang's body float$ to ! surface & lay !re1 rock$ by ! waves4 ,deep 9 8 brea/ /uck 8 own knife ) its h&le ( ! ,sign ( ! ,s]p5t6 ,i rea*$ d[n & seiz$ him1 z ,i pe]$ ab\t = ,k5n$y4 ,!re 0 no?+ m !re4 ,craig6 ,i call$ desp]ately1 ,craig6 ,!re 0 no answ]4 ,! sil5ce1 ! e*o ( ! lapp+ wat] "u ! :>f 0 appall+1 mock+4 ,i manag$ to call ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 & !y got ,wu ,fang's body up on ! :>f4 ,b ,i c\ld n leave ! spot4 ,:]e 0 ,craig8 ,!re 0 n a sign ( him4 ,i c\ld n realize x1 ev5 :5 ! m5 br\ght grappl+ irons & began to se>* ! black wat]4 ,x 0 all a hide\s dream4 ,i saw & he>d1 9 a daze4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 n until late t night t ,i return$ to ! ,dodge h\se4 ,i _h delay$ my return z long z ,i c\ld1 b ,i knew t ,i mu/ see ,ela9e "s "t4 ,z ,i ent]$ ev5 ,j5n+s mu/ h se5 t some?+ 0 wrong4 ,ela9e1 :o 0 sitt+ 9 ! libr>y ) ,aunt ,joseph9e1 rose z %e saw me4 ,did y get !m8 %e ask$ eag]ly4 ,i c\ld n speak4 ,%e seem$ to read ! tragic look on my hagg>d face & /opp$4 ,:y1 %e gasp$1 clut*+ at ! desk1 :at is ! matt]8 ,z g5tly z ,i c\ld1 ,i told h] ( ! *ase1 ( leav+ ,craig1 ( ! explosion1 ( ! m>ks ( ! /ruggle & ( ! f9d+ ( ,wu ,fang4 ,z ,i f9i%$1 ,i ?\ght %e w\ld fa9t4 ,& y--y w5t ov] ev]y?+ ab\t ! :>f8 ,ev]y?+4 ,! m5 ev5 dragg$ = !-- ,i *eck$ myself ov] ! fateful ^w4 ,ela9e look$ at me wildly4 ,i ?\ght t %e w\ld lose h] reason4 ,%e did n cry4 ,! %ock 0 too great = t4 ,sudd5ly ,i rememb]$ ! note4 ,be=e ,i left him--! la/ "t1 ,i blurt$ out1 he wrote a note--to y4 ,i pull$ ! crumpl$ pap] f my pocket & ,ela9e almo/ tore x f me--! la/ ^w f him--& read3 ,,de>e/3 ,i may n return until ! case is settl$ & ,i h f\nd ! /ol5 torp$o4 ,matt]s involv+ millions ( lives & billions ( doll>s hang on ! plot back ( x4 ,no matt] :at happ5s1 h no fe>4 ,tru/ me4 ,lov+ly1 ,,craig4 ,%e f9i%$ read+ ! note & sl[ly laid x d[n4 ,!n %e pick$ x up & read x aga94 ,sl[ly %e turn$ to me4 ,i ?9k ,i h nev] se5 s sublime a look ( fai? on any "o's face be=e4 ,if ,i _h n se5 & he>d :at ,i _h1 x might h %ak5 my own convictions4 ,he told me to tru/ him & to h no fe>1 %e said simply1 gripp+ h]self m5tally & physically by ma9 =ce1 !n ) an air ( defiance %e look$ at me4 ,i d n believe t he is dead6 ,i tri$ to com=t h]4 ,i want$ to d s4 ,b ,i c\ld d no?+ b %ake my head sadly4 ,my own he>t 0 full to ov]fl[+4 ,an intimacy su* z _h be5 ours c\ld n be brok5 except ) a %ock t tore my s\l4 ,i knew t ! poor girl _h n se5 :at ,i _h se54 ,yet ,i c\ld n f9d x 9 my he>t to contradict h]4 ,%e saw my look1 read my m9d4 ,no1 %e cri$1 /ill defiant1 no--a ?\s& times1 no6 ,i tell y--he is n dead6 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,,! ,,lo/ ,,torp$o ,f ! rocks ( a promontory t jutt$ out n f> f ! :>f :]e ,wu ,fang's body 0 f\nd & ,k5n$y _h disappe>$1 op5$ up a beautiful panorama ( a bay on "o side & ! ,s\nd on ! o!r4 ,x 0 a des]t$ bit ( coa/4 ,b any "o :o _h be5 /&+ ne> ! promontory ! next day might h se5 a ?9 l9e z if ! wat]1 sp>kl+ 9 ! sunlight1 _h be5 cut by a huge knife4 ,gradually a ?9 /eel rod seem$ to rise f ! wat] itself1 /ill mov+ ahead1 ?\gh sl[ly n[ z x pu%$ its way above ! surface4 ,aft] x came a r\nd cyl9d] ( /eel1 /udd$ ) bolts4 ,x 0 ! hat* ( a subm>9e & ! rod 0 ! p]iscope4 ,z ! subm>9e lay !re at re/1 ! waves almo/ break+ ov] x1 ! hat* sl[ly op5$ & a h& appe>$ grop+ = a hold4 ,!n appe>$ a face ) a tangle ( curly black hair & ke5 =ceful eyes4 ,aft] x ! body ( a man rose out ( ! hat*1 a tall1 sl5d]1 /rik+ p]son4 ,he rea*$ d[n into ! hold ( ! boat & drew =? a life pres]v]4 ,all "r1 he call$ d[n 9 an acc5t slightly =eign1 z he buckl$ on ! belt4 ,i %all communicate ) y z soon z ,i h some?+ to report4 ,!n he delib]ately plung$ ov]bo>d & /ruck out = ! %ore4 ,h& ov] h&1 he *urn$ 8 way ?r\gh ! wat] t[>d ! bea* until at la/ 8 feet t\*$ bottom & he wad$ out1 %ak+ ! wat] f himself l a huge animal4 ,! com+ ( ! /rang] _h n be5 entirely unh]ald$4 ,along ! %ore road by :i* ,k5n$y & ,i _h foll[$ ! crooks :om we ?\ght _h ! torp$o1 on t la/ *ase1 0 wait+ n[ a p[]ful lim\s9e ) its motor purr+4 ,a *auffeur 0 sitt+ at ! :eel & inside1 at ! door1 sat a man pe]+ out along ! road to ! bea*4 ,sudd5ly ! man 9 ! ma*9e signall$ to ! driv]4 ,he comes1 he cri$ eag]ly4 ,drive d[n ! road1 clos]1 & meet him4 ,! *auffeur %ot 8 c> ahead4 ,z ! swimm] /rode %iv]+ up ! roadway1 ! c> approa*$ him4 ,! assi/ant swung op5 ! door & ran =w>d ) a ?ick1 w>m coat & hat4 ,nei!r ! ma/] nor ! s]vant spoke z !y met1 b ! man wrapp$ ! coat ab\t him1 hurri$ into ! c>1 ! driv] turn$ & quickly !y sp$ t[>d ! city4 ,secret ?\gh ! entrance ( ! /rang] _h be5 plann$1 h[ev]1 x 0 n unobs]v$4 ,along ! bea*1 on a b\ld]1 gaz+ ?\ghtfully out to sea & smok+ an old bri> pipe sat a b5t fi%]man clad 9 an oilsk9 coat & hat & heavy1 unga9ly boots4 ,ab\t 8 neck 0 a long wool5 muffl] :i* conceal$ ! l[] "p ( 8 face q z effectually z 8 scraggly1 grizzl$ :isk]s4 ,sudd5ly1 he seem$ to discov] some?+ t int]e/$ him1 sl[ly rose1 !n turn$ & almo/ ran up ! %ore4 ,quickly he dropp$ beh9d a l>ge rock & wait$1 pe]+ out4 ,z ! lim\s9e be>+ ! /rang]1 on :om ! fi%]man _h kept 8 eyes rivet$1 turn$ & drove away1 ! old salt rose f beh9d 8 rock1 gaz$ aft] ! c> z if to fix e l9e ( x 9 8 memory & !n he1 too1 quickly disappe>$ up ! road4 ,! /rang]'s c> _h sc>cely disappe>$ :5 ! fi%]man turn$ f ! %ore road into a clump ( /unt$ trees & made 8 way to a hut4 ,n f> away /ood a small1 unpret5ti\s clos$ c>1 also ) a driv]4 ,i %all be ready 9 a m9ute1 ! fi%]man nodd$ almo/ runn+ into ! hut1 z ! driv] mov$ 8 c> up clos] to ! door4 ,! l>g] motor _h disappe>$ f> d[n ! b5d ( ! road :5 ! fi%]man reappe>$4 ,9 an almo/ incr$ible "t he _h *ang$ 8 oilsk9s & muffl] = a d>k coat & silk hat4 ,he 0 no long] a fi%]man1 b a r fussy-look+ old g5tleman1 be:isk]$ /ill1 ) eyes look+ out ke5ly f a pair ( gold-rimm$ glasses4 ,foll[ t c>--at any co/1 he ord]$ simply z he let himself into ! little motor1 & ! driv] %ot ahead d[n a bit ( side road & out into ! ma9 %ore road aga91 urg+ ! c> =w>d to ov]take ! "o ahead4 ,su* 0 ! entrance ( ! /rang]--,m>cius ,del ,m>--into ,am]ica4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,h[ ,i manag$ to pass ! "t dur+ ! fir/ days aft] ! /range disappe>ance ( ,k5n$y1 ,i don't "k4 ,x 0 all l a dream--! ap>tm5t empty1 ! laboratory empty1 my own "w on ! ,/> un9t]e/+1 ,ela9e brok5-he>t$1 life itself a burd54 ,hop+ aga9/ hope ! next day ,i decid$ to drop ar\nd at ! ,dodge h\se4 ,z ,i ent]$ ! libr>y unann\nc$1 ,i saw t ,ela9e1 ) a fai? = :i* ,i envi$ h]1 0 sitt+ at a table1 h] back t[>d ! door4 ,%e 0 gaz+ sadly at a photograph4 ,?\gh ,i c\ld n see x1 ,i ne$$ n to be told ^: x 04 ,%e did n he> me come 91 s engross$ 0 %e 9 h] ?\ghts4 ,nor did %e notice me at fir/ z ,i /ood j beh9d h]4 ,f9ally ,i put my h& on h] %\ld] z if ,i _h be5 an eld] bro!r4 ,%e look$ up into my face4 ,h y he>d f him yet8 %e ask$ anxi\sly4 ,i c\ld only %ake my head sadly4 ,%e sigh$4 ,involunt>ily %e rose & toge!r we mov$ t[>d ! g>d51 ! la/ place we _h se5 him ab\t ! h\se4 ,we _h be5 pac+ up & d[n ! g>d5 talk+ e>ne/ly only a %ort "t :5 a man made 8 way 9 f ! ,fif? ,av5ue gate4 ,is ?is ,miss ,dodge8 he ask$4 ,yes1 %e repli$ eag]ly4 ,nei!r ,ela9e nor ,i knew him at ! "t1 ?\gh ,i ?9k %e ?\ght he might be ! be>] ( "s message f ,craig4 ,z a matt] ( fact he 0 ! emiss>y to :om ! /5ograph] _h ?r[n ! torp$o model f ! ,navy ,build+ 9 ,wa%+ton4 ,8 visit 0 only a "p ( a deep-laid s*eme4 ,only a few m9utes be=e1 ?ree crooks--among !m our visitor--_h /opp$ j bel[ ! h\se on a side /reet4 ,to him ! o!rs _h giv5 f9al in/ructions & a note1 & he _h gone on1 leav+ ! two /&+ !re4 ,i h a note = y1 he said1 b[+ & h&+ an envelope to ,ela9e1 :i* %e tore op5 & read4 ,,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,,miss ,,ela9e ,,dodge1 ,fif? ,av5ue1 ,new ,york4 ,,my ,,de> ,,miss ,,dodge1 ,! be>]1 ,mr4 ,bailey1 ( ! ,secret ,s]vice1 w\ld l to "q y reg>d+ ! disappe>ance ( ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ! model ( 8 torp$o4 ,,morgan ,,b]tr&1 ,u4 ,s4 ,secret ,s]vice4 ,ev5 z we 7 talk+ ! o!r two crooks _h already mov$ up & _h made _! way ar\nd back ( ! /one wall t cut (f ! ,dodge g>d5 back ( ! h\se4 ,!re !y /ood1 :isp]+ eag]ly & gaz+ furtively ov] ! wall z _! man talk$ to ,ela9e4 ,aft] a mom5t ,i /epp$ aside1 :ile ,ela9e read ! note1 & z he ask$ h] a few que/ions1 ,i c\ld n help feel+ t ! affair _h a v suspici\s look4 ,! m ,i ?\ght ( x1 ! less ,i lik$ x4 ,f9ally ,i c\ld /& x no long]4 ,i beg y\r p>don1 ,i excus$ myself to ! alleg$ ,mr4 ,bailey1 b may ,i speak to ,miss ,dodge alone j a m9ute8 ,he b[$1 r ungraci\sly ,i ?\ght1 & ,ela9e foll[$ me aside :ile ,i told h] my fe>s4 ,i don't l ! looks ( x myself1 %e agre$4 ,yes1 ,i'll be v c>eful :at ,i say4 ,:ile we 7 talk+ ,i c\ld see out ( ! corn] ( my eye t ! fell[ 0 look+ at u askance & fr[n+4 ,b if ,i _h _h an ,x-ray eye1 ,i might h se5 8 two companions on ! o!r side ( ! wall1 pe]+ ov] z !y _h be5 be=e & %[+ e evid5ce ( annoyance at my int]f]5ce4 ,! man resum$ 8 que/ion+ ( ,ela9e reg>d+ ! torp$o & %e repli$ gu>d$ly1 z 9 fact %e c\ld n d o!rwise4 ,sudd5ly we he>d %\ts on ! o!r side ( ! wall1 z ?\gh "s "o 7 attack+ "s "o else4 ,!re seem$ to be sev]al ( !m1 = a man quickly flung himself ov] ! wall & ran to u4 ,!y're aft] u1 he %\t$ to ,bailey4 ,in/antly our visitor drew a gun & foll[$ ! newcom] z he ran to get out ( ! g>d5 9 ! opposite direction4 ,j !n a tall1 well-dress$1 /rik+ man came ov] ! wall1 accompani$ by ano!r dress$ z a policeman1 & ru%$ t[>d u4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! c> be>+ ! my/]i\s /rang]1 ,del ,m>1 kept on until x rea*$ ,new ,york1 !n made its way ?r\gh ! city until x came to ! ,hotel ,la ,co/e4 ,del ,m> jump$ out ( ! c>1 8 wet clo!s cov]$ completely by ! long coat4 ,he regi/]$ & rode up 9 ! elevator to rooms :i* _h already be5 engag$ = him4 ,9 8 suite a valet 0 already unpack+ "s trunks & lay+ out clo!s :5 ,del ,m> & 8 assi/ant ent]$4 ,) an exclamation ( satisfaction at 8 uno/5tati\s entry into ! city1 ,del ,m> ?rew (f 8 heavy coat4 ,! valet ha/5$ to assi/ him 9 remov+ ! clo!s /ill wet & wr9kl$ f 8 plunge into ! sea4 ,sc>cely _h ,del ,m> *ang$ 8 clo!s ?an he receiv$ two visitors4 ,/rangely en\gh !y 7 m5 dress$ 9 ! uni=m ( policem54 ,fir/ ( all we mu/ conv9ce !m ( our hone/y1 he said look+ fix$ly at ! two m54 ,ord]s h be5 giv5 to ! m5 employ$ by ,wu ,fang to be ab\t 9 half an h\r4 ,we mu/ pret5d to arre/ !m on sight4 ,y und]/&8 ,yes1 sir1 !y nodd$4 ,v well1 come on1 ,del ,m> ord]$ tak+ up 8 hat & prec$+ !m f ! room4 ,outside ! ,la ,co/e1 ,del ,m> & 8 two policem5 ent]$ ! c> :i* _h driv5 ,del ,m> f ! sea coa/ & 7 quickly :isk$ away1 up-t[n1 until !y came ne> ! ,dodge h\se4 ,del ,m> leap$ f ! c> foll[$ by 8 two policem54 ,!re !y are1 already1 he :isp]$1 po9t+ up ! av5ue4 ,all ?ree ha/5$ up ! av5ue n[ :]e1 beside a wall1 !y c\ld see two m5 look+ ?r\gh int5tly z ?\gh v angry at some?+ go+ on inside4 ,arre/ !m6 %\t$ ,del ,m> z 8 own m5 ran =w>d4 ,! fight 0 %ort & %>p1 ) e evid5ce ( be+ g5u9e4 ,"o ( ! m5 manag$ to break away & jump ! g>d5 wall1 ) ,del ,m> & "o ( ! policem5 aft] him1 :ile ! o!r only rea*$ ! wall to be dragg$ d[n by ! o!r policeman4 ,ela9e & ,i _h be51 z ,i h said1 talk+ ) ! man nam$ ,bailey :o pos$ z a ,secret ,s]vice man1 :5 ! rumpus began4 ,z ! man came ov] ! f5ce1 w>n+ ,bailey1 x 0 evid5t t nei!r ( !m _h "t to escape4 ,) 8 club ! policeman /ruck ! newcom] ( ! two flat :ile ! tall1 a?letic g5tleman leap$ ^u ,bailey & be=e we knew x _h him dis>m$4 ,9 a mo/ clean-cut & pr(essional way he snapp$ ! bracelets on ! man4 ,ela9e 0 a/\nd$ at ! kaleidoscopic turn ( affairs1 too a/\nd$ ev5 to make an outcry4 ,z = me1 x 0 all s sudd5 t ,i _h no *ance to take "p 9 x4 ,besides ,i %\ld n h kn[n q on :i* side to fight4 ,s ,i did no?+4 ,b z x 0 ov] s quickly1 ,i took a /ep =w>d to our late/ arrival4 ,beg p>don1 old man1 ,i began1 b don't y ?9k ?is is j a little raw8 ,:at's x all ab\t8 ,! newe/ com] ey$ me = a mom5t1 !n ) quiet dignity drew f 8 pocket & h&$ me 8 c>d :i* read simply3 ,m4 ,del ,m>1 ,private ,inve/igator4 ,z ,i look$ up1 ,i saw ,del ,m>'s o!r policeman br++ 9 ano!r manacl$ man4 ,^! are crooks--=eign ag5ts1 repli$ ,del ,m> po9t+ to ! prison]s4 ,! gov]nm5t has employ$ me to run !m d[n4 ,:at ( ?is8 ask$ ,ela9e hold+ up ! note f ,b]tr&4 ,a fake1 a =g]y1 reit]at$ ,del ,m>1 look+ at x a mom5t critically4 ,!n to ! m5 uni=m$ z police he ord]$1 ,y c take !m to jail4 ,!y're ! fell[s1 all "r4 ,z ! prison]s 7 l$ (f1 ,del ,m> turn$ to ,ela9e4 ,w\ld y m9d answ]+ a few que/ions ab\t ^! m58 ,:y--no1 %e hesitat$4 ,b ,i ?9k we'd bett] g into ! h\se1 aft] su* a ?+ z ?is4 ,x makes me feel n]v\s4 ,) ,del ,m> ,i foll[$ ,ela9e 9 ?r\gh ! cons]vatory4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> _h sc>cely regi/]$ at ! ,la ,co/e :5 ! small] c> :i* _h be5 wait+ at ! fi%]man's hut drew up be=e ! hotel entrance4 ,f x alight$ ! fussy old g5tleman :o bore su* a rem>kable resemblance to ! fi%]man1 ha/ily paid 8 driv] & ent]$ ! hotel4 ,he w5t directly to ! desk & ) well-manicur$ f+]1 sc>cely rem9isc5t ( a fi%]man1 began trac+ ! names d[n ! li/ until he /opp$ be=e "o :i* read3 ,m>cius ,del ,m> & valet4 ,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,room #ebj4 ,) a quick glance ab\t1 he made a note ( x1 & turn$ away1 leav+ ! ,la ,co/e to take up qu>t]s ( 8 own 9 ! ,pr9ce ,h5ry d[n ! /reet4 ,n until ,del ,m> _h left ) 8 two policem5 did ! fussy old g5tleman reappe> 9 ! ,la ,co/e4 ,!n he rode up to ,del ,m>'s room & rapp$ at ! door4 ,is ,mr4 ,del ,m> 98 he inquir$ ( ! valet4 ,no1 sir1 repli$ t function>y4 ,! little old man appe>$ to consid]1 /&+ a mom5t d&l+ 8 silk hat4 ,abs5t-m9d$ly he dropp$ x4 ,z ! valet /oop$ to pick x up1 ! old g5tleman exhibit$ an agility & /r5g? sc>cely to be expect$ ( 8 ye>s4 ,he seiz$ ! valet1 :ile ) "o foot he kick$ ! door %ut4 ,be=e ! surpris$ s]vant knew :at 0 go+ on1 8 assailant _h :ipp$ f 8 pocket a h&k]*ief 9 :i* 0 conceal$ a ?9 tube ( ane/hetic4 ,!n leav+ ! valet prone 9 a corn] ) ! h&k]*ief ov] 8 face1 he proce$$ to make a sy/ematic se>* ( ! rooms1 op5+ all draw]s1 trunks & bags4 ,he turn$ pretty ne>ly ev]y?+ upside d[n1 !n />t$ on ! desk4 ,sudd5ly he paus$4 ,!re 0 a pap]4 ,he read x1 !n ) an air ( extreme elation %ov$ x into 8 pocket4 ,z he 0 go+ out he /opp$ beside ! valet1 remov$ ! h&k]*ief f 8 face & b\nd him ) a cord f ! porti]es4 ,!n1 /ill immaculate 9 spite ( 8 enc\nt]1 he desc5d$ 9 ! elevator1 re5t]$ a wait+ c> & drove (f4 ,q evid5tly1 h[ev]1 he want$ to cov] 8 tracks = he _h n gone a half doz5 blocks be=e he /opp$1 paid & tipp$ ! driv] g5]\sly1 & disappe>$ into ! !atre cr[d4 ,back aga9 9 ! ,pr9ce ,h5ry1 :i!r ! fussy little old man made 8 way z quickly z he c\ld ?r\gh a side /reet1 he w5t quietly up to 8 room4 ,8 door 0 n[ lock$4 ,he did n h to d5y himself to visitors1 = he _h none4 ,/ill1 8 room 0 clutt]$ by a va/ am\nt ( p>aph]nalia & he 0 seat$ be=e a table deep 9 "w4 ,fir/ ( all he ti$ a h&k]*ief ov] 8 nose & m\?4 ,!n he took up a c>tridge f ! table & c>efully extract$ ! bullet4 ,into ! space occupi$ by ! bullet he p\r$ a :ite p[d] & add$ a wad ( pap]1 l a blank c>tridge1 plac+ ! c>tridge 9 ! *amb] ( a revolv] & repeat+ ! op]ation until he _h x fully load$4 ,x 0 8 own inv5tion ( an asphyxiat+ bullet4 ,p]haps half an h\r lat]1 ! old g5tleman1 8 room clean$ up & 8 immaculate appe>ance re/or$1 saunt]$ =? f ! hotel d[n ! /reet l a v]itable ,turveydrop1 to %[ himself4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e seem$ q impress$ ) our new fri5d1 ,del ,m>1 z we made our way to ! libr>y1 ?\gh ,i am n sure b t x 0 a pose on h] "p4 ,at any rate he seem$ q eag] to help u4 ,:at d y suppose has become ( ,mr4 ,k5n$y8 ask$ ,ela9e4 ,del ,m> look$ at h] e>ne/ly4 ,i %\ld be glad to se>* = him1 he return$ quickly4 ,he 0 ! greate/ man 9 our pr(ession4 ,b fir/ ,i mu/ execute ! commission ( ! ,secret ,s]vice4 ,we mu/ f9d 8 torp$o model be=e x falls into =eign h&s4 ,we talk$ = a few mom5ts1 !n ,del ,m> ) a glance at 8 wat* excus$ himself4 ,we accompani$ him to ! door1 = he 0 inde$ a *>m+ man4 ,i felt t1 if 9 fact he 7 assign$ to ! case1 ,i ought to "k him bett]4 ,if y're go+ d[n-t[n1 ,i v5tur$1 ,i might accompany y "p ( ! way4 ,delight$1 agre$ ,del ,m>4 ,ela9e gave him h] h& & he took x 9 su* a def]5tial way t "o c\ld n help lik+ him4 ,ela9e 0 mu* impress$4 ,z ,del ,m> & ,i walk$ d[n ! av5ue1 he kept up a runn+ fire ( conv]sation until at la/ we came ne> ! ,la ,co/e4 ,*>m$ to h met y1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 he said1 paus+4 ,we %all see a great deal ( ea* o!r ,i hope4 ,i _h n yet _h "t to say good-bye myself :5 a slight exclamation at my side />tl$ me4 ,turn+ sudd5ly1 ,i saw a v brisk1 fussy old g5tleman :o _h evid5tly be5 hurry+ ?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,he _h slipp$ on some?+ on ! sidewalk & lo/ 8 balance1 fall+ ne> u4 ,we b5t ov] & assi/$ him to 8 feet4 ,z ,i took hold ( 8 h&1 ,i felt a peculi> pressure f him4 ,he _h plac$ some?+ 9 my h&4 ,my m9d work$ quickly4 ,i *eck$ my fir/ impulse to speak &1 m f curiosity ?an any?+ else1 kept ! ?+ he _h pass$ to me surreptiti\sly4 ,?ank y1 g5tlem51 he puff$1 /raight5+ himself out4 ,"o ( ! infirmities ( age4 ,?ank y1 ?ank y4 ,9 a mom5t he _h bu/l$ (f q comically4 ,aga9 ,del ,m> said good-bye & ,i did n urge him to /ay4 ,he _h sc>cely gone :5 ,i look$ at ! ?+ ! old man _h plac$ 9 my h&4 ,x 0 a little fold$ piece ( pap]4 ,i op5$ x sl[ly4 ,inside 0 pr9t$ 9 p5cil1 disguis$3 ,,be ,,c>eful4 ,,wat* ,,him4 ,i read x 9 amazem5t4 ,:at did x mean8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! ,la ,co/e1 ,del ,m> 0 met by two ( 8 m5 9 ! lobby & !y rode up to 8 room4 ,imag9e _! surprise :5 !y op5$ ! door & f\nd ! valet ly+ b\nd on ! floor4 ,:o ! deuce did ?is8 dem&$ ,del ,m> z !y loos5$ him4 ,! valet rose weakly to 8 feet4 ,a little old man ) gray :isk]s1 he manag$ to gasp4 ,del ,m> look$ at him 9 surprise4 ,in/antly 8 active m9d recall$ ! little old man :o _h fall5 be=e u on ! /reet4 ,:o--:at 0 he8 ,come1 he said quickly1 beckon+ 8 two companions :o _h come 9 ) him4 ,"s "t lat]1 ,del ,m>'s c> /opp$ j bel[ ! ,dodge h\se4 ,y m5 g ar\nd back ( ! h\se & wat*1 ord]$ ,del ,m>4 ,z !y disappe>$ he turn$ & w5t up ! ,dodge /eps4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,i walk$ back aft] my /range exp]i5ce ) ! fussy little old g5tleman1 feel+ m ?an ev]1 n[ t ,craig 0 gone1 t bo? ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e ne$$ me4 ,z we sat talk+ 9 ! libr>y1 ,ru/y1 releas$ f ! *a9 on :i* ,j5n+s kept him1 b\nd$ ) a ru% into ! libr>y4 ,good old fell[1 enc\rag$ ,ela9e1 patt+ him4 ,j !n ,j5n+s ent]$ & a mom5t lat] 0 foll[$ by ,del ,m>1 :o b[$ z we welcom$ him4 ,d y "k1 he began1 ,i believe t ! lo/ torp$o model is some:]e 9 ?is h\se & ,i h reason to anticipate ano!r attempt ( =eign ag5ts to f9d x4 ,if y'll p>don me1 ,i've tak5 ! lib]ty ( surr\nd+ ! place ) "s m5 we c tru/4 ,:ile ,del ,m> 0 speak+1 ,ela9e pick$ up a ribbon f ! table & />t$ to tie x ab\t ,ru/y's neck4 ,z ,del ,m> proce$$ %e paus$1 /ill hold+ ! ribbon4 ,ru/y1 :o hat$ ribbons1 saw 8 *ance & quietly sidl$ out1 seek+ refuge 9 ! cons]vatory4 ,alone 9 ! cons]vatory1 ,ru/y quickly =got ab\t ! ribbon & began nos+ ab\t ! palms4 ,at la/ he came to ! pot 9 :i* ! torp$o model _h be5 buri$ 9 ! s(t e>? by ! ?ief ! night x _h be5 /ol5 f ! f\nta94 ,quickly ,ela9e recall$ h]self &1 see+ ! ribbon 9 h] h& & ,ru/y gone1 call$ him4 ,!re 0 no answ]1 & %e excus$ h]self1 = x 0 aga9/ ! rules = ,ru/y to w&] ab\t4 ,9 8 ha/e ! ?ief _h left j a corn] ( ! h&k]*ief /ick+ out ( ! dirt4 ,:at none ( u _h notic$1 ,ru/y's ke5 eyes & nose discov]$ & 8 in/9ct told him to dig = x4 ,9 a mom5t he uncov]$ ! torp$o & h&k]*ief & sniff$4 ,j !n he he>d 8 mi/ress call+ him4 ,ru/y _h be5 :ipp$ = digg+ 9 ! cons]vatory & n[1 ) 8 tail betwe5 8 legs1 he seiz$ ! torp$o 9 8 m\? & bolt$ = ! door ( ! draw+-room1 = he _h he>d voices 9 ! libr>y4 ,z he did s he dropp$ ! h&k]*ief & ! little propell]1 loos5$ by 8 tee?1 fell (f4 ,ela9e ent]$ ! cons]vatory1 /ill call+4 ,ru/y 0 n !re4 ,he _h rea*$ ! /airs1 scurry+ up to ! attic1 /ill hold+ ! torp$o model 9 8 m\?4 ,he pu%$ op5 ! attic door & ran 94 ,ru/y's la/ refuge 9 "t ( tr\ble 0 back ( a numb] ( trunks1 among :i* 7 two ( almo/ ! same size & appe>ance4 ,beh9d "o ( !m1 he _h hidd5 a miscellane\s collection ( bones1 pieces ( biscuit & ?+s de> to 8 he>t4 ,he dropp$ ! torp$o among ^! treasures4 ,del ,m>1 mean:ile1 _h foll[$ ,ela9e ?r\gh ! hall & into ! cons]vatory4 ,z he ent]$ he c\ld see h] /oop+ d[n to look ?r\gh ! palms = ,ru/y4 ,%e /raight5$ up & w5t on out4 ,del ,m> foll[$4 ,beside ! palm pot :]e ,ru/y _h f\nd ! torp$o1 he happ5$ to see ! old h&k]*ief soil$ ) dirt4 ,ne>-by lay ! little propell]4 ,he pick$ !m up4 ,%e has f\nd x6 he exclaim$ 9 wond]1 foll[+ ,ela9e4 ,by ?is "t ,ru/y _h respond$ to ,ela9e's calls & came te>+ d[n-/airs aga94 ,naughty ,ru/y1 *id$ ,ela9e1 ty+ ! ribbon on him4 ,s--y h f\nd him at la/8 rem>k$ ,del ,m> look+ quickly at ,ela9e to see if %e w\ld get a d\ble mean+4 ,yes4 ,he's _h a f9e "t runn+ away1 %e repli$4 ,del ,m> 0 sc>cely able to conceal 8 suspicion ( h]4 ,0 %e a clev] actress1 hid+ h] discov]y1 he wond]$8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,outside1 on ! lawn1 ,del ,m>'s m5 _h be5 look+ ab\t1 b _h discov]$ no?+4 ,!y paus$ a mom5t to speak4 ,look out6 :isp]$ "o ( !m4 ,!re's "s "o com+4 ,!y dropp$ d[n 9 ! %ad[4 ,!re 9 ! light ( ! /reet lamps 0 ! fussy old g5tleman com+ across ! lawn4 ,he /ole up to ! door ( ! cons]vatory & look$ ?r\gh4 ,del ,m>'s m5 crawl$ a few feet clos]4 ,! little old man ent]$ ! cons]vatory & look$ ab\t aga9 /eal?ily4 ,! two m5 foll[$ him 9 noiselessly & wat*$ z he b5t ov] ! palm pot f :i* ! dog _h dug up ! torp$o4 ,he look$ at ! hole curi\sly4 ,j !n he he>d s\nds beh9d him & sprang to 8 feet4 ,h&s up6 ord]$ "o ( ! m5 cov]+ him ) a gun4 ,! little old man ?rew up 8 h&s1 rais+ 8 cane /ill 9 8 "r h&4 ,! man ) ! gun took a /ep clos]4 ,z he did s1 ! little old man br\ght d[n 8 cane ) a quick bl[ & knock$ ! gun out ( 8 h&4 ,! second man seiz$ ! cane4 ,! old man j]k$ ! cane back & 0 /&+ !re ) a ?9 t\gh /eel rapi]4 ,x 0 a sword-cane4 ,del ,m>'s man held ! %ea?4 ,z ! man attack$ ) ! %ea?1 ! little old man p>ri$1 s5t x fly+ f 8 grasp1 & w\nd$ him4 ,! w\nd$ man sank d[n1 :ile ! little old man ran (f ?r\gh ! palms1 foll[$ by ! o!r ( ,del ,m>'s m54 ,ar\nd ! hall1 he ran1 & back into ! cons]vatory :]e he pick$ up a heavy *air & ?rew x ?r\gh ! glass1 dropp+ himself beh9d a conv5i5t hid+-place ne>-by4 ,del ,m>'s man1 close aft] him1 mi/ak+ ! cra% ( glass = ! escape ( ! man he 0 pursu+1 w5t on ?r\gh ! brok5 exit4 ,!n ! little old man d\bl$ on 8 tracks & made = ! front ( ! h\se4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,) ,aunt ,joseph9e ,i _h rema9$ 9 ! libr>y4 ,:at's t8 ,i exclaim$ at ! fir/ s\nds4 ,a fight8 ,toge!r we ru%$ = ! cons]vatory4 ,! fight foll[$ s quickly by ! cra% ( glass also al>m$ ,ela9e & ,del ,m> 9 ! hallway & !y hurri$ t[>d ! libr>y1 :i* we _h j left1 by ano!r door4 ,z !y ent]$1 !y saw a little old g5tleman ru%+ 9 f ! cons]vatory & lock+ ! door beh9d him4 ,he :irl$ ab\t1 & he & ,del ,m> recogniz$ ea* o!r at once4 ,!y drew guns toge!r1 b ! little old man fir$ fir/4 ,8 bullet /ruck ! wall back ( ,del ,m> & a cl\d ( vapor 0 in/antly =m$1 envelop+ ,del ,m> & ev5 ,ela9e4 ,del ,m> fell1 ov]come1 :ile ,ela9e sank m sl[ly4 ,! little old man ran =w>d4 ,9 ! cons]vatory1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i he>d ! %oot+1 j z "o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 ran 9 aga94 ,) him we ran back t[>d ! libr>y4 ,by ?is "t ! :ole h\se 0 ar\s$4 ,j5n+s & ,m>ie 7 hurry+ d[n-/airs1 cry+ = help & mak+ _! way to ! libr>y also4 ,9 ! libr>y1 ! little old man b5t ov] ,del ,m> & ,ela9e4 ,b x 0 only a mom5t lat] t he he>d ! :ole h\se ar\s$4 ,quickly he %ut & lock$ ! fold+-doors to ! draw+-room1 z1 ) ,del ,m>'s man1 ,i 0 beat+ at ! re> libr>y door4 ,i'll g ar\nd1 ,i sugge/$1 hurry+ (f1 :ile ,del ,m>'s man tri$ to beat 9 ! door4 ,inside ! little old man :o _h be5 li/5+ saw t !re 0 no means ( escape4 ,he pull$ (f 8 coat & ve/ & turn$ !m inside out4 ,on ! inside he _h prep>$ an exact copy ( ,j5n+s' liv]y4 ,x 0 only a matt] ( seconds be=e he _h complet$ 8 *ange4 ,= a mom5t he paus$ & look$ at ! two pro/rate figures be=e him4 ,!n he took a rose f a vase on ! table & plac$ x 9 ,ela9e's h&4 ,f9ally1 ) 8 :isk]s & wig (f he mov$ to ! re> door :]e ,del ,m>'s man 0 beat+ & op5$ x4 ,look1 he cri$ po9t+ 9 an agitat$ way at ,del ,m> & ,ela9e4 ,:at %all we d8 ,del ,m>'s man1 :o _h nev] se5 ,j5n+s1 ran to 8 ma/] & ! little old man1 9 8 new disguise1 slipp$ quietly into ! hall & out ! front door1 :]e he _h a taxicab wait+ = him1 d[n ! /reet4 ,a mom5t lat] ,i bur/ op5 ! o!r libr>y door & ,aunt ,joseph9e foll[$ me 91 j z ,j5n+s himself & ,m>ie ent]$ f ! draw+-room4 ,x 0 only a mom5t be=e we _h ,del ,m>1 :o 0 mo/ 9 ne$ ( c>e1 on ! s(a & ,ela9e1 already rega9+ consci\sness1 lay back 9 a deep easy *air4 ,z ,del ,m> mov$1 ,i turn$ aga9 to ,ela9e :o 0 n[ ne>ly recov]$4 ,h[ d y feel8 ,i ask$ anxi\sly4 ,h] ?roat 0 p>*$ by ! asphyxiat+ fumes1 b %e smil$ brightly1 ?\gh weakly4 ,:-:]e did ,i get t8 %e manag$ to gasp f9ally1 cat*+ sight ( ! rose 9 h] h&4 ,did y put x !re8 ,i %ook my head & %e gaz$ at ! rose1 wond]+4 ,:oev] ! little man 01 he 0 gone4 ,i long$ = ,craig4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,,! ,,gray ,,fri> ,s confid5t 0 ,ela9e t ,k5n$y 0 /ill alive t %e w\ld n admit to h]self :at to ! re/ ( u seem$ obvi\s4 ,%e ev5 refus$ to accept ,aunt ,joseph9e's h9ts & decid$ to give a masqu]ade ball :i* %e _h plann$ z ! la/ ev5t ( ! season be=e %e clos$ ! ,dodge t[n h\se & op5$ h] c\ntry h\se on ! %ore ( ,connecticut4 ,x 0 %ortly aft] ! /range appe>ance ( ! fussy old g5tleman t ,i dropp$ 9 "o aft]noon to f9d ,ela9e address+ invitations1 :ile ,aunt ,joseph9e help$ h]4 ,z we *att$1 ,i pick$ up "o f ! pile & me*anically contemplat$ ! address3 ,m4 ,del ,m>1 ,hotel ,la ,co/e1 ,new ,york ,city4 ,i don't l t fell[1 ,i rem>k$1 %ak+ my head dubi\sly4 ,oh1 y're--jeal\s1 ,walt]1 laugh$ ,ela9e1 tak+ ! envelope away f me & pil+ x aga9 ) ! o!rs4 ,?us x 0 t 9 ! morn+'s mail1 ,del ,m>1 along ) ! re/ ( u1 receiv$ a neatly engrav$ little invitation3 ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge reque/s ! pleasure ( y\r pres5ce at ! masqu]ade ball to be giv5 at h] resid5ce on ,friday ev5+ ,june #a/4 ,good6 he exclaim$1 rea*+ = ! telephone1 ,i'll g4 ,9 a re/aurant 9 ! :ite light di/rict two ( ^? :o _h be5 engag$ 9 ! prelim9>y plot to /eal ,k5n$y's wireless torp$o model1 ! "y woman /5ograph] :o _h betray$ h] tru/ & ! man to :om %e _h pass$ ! model out ( ! w9d[ 9 ,wa%+ton1 7 seat$ at a table4 ,s secret _h be5 ! relations ( all ^? 9 ! plot t "o gr\p did n "k ! o!r & ! /range/ me?ods ( communication _h be5 adopt$4 ,! man remov$ a cov] f a di%4 ,und]nea?1 p]haps )\t ev5 ! wait]'s k1 0 a note4 ,"h are ! ord]s at la/1 he :isp]$ to ! girl1 unfold+ & read+ ! note4 ,look4 ,! model ( ! torp$o is some:]e 9 h] h\se4 ,g to-night to ! ball z a masqu]ad] & se>* = x4 ,oh1 spl5did6 exclaim$ ! girl4 ,i'm crazy = a little society aft] ?is gr9d4 ,pay ! *eck & let's get out & *oose our co/umes4 ,! man paid ! *eck & !y left hurri$ly4 ,half an h\r lat] !y 7 at a co/um]'s %op *oos+ _! disguises1 bo? c>eful to get ! fulle/ masks t w\ld n excite suspicion4 ,x 0 ! night ( ! masqu]ade4 ,dur+ ! aft]noon ,ela9e _h be5 ?9k+ m ?an ev] ( ,k5n$y4 ,x all seem$ unreal to h]4 ,m ?an once %e /opp$ to look at 8 photograph4 ,sev]al times %e *eck$ h]self on ! po9t ( te>s4 ,no1 %e said to h]self ) a sort ( grim det]m9ation4 ,no--he ,,is alive4 ,he w come back to me--he ,,w4 ,& yet %e _h a feel+ ( t]rific lonel9ess :i* ev5 h] mo/ p[]ful ef=ts c\ld n ?r[ (f4 ,%e 0 det]m9$ to g ?r\gh ) ! ball1 n[ t %e _h />t$ x1 b %e 0 really glad :5 x came "t to dress1 = ev5 t took h] m9d f h] brood+4 ,z ,m>ie f9i%$ help+ h] put on a v effective & conspicu\s co/ume1 ,aunt ,joseph9e ent]$ h] dress+-room4 ,are y ready1 my de>8 %e ask$1 adju/+ ! mask :i* %e c>ri$ s t no "o w\ld recognize h] z ,m>?a ,wa%+ton4 ,9 j a m9ute1 ,auntie1 answ]$ ,ela9e1 try+ h>d to put out ( h] m9d h[ ,craig w\ld h lik$ h] dress4 ,some:at e>li]1 9 my own ap>tm5t1 ,i _h be5 array+ myself z ,b\m-,b\m & mode/ly admir+ ! imitation ,i made ( a circus cl[n z ,i did a c\ple ( com$y /eps be=e ! mirror4 ,b ,i 0 n really s light-he>t$4 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ ( :at ?is night might h be5 if ,k5n$y _h be5 alive4 ,inde$1 ,i 0 glad to take up my :ite mask1 ?r[ a long coat ov] my outl&i% co/ume & hurry (f 9 my wait+ c> 9 ord] to =get ev]y?+ t rem9d$ me ( him 9 ! ap>tm5t4 ,already a cont9u\s /ream ( gue/s 0 trickl+ 9 ?r\gh ! canopy f ! curb to ! ,dodge door1 c>riages & automobiles arriv+ & leav+ amid great gap+ f ! cr[d on ! sidewalk4 ,z ,i ent]$ ! ballroom x 0 really a brilliant & picturesque assemblage4 ,( c\rse ,i recogniz$ ,ela9e 9 spite ( h] mask1 almo/ imm$iately4 ,*>act]i/ically1 %e 0 talk+ to ! "o mo/ /rik+ figure on ! floor1 a tall man 9 r$--a v]itable ,mephi/opheles4 ,z ! music />t$1 ,ela9e & 8 ,satanic ,maje/y laugh+ly fox-trott$ (f b 7 n lo/ to me 9 ! ?rong4 ,i soon f\nd myself talk+ to a "y lady 9 a spott$ dom9o4 ,%e seem$ to h a peculi> fasc9ation = me1 yet %e did n monopolize all my att5tion4 ,z we trott$ pa/ ! door1 ,i c\ld see d[n ! hall4 ,j5n+s 0 /ill admitt+ late arrivals1 & ,i caught a glimpse ( "o co/um$ z a gray fri>1 8 c[l ov] 8 head & 8 eyes mask$4 ,*att+1 we _h circl$ ab\t to ! cons]vatory4 ,a numb] ( c\ples 7 !re &1 ?r\gh ! palms1 ,i saw ,ela9e & ,mephi/o laugh+ly make _! way4 ,z my spott$ dom9o p>tn] & ,i swung ar\nd aga91 ,i happ5$ to cat* ano!r glimpse ( ! gray fri>4 ,he 0 n danc+1 b walk+1 or r /alk+1 ab\t ! edge ( ! room1 gaz+ ab\t z if se>*+ = "s "o4 ,9 ! cons]vatory1 ,ela9e & ,mephi/o _h seat$ !mselves 9 ! breeze ( an op5 w9d[1 some:at 9 ! %ad[4 ,y are ,miss ,dodge1 he said e>ne/ly4 ,y knew me8 %e laugh$4 ,& y8 ,he rais$ 8 mask1 disclos+ ! h&some face & fasc9at+ eyes ( ,del ,m>4 ,i hope y don't ?9k ,i'm "h 9 "*1 he laugh$ easily1 z %e />t$ a bit4 ,i--,i--well1 ,i didn't ?9k x 0 y1 %e blurt$ out4 ,ah--!n !re is "s "o else y c>e m to dance )8 ,no--no "o--no4 ,i may hope1 !n8 ,he _h mov$ clos] & almo/ t\*$ h] h&4 ,! po9t$ hood ( ! gray fri> 9 ! palms %[$ t at la/ he saw :at he s\ght4 ,no--no4 ,please--excuse me1 %e murmur$ ris+ & hurry+ back to ! ballroom4 ,a subtle smile spread ov] ! gray fri>'s mask$ face4 ,( c\rse ,i _h kn[n ,ela9e4 ,:e!r %e knew me at once ,i don't "k or :e!r x 0 an accid5t1 b %e approa*$ me z ,i paus$ 9 ! dance a mom5t ) my dom9o girl4 ,f !--sublime--to ! ridicul\s1 %e cri$ excit$ly4 ,my p>tn] gave h] a %>p glance4 ,y w excuse me8 %e said1 &1 z ,i b[$1 almo/ ran (f to ! cons]vatory1 leav+ ,ela9e to dance (f ) me4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m>1 q surpris$ at ! sudd5 flight ( ,ela9e f 8 side1 foll[$ m sl[ly ?r\gh ! palms4 ,z he did s he pass$ a ,mexican attir$ 9 brilliant native co/ume4 ,at a sign f ,del ,m> he paus$ & receiv$ a small package :i* ,del ,m> slipp$ to him1 !n pass$ on z ?\gh no?+ _h happ5$4 ,! ke5 eyes ( ! gray fri>1 h[ev]1 _h caught ! little action & he quietly slipp$ out aft] ! ,mexican bol]o4 ,j !n ! dom9o girl hurri$ into ! cons]vatory4 ,:at's do+8 %e ask$ eag]ly4 ,keep close to me1 :isp]$ ,del ,m>1 z %e nodd$ & !y left ! cons]vatory1 n app>5tly toge!r4 ,up-/airs1 away f ! gayety ( ! ballroom1 ! bol]o made 8 way until he came to ,ela9e's room1 dimly light$4 ,) a quick glance ab\t1 he ent]$ cauti\sly1 clos$ ! door1 & approa*$ a closet :i* he op5$4 ,!re 0 a safe built into ! wall4 ,z he /oop$ ov]1 ! man unwrapp$ ! package ,del ,m> _h h&$ him & took out a curi\s little in/rum5t4 ,inside 0 a dry batt]y & a mo/ peculi> in/rum5t1 some?+ l a little flat telephone transmitt]1 yet atta*$ by wires to e>-pieces t fitt$ ov] ! head aft] ! mann] ( ^? ( a wireless detector4 ,he adju/$ ! head-piece & held ! flat in/rum5t aga9/ ! safe1 close to ! comb9ation :i* he began to turn sl[ly4 ,x 0 a burgl>'s microphone1 us$ = pick+ comb9ation locks4 ,z ! comb9ation turn$1 a slight s\nd 0 made :5 ! prop] numb] came opposite ! work+ po9t4 ,imp]ceptible ord9>ily to ev5 ! mo/ s5sitive e>1 to an e> tra9$ x 0 comp>atively easy to recognize ! fall ( ! tumbl]s ov] ?is microphone4 ,z he work$1 ! door beh9d him op5$ s(tly & ! gray fri> ent]$1 clos+ x & mov+ noiselessly ov] back ( ! %elt] ( a big mahogany high-boy1 ar\nd :i* he c\ld wat*4 ,at la/ ! safe 0 op5$4 ,rapidly ! man w5t ?r\gh its cont5ts4 ,conf\nd x6 he mutt]$4 ,%e didn't put x "h--anyh[4 ,! bol]o />t$ to close ! safe :5 he he>d a noise 9 ! room & look$ cauti\sly back ( him4 ,del ,m> himself1 foll[$ by ! dom9o girl1 ent]$4 ,i've op5$ x1 :isp]$ ! emiss>y /epp+ out ( ! closet & meet+ !m1 b ,i c't f9d !-- ,h&s up--all ( y6 ,!y turn$ 9 "t to see ! gray fri>'s gun yawn+ at !m4 ,mo/ politely he l9$ !m up4 ,/ill hold+ 8 gun ready1 he lift$ up ! mask ( ! dom9o girl4 ,s--x's y1 he grunt$4 ,he 0 ab\t to lift ! mask ( ! ,mexican1 :5 ! bol]o leap$ at him4 ,del ,m> pil$ 94 ,b s\nds d[n-/airs al>m$ !m & ! emiss>y1 releas$1 fl$ quickly ) ! girl4 ,! gray fri>1 h[ev]1 kept 8 hold on ,mephi/opheles1 z if he _h be5 wre/l+ ) a v]itable devil4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,d[n 9 ! hall1 ,i _h aga9 met my dom9o girl1 a few m9utes aft] ,i _h resign$ ,ela9e to ano!r ( h] num]\s admir]s4 ,i ?\ght y des]t$ me1 ,i said1 some:at piqu$4 ,y des]t$ me1 %e p>ri$1 n]v\sly4 ,h[ev]1 ,i'll =give y if y'll get me an ice4 ,i ha/5$ to d s4 ,b no soon] _h ,i gone ?an ,del ,m> /alk$ ?r\gh ! hall & w5t up-/airs4 ,my dom9o girl 0 wat*+ = him1 & foll[$4 ,:5 ,i return$ ) ! ice1 ,i look$ ab\t1 b %e 0 gone4 ,x 0 sc>cely a mom5t lat]1 h[ev]1 t ,i saw h] hurry d[n-/airs1 accompani$ by ! ,mexican bol]o4 ,i /epp$ =w>d to speak to h]1 b %e almo/ ran pa/ me )\t a ^w4 ,a nut1 ,i rem>k$ "u my brea?1 pu%+ back my mask4 ,i />t$ to eat ! ice myself1 :51 a mom5t lat]1 ,ela9e pass$ ?r\gh ! hall ) a ,spani% cavali]4 ,oh1 ,walt]1 "h y are1 %e laugh$4 ,i've be5 look+ all ov] = y4 ,?ank y v mu*1 sire1 %e b[$ ) mock civility to ! cavali]4 ,x 0 only "o dance1 y "k4 ,please let me talk to ,b\m-,b\m4 ,! cavali] b[$ reluctantly & left u4 ,:at are y do+ "h alone8 %e ask$1 tak+ (f h] own mask4 ,h[ w>m x is4 ,be=e ,i c\ld reply1 ,i he>d "s "o com+ d[n-/airs back ( me1 b n 9 "t to turn4 ,ela9e's dress+-table1 a voice :isp]$ 9 my e>4 ,i turn$ sudd5ly4 ,x 0 ! gray fri>4 ,be=e ,i c\ld ev5 rea* out to grasp 8 robe1 he 0 gone4 ,ano!r nut6 ,i exclaim$ involunt>ily4 ,:y1 :at did he say8 ask$ ,ela9e4 ,some?+ ab\t y\r dress+-table4 ,my dress+-table8 %e repeat$4 ,we ran quickly up ! /eps4 ,ela9e's room %[$ e evid5ce ( hav+ be5 ! sc5e ( a /ruggle1 z %e w5t ov] to ! table4 ,!re %e pick$ up a rose & "u x a piece ( pap] on :i* 7 "s words pr9t$ ) p5cil r\ghly4 ,look1 %e cri$1 z ,i read ) h]3 ,d hone/ assi/ants se>* safes8 ,let no "o see ?is b ,jameson4 ,:at does x mean8 ,i ask$4 ,my safe6 %e cri$ mov+ to a closet4 ,z %e op5$ ! door1 imag9e our surprise at see+ ,del ,m> ly+ on ! floor1 b\nd & gagg$ be=e ! op5 safe4 ,get my scissors on ! dress]1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,i did s1 ha/ily cutt+ ! cords t b\nd ,del ,m>4 ,:at does x all mean8 ask$ ,ela9e z he rose & /ret*$ himself4 ,/ill clut*+ 8 ?roat1 z if x hurt1 ,del ,m> *ok$1 ,i f\nd a man1 a =eign ag5t1 se>*+ ! safe4 ,b he ov]came me & escap$4 ,oh--!n t is :at !-- ,ela9e *eck$ h]self4 ,%e _h be5 ab\t to h& ! note to ,del ,m> :5 an idea seem$ to come to h]4 ,in/ead1 %e crumpl$ x up & ?ru/ x into h] bosom4 ,on ! /reet ! bol]o & ! dom9o girl 7 hurry+ away z fa/ z !y c\ld4 ,mean:ile1 ! gray fri> _h ov]come ,del ,m>1 _h b\nd & gagg$ him1 & tru/ him into ! closet4 ,!n he wrote ! note & laid x1 ) a rose f a vase1 on ,ela9e's dress+-table be=e he1 too1 foll[$4 ,m ?an ev] ,i 0 at a loss to make x out4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 ! day aft] ! masqu]ade ball t a taxicab drove up to ! ,dodge h\se & a v trim b n ov]-dress$ "y lady 0 ann\nc$ z ,miss ,b]?oldi4 ,miss ,dodge8 %e inquir$ z ,j5n+s held op5 ! porti]es & %e ent]$ ! libr>y :]e ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e 74 ,if ,ela9e _h only kn[n1 x 0 ! dom9o girl ( ! night be=e :o h&$ h] a note & sat d[n1 look+ ab\t s demurely1 :ile ,ela9e read3 ,,my ,,de> ,,miss ,,dodge1 ,! be>]1 ,miss ,b]?oldi1 is an op]ative ( m9e4 ,i w\ld appreciate x if y w\ld employ h] 9 "s capacity 9 y\r h\se1 z ,i h reason to believe t c]ta9 =eign ag5ts w soon make ano!r attempt to f9d ,k5n$y's lo/ torp$o model4 ,s9c]ely1 ,m4 ,,del ,,m>4 ,ela9e look$ up f read+ ! note4 ,miss ,b]?oldi 0 good to look at1 & ,ela9e lik$ pretty girls ab\t h]4 ,j5n+s1 %e ord]$1 call ,m>ie4 ,to ! butl] & h] maid1 ,ela9e gave ! mo/ c>eful in/ructions reg>d+ ,miss ,b]?oldi4 ,%e c help y f9i% ! pack+1 fir/1 %e conclud$4 ,! girl ?ank$ h] & w5t out ) ,j5n+s & ,m>ie1 ask+ ,j5n+s to pay h] taxicab driv] ) money %e gave him1 :i* he did1 br++ h] grip into ! h\se4 ,lat] 9 ! day1 ,ela9e _h bo? ,m>ie & ,b]?oldi c>ry+ armsful ( h] dresses f ! closets 9 h] room up to ! attic :]e ! la/ ( h] trunks 7 be+ pack$4 ,on "o ( ! _m trips1 ,b]?oldi came alone into ! attic1 h] arms full z usual4 ,be=e h] 7 two trunks1 v mu* alike1 op5 & ne>ly pack$4 ,%e laid h] armful ( clo!s on a *air ne>-by & pull$ "o ( ! trunks =w>d4 ,on ! floor lay ! trays ( bo? trunks already pack$4 ,b]?oldi began pack+ h] burd5 9 "o trunk :i* 0 m>k$ 9 big :ite lett]s1 ,e4 ,dodge4 ,d[n 9 ,ela9e's room at ! "t ,j5n+s ent]$4 ,! expressman = ! trunks is "h1 ,miss ,ela9e1 he ann\nc$4 ,is he8 ,i wond] :e!r !y are all ready1 ,ela9e repli$ hurry+ out ( ! room4 ,tell him to wait4 ,9 ! attic1 ,b]?oldi 0 /ill at "w1 keep+ h] eyes op5 to execute ! mission on :i* ,del ,m> _h s5t h]4 ,ru/y1 =gott5 9 ! excitem5t by ,j5n+s1 _h roam$ at w ?r\gh ! h\se & seem$ q int]e/$4 ,= ?is 0 ! trunk beh9d :i* he _h 8 ca*e ( treasures4 ,z ,b]?oldi />t$ to move beh9d ! trunk1 ,ru/y c\ld /& x no long]4 ,he d>t$ ahead ( h] into 8 hid+-place4 ,among ! dog biscuit & bones 0 ! torp$o model :i* he _h dug up f ! palm pot 9 ! cons]vatory4 ,he seiz$ x 9 8 m\? & turn$ to c>ry x (f4 ,!re1 9 8 pa?1 0 8 enemy1 ! new girl4 ,quick z a fla%1 %e saw :at x 0 ,ru/y _h1 & grabb$ at x4 ,get out6 %e ord]$1 look+ at h] prize 9 triumph & turn+ x ov] & ov] 9 h] h&s4 ,at t mom5t %e he>d ,ela9e on ! /airs4 ,:at %\ld %e d8 ,%e mu/ hide x4 ,%e look$ ab\t4 ,!re 0 ! tray1 pack$ & ly+ on ! floor ne> ! trunk m>k$1 ,e4 ,dodge4 ,%e ?ru/ x ha/ily into ! tray pull+ a g>m5t ov] x4 ,ne>ly ?r\gh8 pant$ ,ela9e4 ,yes1 ,miss ,dodge4 ,!n please tell ! expressman to come up4 ,b]?oldi hesitat$1 *agr9$4 ,yet !re 0 no?+ to d b obey4 ,%e look$ at ! trunk by ! tray to fix x 9 h] m9d1 !n w5t d[n-/airs4 ,z %e left ! room1 ,ela9e lift$ ! tray into ! trunk & tri$ to close ! lid4 ,b ! tray 0 too high4 ,%e look$ puzzl$4 ,on ! floor 0 ano!r tray almo/ id5tical4 ,! wrong trunk1 %e smil$ to h]self1 lift+ ! tray out & putt+ ! o!r "o 91 :ile %e plac$ ! fir/ tray ) ! torp$o conceal$ 9 ! o!r1 unm>k$1 trunk :]e x belong$4 ,!n %e clos$ ! fir/ trunk4 ,a mom5t lat] ! expressman ent]$1 ) ,b]?oldi4 ,y may take t "o1 indicat$ ,ela9e4 ,miss ,dodge1 "h's some?+ else to g 91 said ,b]?oldi 9 desp]ation1 pick+ up a dress4 ,nev] m9d4 ,put x 9 ! o!r trunk4 ,b]?oldi 0 baffl$1 b %e manag$ to control h]self4 ,%e mu/ get ^w to ,del ,m> ab\t t trunk m>k$ ,e4 ,dodge4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,late t aft]noon1 be=e a *eap re/aurant might h be5 se5 our old fri5d :o _h pos$ z ,bailey & z ! ,mexican4 ,he ent]$ ! re/aurant & made 8 way to ! fir/ ( a r[ ( boo?s on "o side4 ,hello1 he nodd$ to a girl 9 ! boo?4 ,b]?oldi nodd$ back & he took 8 seat4 ,%e _h begg$ an h\r or two (f on "s pretext4 ,outside ! re/aurant1 a heavily-be>d$ man _h be5 /&+ look+ int5tly at no?+ 9 p>ticul> :5 ,b]?oldi ent]$4 ,z ,bailey came along1 he foll[$ & took ! next boo?1 8 hat pull$ ov] 8 eyes4 ,9 a mom5t he 0 li/5+1 8 e> close up to ! p>tition4 ,well1 :at luck8 ask$ ,bailey4 ,did y get a clue8 ,i _h ! torp$o model 9 my h&s1 %e repli$1 excit$ly tell+ ! /ory4 ,x is 9 a trunk m>k$ ',e4 ,dodge4' ,all ?is & m ! be>d$ /rang] drank 9 eag]ly4 ,a mom5t lat] ,bailey & ,b]?oldi left ! boo? & w5t out ( ! re/aurant foll[$ cauti\sly by ! /rang]4 ,on ! /reet ! two emiss>ies ( ,del ,m> /opp$ a mom5t to talk4 ,all "r1 ,i'll telephone him1 %e said z !y p>t$ 9 opposite directions4 ,! /rang] took an in/ant to make up 8 m9d1 !n foll[$ ! girl4 ,%e cont9u$ d[n ! /reet until %e came to a /ore ) telephone boo?s4 ,! be>d$ /rang] foll[$ /ill1 into ! next boo? b did n call a numb]4 ,he _h 8 e> to ! wall4 ,he c\ld he> h] call ,del ,m>1 & al?\gh he c\ld n he> ,del ,m>'s answ]s1 %e repeat$ en\gh = him to cat* ! drift4 ,f9ally1 %e came out1 & ! /rang]1 in/ead ( foll[+ h] fur!r1 took ! o!r direction hurri$ly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> himself receiv$ ! news ) ke5 excitem5t4 ,quickly he gave in/ructions & prep>$ to leave 8 rooms4 ,a %ort "t lat] 8 c> pull$ up be=e ! ,la ,co/e &1 9 a long du/] & cap1 ,del ,m> jump$ 91 & 0 (f4 ,sc>cely _h 8 c> swung up ! av5ue :51 f an alleyway d[n ! /reet f ! hotel1 ! *ug-*ug ( a motor-cycle s\nd$4 ,a be>d$ man1 8 face fur!r hidd5 by a pair ( goggles1 ran out ) 8 ma*9e1 climb$ on & foll[$4 ,on out into ! c\ntry ,del ,m>'s c> sp$4 ,at e turn ! motor-cycle dropp$ back a bit1 obs]v$ ! turn1 !n crept up & took x1 too4 ,s !y w5t = "s "t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,on ! level ( ! ,gr& ,c5tral :]e ! tra9s left = ! ,connecticut %ore :]e ,ela9e's summ] home 0 locat$1 ,bailey 0 n[ edg+ 8 way ?r\gh ! late cr[d d[n ! plat=m4 ,he paus$ be=e ! baggage-c> j z "o ( ! baggage motor trucks roll$ up load$ high ) trunks & bags4 ,he /epp$ back z ! m5 load$ ! luggage on ! c>1 wat*+ c>efully4 ,z !y toss$ on "o trunk m>k$ ,e4 ,dodge1 he turn$ ) a subtle look & walk$ away4 ,f9ally he squirm$ ar\nd to ! o!r plat=m4 ,no "o 0 look+ & he m\nt$ ! re> ( ! baggage-c> & op5$ ! door4 ,!re 0 ! baggageman sitt+ by ! side door1 8 back to ,bailey4 ,bailey clos$ ! door s(tly & squeez$ beh9d a pile ( trunks & bags4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,f9ally ,del ,m> rea*$ a spot on ! railroad :]e !re 7 bo? a curve & a grade ahead4 ,he /opp$ 8 c> & got out4 ,d[n ! road ! be>d$ & goggl$ motorcycli/ /opp$ j 9 "t to avoid obs]vation4 ,to make sure1 he drew a pocket field-glass & level$ x ahead4 ,wait "h1 ord]$ ,del ,m>4 ,i'll call :5 ,i want y4 ,back on ! road ! be>d$ cycli/ c\ld see ,del ,m> move d[n ! track ?\gh he c\ld n he> ! directions4 ,x 0 n necess>y1 h[ev]4 ,he dragg$ 8 ma*9e into ! bu%es1 hid x1 & hurri$ d[n ! road on foot4 ,del ,m>'s *auffeur 0 wait+ idly at ! :eel :5 sudd5ly ! cold nose ( a revolv] 0 /uck "u 8 *94 ,n a ^w--& h&s up--or ,i'll let ! moonlight ?r\gh y1 gr[l$ out a h>% voice4 ,nev]!less1 ! *auffeur manag$ to lur* out ( ! c> & ! be>d$ /rang]1 ^: revolv] x 01 f\nd t he w\ld h to %oot4 ,del ,m> 0 n f> en\gh away to risk x4 ,! *auffeur flung himself on him & !y /ruggl$ fi]cely1 roll+ ov] & ov] 9 ! du/ ( ! road4 ,b ! be>d$ /rang] _h a grip ( /eel & manag$ to get 8 f+]s ab\t ! *auffeur's ?roat z an add$ insurance aga9/ a cry = help4 ,he *ok$ him lit]ally into ins5sibility4 ,!n1 ) a /r5g? t he did n seem to possess1 he pick$ up ! limp1 blue-fac$ body & c>ri$ x (f ! road & ar\nd ! c>4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! baggage-c>1 ! baggageman 0 smok+ a surreptiti\s pipe ( p[]ful tobacco betwe5 /ations & contemplat+ ! sc5]y ?\ghtfully ?r\gh ! op5 door4 ,z ! eng9e sl[$ up to take a curve & a grade1 ,bailey :o _h n[ & !n tak5 a peep out ( a little grat$ w9d[ above him1 crept out f 8 hid+-place4 ,already he _h slipp$ a d>k silk mask ov] 8 face4 ,z he made 8 way among ! trunks & boxes1 ! tra9 lur*$ & ! baggageman :o _h 8 back to ,bailey he>d him cat* himself4 ,he turn$ & leap$ to 8 feet4 ,bailey clos$ ) him in/antly4 ,ov] & ov] !y roll$4 ,bailey _h already drawn 8 revolv] be=e he left 8 hid+-place4 ,a %ot1 h[ev]1 w\ld h be5 fatal to 8 "p 9 ! plans & 0 only a la/ resort = x w\ld h br\ght ! tra9m54 ,f9ally ,bailey roll$ 8 man ov] & gett+ 8 "r arm free1 dealt ! baggageman a fi]ce bl[ ) ! butt ( ! gun4 ,! tra9 0 n[ pull+ sl[ly up ! grade4 ,m "t _h be5 sp5t 9 ov]com+ ! baggageman ?an he expect$ & ,bailey _h to "w quickly4 ,he dragg$ ! trunk m>k$ ,e4 ,dodge f ! pile to ! door & glanc$ out4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,j ar\nd ! curve 9 ! railroad1 ,del ,m> 0 wait+1 /ra9+ 8 eyes d[n ! track4 ,!re 0 ! tra91 puff+ up ! grade4 ,z x approa*$ he rose & wav$ 8 arms4 ,x 0 ! signal & he wait$ anxi\sly4 ,_h 8 plans be5 c>ri$ out8 ,! tra9 pass$4 ,f ! baggage-c> came a trunk catapult$ out by a /rong arm4 ,x hurtl$ ?r\gh ! air & l&$ ) its own & ! tra9's mom5tum4 ,ov] x roll$ 9 ! bu%es1 !n /opp$--unbrok51 = ,ela9e _h _h x design$ to resi/ ev5 ! mo/ viol5t baggage-sma%]4 ,del ,m> ran to x4 ,z ! tail light ( ! tra9 disappe>$ he turn$ ar\nd 9 ! direction f :i* he _h come1 plac$ 8 two h&s to 8 m\? & %\t$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,f ! side ( ! road by ,del ,m>'s c> ! be>d$ motor-cycli/ _h j em]g$1 button+ ! *auffeur's clo!s & adju/+ 8 goggles to 8 own face4 ,z he approa*$ ! c>1 he he>d a %\t4 ,quickly he tore (f ! black be>d :i* _h be5 8 disguise & toss$ x into ! grass4 ,!n he drew ! coat high up ab\t 8 neck4 ,all "r6 he %\t$ back1 />t+ along ! road4 ,toge!r he & ,del ,m> manag$ to scramble up ! embankm5t to ! road &1 "o at ea* h&le ( ! trunk1 !y c>ri$ x back to ! c>1 pil+ x 9 ! back4 ,! improvis$ *auffeur />t$ to take 8 place at ! :eel & ,del ,m> _h 8 foot on ! runn+-bo>d to get beside him1 :5 ! n[ unbe>d$ /rang] sudd5ly swung ab\t & /ruck ,del ,m> full 9 ! face4 ,x s5t him reel+ back into ! du/4 ,! eng9e ( ! c> _h be5 runn+ & be=e ,del ,m> c\ld recov] consci\sness1 ! /rang] _h %ot ! c> ahead1 leav+ ,del ,m> prone 9 ! roadway4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! tra91 ) ,bailey on x1 _h n ga9$ mu* spe$1 yet x 0 a p]il\s und]tak+ to leap4 ,/ill1 x 0 m s n[ to rema94 ,! baggageman /irr$4 ,x 0 n[ a case ( murd] or a getaway4 ,bailey jump$4 ,scrat*$ & bruis$ & %ak51 he scrambl$ to 8 feet 9 ! bri>s along ! track4 ,he /agg]$ up to ! road1 pull$ himself toge!r1 !n hurri$ back z fa/ z 8 b>k$ %9s w\ld let him4 ,he came to ! spot :i* he recogniz$ z t :]e he _h ?r[n (f ! trunk4 ,he saw ! trampl$ & brok5 bu%es & made = ! road4 ,he _h n gone f> :5 he saw1 f> d[n1 ,del ,m> sudd5ly attack$ & ?r[n d[n1 app>5tly by 8 own *auffeur4 ,bailey ran =w>d1 b x 0 too late4 ,! c> 0 gone4 ,z he came up to ,del ,m> ly+ out/ret*$ 9 ! road1 ,del ,m> 0 j recov]+ consci\sness4 ,:at 0 ! matt]8 he ask$4 ,0 he a traitor8 ,he caught sight ( ! real *auffeur on ! gr\nd1 /ripp$4 ,del ,m> 0 furi\s4 ,no1 he swore1 x 0 t conf\nd$ gray fri> aga91 ,i ?9k4 ,& he has ! trunk1 too6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,spe$+ up ! road ! =m] masqu]ad] & motor-cycli/ /opp$ at la/4 ,eag]ly he leap$ out ( ,del ,m>'s c> & dragg$ ! trunk ov] ! side reg>dless ( ! enamel4 ,x 0 ! "w ( only a mom5t = him to break ! lock ) a pocket jimmy4 ,"o aft] ano!r he pull$ out & %ook ! clo!s until frocks & g[ns & l+]ie lay /rewn all ab\t4 ,b !re 0 n a ?+ 9 ! trunk t ev5 remotely resembl$ ! torp$o model4 ,! /rang] sc[l$4 ,:]e 0 x8 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,,! ,,vani%+ ,,man ,del ,m> _h evid5tly1 by ?is "t1 come to ! conclusion t ,ela9e 0 ! /orm c5tre ( ! peculi> tra9 ( ev5ts t foll[$ ! disappe>ance ( ,k5n$y & 8 wireless torp$o4 ,at any rate1 z soon z he le>n$ t ,ela9e 0 go+ to h] c\ntry home = ! summ]1 he took a bungal[ "s di/ance f ,dodge ,hall4 ,9 fact1 x 0 m ?an a bungal[1 = x 0 a pret5ti\s place surr\nd$ by a wide lawn & beautiful %ade trees4 ,!re1 on ! day t ,ela9e decid$ to motor 9 f ! city1 ,del ,m> arriv$ ) 8 valet4 ,evid5tly he lo/ no "t 9 gett+ to "w on 8 own affairs1 :atev] !y might be4 ,inside 8 /udy1 :i* 0 ! l>ge/ room 9 ! h\se1 a comb9ation ( bo? libr>y & laboratory1 he gave an ord] or two to 8 valet1 !n imm$iately sat d[n to 8 new desk4 ,he op5$ a draw] & took out a long holl[ cyl9d]1 clos$ at ea* end by air-tight caps1 on "o ( :i* 0 a hook4 ,quickly he wrote a note & read x ov]3 ,in/all subm>9e bell 9 place ( ^! clumsy tubes4 ,am hav+ h>bor & bridges m9$ z p] in/ructions f ,gov]nm5t4 ,d4 ,he unscrew$ ! cap at "o end ( ! tube1 ins]t$ ! note & clos$ x4 ,!n he pu%$ a button on 8 desk4 ,a panel 9 ! wall op5$ & "o ( ! m5 :o _h play$ policeman once = him /epp$ out & salut$4 ,"h's a message to s5d bel[1 said ,del ,m> briefly4 ,! man b[$ & w5t back ?r\gh ! panel1 clos+ x4 ,del ,m> clean$ up 8 desk & !n w5t out to look 8 new qu>t]s ov]1 to see :e!r ev]y?+ _h be5 prep>$ accord+ to 8 in/ructions4 ,f ! conceal$ entrance to a cave on a hillside1 ,del ,m>'s man :o _h gone ?r\gh ! panel 9 ! bungal[ appe>$ a few m9utes lat] & hurri$ d[n to ! %ore4 ,x 0 a rocky coa/ ) /ret*es ( cliffs & n[ & !n a rav9e & bit ( s&y bea*4 ,g+]ly he climb$ d[n ! rocks to ! wat]4 ,he took f 8 pocket ! metal tube :i* ,del ,m> _h giv5 him & to ! hook on "o end atta*$ a weight ( lead4 ,a mom5t he look$ ab\t cauti\sly4 ,!n he ?rew ! tube into ! wat] & x sank quickly4 ,he did n wait1 b hurri$ back into ! cave entrance4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i motor$ d[n to ,dodge ,hall f ! city4 ,ela9e's c\ntry h\se 0 on a f9e e/ate ne> ! ,long ,isl& ,s\nd & aft] ! long run we 7 glad to pull up be=e ! big h\se & get out ( ! c>4 ,z we approa*$ ! door1 ,i happ5$ to look d[n ! road4 ,well1 t's ! c\ntry1 all "r1 ,i exclaim$1 po9t+ d[n ! road4 ,look4 ,lumb]+ along 0 a huge heavy hay rack on top ( :i* p]*$ a f>m] *ew+ a /raw4 ,foll[+ along aft] him 0 a dog ( a peculi> %eph]d bre$ :i* ,i did n recognize4 ,atop ( ! hay ! old fell[ _h pil$ a trunk & a basket4 ,to our surprise ! hay rack /opp$ be=e ! h\se4 ,miss ,dodge8 drawl$ ! f>m] nasally4 ,:y1 :at d y suppose he c want8 ask$ ,ela9e mov+ out t[>d ! wagon :ile we foll[$4 ,yes8 ,"h's a trunk1 ,miss ,dodge1 ) y\r "n on x1 he w5t on dragg+ x d[n4 ,i f\nd x d[n by ! railroad track4 ,x 0 ! trunk m>k$ ,e4 ,dodge :i* _h be5 ?r[n (f ! tra91 tak5 by ,del ,m> & rifl$ by ! motor-cycli/4 ,h[ d y suppose x ev] got "h8 cri$ ,ela9e 9 wond]4 ,mu/ h fall5 (f ! tra91 ,i sugge/$4 ,y might h collect$ ! insurance "u ?is new baggage law6 ,j5n+s1 call$ ,ela9e4 ,get ,patrick & c>ry ! trunk 94 ,toge!r ! butl] & ! g>d5] dragg$ x (f4 ,?ank y1 said ,ela9e1 endeavor+ to pay ! f>m]4 ,no1 no1 ,miss1 he demurr$ z he cluck$ to 8 horses4 ,we wav$ to ! old fell[4 ,z he />t$ to drive away1 he rea*$ d[n into ! basket & drew out "s yell[ h>ve/ apples4 ,"o at a "t he toss$ !m to u z he lumb]$ (f4 ,truly rural1 rem>k$ a voice beh9d u4 ,x 0 ,del ,m>1 all togg$ up & c>ry+ a magaz9e 9 8 h&4 ,we *att$ a mom5t1 !n ,ela9e />t$ to g into ! h\se ) ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,) ,del ,m> ,i foll[$4 ,z %e w5t ,ela9e took a bite ( ! apple4 ,to h] surprise x sep>at$ neatly into two holl[ halves4 ,%e look$ inside4 ,!re 0 a note4 ,c>efully %e unfold$ x & read4 ,l ! o!rs1 x 0 n writt5 b pr9t$ 9 p5cil3 ,be c>eful to unpack all y\r trunks y\rself4 ,de/roy ?is note4--,a ,,fri5d4 ,:at did ^! my/]i\s w>n+s mean1 %e ask$ h]self 9 amazem5t4 ,someh[ s f> !y _h work$ out all "r4 ,%e tore up ! note & ?rew ! pieces away4 ,del ,m> & ,i /opp$ = a mom5t to talk4 ,i did n notice t he 0 n li/5+ to me1 b 0 surreptiti\sly wat*+ ,ela9e4 ,ela9e w5t into ! h\se & we foll[$4 ,del ,m>1 h[ev]1 dropp$ j a bit beh9d &1 z he came to ! place :]e ,ela9e _h ?r[n ! pieces ( pap]1 dropp$ 8 magaz9e4 ,he /oop$ to pick x up & ga!r$ ! pieces1 !n rejo9$ u4 ,i hope y'll excuse me1 said ,ela9e brightly4 ,we've j arriv$ & ,i hav5't a ?+ unpack$4 ,del ,m> b[$ & ,ela9e left u4 ,aunt ,joseph9e foll[$ %ortly4 ,del ,m> & ,i sat d[n at a table4 ,z he talk$ he plac$ ! magaz9e 9 8 lap b5ea? ! table1 on 8 knees4 ,i c\ld n see1 b he 0 9 reality secretly putt+ toge!r ! torn note :i* ! f>m] _h ?r[n to ,ela9e4 ,f9ally he manag$ to fit all ! pieces4 ,a glance d[n 0 en\gh4 ,b 8 face betray$ no?+4 ,/ill "u ! table1 he swept ! pieces into 8 pocket & rose4 ,i'll drop 9 :5 y are m settl$1 he excus$ himself1 /roll+ leisurely out aga94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,up 9 ! b$room ,ela9e's maid1 ,m>ie1 _h be5 unpack+4 ,well1 :at d y "k ab\t t8 %e exclaim$ z ,j5n+s & ,patrick came dragg+ 9 ! bang$-up trunk4 ,v que]1 rem>k$ ,j5n+s1 detail+ ! little he _h se51 :ile ,patrick left4 ,! entrance ( ,ela9e put an end to ! int]e/+ gossip & ,m>ie />t$ to op5 ! trunk4 ,no1 ,m>ie1 said ,ela9e4 ,i'll unpack !m my self4 ,y c put ! ?+s away lat]4 ,y & ,j5n+s may g4 ,quickly %e took ! ?+s out ( ! batt]$ trunk4 ,!n %e />t$ on ! o!r trunk :i* 0 l x b n m>k$4 ,%e ?rew out a c\ple ( g>m5ts1 !n paus$1 />tl$4 ,!re 0 ! lo/ torp$o--:]e ,b]?oldi _h /uck x 9 h] ha/e6 ,ela9e pick$ x up & look$ at x 9 wond] z x recall$ all ^? la/ days be=e ,k5n$y 0 lo/4 ,= ! mom5t %e did n "k q :at to make ( x4 ,:at %\ld %e d8 ,f9ally %e decid$ to lock x up 9 ! bureau draw] & tell me4 ,n only did %e lock ! draw] b1 z %e left h] room1 %e took ! key ( ! door f ! lock inside & lock$ x outside4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> did n g f> f ! h\se1 h[ev]4 ,he sc>cely rea*$ ! edge ( ! gr\nds :]e he 0 sure he 0 n obs]v$ :5 he plac$ 8 f+]s to 8 lips & :i/l$4 ,an in/ant lat] two ( 8 m5 appe>$ f beh9d a h$ge4 ,y mu/ get into h] room1 he ord]$4 ,t torp$o is 9 h] luggage some:]e1 aft] all4 ,!y b[$ & disappe>$ aga9 into ! %rubb]y :ile ,del ,m> turn$ & retrac$ 8 /eps to ! h\se4 ,9 ! re> ( ! h\se ! two emiss>ies ( ,del ,m> /ole out ( ! %elt] ( "s bu%es & /ood = a mom5t look+4 ,ela9e's w9d[s 7 high above !m1 too high to rea*4 ,!re seem$ to be no way to get to !m & !re 0 no ladd] 9 sight4 ,we'll h to use ! ,dut* h\se-man's me?od1 decid$ "o4 ,toge!r !y w5t ar\nd ! h\se t[>d ! laundry4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes lat] t !y return$4 ,no "o 0 ab\t4 ,quickly "o ( !m took (f 8 coat4 ,ar\nd 8 wai/ he _h w\nd a coil ( rope4 ,deftly he began to climb a tree ^: upp] bran*es fell ov] ! ro(4 ,cat-l he made 8 way out along a bran* & manag$ to rea* ! ro(4 ,he made 8 way along ! ridge pole to a *imney :i* 0 directly back ( & 9 l9e ) ,ela9e's w9d[s4 ,!n he uncoil$ ! rope & made "o end fa/ to ! *imney4 ,lett+ ! o!r end fall free d[n ! ro(1 he c>efully l[]$ himself ov] ! edge4 ,?us x 0 n difficult to get into ,ela9e's room by /epp+ on ! w9d[-sill & go+ ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[4 ,! man began a rapid se>* ( ! room1 turn+ up & paw+ ev]y?+ t ,ela9e _h unpack$4 ,!n he began on ! little writ+-desk1 ! dress] & ! bureau draw]s4 ,a subtle smile fla%$ ov] 8 face z he came to "o draw] t 0 lock$4 ,he pull$ a sectional jimmy f 8 coat & =c$ x op54 ,!re lay ! preci\s torp$o4 ,! man clut*$ at x ) a look ( exultation4 ,)\t ano!r glance at ! room he ru%$ to ! w9d[1 seiz$ ! rope & pull$ himself to ! ro(1 go+ z he _h come4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x did n take me long to unpack ! few ?+s ,i _h br\ght & ,i 0 soon back aga9 9 ! liv+-room1 :]e ,aunt ,joseph9e jo9$ me 9 a few m9utes4 ,j z ,ela9e came hurri$ly d[n ! /airway & />t$ t[>d me1 ,del ,m> ent]$ f ! por*4 ,%e /opp$4 ,del ,m> wat*$ h] closely4 ,_h %e f\nd any?+8 ,he 0 sure ( x4 ,h] hesitation 0 only = a mom5t1 h[ev]4 ,walt]1 %e said1 may ,i speak to y a mom5t8 ,excuse u1 please8 ,aunt ,joseph9e w5t out t[>d ! back ( ! h\se to see h[ ! s]vants 7 gett+ on1 :ile ,i foll[$ ,ela9e up-/airs4 ,del ,m> ) a b[ seat$ himself & op5$ 8 magaz9e4 ,no soon] _h we gone1 h[ev]1 ?an he laid x d[n & cauti\sly foll[$ u4 ,ela9e 0 evid5tly v mu* excit$ z %e ent]$ h] da9ty little room & clos$ ! door4 ,walt]1 %e cri$1 ,i've f\nd ! torp$o6 ,we look$ ab\t at ! g5]al disord]4 ,:y1 %e exclaim$ n]v\sly1 "s "o has be5 "h--& ,i lock$ ! door1 too4 ,%e almo/ ran ov] to h] bureau draw]4 ,x _h be5 jimmi$ op5 9 ! few m9utes :ile %e 0 d[n-/airs4 ,! torp$o 0 gone4 ,we look$ at ea* o!r1 agha/4 ,beh9d u1 h[ev]1 we did n see ! ke5 & wat*ful eyes ( ,del ,m>1 op5+ ! door & pe]+ 94 ,z he saw u1 he clos$ ! door s(tly1 w5t d[n-/airs & out ( ! h\se4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,p]haps half a mile d[n ! road1 ! f>m] ab&on$ 8 hay rack & n[1 foll[$ by 8 peculi> dog1 walk$ back4 ,he /opp$ at a po9t 9 ! road :]e he c\ld see ! ,dodge h\se 9 ! di/ance1 sat on ! rail f5ce & light$ a black5$ corn-cob pipe4 ,!re he sat = "s "t app>5tly engross$ 9 8 own ?\ghts ab\t ! wea!r1 ! dog ly+ at 8 feet4 ,n[ & !n he look$ fix$ly t[>d ,dodge ,hall4 ,sudd5ly 8 vagrant att5tion seem$ to be rivet$ on ! h\se4 ,he drew a field-glass f 8 pocket & levell$ x4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 0 a man com+ out ( a w9d[1 pull+ himself up to ! ro( by a rope & go+ across ! ro( tree4 ,he l[]$ ! glasses quickly & climb$ (f ! f5ce ) a hi!rto unwont$ en]gy4 ,come1 ,se>*light1 he call$ to ! dog1 z toge!r !y mov$ (f quickly 9 ! direction he _h be5 look+4 ,del ,m>'s m5 7 com+ ?r\gh ! h$ge t surr\nd$ ! ,dodge e/ate j z ! f>m] & 8 dog /epp$ out 9 front ( !m f beh9d a ?icket4 ,j a m9ute1 he call$4 ,i want to speak to y4 ,he en=c$ 8 words ) a vici\s look+ gun4 ,x 0 two to "o & !y clos$ ) him4 ,be=e he c\ld %oot1 !y _h knock$ ! gun out ( 8 h&4 ,!n !y tri$ to break away & run4 ,b ! f>m] seiz$ "o ( !m & held him4 ,mean:ile ! dog develop$ traits all 8 own4 ,he ran 9 & out betwe5 ! legs ( ! o!r man until he ?rew him4 ,!re he /ood1 ov] him4 ,! man attempt$ to rise4 ,aga9 ! dog ?rew him & kept him d[n4 ,he 0 a tra9$ ,belgian %eep h\nd1 a spl5did police dog4 ,conf\nd ! brute1 gr[l$ ! man1 rea*+ = 8 gun4 ,z he drew x1 ! dog seiz$ 8 wri/ & ) a cry ! man dropp$ ! gun4 ,t1 too1 0 "p ( ! dog's tra9+4 ,:ile ! f>m] & ! o!r man /ruggl$ on ! gr\nd1 ! torp$o work$ its way half f ! man's pocket4 ,! f>m] seiz$ x4 ,! man fell back1 limp1 & ! f>m]1 ) ! torp$o 9 "o h&1 grasp$ at ! gun on ! gr\nd & /raight5$ up4 ,he _h no soon] ris5 ?an ! man 0 at him aga94 ,8 unconsci\sness _h be5 m]ely feign$4 ,! /ruggle 0 r5ew$4 ,at t po9t1 ! h$ge d[n ! road p>t$ & ,del ,m> /epp$ out4 ,a glance 0 en\gh to tell him :at 0 go+ on4 ,he drew 8 gun & ran swiftly t[>d ! combatants4 ,z ,del ,m> approa*$1 8 man succe$$ 9 knock+ ! torp$o f ! f>m]'s h&4 ,!re x lay1 sev]al feet away4 ,!re seem$ to be no *ance = ei!r man to get x4 ,quickly ! f>m] b5t 8 wri/1 aim+ ! gun delib]ately at ! preci\s torp$o4 ,z fa/ z he c\ld he pull$ ! trigg]4 ,five ( ! six %ots p5etrat$ ! little model4 ,s surpris$ 0 8 antagoni/ t ! f>m] 0 able to knock him out ) ! butt ( 8 gun4 ,he broke away & fl$1 :i/l+ on a police :i/le = ! dog j z ,del ,m> ran up4 ,a c\ple ( %ots f ,del ,m> flew wild z ! f>m] & 8 dog disappe>$4 ,del ,m> /opp$ & pick$ up ! model4 ,x _h be5 %ot into an unrecognizable mass ( scrap4 ,9 a fury1 ,del ,m> da%$ x on ! gr\nd1 curs+ 8 m5 z he did s4 ,! /range disappe>ance ( ! torp$o model f ,ela9e's room worri$ bo? ( u4 ,d\btless if ,k5n$y _h be5 !re he w\ld h kn[n j :at to d4 ,b we c\ld n decide4 ,really1 consid]$ ,ela9e1 ,i ?9k we _h bett] take ,mr4 ,del ,m> into our confid5ce4 ,/ill1 we've _h a great _m w>n+s1 ,i object$4 ,i "k t1 %e p]si/$1 b !y h all come f v unreliable s\rces4 ,v well1 ,i agre$ f9ally1 !n let's drive ov] to 8 bungal[4 ,ela9e ord]$ h] little runab\t & a few mom5ts lat] we climb$ into x & ,ela9e %ot ! c> away4 ,z we rode along1 ! c\ntry seem$ s quiet t no "o w\ld ev] h suspect$ t =eign ag5ts lurk$ all ab\t4 ,b x 0 j "u su* a cov] t ! nef>i\s bridge & h>bor-m9+ "w ord]$ by ,del ,m>'s sup]iors 0 go+ ahead quietly4 ,z our c> climb$ a hill on ! o!r side ( :i*1 9 ! valley1 0 a bridge1 we c\ld n see "o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 9 hid+ at ! top4 ,he saw u1 h[ev]1 & imm$iately wigwagg$ ) 8 h&k]*ief to sev]al o!rs d[n at ! bridge :]e !y 7 atta*+ a pair ( wires to ! plank+4 ,"s "o com+1 mutt]$ "o :o 0 evid5tly a look\t4 ,! m5 /opp$ "w imm$iately & hid 9 ! bru%4 ,our c> pass$ ov] ! bridge & we saw no?+ wrong4 ,b no soon] _h we gone ?an ! m5 crept out & resum$ "w :i* _h progress$ to ! po9t :]e !y 7 ready to c>ry ! wires ( an electric connection ?r\gh ! grass1 conceal+ !m z !y w5t4 ,9 ! /udy ( 8 bungal[1 all ?is "t1 ,del ,m> 0 /rid+ angrily up & d[n1 :ile 8 m5 wait$ 9 sil5ce4 ,f9ally he paus$ & turn$ to "o ( !m4 ,see t ! coa/ is cle> & kept cle>1 he ord]$4 ,i want to g d[n4 ,! man salut$ & w5t out ?r\gh ! panel4 ,a mom5t lat] ,del ,m> gave "s ord]s to ! o!r man :o also salut$ & left ! h\se by ! front door1 j z our c> pull$ up4 ,del ,m>1 ! mom5t ! man 0 gone1 put on 8 hat & mov$ t[>d ! panel 9 ! wall4 ,he 0 ab\t to ent] :5 he he>d "s "o com+ d[n ! hall to ! /udy & /epp$ back1 clos+ ! panel4 ,x 0 ! butl] ann\nc+ u4 ,we _h ent]$ ,del ,m>'s bungal[ & n[ 7 conduct$ to 8 libr>y4 ,!re ,ela9e told him ! :ole /ory1 mu* to 8 app>5t surprise1 = ,del ,m> 0 a wond]ful actor4 ,y see1 he said z %e f9i%$ tell+ ( ! f9d+ & ! los+ ( ! torp$o1 j :at ,i _h fe>$ w\ld happ5 has happ5$4 ,d\btless ! =eign ag5ts h ! deadly weapon1 n[4 ,h[ev]1 ,i'll n quit4 ,p]haps we may run !m d[n yet4 ,he reassur$ u & we ?ank$ him z we said good-bye4 ,outside1 ,ela9e & ,i got into ! c> aga9 & a mom5t lat] spun (f1 mak+ a little det\r fir/ ?r\gh ! c\ntry be=e hitt+ ! %ore road back aga9 to ,dodge ,hall4 ,on ! rocky %ore ( ! promontory1 sev]al m5 7 engag$ 9 s9k+ a peculi> heavy disk :i* !y subm]g$ ab\t t5 or twelve feet4 ,x seem$ to be held by a cable & to x wires 7 atta*$1 app>5tly s t :5 a key 0 press$ a circuit 0 clos$4 ,x 0 an oscillator1 a new sy/em = ! employm5t ( s\nd = subm>9e signall+1 us+ wat] in/ead ( air z a m$ium to transmit s\nd waves4 ,x 0 compos$ ( a r+ magnet1 a copp] tube ly+ 9 an air-gap 9 a magnetic field & a /ation>y c5tral armature4 ,! tube 0 atta*$ to a /eel diaphragm4 ,really x 0 a subm>9e bell :i* c\ld be us$ = telegraph+ or telephon+ bo? ways ?r\gh wat]4 ,! m5 f9i%$ execut+ ! directions ( ,del ,m> & left1 c>efully conceal+ ! l& connections & key ( ! bell1 :ile we 7 /ill at ,del ,m>'s4 ,we _h no soon] left1 h[ev]1 ?an "o ( ! m5 :o _h be5 engag$ 9 in/all+ ! subm>9e bell ent]$ ! libr>y4 ,well8 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,! bell is in/all$1 sir1 he said4 ,x w be work+ soon4 ,good1 nodd$ ,del ,m>4 ,he w5t to a draw] & f x took a peculi> look+ helmet to :i* 0 atta*$ a sort ( h>ness fitt+ ov] ! %\ld]s & c>ry+ a tank ( oxyg54 ,! head-piece 0 a mo/ weird contrivance1 ) :at look$ l a huge glass eye 9 front4 ,x 0 9 reality a subm>9e life-sav+ app>atus4 ,del ,m> put x on1 all except ! helmet :i* he c>ri$ ) him1 & !n1 ) 8 assi/ant1 w5t out ?r\gh ! panel 9 ! wall4 ,?r\gh ! und]gr\nd passage ! two grop$ _! way1 light$ by an electric tor*1 until at la/ !y came to ! entrance hidd5 9 ! und]bru%1 ne> ! %ore4 ,del ,m> w5t ov] to ! conceal$ /ation f :i* ! subm>9e bell 0 s\nd$ & press$ ! key z a signal4 ,!n he adju/$ ! subm>9e helmet to 8 head & delib]ately wad$ out into ! wat]1 fur!r & fur!r1 up to 8 head1 !n deep] /ill4 ,z he disappe>$ into ! wat]1 8 emiss>y turn$ & w5t back t[>d ! %ore road4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,! ride ar\nd ?r\gh ! c\ntry & back to ! %ore1 road f ,del ,m>'s 0 pleasant4 ,9 fact x 0 always pleasant to be ) ,ela9e1 especially 9 a c>4 ,we 7 sp9n+ along at a fa/ clip :5 we came to a rocky "p ( ! coa/4 ,z we made a turn a %>p breeze took (f my hat & :irl$ x f> (f ! road & among ! rocks ( ! %ore4 ,ela9e %ut d[n ! eng9e1 ) a laugh at me1 & we left ! c> by ! road :ile we climb$ d[n ! rocks aft] ! hat4 ,x _h be5 c>ri$ into ! wat]1 close to %ore &1 /ill laugh+1 we clamb]$ ov] ! rocks4 ,ela9e insi/$ on gett+ x h]self & 9 fact did get x4 ,%e 0 j ab\t to h& x to me1 :5 some?+ bobb$ up 9 ! wat] j 9 front ( u4 ,%e rea*$ = x & fi%$ x out4 ,x 0 a cyl9d] ) air-tight caps on bo? ends1 9 "o ( :i* 0 a hook4 ,:at d y suppose x is8 %e ask$1 look+ x ov] z we made our way up ! rocks aga9 to ! c>4 ,:]e did x come f8 ,we did n see a man /&+ by our c>1 b he saw u4 ,x 0 ,del ,m>'s man :o _h paus$ on 8 way to wat* u4 ,z we approa*$ he hid on ! o!r side ( ! road4 ,by ?is "t we _h rea*$ ! c> & op5$ ! cyl9d]4 ,inside 0 a note :i* read3 ,*ief arriv$ safely4 ,keep wat*4 ,:at does x mean8 repeat$ ,ela9e1 my/ifi$4 ,nei!r ( u c\ld guess & ,i d\bt :e!r we w\ld h und]/ood any bett] if we _h se5 a s9i/] face pe]+ at u f beh9d a rock ne>-by1 al?\gh d\btless ! man knew :at 0 9 ! tube & :at x meant4 ,we climb$ into ! c> & />t$ aga94 ,z we disappe>$1 ! man came f beh9d ! rocks & ran quickly up to ! top ( ! hill4 ,!re1 f ! bu%es1 he pull$ out a peculi> in/rum5t compos$ ( a /range s]ies ( l5ses & mirrors set up on a tripod4 ,eag]ly he plac$ ! tripod1 adju/+ ! l5ses & mirrors 9 ! sunlight4 ,!n he began work+ !m1 & x 0 app>5t t he 0 fla%+ light beams1 us+ a ,morse code4 ,x 0 a heliograph4 ,d[n ! %ore on ! top ( ! next hill sat ! man :o _h already giv5 ! signal ) ! h&k]*ief to ^? 9 ! valley :o 7 work+ on ! m9+ ( ! bridge4 ,z he sat !re1 8 eye caught ! fla% ( ! heliograph signal4 ,he sprang up & wat*$ int5tly4 ,rapidly he jott$ d[n ! message t 0 be+ fla%$ 9 ! sunlight3 ,dodge girl has message f bel[4 ,com+ 9 c>4 ,bl[ fir/ bridge %e crosses4 ,d[n ! valley ! look\t made 8 way z fa/ z he c\ld4 ,z he approa*$ ! two m5 :o _h be5 m9+ ! bridge1 he :i/l$ %>ply4 ,!y answ]$ & hurri$ to meet him4 ,j got a heliograph1 he pant$4 ,! ,dodge girl mu/ h pick$ up "o ( ! messages t came f bel[4 ,%e's com+ ov] ! hill n[ 9 a c>4 ,we've got to bl[ up ! bridge z %e crosses4 ,! m5 7 hurry+ n[ t[>d ! bridge :i* !y _h m9$4 ,n a mom5t 0 to be lo/1 = already !y c\ld see u com+ ov] ! cre/ ( ! hill4 ,9 a few seconds !y rea*$ ! hidd5 plung] fir+-box :i* _h be5 arrang$ to explode ! *>ge "u ! bridge4 ,!re !y cr\*$ 9 ! bru% ready to press ! plung] ! mom5t our c> t\*$ ! plank+4 ,"o ( ! m5 crept out a little ne>] ! road4 ,!y're com+6 he call$ back1 dropp+ d[n aga94 ,get ready6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m>'s emiss>ies _h n reckon$1 h[ev]1 t any "o else might be ab\t to :om ! heliograph 0 an op5 book4 ,b1 fur!r ov] on ! hill1 hid+ among ! trees1 ! old f>m] & 8 dog 7 sitt+ quietly4 ,! old man 0 sweep+ ! ,s\nd ) 8 glasses1 z if he expect$ to see some?+ any mom5t4 ,to 8 surprise1 h[ev]1 he caught a fla% ( ! heliograph f ! l&4 ,quickly he turn$ & jott$ d[n ! signals4 ,z he did s1 he seem$ greatly excit$1 = ! message read3 ,dodge girl has message f bel[4 ,com+ 9 c>4 ,bl[ fir/ bridge %e crosses4 ,quickly he turn$ 8 glasses d[n ! road4 ,!re he c\ld see our c> rapidly approa*+4 ,he put up 8 glasses & hurri$ d[n ! hill t[>d ! bridge4 ,!n he broke into a run1 ! dog sc\t+ ahead4 ,we 7 go+ along ! road nicely n[1 coa/+ d[n ! hill4 ,z we approa*$ ! bridge1 ,ela9e sl[$ up a bit1 to cross1 = ! plank+ 0 loose4 ,j !n ! f>m] :o _h be5 runn+ d[n ! hill saw u4 ,/op6 he %\t$4 ,b we did n he>4 ,he ran aft] u1 b su* a *ase 0 hopeless4 ,he /opp$1 9 despair4 ,) a ge/ure ( vexation he took a /ep or two me*anically (f ! road4 ,ela9e & ,i 7 com+ fa/ to ! bridge n[4 ,9 _! hid+-place1 ,del ,m>'s m5 7 wat*+ brea?lessly4 ,! lead] 0 j ab\t to press ! plung] :5 all ( a sudd5 a bran* 9 ! ?icket beside him crackl$4 ,!re /ood ! f>m] & 8 dog6 ,in/antly ! f>m] seem$ to take 9 ! situation4 ,) a cry he ?rew himself at ! man :o _h ! plung]4 ,ano!r man leap$ at ! f>m]4 ,! dog settl$ him4 ,! o!rs pil$ 9 & a t]rific /ruggle foll[$4 ,x 0 all s rapid t1 to all1 seconds seem$ l h\rs4 ,we 7 j />t+ to cross ! bridge4 ,"o ( ! m5 broke away & crawl$ t[>d ! plung] box4 ,our c> 0 n[ 9 ! middle ( ! bridge4 ,ov] & ov] roll$ ! m51 ! dog do+ 8 be/ to help 8 ma/]4 ,! man :o _h brok5 away rea*$ t[>d ! plung]4 ,) a %\t he pu%$ x d[n4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,our c> _h j cle>$ ! bridge :5 we 7 />tl$ by a t]rific ro> beh9d u4 ,x 0 z ?\gh a ?\s& tires _h bl[n out at once4 ,ela9e %ut (f ! eng9e automatically & we look$ back4 ,! :ole bridge _h be5 bl[n up4 ,a second be=e we _h be5 9 ! middle ( x4 ,z ! explosion came1 ! m5 :o _h be5 /ruggl+ 9 ! ?icket1 paus$1 />tl$1 & />$ out4 ,at t in/ant ! old f>m] saw 8 *ance4 ,x 0 all ov] & he bolt$1 call+ ! dog4 ,along ! road to ! bridge he ran1 two ( ! m5 aft] him4 ,come back1 gr[l$ ! lead]4 ,let him g4 ,d y want u all to get caught8 ,z ! f>m] ran up to ! bridge1 he saw x 9 ru9s4 ,b d[n ! road he c\ld see ,ela9e & myself1 sitt+ 9 ! c>1 />+ back at ! p]il :i* we _h s n>r[ly escap$4 ,8 face light$ up 9 z great joy z a few mom5ts be=e x _h %[$ despair4 ,:at c t h be58 ask$ ,ela9e1 />t+ to get out ( ! c>4 ,:at caus$ x8 ,i don't "k1 ,i return$1 tak+ h] arm firmly4 ,b en\gh has happ5$ to-day4 ,if x 0 int5d$ = u1 we'd bett] n /op4 ,"s "o might take a %ot at u4 ,come4 ,we h ! c>4 ,we c get out be=e any "o does any?+ m4 ,let's d x4 ,?+s are go+ on ab\t u ( :i* we "k no?+4 ,! safe/ ?+ is to get away4 ,ela9e look$ at ! bridge 9 ru9s & %udd]$4 ,x 0 ! close/ we c\ld h be5 to dea? & h escap$4 ,!n %e turn$ to ! :eel quickly & ! little c> fairly jump$ ahead4 ,oh1 if ,craig 7 only "h1 %e murmur$4 ,he w\ld "k :at to d4 ,z we disappe>$ ov] ! cre/ ( ! next hill1 safe1 ! old f>m] & 8 dog look$ h>d at u4 ,! sil5ce aft] ! explosion 0 om9\s4 ,he glanc$ ab\t4 ,no "o 0 pursu+ him4 ,t seem$ om9\s1 too4 ,b if !y did pursue he 0 prep>$ to elude !m4 ,!y mu/ nev] recognize ! old f>m]4 ,z he turn$1 he delib]ately pull$ (f 8 be>d1 !n plung$ aga9 into ! woods & 0 lo/4 ,,*apt] ,,ix ,,! ,,subm>9e ,,h>bor ,x 0 n long aft] ! almo/ miracul\s escape ( ,ela9e & myself f ! bl[+ up ( ! bridge on ! %ore road t ,del ,m> return$ f 8 my/]i\s mission :i* _h1 app>5tly1 tak5 him actually d[n to ! bottom ( ! sea4 ,! panel 9 ! wall ( 8 libr>y op5$ & 9 ! /ill dripp+ subm>9e suit1 hold+ "u 8 arm ! weird helmet1 ,del ,m> ent]$4 ,no soon] _h he begun to remove 8 wet div+-suit ?an ! man :o _h signall$ ) ! heliograph t we _h f\nd ,del ,m>'s message f bel[1 :atev] t might mean1 ent]$ ! h\se & 0 ann\nc$ by ! valet4 ,let him come 9 imm$iately1 ord]$ ,del ,m>1 plac+ 8 suit 9 a closet4 ,!n to ! man1 z he ent]$1 he said1 ,well1 :at's new8 ,q a bit1 return$ ! man1 fr[n+ /ill ov] ,ela9e's accid5tal discov]y ( ! "u-wat] communication4 ,! ,dodge girl happ5$ to pick up "o ( ! tubes ) a message j aft] y w5t d[n4 ,i tri$ to get h] by bl[+ up ! bridge1 b x didn't "w1 someh[4 ,we'll h to sil5ce h]1 rem>k$ ,del ,m> angrily ) a s9i/] fr[n4 ,y /ay "h & wait = ord]s4 ,a mom5t lat] he made 8 way d[n to a private dock on 8 gr\nds & jump$ abo>d a trim little spe$ boat moor$ !re4 ,he />t$ ! motor & (f ! boat fea!r$ 9 a cl\d ( spray4 ,x 0 only a mom5t by wat] be=e he rea*$ ! ,dodge dock4 ,!re he ti$ 8 boat & hurri$ up ! dock4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e & ,i arriv$ home )\t any fur!r exp]i5ces aft] our hairbread? escape f ! explosion at ! bridge4 ,we 7 9 d\bt at fir/1 h[ev]1 j :at to d ab\t ! my/]i\s message :i* we _h pick$ up 9 ! h>bor4 ,really1 ,walt]1 rem>k$ ,ela9e1 aft] we _h consid]$ ! matt] = "s "t1 ,i ?9k we ought to s5d t message to ! gov]nm5t at ,wa%+ton4 ,already %e _h seat$ h]self at h] desk & began to write1 :ile ,i exam9$ ! metal tube & ! note aga94 ,!re1 %e said at l5g?1 h&+ me ! note %e _h writt54 ,h[ does t s\nd8 ,i read x :ile %e address$ ! envelope4 ,v good1 ,i repli$1 h&+ x back4 ,%e fold$ x & %ov$ x into ! envelope on :i* %e _h writt53 ,*ief1 ,secret ,s]vice1 ,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,i 0 /udy+ ! address1 wond]+ :e!r ?is 0 j ! ?+ to d1 :5 ,ela9e decid$ ! matt] by en]getically r++ ! bell = ,j5n+s4 ,po/ t1 ,j5n+s1 please1 %e direct$4 ,! butl] b[$ j z ! door-bell rang4 ,he turn$ to g4 ,j a m9ute1 ,i int]rupt$4 ,i ?9k p]haps ,i'd bett] mail x myself1 aft] all4 ,he h&$ me ! lett] & w5t out4 ,yes1 ,walt]1 agre$ ,ela9e1 t w\ld be bett]4 ,regi/] x1 too4 ,h[ d y d8 greet$ a suave voice4 ,x 0 ,del ,m>4 ,z he pass$ me to speak to ,ela9e1 app>5tly by accid5t1 he knock$ ! lett] f my h&4 ,i beg y\r p>don1 he apologiz$1 quickly /oop+ & pick+ x up4 ,?\gh he manag$ to read ! address1 he ma9ta9$ 8 composure & h&$ ! lett] back to me4 ,i />t$ to g out1 :5 ,ela9e call$ to me4 ,excuse me j a mom5t1 ,mr4 ,del ,m>8 %e qu]i$1 accompany+ me out on ! por*4 ,already a saddle horse _h be5 br\ght ar\nd = me4 ,p]haps y'd bett] put a special deliv]y /amp on x1 too1 ,walt]1 %e add$1 walk+ along ) me4 ,& be v c>eful4 ,i w1 ,i promis$1 z ,i rode (f4 ,del ,m>1 alone1 seiz$ ! opportunity to g ov] quietly to ! telephone4 ,x 0 ! "w ( only a mom5t to call up 8 bungal[ :]e ! emiss>y :o _h plac$ ! subm>9e bell 0 wait+ = ord]s4 ,quickly ,del ,m> :isp]$ 8 in/ructions :i* ! man took1 & hung up ! receiv]4 ,i hope y'll p>don me1 said ,ela9e1 ent]+ j z ,del ,m> left ! telephone4 ,mr4 ,jameson 0 go+ into t[n & ,i _h a numb] ( little ?+s ,i want$ him to d4 ,won't y sit d[n8 ,!y *att$ = a few mom5ts1 b ,del ,m> did n /ay v long4 ,he excus$ himself %ortly & ,ela9e bade him good-bye at ! door z he walk$ (f1 app>5tly1 d[n ! road ,i _h tak54 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m>'s emiss>y hurri$ f ! bungal[ & almo/ ran d[n ! road until he came to a spot :]e two m5 7 hid+4 ,jameson is com+ ) a lett] :i* ! ,dodge girl has writt5 to ! ,secret ,s]vice1 he cri$ po9t+ excit$ly up ! road4 ,y've got to get x1 see8 ,i 0 cant]+ along nicely d[n ! road by ! %ore1 :5 sudd5ly1 f beh9d "s rocks & bu%es1 ?ree m5 leap$ out at me4 ,"o ( !m seiz$ ! horse's bridle1 :ile ! o!r two quickly dragg$ me out ( ! saddle4 ,x 0 v unexpect$1 b ,i _h "t en\gh to draw my gun & fire once4 ,i hit "o ( ! m51 too1 9 ! arm1 & he /agg]$ back1 ! blood spurt+ all ov] ! road4 ,b be=e ,i c\ld fire at ! o!rs1 !y knock$ ! gun f my h&4 ,fright5$1 ! horse turn$ & bolt$1 rid]less4 ,toge!r1 !y dragg$ me (f ! road & into ! ?icket :]e ,i 0 ti$ & gagg$ & laid on ! gr\nd :ile "o ( !m b\nd up ! w\nd$ arm ( ! man ,i _h hit4 ,x 0 n long be=e "o ( !m began se>*+ me4 ,aha6 he gr[l$1 pull+ ! lett] f my pocket & look+ at x ) satisfaction4 ,"h x is4 ,he tore ! lett] op51 ?r[+ ! envelope on ! gr\nd1 & read x4 ,!re1 conf\nd y1 he mutt]$4 ,! gov]nm5t 'll nev] get t4 ,come on1 m54 ,br+ him ?is way4 ,he %ov$ ! lett] into 8 pocket & l$ ! way ?r\gh ! und]bru%1 :ile ! o!rs half-dragg$1 half-pu%$ me along4 ,we _h n gone v f> be=e "o ( ! ?ree m51 :o appe>$ to be ! lead]1 paus$4 ,take him to ! hang-out1 he ord]$ gruffly4 ,i'll h to report to ! ,*ief4 ,he disappe>$ d[n t[>d ! %ore ( ! h>bor :ile ! o!rs prodd$ me along4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,d[n ne> ! ,dodge dock1 along ! %ore1 walk$ a man we>+ a broad-brimm$ hat & a pla9 suit ( duck4 ,8 prim coll> & tie comport$ well ) 8 smok$ glasses4 ,in/9ctively "o w\ld h call$ him ,pr(essor1 ?\gh :e!r naturali/1 geologi/1 or pla9 bugologi/1 "o w\ld h _h difficulty 9 det]m9+4 ,he seem$1 z a matt]-(-fact1 to be a naturali/1 = he 0 engross$ 9 pick+ up specim5s4 ,b he 0 n s mu* engross$ z to fail to he> ! approa* ( foot/eps d[n ! gravel walk f ,dodge ,hall to ! dock4 ,he look$ up 9 "t to see ,del ,m> com+1 & quietly slipp$ into ! %rubb]y up on ! %ore4 ,on ! dock1 ,del ,m> /ood = "s m9utes1 wait+4 ,f9ally1 along ! %ore came ano!r figure4 ,x 0 ! emiss>y to :om ,del ,m> _h telephon$ & :o _h se>*$ me4 ,! naturali/ drew back into 8 hid+-place1 pe]+ out ke5ly4 ,well8 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,:at luck8 ,we've got him1 return$ ! man ) brief satisfaction4 ,"h's ! lett] %e 0 s5d+ to ! ,secret ,s]vice4 ,del ,m> seiz$ ! note :i* ! man h&$ to him & read x eag]ly4 ,good1 he exclaim$4 ,t w\ld h put an end to ! :ole op]ations ab\t "h4 ,come on4 ,get into ! boat4 ,= "s reason be/ kn[n to himself1 ! naturali/ seem$ to h lo/ all int]e/ 9 8 specim5s & to h a sudd5 curiosity ab\t ,del ,m>'s affairs4 ,z ! motor-boat sp$ (f1 he came sl[ly & cauti\sly out ( 8 hid+-place & gaz$ fix$ly at ,del ,m>4 ,no soon] _h ,del ,m>'s boat got a little di/ance out into ! h>bor ?an ! naturali/ hurri$ d[n ! ,dodge dock4 ,!re 0 ti$ ,ela9e's own fa/ little runab\t4 ,he jump$ into x & />t$ ! eng9e1 foll[+ quickly 9 ,del ,m>'s wake4 ,look1 call$ ! emiss>y to ,del ,m>1 spy+ ! ,dodge boat ) ! naturali/ 9 x1 skimm+ rapidly aft] !m4 ,del ,m> /ra9$ 8 eyes back ?r\gh 8 glass at ! pursu+ boat4 ,b ! naturali/1 9 spite ( 8 smok$ glasses1 seem$ n to h impair$ 8 eyesight by 8 /udies4 ,he caught ! gl9t ( ! sun on ! l5s at ,del ,m>'s eye & dropp$ d[n into ! bottom ( 8 own boat :]e he 0 at lea/ safe f scrut9y1 if 8 boat 7 n4 ,del ,m> l[]$ 8 glass4 ,t's ! ,dodge boat1 he said ?\ghtfully4 ,i don't l ! looks ( t fell[4 ,give h] m spe$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> _h n be5 gone long be=e ,ela9e decid$ to take a ride h]self4 ,%e ord]$ h] horse ar\nd f ! /ables :ile %e donn$ h] neat little rid+-habit4 ,a few m9utes lat]1 z ! groom held ! horse1 %e m\nt$ & rode away1 *oos+ ! road by :i* ,i _h gone1 expect+ to meet me on ! return f t[n4 ,%e 0 gallop+ along at a good clip :5 sudd5ly h] horse %i$ at some?+4 ,:oa1 ,bu/]1 pacifi$ ,ela9e4 ,b x 0 ( no use4 ,bu/] /ill re>$ up4 ,:y1 :at is ! matt]8 %e ask$4 ,:at d y see8 ,%e look$ d[n at ! gr\nd4 ,!re 0 a spot ( blood 9 ! du/4 ,bu/] 0 "o ( ^? horses to :om ! sight ( blood is t]rify+4 ,ela9e pull$ up beside ! road4 ,!re 0 a revolv] ly+ 9 ! grass4 ,%e dism\nt$ & pick$ x up4 ,no soon] _h %e look$ at x ?an %e discov]$ ! initials ,w4 ,j4 c>v$ on ! butt4 ,walt] ,jameson6 %e exclaim$1 realiz+ sudd5ly t x 0 m9e4 ,x's be5 fir$1 too6 ,h] eye fell aga9 on ! blood spots4 ,blood &--footpr9ts--into ! bru%6 %e gasp$ 9 horror1 foll[+ ! trail4 ,:at c\ld h happ5$ to ,walt]8 ,) ! revolv]1 ,ela9e foll[$ :]e ! bu%es 7 trampl$ d[n until %e came to ! place :]e ,i _h be5 b\nd4 ,!re %e spi$ "s pieces ( pap] ly+ on ! gr\nd & pick$ !m up4 ,%e put !m toge!r4 ,!y 7 pieces ( ! envelope ( ! lett] :i* we _h decid$ to s5d to ,wa%+ton4 ,:i* way did !y take him8 %e ask$1 look+ all ab\t b discov]+ no trail4 ,%e 0 pla9ly at a loss :at c\rse to pursue4 ,:at w\ld ,craig d8 %e ask$ h]self4 ,f9d+ no answ]1 %e /ood ?9k+ a mom5t1 sl[ly te>+ ! envelope to pieces4 ,if %e 7 to d any?+ at all1 x mu/ be done quickly4 ,sudd5ly an idea seem$ to occur to h]4 ,%e ?rew ! pieces ( pap] into ! air & let !m bl[ away4 ,x 0 unsci5tific detection1 p]haps1 b ! w9d actually took !m & c>ri$ !m 9 ! direction 9 :i* ! m5 _h =c$ me to walk4 ,t's x6 cri$ ,ela9e to h]self4 ,i'll foll[ t direction4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ! m5 _h hurri$ me (f along a trail t l$ to ! foot ( a cliff4 ,!n ! trail w\nd up ! cliff4 ,we climb$ x until we rea*$ ! top4 ,!re 9 ! rock 0 a rude /airway4 ,i drew back4 ,b "o man drew a gun & ! o!r prec$$ me d[n4 ,along ! /eep /one /eps cut out 9 ! face ( ! rock1 !y =c$ me4 ,bel[1 9 a rift 9 ! v wall ( ! cliff1 0 a cave 9 :i* already 7 two m ( ,del ,m>'s m51 talk+ 9 l[ tones1 9 ! dim light4 ,z we made our way d[n ! breakneck /airway1 ! =emo/ ( my captors /epp$ on a l>ge flat rock4 ,z he did s1 x gave way slightly "u 8 foot4 ,a light 9 ! cave fla%$ up4 ,"u ! rock 0 a secret electric connection :i* op]at$ a lamp4 ,"s "o com+1 mutt]$ ! two m51 on gu>d in/antly4 ,x 0 a some:at prec>i\s foot+ z we desc5d$ & = ! mom5t ,i 0 m conc]n$ = my safety f a fall ?an any?+ else4 ,once my foot did slip & a %[] ( pebbles & small pieces ( rock />t$ d[n ! face ( ! cliff4 ,z we pass$ d[n1 ! man beh9d me1 /ill keep+ me cov]$1 rais$ ! flat /one on ! top /ep4 ,c>efully1 he reset ! connection ( ! al>m rock1 a s]ies ( metal po9ts t b5t "u ! weight ( a p]son & made a contact :i* signall$ d[n 9 ! cav]n ! approa* ( any "o :o did n "k ! secret4 ,z he did s1 ! light 9 ! cav]n w5t out4 ,x's all "r1 said "o ( ! m5 d[n !re1 ) a look ( relief4 ,we n[ w5t d[n ! p]il\s /airway until we came to ! cave4 ,i've got a prison]--ord]s ( ! ,*ief1 gr[l$ "o ( my captors1 ?ru/+ me 9 r\ghly4 ,!y =c$ me into a corn] :]e !y ti$ me aga91 h& & foot4 ,!n !y began debat+ 9 l[1 s9i/] tones1 :at 0 to be done ) me next4 ,once 9 a :ile ,i c\ld cat* a ^w4 ,fe> made my s5ses hyp]s5sitive4 ,!y 7 argu+ :e!r !y %\ld make away ) me n[ or lat]6 ,f9ally ! lead] rose4 ,x's ?ree to "o1 ,i he>d him mutt]4 ,he dies n[4 ,he turn$ & took a m5ac+ /ep t[>d me4 ,h&s up6 ,x 0 a %rill1 firm voice t rang out at ! m\? ( ! cave z a figure cut (f :at little light !re 04 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e pass$ along1 hunt+ = ! trail4 ,sudd5ly a %[] ( pebbles came fall+ d[n f a cliff above h]4 ,"s ( !m hit h] & %e look$ up quickly4 ,!re %e c\ld see me be+ l$ along by my captors4 ,%e hid 9 ! bru% & wat*$4 ,dur+ all ! op]ations ( ! desc5t ( ! rock /airway & ! resett+ ( ! al>m1 %e cont9u$ to wat*1 /ra9+ h] eyes to see :at !y 7 do+4 ,z we ent]$ ! cave1 %e /epp$ out f h] concealm5t & look$ %>ply up at u1 z we disappe>$4 ,!n %e climb$ ! pa? up ! cliff until %e came to ! flight ( /one /eps lead+ d[nw>d aga94 ,already %e _h se5 ! man beh9d me do+ some?+ ) ! /one t =m$ ! top /ep4 ,%e /oop$ d[n & exam9$ ! /one4 ,c>efully %e rais$ x & look$ und]nea? be=e /epp+ on x4 ,!re %e c\ld see ! electric connection4 ,%e set ! /one aside & look$ aga9 d[n ! dang]\s /airway4 ,x made h] %udd]4 ,i mu/ get him1 %e murmur$ to h]self4 ,yes1 ,i mu/4 ,ev5 n[ x may be too late4 ,) a supreme ef=t ( det]m9ation %e got h]self toge!r1 drew my gun :i* %e _h pick$ up1 & />t$ d[n ! cliff1 /epp+ noiselessly4 ,at la/ ,ela9e came to ! cave4 ,%e /ood j aside f ! door1 gun 9 h&1 & li/5$1 agha/4 ,inside %e c\ld he> voices ( f\r m51 & !y 7 argu+ :e!r !y %\ld kill me or n4 ,x 0 f\r aga9/ "o woman1 b %e did n falt]4 ,!y _h j decid$ to make away ) me imm$iately & ! lead] _h turn$ t[>d me ) ! ?reat /ill on 8 lips4 ,x 0 n[ or nev]4 ,resolutely %e took a /ep =w>d & into ! cave4 ,h&s up6 %e dem&$1 firmly4 ,! ?+ 0 s unexpect$ 9 ! security ( _! secret hid+-place protect$ by ! rock al>m t1 be=e !y knew x1 ,ela9e _h !m all l9$ up aga9/ ! wall4 ,keep+ !m c>efully cov]$1 %e mov$ ov] t[>d me4 ,%e pick$ up a knife t lay ne>-by & />t$ to cut ! ropes :i* held me4 ,z %e did s1 "o ( ! m51 ) an oa?1 leap$ =w>d to ru% h]4 ,b ,ela9e 0 n to be caught (f h] gu>d4 ,in/antly %e fir$4 ,! man /agg]$ back1 & fell4 ,t cool$ ! ardor ( ! o!r ?ree consid]ably1 especially n[ z ,i 0 free1 too4 ,:ile %e held !m up /ill1 ) _! h&s 9 ! air1 ,i w5t ?r\gh _! pockets1 tak+ out _! weapons4 ,!n1 /ill keep+ !m cov]$1 we back$ out ( ! cave4 ,backw>d we made our way up ! dang]\s flight ( /eps aga9 ) guns levell$ at ! cave entrance1 ,ela9e go+ up fir/4 ,once a head /uck itself out ( ! cave entrance4 ,i fir$ in/antly & x j]k$ itself back 9 aga9 j 9 "t4 ,t 0 ! only tr\ble we _h1 app>5tly4 ,cauti\sly & sl[ly we made our way t[>d ! top ( ! cliff4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,"o look backw>d f 8 motor-boat 0 en\gh = ,del ,m>4 ,he mu/ evade t inquisitive naturali/4 ,he turn$ to 8 man4 ,get out t app>atus1 he ord]$4 ,! man op5$ a lock] & br\ght out ! curi\s subm>9e rescue helmet & suit4 ,del ,m> took !m up & began to put ! suit on1 /oop+ d[n 9 ! %elt] ( ! boat s t 8 actions c\ld n be se5 by ! naturali/ 9 ! pursu+ boat4 ,! naturali/ 0 all ?is "t pe]+ ahead ke5ly at ,del ,m>'s boat1 try+ to make x out4 ,he b5t ov] & adju/$ ! eng9e to get up m spe$ & ! boat %ot ahead fa/]4 ,by ?is "t1 ,del ,m> _h put on ! subm>9e app>atus1 all except ! helmet1 & 0 cr\*+ l[ 9 ! boat4 ,ha/ily1 he roll$ a piece ( canvas into ! semblance ( a body1 put 8 coat & hat on x & set x on ! seat :i* he _h occupi$ be=e4 ,j !n ,del ,m>'s boat ran ar\nd ! promontory :]e ,wu ,fang _h met ! subm>9e t _h br\ght ,del ,m> into ! c\ntry & l&$ him s /rangely4 ,! boat sl[$ d[n "u %elt] ( ! rocks & ,del ,m> add$ a pair ( heavy lead-sol$ %oes to 8 outfit 9 ord] to weight himself d[n4 ,f9ally he put on ! helmet1 let himself ov] ! side ( ! boat1 & disappe>$ into ! wat]4 ,8 aide />t$ ! motor & ! boat %ot ahead aga91 ) ! dummy /ill occupy+ ,del ,m>'s seat4 ,z ! boat swung out & made a wide sweep+ curve away f ! po9t at :i* ,del ,m> _h gone ov]bo>d1 ! naturali/ 9 ! ,dodge boat came ar\nd ! promontory & saw x1 *ang+ 8 c\rse accord+ly1 & ga9+ some:at4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> sank1 upright & rapidly1 d[n 9 ! %all[ wat] to ! bottom4 ,once hav+ 8 feet on some?+ approa*+ firm gr\nd1 he gaz$ ab\t ?r\gh ! w9d[-l eye ( ! helmet until he got 8 be>+s4 ,!n he began to walk heavily along ! bottom ( ! h>bor1 ov] s& & rocks4 ,x 0 a /range walk t he took1 half /umbl+1 sl[ly & cumb]somely grop+ 8 way l a que] "u-wat] animal4 ,if any "o c\ld h se5 him1 he w\ld h not$ t ,del ,m> 0 go+ t[>d ! base ( a huge rocky cliff t jutt$ f> out into ! h>bor1 :]e ! wat] 0 deep1 a dang]\s po9t1 avoid$ by craft ( all k9ds4 ,f> ov] 8 head ! waves beat on ! rocks angrily4 ,b d[n !re1 conceal$ b5ea? ! surface ( ! h>bor1 0 a sort ( huge ar* ( /one1 ?r\gh :i* a comp>atively rapid curr5t ran z ! tide ebb$ & fl[$4 ,del ,m> let himself be c>ri$ along ) ! curr5t :i* 0 n[ runn+ 9 & ?us ) comp>ative ease made 8 way1 /ill grop+1 ?r\gh ! ar*4 ,once "u x & a few feet beyond1 he delib]ately kick$ (f ! lead5-sol$ %oes &1 ?us light5$1 rose rapidly to ! surface ( ! wat]4 ,z he bobb$ up1 a /range sight met 8 eyes--n /range h[ev]1 to ,del ,m>4 ,above1 ! rocks =m$ a huge dome ov] ! wat] :i* ! tides =c$ 9 & out ?r\gh ! secret entrance ?r\gh :i* he came4 ,no o!r entrance1 app>5tly1 except t f ! wat]s ( ! h>bor l$ to ?is peculi> d54 ,ly+ quietly moor$ to ! rocky pi]s lay ?ree subm>9e boats4 ,fur!r back1 on a l$ge ( rocks1 bla/$ out1 /ood a little build+1 a sort ( (fice or headqu>t]s4 ,ne>-by 0 a %$ :]e 7 kept gas & oil1 supplies & ammunition1 9 fact ev]y?+ t a subm>9e might ne$4 ,?is 0 ! reason = ,del ,m>'s pres5ce 9 ! neighborhood4 ,x 0 ! secret subm>9e h>bor ( ! =eign ag5ts :o 7 op]at+ 9 ,am]ica6 ,already a s5try1 pac+ up & d[n1 _h se5 ! bubbles 9 ! wat] t indicat$ t "s "o _h come ?r\gh ! ar*way & 0 d[n bel[1 z ,del ,m> & 8 m5 call$ x4 ,gaz+ d[n ! s5try saw ! que] helmet$ figure float up f ! bottom ( ! pool4 ,he rea*$ out & help$ ! figure clamb] up out ( ! wat] to ! l$ge on :i* he /ood4 ,del ,m> salut$1 & ! s5try return$ ! secret salute1 help+ him remove ! dripp+ helmet & suit4 ,a mom5t lat]1 9 ! que] little subm>9e (fice1 ,del ,m> _h evid5tly plann$ to take up ! nef>i\s secret "w on :i* he 0 engag$4 ,sev]al m5 ( a naval & milit>y be>+ 7 seat$ ab\t a table1 already1 /udy+ maps & plans & docum5ts ( all descriptions4 ,!y did n seem to belong to any nation 9 p>ticul>4 ,9 fact _! uni=ms1 if su* !y might be call$1 7 ( a "* to disguise _! nationality4 ,b t !y 7 ho/ile to ! c\ntry "u :i* !y lit]ally _h _! hidd5 retreat1 ( t !re c\ld be no d\bt4 ,h[ high ,del ,m> /ood 9 _! c\nsels c\ld h be5 se5 at a glance f ! in/ant def]5ce exhibit$ at ! m]e m5tion ( 8 "n by ! s5try :o ent]$ ) ! subm>9e suit :ile ,del ,m> got himself toge!r aft] 8 rem>kable trip4 ,! m5 at ! c\ncil table rose & salut$ z ,del ,m> himself ent]$4 ,he return$ ! salute & quietly made 8 way to ! head ( ! table :]e he took a seat1 naturally4 ,?is is ! area 9 :i* we mu/ "w fir/ ( all1 he began1 draw+ t[>d him a book & op5+ x4 ,& we mu/ /rike quickly1 = if !y he$ ! advice 9 ?is book1 x may be too late = u to take advantage ( _! fooli% unprep>$ness4 ,x 0 a book entitl$ ,def5seless ,am]ica1 writt5 by a great ,am]ican inv5tor1 ,hudson ,maxim4 ,del ,m> turn$ ! pages until he came to & po9t$ out a map4 ,! o!rs ga!r$ ab\t him1 lean+ =w>d eag]ly z he talk$ to !m4 ,!re1 on ! map1 ) a radius ( "s "o hundr$ & sev5ty miles1 0 drawn a big segm5t ( a circle1 ) ,peekskill1 ,new ,york1 z a c5tre4 ,t is ! he>t ( ,am]ica1 said ,del ,m>1 e>ne/ly4 ,x embraces ,new ,york1 ,bo/on1 ,philadelphia4 ,b t is n ! po9t4 ,"h are ! great majority ( ! gun & armor factories1 ! p[d] & c>tridge works1 toge!r ) ! pr9cipal coal fields ( ,p5nsylvania4 ,he br\ght 8 fi/ d[n decisively on ! table4 ,if we hold ?is section1 he decl>$1 we practically hold ,am]ica6 ,eag]ly ! o!r emiss>ies li/5$ z ,del ,m> laid be=e !m ! detail$ facts :i* he 0 collect+1 ! great] mission ?an ! m]e capture ( ,k5n$y's wireless torp$o :i* _h br\ght him into ! c\ntry4 ,detail aft] detail ( _! plans !y discuss$ z !y work$ out ! gigantic s*eme4 ,x 0 a w> c\ncil ( a secret advance gu>d ( ! enemies ( ,am]ica6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,mean:ile1 ,del ,m>'s man 9 8 boat1 cutt+ a wide circle & avoid+ ! ,dodge boat c>ry+ ! naturali/1 made 8 way across ! h>bor until he came to ! %ore4 ,!re he l&$ & proce$$ up ! bea* to ! foot ( a rocky cliff1 :]e he turn$ & foll[$ a trail up x to ! top4 ,x 0 ! same pa? already travell$ by my captors ) me & lat] foll[$ by ,ela9e4 ,z he came /eal?ily out f "u cov]1 ,del ,m>'s man gaz$ d[n ! /airway4 ,he drew back at :at he saw4 ,sl[ly he pull$ a gun f 8 pocket1 wat*+ d[n ! /eps ) t5se int]e/4 ,!re he c\ld see ,ela9e & myself we>ily climb+ t[>d ! top1 our backs t[>d him1 z we cov]$ ! m5 9 ! cave4 ,s surpris$ 0 he at :at he saw t he =got t 8 boat bel[ _h be5 foll[$ by ! my/]i\s naturali/1 :o1 ! mom5t ,del ,m>'s man _h l&$1 put on ! la/ bur/ ( spe$ & ran ! ,dodge boat close to ! spot :]e ! aide _h left ,del ,m>'s4 ,a glance into ! boat suffic$ to tell ! naturali/ t ! figure 9 x 0 only a dummy4 ,he did n pause1 b foll[$ ! trail up ! hill1 until he 0 close aft] ! emiss>y ahead1 go+ m sl[ly4 ,only a few feet fur!r along ! cliff1 ! naturali/ paus$1 too1 keep+ well "u cov]1 = ! man 0 n[ j ahead ( him4 ,he look$ fix$ly at him & saw him gaze d[n ! cliff4 ,!n he saw him sl[ly draw a gun4 ,:o c\ld be bel[8 ,quickly ! naturali/'s m9d seem$ to "w4 ,he cr\*$ d[n1 z if ready to spr+4 ,! emiss>y sl[ly rais$ 8 revolv] & took c>eful aim at ! backs ( ,ela9e & myself1 z we came up ! /eps4 ,b be=e he c\ld pull ! trigg]1 ! naturali/1 m l "o ( ! wild animals :i* he /udi$ ?an l a human be+1 sprang f 8 concealm5t 9 ! bu%es & p\nc$ on ! man f beh9d1 seiz+ him firmly4 ,ov] & ov] !y roll$1 /ruggl+ almo/ to ! br9k ( ! precipice4 ,ela9e & ,i _h got almo/ to ! top ( ! flight ( /eps1 :5 sudd5ly we he>d a %\t above u & s\nds ( a t]rific /ruggle4 ,we turn$1 to see two m51 nei!r ( :om we knew1 fight+4 ,"o seem$ to be a pr(essor ( natural hi/ory f 8 dress & g5]al appe>ance4 ,! o!r _h a s9i/] nondescript look4 ,ne>] & ne>] ! edge ( ! cliff !y roll$4 ,we cr\*$ clos] to ! rocky wall1 gaz+ up at ! dea? grapple ( ! two4 ,:o !y 7 we did n "k b t "o 0 fight+ = & ! o!r aga9/ u we c\ld readily see4 ,! m vici\s ( ! two seem$ to be =c+ ! naturali/ sl[ly back1 :51 ) a sup]human ef=t1 ! naturali/ brac$ himself4 ,8 foot 0 actually on a small l$ge ( rock directly at ! edge ( ! cliff4 ,he swung ar\nd quickly & /ruck ! o!r man4 ,! vici\s look+ man pit*$ headlong ov] ! cliff4 ,we %rank back clos] to ! rock z ! man hurtl$ ?r\gh ! air only a few feet f u4 ,d[n bel[1 we c\ld he> him l& ) a sick5+ ?ud4 ,f> ov] ! edge ,ela9e lean$ 9 a sort ( fasc9ation at ! awful sight4 ,= a mom5t1 ,i ?\ght ! v imp ( ! p]v]se _h got possession ( h] & t %e h]self w\ld fall ov]4 ,%e bru%$ h] h& un/eadily ov] h] eyes & /agg]$4 ,i caught h] j 9 "t4 ,x 0 only an in/ant be=e ! brave girl recov]$ control ( h]self4 ,!n1 toge!r1 we />t$ aga9 to climb up4 ,z we did s ! naturali/ look$ d[n & caught sight ( u approa*+4 ,ha/ily he hid 9 ! bu%es4 ,we rea*$ ! top ( ! /airway & gaz$ ab\t = ! victor 9 ! conte/4 ,to our surprise he 0 gone4 ,come1 ,i urg$4 ,we _h bett] get away1 quickly4 ,z ,ela9e & ,i disappe>$1 ! naturali/ sl[ly em]g$ aga9 f ! bu%es & look$ aft] u4 ,!n he gave a ha/y glance ov] ! edge ( ! cliff at ! man1 twi/$ & motionless1 f> bel[4 ,if we _h look$ back we might h se5 ! naturali/ %ake 8 head 9 a mann] /rangely rem9isc5t z he turn$ & gaz$ aga9 aft] u4 ,,*apt] ,x ,,! ,,conspirators ,y rememb] ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d1 ! inv5tor ( trodite8 ,i ask$ ,ela9e "o day aft] ,i _h be5 out = a ride ?r\gh ! c\ntry4 ,v well inde$1 %e nodd$ ) a look ( wi/fulness z ! m5tion ( 8 "n recall$ ,k5n$y4 ,:y8 ,he's /ation$ at ,=t ,dale1 n v f> f "h1 at ! entrance ( ! ,s\nd1 ,i answ]$4 ,!n let's h him ov] at my g>d5 p>ty to-night1 %e exclaim$1 sitt+ d[n & writ+4 ,,de> ,,lieut5ant1 ,i h j le>n$ t y are /ation$ at ,=t ,dale & w\ld l to h y meet "s ( my fri5ds at a little g>d5 p>ty ,i am hold+ to-night4 ,s9c]ely1 ,,ela9e ,,dodge4 ,?us x 0 t a few h\rs aft]w>d1 9 ! (fic]s' qu>t]s at ! ,=t1 an ord]ly ent]$ ) ! mail & h&$ a lett] to ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d4 ,he op5$ x & read ! invitation ) pleasure4 ,he _h sc>cely f9i%$ read+ & 0 ha/5+ to write a reply :5 ! ord]ly ent]$ aga9 & salut$4 ,a ,pr(essor ,arnold to see y1 ,lieut5ant1 he ann\nc$4 ,pr(essor ,arnold8 repeat$ ,woodw>d4 ,i don't "k any ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,well1 %[ him 91 anyh[4 ,! ord]ly u%]$ 9 a well-dress$ man ) a d>k1 heavy be>d & l>ge horn spectacles4 ,woodw>d ey$ him curi\sly & a bit suspici\sly1 z ! /rang] seat$ himself & made a few rem>ks4 ,! mom5t ! ord]ly left ! room1 h[ev]1 ! pr(essor l[]$ 8 voice to a :isp]4 ,woodw>d li/5$ 9 amazem5t1 look$ at him m closely1 !n laugh$ & %ook h&s cordially4 ,! pr(essor lean$ ov] aga94 ,:atev] x 0 t he said1 x made a great impression on ! ,lieut5ant4 ,y "k ?is fell[ ,del ,m>8 ask$ ,pr(essor ,arnold f9ally4 ,no1 repli$ ,woodw>d4 ,well1 he's hang+ ar\nd ,miss ,dodge all ! "t1 w5t on ,arnold4 ,!re's some?+ que] ab\t 8 pres5ce "h at ?is "t4 ,i've an invitation to a g>d5 p>ty at h] h\se to-night1 rem>k$ ,woodw>d4 ,accept1 urg$ ! pr(essor1 & tell h] y are br++ a fri5d4 ,woodw>d resum$ writ+ & :5 he _h f9i%$ h&$ ! note to ! /rang]1 :o read3 ,,de> ,,miss ,,dodge1 ,i %all be *>m$ to be ) y to-night & ) y\r p]mission w br+ my fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,truly y\rs1 ,,edw>d ,,woodw>d4 ,good1 nodd$ ! pr(essor1 h&+ ! note back4 ,woodw>d summon$ an ord]ly4 ,see t t is deliv]$ at ,dodge ,hall to ,miss ,dodge h]self z soon z possible1 he direct$1 z ! ord]ly took ! note & salut$4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i 7 9 ! g>d5 :5 ,lieut4 ,woodw>d's ord]ly rode up & deliv]$ ! lett]4 ,ela9e op5$ x & read4 ,t's all "r1 %e ?ank$ ! ord]ly4 ,oh1 ,walt]1 he's com+ to ! g>d5 p>ty1 & is go+ to br+ a fri5d ( 81 a ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,we *att$ a few mom5ts ab\t ! p>ty4 ,oh1 exclaim$ ,ela9e sudd5ly1 ,i h an idea4 ,:at is x8 we ask$1 smil+ at h] en?usiasm4 ,we'll h a =tune tell]1 %e cri$4 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 y %all play ! "p4 ,all "r1 if y really want me1 cons5t$ ,aunt ,joseph9e smil+ indulg5tly z we urg$ h]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,d[n 9 ! subm>9e h>bor t aft]noon1 ,del ,m> & 8 m5 7 seat$ ab\t ! conf]5ce table4 ,i've trac$ out ! c\rse & ! l&+ po9ts ( ! great ,atlantic cable1 he said4 ,we mu/ cut x4 ,del ,m> turn$ to "o ( ! m54 ,take ^! plans to ! capta9 ( ! /eam] & tell him to get ready1 he w5t on4 ,f9d out & s5d me ^w :5 ! cutt+ c be done be/4 ,! man salut$ & w5t out4 ,leav+ ! subm>9e h>bor 9 ! usual mann]1 he made 8 way to a dock on ! %ore ar\nd ! promontory & ne> ! village4 ,ti$ to x 0 a small tramp /eam]4 ,! man walk$ d[n ! dock & climb$ abo>d ! boat4 ,!re sev]al r\gh look+ sailors 7 loll+ & /&+ ab\t4 ,! emiss>y select$ ! capta91 a m ?an ord9>ily t\gh look+ individual4 ,mr4 ,del ,m> s5ds y ! location ( ! ,atlantic cable & ! place :]e he ?9ks x be/ to pick x up & cut x1 he said4 ,! capta9 nodd$4 ,i und]/&1 he repli$4 ,i'll s5d him ^w lat] :5 x c be done be/4 ,a few m9utes aft] dispat*+ 8 mess5g]1 ,del ,m> left ! subm>9e h>bor himself & ent]$ 8 bungal[ by way ( ! secret entrance4 ,!re he w5t imm$iately to 8 desk & pick$ up ! mail t _h accumulat$ 9 8 abs5ce4 ,"o lett] he read3 ,,de> ,,mr4 ,,del ,,m>1 ,we %all be pleas$ to see y at a little g>d5 p>ty we are hold+ to-night4 ,s9c]ely1 ,,ela9e ,,dodge4 ,z he f9i%$ read+1 he pu%$ ! lett] c>elessly aside z ?\gh he _h no "t = su* frivolity4 ,!n an idea seem$ to occur to him4 ,he pick$ x up aga9 & read x ov]4 ,i'll g1 he said to himself1 simply4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,t night ,dodge ,hall 0 a blaze ( lights & life1 ov]fl[+ to ! wide v]&as & ! g>d54 ,gue/s 9 ev5+ clo!s 7 arriv+ f all p>ts ( ! summ] colony & 7 be+ receiv$ by ,ela9e4 ,already "s ( !m 7 danc+ on ! v]&a4 ,among ! late arrivals 7 ,woodw>d & 8 fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,i'm s glad to "k t y are /ation$ at ,=t ,dale1 greet$ ,ela9e4 ,i hope x w be = all summ]4 ,i c't say h[ long x w be1 b ,i %all make e ef=t to make x all summ]1 he repli$ gallantly4 ,let me pres5t my fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,! pr(essor b[$ l[ & unpr(essionally ov] ,ela9e's h& & a mom5t lat] foll[$ ,woodw>d out into ! next room z ! o!r gue/s arriv$ to be greet$ by ,ela9e4 ,= a mom5t1 h[ev]1 %e look$ aft] him curi\sly4 ,once %e />t$ to foll[ z ?\gh to speak to him4 ,j !n1 h[ev]1 ,del ,m> ent]$4 ,good ev5+1 he int]rupt$1 suavely4 ,he /ood = a mom5t ) ,ela9e & talk$4 ,"o doorway 9 ! h\se 0 drap$ & a t5t _h be5 erect$ 9 ! room4 ,ov] ! door 0 a sign :i* read3 ,! pa/ & ! future are an op5 book to ,anci5t ,anna4 ,!re ,aunt ,joseph9e held =? 9 a mo/ effective disguise z a =tune tell]4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h always _h a curi\s desire to play ! old hag 9 amateur dramatics & n[ %e _h gratifi$ h] desire to ! utmo/4 ,probably none ( ! gue/s knew t ,anci5t ,anna 0 9 reality ,ela9e's gu>dian4 ,ela9e be+ o!rwise occupi$1 ,i _h select$ "o ( ! prettie/ ( ! girls & we 7 /roll+ ?r\gh ! h\se1 seek+ a quiet spot = a *at4 ,:y don't y h y\r =tune told by ,anci5t ,anna8 laugh$ my companion z we approa*$ ! t5t4 ,d y tell a good =tune reasonably8 ,i jok$1 ent]+4 ,only ! true =tunes1 "y man1 return$ ,anci5t ,anna sev]ely1 />t+ 9 to read my palm4 ,y are v mu* 9 love1 %e w5t on1 b ! lady is n 9 ?is t5t4 ,v mu* emb>rass$1 ,i pull$ my h& away4 ,h[ %ock+6 mock$ my companion1 mak+ believe to be v mu* annoy$4 ,i don't ?9k ,i'll h my =tune told1 %e decid$ z we left ! room4 ,we saunt]$ along to ! v]&a :]e ano!r fri5d claim$ my companion = a dance :i* %e _h promis$4 ,z ,i /roll$ on alone1 ,del ,m> & ,ela9e 7 already f9i%+ a dance4 ,he left h] a mom5t lat] & ,i hurri$ ov]1 glad ( ! opportunity to see h] at la/4 ,del ,m> made 8 way alone among ! gue/s & pass$ ,aunt ,joseph9e disguis$ z ! old hag seat$ be=e h] t5t4 ,j !n a wait] came ?r\gh ) a tray ( ices4 ,z he pass$1 ,del ,m> /opp$ him1 rea*$ out & took an ice4 ,"u ! ice1 z he _h kn[n1 0 a note4 ,he took ! note surreptiti\sly1 turn$ & pres5t$ ! ice to ,anci5t ,anna ) a b[4 ,?ank y1 k9d sir1 %e curtsi$1 tak+ x4 ,del ,m> /epp$ aside & glanc$ at ! little slip ( pap]4 ,!n he crumpl$ x up & ?rew x aside1 walk+ away4 ,no soon] _h he gone ?an ,aunt ,joseph9e rea*$ out & pick$ up ! pap]4 ,%e /raight5$ x & look$ at x4 ,!re 0 no?+ on ! pap] b a crude draw+ ( a sunrise on ! ocean4 ,:at's t8 ask$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 9 surprise4 ,j !n ,ela9e & ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d came 9 & /opp$ be=e ! t5t4 ,aunt ,joseph9e motion$ to ,ela9e to come 9 & ,ela9e foll[$4 ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d />t$ aft] h]4 ,no1 no1 "y man1 laugh$ ,anci5t ,anna1 %ak+ h] =ef+] at him1 ,i don't want y4 ,x's ! pretty "y lady ,i want4 ,woodw>d /ood outside1 ?\gh he did n "k q :at x 0 all ab\t4 ,:ile he 0 /&+ !re1 ,pr(essor ,arnold came up4 ,he _h n exactly made a hit ) ! gue/s4 ,at lea/1 he seem$ to make little ef=t to d s4 ,he & ,woodw>d walk$ away1 talk+ e>ne/ly4 ,9 ! t5t ,aunt ,joseph9e h&$ ,ela9e ! piece ( pap] %e _h pick$ up4 ,:at does x mean8 ask$ ,ela9e1 /udy+ ! curi\s draw+ 9 surprise4 ,i'm sure ,i don't "k1 confess$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,nor ,i4 ,mean:ile ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d & 8 fri5d _h mov$ to a corn] ( ! v]&a & /ood look+ int5tly into ! moonlight4 ,!re 0 ,del ,m> deep 9 conv]sation ) a man :o _h slipp$ out1 at a quiet signal1 f 8 hid+-place 9 ! %rubb]y4 ,t fell[ is up to some?+1 m>k my words1 mutt]$ ,arnold "u 8 brea?4 ,i'd l to make an arre/1 b ,i've got to h "s pro(4 ,!y cont9u$ wat*+ ,del ,m> b1 s f> at lea/1 he did no?+ t w\ld h furni%$ !m any evid5ce ( any?+4 ,s ! p>ty w5t on1 mo/ m]rily until1 long aft] ! gue/s _h left1 ,ela9e sat 9 h] dress+-g[n up 9 h] room1 ab\t to retire4 ,h] maid _h left h] & %e pick$ up ! slip ( pap] f h] dress]1 look+ at x ?\ghtfully4 ,:at c a crude draw+ ( a sunrise on ! sea mean8 %e ask$ h]self4 ,= a long "t %e /udi$ ! pap]1 ?9k+ x ov]4 ,at la/ an idea came to h]4 ,i'll bet ,i h x1 %e exclaim$ to h]self4 ,some?+ is go+ to happ5 on ! wat] at sunrise4 ,%e took a pretty little al>m clock f ! table1 set x1 & plac$ x ne> h] b$4 ,return+ f ! p>ty to 8 libr>y1 ,del ,m> ent]$4 ,except = ! moonlight /ream+ 9 ?r\gh ! w9d[s ! room 0 d>k4 ,he turn$ on ! lights & cross$ to ! panel 9 ! wall4 ,z he t\*$ a button ! panel op5$4 ,del ,m> swit*$ (f ! lights & w5t ?r\gh ! panel1 clos+ x4 ,outside1 at ! o!r end ( ! passageway1 0 "o ( 8 m51 wait+ 9 ! %ad[s z ,del ,m> came up4 ,= a mom5t !y talk$4 ,i'll be !re1 at sunrise1 agre$ ,del ,m>1 z ! man left & he re5t]$ ! secret passage4 ,:ile he 0 conf]r+1 at ! libr>y w9d[ appe>$ a face4 ,x 0 ,pr(essor ,arnold's4 ,cauti\sly he op5$ ! w9d[ & li/5$4 ,!n he ent]$4 ,fir/ he w5t ov] to ! door & set a *air "u ! knob4 ,next he drew an electric pocket bull's-eye & fla%$ x ab\t ! room4 ,he glanc$ ab\t & f9ally w5t ov] to ,del ,m>'s desk :]e he exam9$ a bat* ( lett]s1 8 back to ! secret panel4 ,arnold 0 runn+ rapidly ?r\gh ! pap]s on ! desk1 z he fla%$ 8 electric bull's-eye on !m1 :5 ! panel 9 ! wall op5$ sl[ly & ,del ,m> /epp$ into ! room noiselessly4 ,to 8 surprise he saw a r\nd spot ( light f an electric fla%light focuss$ on 8 desk4 ,"s "o 0 !re6 ,he drew a gun4 ,arnold />t$ sudd5ly4 ,he he>d ! cock+ ( a revolv]4 ,b he did n look ar\nd4 ,he m]ely ?\ght an in/ant1 quick] ?an lightn+1 !n pull$ out a spool ( black ?read ) "o h&1 :ile ) ! o!r he swit*$ (f ! light1 & div$ d[n on 8 /oma* on ! floor 9 ! %ad[4 ,:o's t8 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,conf\nd x6 ,i %\ld h fir$ at sight4 ,! room 0 s d>k n[ t x 0 impossible to see ,arnold4 ,del ,m> gaz$ int5tly4 ,sudd5ly ,arnold's electric tor* gl[$ =? 9 a spot across ! room4 ,del ,m> blaz$ at x1 fir+ e *amb] ( 8 revolv]1 !n swit*$ on ! lights4 ,no "o 0 9 ! room4 ,b ! door 0 op54 ,del ,m> gaz$ ab\t1 vex$1 !n ran to ! op5 door4 ,= a second or two he pe]$ out 9 rage1 f9ally turn+ back into ! empty room4 ,on ! mantlepiece lay ! tor* ( ! intrud]4 ,x 0 "o 9 :i* ! connection is made by a r+ fall+ on a piece ( metal4 ,! r+ _h be5 left up by ,arnold4 ,connection _h be5 made z he 0 leav+ ! room by pull+ ! ?read :i* he _h fa/5$ to ! r+4 ,del ,m> foll[$ ! ?read z x l$ ar\nd ! room to ! doorway4 ,curse him6 swore ,del ,m>1 sma%+ d[n ! innoc5t tor* on ! floor 9 fury1 z he ru%$ to ! desk & saw 8 pap]s all di/urb$4 ,outside1 ,arnold _h made good 8 escape4 ,he paus$ 9 ! moonlight & li/5$4 ,no "o 0 pursu+4 ,he drew out two or ?ree ( ! lett]s :i* he _h tak5 f ,del ,m>'s desk1 & ha/ily ran ?r\gh !m4 ,n a ?+ 9 !m1 he exclaim$1 te>+ !m up 9 disgu/ & hurry+ away4 ,at ! fir/ break ( dawn ! little al>m dock awak5$ ,ela9e4 ,%e />t$ up & rubb$ h] eyes at ! sudd5ness ( ! awak5+1 !n quickly rea*$ out & /opp$ ! bell s t x w\ld n di/urb o!rs 9 ! h\se4 ,%e jump$ out ( b$ hurri$ly & dress$4 ,arm$ ) a spy glass1 ,ela9e let h]self out ( ! h\se quietly4 ,directly to ! %ore %e w5t1 walk+ along ! bea*4 ,sudd5ly %e paus$4 ,!re 7 ?ree m54 ,be=e %e c\ld level h] glass at !m1 h[ev]1 !y disappe>$4 ,t's /range1 %e said to h]self1 look+ ?r\gh ! glass4 ,!re's a /eam] at ! dock t seems to be gett+ ready = some?+4 ,i wond] :at x c be do+ s e>ly4 ,%e mov$ along 9 ! direction ( ! dock4 ,at ! dock ! disreputable /eam] to :i* ,del ,m> _h dispat*$ 8 emiss>y 0 /ill ti$1 ! sailors n[ work+ "u ! gruff ord]s ( ! r\gh capta94 ,ab\t a cap/an 7 w\nd ! turns ( a long wire rope at ! end ( :i* 0 a ?ree-prong$ drag-hook4 ,y see1 ! capta9 0 expla9+1 we'll l[] ?is hook & drag x along ! bottom4 ,:5 x cat*es any?+ we'll j pull x up4 ,i h ! location ( ! cable4 ,x ought to be easy to grapple4 ,already1 on ! %ore1 at an old des]t$ %ack ( a fi%]man1 two ( ,del ,m>'s m5 _h be5 wait+ s9ce be=e sun-up1 hav+ come 9 a dirty1 d+y fi%+ smack an*or$ (f%ore4 ,is ev]y?+ ready8 ask$ ,del ,m>1 com+ up4 ,ev]y?+1 sir1 return$ ! two1 foll[+ him along ! %ore4 ,:o's t8 caution$ "o ( ! m51 look+ ahead4 ,!y hid ha/ily1 = !re 0 ,ela9e4 ,%e _h se5 ! ?ree & 0 ab\t to level h] glass 9 _! direction z !y hid4 ,f9ally %e turn$ & discov]$ ! /eam]4 ,z %e mov$ t[>d x1 ,del ,m> & ! o!rs came out f beh9d a rock & /ole aft] h]4 ,ela9e w&]$ on until %e came to ! dock4 ,no "o paid any att5tion to h]1 app>5tly1 & %e made h] way along ! dock & ev5 abo>d ! boat )\t be+ obs]v$4 ,no soon] _h %e got on ! boat1 h[ev]1 ?an ,del ,m> & 8 m5 appe>$ on ! dock & also bo>d$ ! /eam]4 ,! capta9 0 /ill expla9+ to ! m5 j h[ ! drag-hook work$ :5 ,ela9e came up quietly on ! deck4 ,%e /ood spellb\nd z %e he>d him outl9e ! details ( ! plot4 ,sc>cely kn[+ :at %e did1 %e cr\*$ back ( a deckh\se & li/5$4 ,beh9d h]1 ,del ,m> & 8 m5 came along1 cat-l4 ,a glance 0 suffici5t to tell !m t %e _h ov]he>d :at ! capta9 0 say+4 ,conf\nd t girl6 gr\nd out ,del ,m>4 ,w %e always cross my pa?8 ,we'll get h] ?is "t6 ,! m5 scatt]$ z he direct$ !m4 ,sneak+ up quietly1 !y made a sudd5 ru% & seiz$ h]4 ,z %e /ruggl$ & scream$1 !y dragg$ h] (f1 ?ru/+ h] into ! capta9's cab9 & lock+ ! door4 ,ca/ (f6 ord]$ ,del ,m>4 ,a few mom5ts lat]1 out 9 ! h>bor1 ,del ,m> 0 busy direct+ ! dragg+ = ! ,atlantic cable at a spot :]e x 0 kn[n to run4 ,!y let ! drag-hook d[n ov] ! side & pull$ x along sl[ly on ! bottom4 ,9 ! cab91 ,ela9e beat on ! door & %\t$ 9 va9 = help4 ,i _h decid$ to d "s e>ly morn+ fi%+ ! day aft] ! p>ty1 & kn[+ t ,ela9e & ! o!rs 7 usually late ris]s1 ,i said no?+ ab\t x1 det]m9$ to try my luck alone4 ,s x happ5$ t only a few m9utes aft] ,ela9e let h]self out quietly1 ,i did ! same1 c>ry+ my fi%+-tackle4 ,i made my way t[>d ! %ore1 undecid$ :e!r to fi% f a dock or boat4 ,f9ally ,i det]m9$ to d "s ca/+ f ! %ore4 ,i _h ca/ once or twice be=e ,i 0 aw>e t ,i 0 n alone 9 ! imm$iate neighborhood4 ,"s di/ance away ,i saw a little /eam] at a :>f4 ,a c\ple ( m5 ran along ! deck1 app>5tly caution+ ! capta9 aga9/ some?+4 ,!n ,i saw !m run to "o side & drag out a girl1 scream+ & /ruggl+ z !y hurri$ h] bel[4 ,i c\ld sc>cely believe my eyes4 ,x 0 ,ela9e6 ,only a second ,i look$4 ,!y 7 c]ta9ly too _m = me4 ,i dropp$ my rod & l9e & ran t[>d ! dock1 h[ev]4 ,z ,i came d[n x1 ,i saw t ,i 0 too late4 ,! little /eam] _h ca/ (f & 0 n[ "s di/ance f ! dock4 ,i look$ ab\t = a motor-boat 9 desp]ation--any?+ to foll[ !m 94 ,b !re 0 no?+1 absolutely no?+1 n ev5 a r[boat4 ,i ran back along ! dock z ,i _h come & /ruck out d[n ! %ore4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,out at ! p>ade gr\nds at ,=t ,dale1 9 spite ( ! e>ly h\r1 !re 0 "s activity1 = ! army is compos$ ( e>ly ris]s4 ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d & ,pr(essor ,arnold left ! h\se 9 :i* ! ,lieut5ant 0 qu>t]$1 :]e he _h invit$ ,arnold to sp5d ! night4 ,already an ord]ly _h br\ght ar\nd two horses4 ,!y m\nt$ = an e>ly morn+ ride ?r\gh ! c\ntry4 ,(f !y clatt]$1 naturally b5d+ _! c\rse t[>d ! %ore4 ,!y came soon to a po9t 9 ! road :]e x em]g$ f ! hills & gave !m a panoramic view ( ! h>bor & s\nd4 ,wait a m9ute1 call$ ! pr(essor4 ,woodw>d re9$ up & !y gaz$ (f ov] ! wat]4 ,:at's t--an oy/] boat8 ask$ ,woodw>d1 look+ 9 ! direction ,arnold indicat$4 ,i don't ?9k s1 s e>ly1 repli$ ,arnold1 pull+ out 8 pocket glass & look+ c>efully4 ,?r\gh x he c\ld see t some?+ l a hook 0 be+ ca/ ov] ! /eam]'s side & drawn back aga94 ,!y're dragg+ = some?+1 he rem>k$ z !y br\ght up an object d>k & cov]$ ) seagr[?1 !n ?rew x ov]bo>d z ?\gh x 0 n :at !y want$4 ,by ,george--! ,atlantic cable l&s "h--!y're go+ to cut x6 ,woodw>d took ! glasses himself & look$ 9 9 surprise4 ,t's "r1 he cri$1 8 surprise *ang$ to al>m 9 an in/ant4 ,"h1 take ! glass aga9 & wat*4 ,i mu/ get back to ! ,=t4 ,he swung 8 horse ab\t & gallop$ (f1 leav+ ,arnold sitt+ 9 ! saddle gaz+ at ! /range boat ?r\gh 8 glass4 ,by ! "t ,woodw>d rea*$ ! p>ade gr\nd aga91 a field-gun & its company 7 at drill4 ,he da%$ furi\sly across ! field4 ,:at's ! tr\ble8 dem&$ ! (fic] 9 *>ge ( ! gun4 ,woodw>d blurt$ out :at he _h j se54 ,we mu/ /op x--at any co/1 he add$1 brea?lessly4 ,! (fic] turn$ to ! company4 ,a mom5t lat] ! ord] to foll[ ,woodw>d rang out1 ! horses 7 :eel$ ab\t1 & (f ! p>ty gallop$4 ,on !y w5t1 along ! road :i* ,woodw>d & ,arnold _h already trav]s$4 ,arnold 0 /ill gaz+1 impati5tly n[1 ?r\gh ! glass4 ,he c\ld see ! =e-deck ( ! %ip :]e ,del ,m>1 muffl$ up1 & 8 m5 _h succe$$ 9 dragg+ ! cable to ! prop] position on ! deck4 ,!y laid x d[n & ,del ,m> 0 direct+ ! prep>ations = cutt+ x4 ,arnold l[]$ 8 glass & look$ ab\t helplessly4 ,j !n ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d da%$ up ) ! (fic] & company & ! field-gun4 ,!y :eel$ x ab\t & began po9t+ x & f9d+ ! range4 ,w\ld !y nev] get x8 ,arnold 0 almo/ beside himself4 ,"o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 seiz$ an axe & 0 ab\t to deliv] ! fatal bl[4 ,he swung x & = a mom5t held x pois$ ov] 8 head4 ,sudd5ly a l[1 deep rumble ( a rev]b]ation e*o$ & ree*o$ f ! hills ov] ! wat]4 ,! field-gun _h bell[$ defiance4 ,a solid %ot cra%$ ?r\gh ! cab91 sma%+ ! door4 ,a/\nd$1 ! m5 jump$ back4 ,z !y did s1 9 _! fe>1 ! cable1 releas$1 slipp$ back ov] ! rail 9 a great spla% ( safety into ! wat] & sank4 ,! deuce take y--y fools1 swore ,del ,m>1 spr++ =w>d 9 rage1 & look+ furi\sly t[>d ! %ore4 ,two ( ! m5 _h be5 hit by spl9t]s4 ,x 0 impossible to drag aga94 ,besides1 aga9 ! gun crew load$ & fir$4 ,! fir/ %ot _h dismantl$ ! doorway ( ! cab94 ,ela9e cr\*$ fe>fully 9 ! fur!/ corn]1 n kn[+ :at to expect next4 ,sudd5ly ano!r %ot tore ?r\gh j beside ! door1 sma%+ ! woodwork t]rifically4 ,%e %rank back fur!r1 9 fright4 ,any?+ 0 bett] ?an ?is hidd5 t]ror4 ,n]v$ up1 %e ran ?r\gh ! brok5 door4 ,arnold 0 gaz+ ?r\gh 8 glass at ! effect ( ! %ots4 ,he c\ld n[ see ,del ,m> & ! o!rs leap+ into a swift little motor-boat alongside ! /eam] :i* !y _h be5 us+ to help !m 9 dragg+ = ! cable4 ,j !n he saw ,ela9e run1 scream+1 out f ! cab9 & leap ov]bo>d4 ,/op6 %\t$ ,arnold 9 a fev] ( excitem5t1 l[]+ 8 glass4 ,!re's a girl--by ,jove--x's ,miss ,dodge6 ,impossible6 exclaim$ ,woodw>d4 ,i tell y1 x is1 reit]at$ ,arnold1 ?ru/+ ! glass into ! ,lieut5ant's h&4 ,! motor-boat _h />t$ :5 ,del ,m> saw ,ela9e 9 ! wat]4 ,look1 he gr[l$1 po9t+1 ,!re's ! ,dodge girl4 ,ela9e 0 swimm+ frantically away f ! boat4 ,get h]1 he ord]$1 %ield+ 8 face s t %e c\ld n see x4 ,!y turn$ ! boat & head$ t[>d h]4 ,%e /ruck out h>d] ?an ev] = ! %ore4 ,on came ! motor-boat4 ,arnold & ,woodw>d look$ at ea* o!r 9 despair4 ,:at c\ld !y d8 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,someh[1 by a sort ( in/9ct1 ,i suppose1 ,i made my way z quickly z ,i c\ld along ! %ore t[>d ,=t ,dale1 ?9k+ p]haps ( ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d4 ,z ,i came ^u ! "p ( ! gr\nds ( ! ,=t t slop$ d[n to ! bea*1 ,i saw a gr\p ( "y (fic]s /&+ ab\t a peculi> affair on ! %ore 9 ! %all[ wat]--half bird1 half boat4 ,z ,i came clos]1 ,i recogniz$ x z a ,?omas hydroa]oplane4 ,x sugge/$ an idea & ,i hurri$1 %\t+4 ,"o ( ! m51 seat$ 9 x1 0 evid5tly expla9+ its work+ to ! o!rs4 ,wait1 he said1 z he saw me runn+ d[n ! %ore1 wav+ & %\t+ at !m4 ,let's see :at ?is fell[ wants4 ,x 01 z ,i soon le>n$1 ! fam\s ,capta9 ,burnside1 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,a]ial ,corps4 ,brea?less1 ,i told him :at ,i _h se5 & t we 7 all fri5ds ( ,woodw>d's4 ,burnside ?\ght a mom5t1 & quickly made up 8 m9d4 ,come--quick--jump up "h ) me1 he call$4 ,!n to ! o!r m51 ,i'll be back soon4 ,wait "h4 ,let h] g6 ,i _h jump$ up & !y spun ! propell]4 ,! hydroa]oplane fea!r$ along ! wat]1 ?r[+ a cl\d ( :ite spray1 !n sl[ly rose 9 ! air4 ,! s5sation ( fly+ 0 delightful1 z ! fre% morn+ w9d cut our faces4 ,we seem$ to be h>dly mov+4 ,x 0 ! e>? or r ! wat] t ru%$ pa/ "u u4 ,b ,i =got all ab\t my s5sations 9 my anxiety = ,ela9e4 ,z we rose we c\ld see ov] ! curve 9 ! %ore4 ,look6 ,i exclaim$1 /ra9+ my eyes4 ,%e's ov]bo>d4 ,!re's a motor-boat aft] h]4 ,fa/]--ov] t way6 ,yes1 yes1 %\t$ ,burnside above ! ro> ( ! eng9e :i* almo/ made conv]sation impossible4 ,he %ift$ ! planes a bit & cr[d$ on m spe$4 ,! m5 9 ! boat saw u4 ,"o figure1 tall1 muffl$1 _h a famili> look1 b ,i c\ld n place x & 9 ! excitem5t ( ! *ase _h no *ance to try4 ,b ,i c\ld see t he saw u & 0 angry4 ,app>5tly ! man gave ord]s to turn1 = ! boat swung ar\nd j z we swoop$ d[n & ran along ! wat]4 ,ela9e 0 exhau/$4 ,w\ld we be 9 "t8 ,we plan$ along ! wat]1 :ile ! motor-boat sp$ (f ) its baffl$ pass5g]s4 ,f9ally we /opp$1 9 a cl\d ( spray4 ,toge!r1 ,burnside & ,i rea*$ d[n & caught ,ela9e1 n a mom5t too soon1 dragg+ h] into ! boat ( ! hydroa]oplane4 ,if we _h n _h all we c\ld d1 we might h he>d a %\t ( enc\ragem5t & relief f ! hill :]e ,woodw>d & ,arnold & ! re/ 7 wat*+ anxi\sly4 ,i ?rew my coat ab\t h]1 z ! brave girl h]oically clung to u1 half consci\s4 ,oh--,walt]1 %e murmur$1 y 7 j 9 "t4 ,i wi% ,i c\ld h be5 soon]1 ,i apologiz$4 ,!y--!y didn't cut ! cable--did !y8 %e ask$1 z we rose f ! wat] aga91 be>+ h] n[ to safety4 ,i did my be/4 ,,*apt] ,,xi ,,! ,,wireless ,,detective ,del ,m> made 8 way cauti\sly along ! bank ( a little riv] at ! m\? ( :i* he left ! boat aft] escap+ f ! little /eam]4 ,q evid5tly he 0 worri$ by ! failure to cut ! great ,atlantic cable & he 0 eag] to see :e!r any leak _h occurr$ 9 ! organization :i*1 z secret =eign ag5t1 he _h s c>efully built up 9 ,am]ica4 ,z he skirt$ ! %ore ( ! riv]1 he came to a falls4 ,"h he mov$ ev5 m cauti\sly ?an be=e1 look+ ab\t to make c]ta9 t no "o _h foll[$ him4 ,x 0 a beautiful %eet ( wat] t tumbl$ ) a ro> ov] ! l$ge ( rock1 !n rac$ away swiftly to ! sea 9 a cl\d ( spray4 ,assur$ t he 0 alone1 he approa*$ a crevice 9 ! rocks1 ne> ! falls4 ,) ano!r ha/y look ab\t1 he rea*$ 9 & pull$ a lev]4 ,in/antly a mo/ m>vell\s *ange took place1 incr$ible almo/ beyond belief4 ,! volume ( wat] t came ov] ! falls actually & rapidly decreas$ until x almo/ /opp$1 dripp+ sl[ly 9 a ?9 veil4 ,!re 0 ! entrance ( a cave--lit]ally hidd5 beh9d ! falls6 ,del ,m> walk$ 94 ,inside 0 ! entrance to ano!r1 inn] cave1 high] up 9 ! %e] /one ( ! wall t ! wat]s _h erod$4 ,f ! floor to ?is entrance l$ a ladd]4 ,del ,m> climb$ x1 !n /opp$ j inside ! entrance to ! inn] cave4 ,= a mom5t he paus$4 ,!n he press$ ano!r lev]4 ,almo/ imm$iately ! ?9 trickle ( wat] grew until at la/ ! ro>+ falls completely cov]$ ! cave entrance4 ,x 0 a clev] concealm5t1 contriv$ by damm+ ! riv] above & arrang+ a new outlet controll$ by flood-gates4 ,!re ,del ,m> /ood1 9 ! inn] cave4 ,a man sat at a table1 a curi\s ge> fa/5$ ov] 8 head & cov]+ 8 e>s4 ,be=e him 0 a huge app>atus f :i* fl>$ a big blui%-gre5 sp>k1 snapp+ & crackl+ above ! ?und] ( ! waves4 ,f ! app>atus ran wires app>5tly up ?r\gh cables t p5etrat$ ! rocky ro( ( ! cav]n & ! riv] above4 ,x 0 ,del ,m>'s secret wireless /ation1 close to ! hidd5 subm>9e h>bor :i* _h be5 e/abli%$ b5ea? ! innoc5t rocks ( ! promontory up ! coa/4 ,f> ov]head1 on ! cliff ov] ! falls1 7 ! ant5nae ( ! wireless4 ,h[ is %e work+8 ask$ ,del ,m>4 ,pretty well1 answ]$ ! man4 ,no int]f]5ce8 qu]i$ ,del ,m>1 adju/+ ! app>atus4 ,! man %ook 8 head 9 ! negative4 ,we mu/ get a qu5*$ sp>k app>atus1 w5t on ,del ,m>1 pleas$ t no?+ 0 wrong "h4 ,?is rot>y gap affair is out ( date4 ,by ! way1 ,i want y to be ready to s5d a message1 to be relay$ across to our p4 ,i've got to consult ! bo>d bel[ 9 ! h>bor1 fir/1 h[ev]4 ,i'll s5d a mess5g] to y4 ,v well1 sir1 return$ ! man1 salut+ z ,del ,m> w5t out4 ,out at ,=t ,dale1 ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d 0 /ill ent]ta9+ 8 new fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold1 & _h introduc$ him to ,colonel ,swift1 ! comm&+ (fic] at ! ,=t4 ,!y 7 discuss+ ! /range ev5ts ( ! e>ly morn+1 :5 an ord]ly ent]$1 salut$ ,colonel ,swift & h&$ him a telegram4 ,! ,colonel tore x op5 & read x1 8 face gr[+ grave4 ,!n he h&$ x to ,woodw>d1 :o read3 ,,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,radio /ation us+ illegal wave l5g? 9 y\r vic9ity4 ,inve/igate & report4 ,,br&on1 ,radio ,bureau4 ,pr(essor ,arnold %ook 8 head sl[ly1 z he h&$ ! telegram back4 ,!re's a wireless app>atus ( my own on my ya*t1 he rem>k$ sl[ly4 ,i h an in/rum5t !re :i* ,i ?9k c help y greatly4 ,let's see :at we c d4 ,all "r1 nodd$ ,colonel ,swift to ,woodw>d4 ,try4 ,! two w5t out & a few m9utes lat]1 on ! %ore1 jump$ into ,arnold's fa/ little motor-boat & sp$ out across ! wat] until !y swung ar\nd alongside ! trim ya*t :i* ,arnold 0 us+4 ,x 0 a compact & com=table little craft ) l9es t indicat$ bo? gracefulness & spe$4 ,on "o ( ! ma/s1 z !y approa*$1 ,woodw>d notic$ ! wireless a]ial4 ,!y climb$ up ! ladd] ov] ! side & made _! way directly to ! wireless room1 :]e ,arnold sat d[n & at once began to adju/ ! app>atus4 ,woodw>d seem$ ke5ly int]e/$ 9 inspect+ ! plant :i* 0 ( a curi\s type & n exactly l any t he _h se5 be=e4 ,wireless app>atus1 expla9$ ,arnold1 /ill at "w1 z y "k1 is divid$ into ?ree p>ts1 ! s\rce ( p[]1 ! mak+ & s5d+ ( wireless waves1 includ+ ! key1 sp>k1 cond5s] & tun+ coil1 & ! receiv+ app>atus--head telephones1 ant5nae1 gr\nd & detector4 ,?is is a v compact sy/em ) facilities = a quick *ange f "o wave l5g? to ano!r4 ,x has a sp>k gap1 qu5*$ type1 break sy/em relay--op]ator c he> any int]f]5ce :ile transmitt+--trans=mation by a s+le ?r[ ( a six-po9t swit* :i* tunes ! oscillat+ & op5 circuits to resonance4 ,woodw>d wat*$ him ke5ly1 foll[+ 8 explanation c>efully1 z ,arnold conclud$4 ,y might call x a radio detective1 he add$4 ,ev5 ! />tl+ exp]i5ce ( ! morn+ :5 %e 0 c>ri$ (f & f9ally jump$ f ! little tramp /eam] t _h attempt$ to cut ! cable did n damp5 ,ela9e's ardor4 ,%e miss$ ! guid+ h& ( ,k5n$y1 yet felt impell$ to foll[ up & inve/igate ! /range ?+s t _h be5 happ5+ 9 ! neighborhood ( h] summ] home s9ce 8 disappe>ance4 ,i succe$$ 9 gett+ h] safely home aft] ,burnside & ,i rescu$ h] 9 ! hydroa]oplane1 b no soon] _h %e *ang$ h] clo!s = dry ones ?an %e disappe>$ h]self4 ,at lea/ ,i c\ld n f9d h]1 ?\gh1 lat]1 ,i f\nd t %e _h /ol5 away to t[n & !re _h pur*as$ a complete outfit ( m5's clo!s f a second h& deal]4 ,cauti\sly1 ) ! l>ge bundle "u h] arm1 %e return$ to ,dodge ,hall & almo/ sneak$ into h] own home & up-/airs to h] room4 ,%e lock$ ! door & ha/ily unwrapp$ ! bundle tak+ out a tatt]$ suit & ! o!r ?+s1 hold+ !m up & laugh+ gleefully z %e took (f h] own pretty clo!s & donn$ ^! hide\s g>m5ts4 ,quickly %e complet$ h] *ange ( co/ume & outw>d "*4 ,z %e survey$ h]self 9 ! da9ty mirror ( h] dress+-table %e laugh$ aga9 at ! incongruity ( h] pretty b\doir & ! r\gh m5's clo!s %e 0 we>+4 ,deftly %e arrang$ h] hair s t h] hat w\ld cov] x4 ,%e pick$ a black mu/a*e f ! table & /uck x on h] s(t upp] lip4 ,x tickl$ & %e made a wry face ov] x4 ,!n %e hunt$ up a cig>ette f ! bundle :i* %e _h br\ght 91 light$ x & /uck x 9 ! corn] ( h] m\?1 lett+ x droop jauntily4 ,x made h] c\gh trem5d\sly & %e ?rew x away4 ,f9ally %e w5t to ! door & d[n-/airs4 ,no "o 0 ab\t4 ,%e op5$ ! door & gaz$ ar\nd4 ,all 0 quiet4 ,x 0 a new role = h]1 b1 ) a bold front1 %e w5t out & pass$ d[n to ! gate ( ! gr\nds1 pull+ h] hat d[n ov] h] eyes & assum+ a t\gh swagg]4 ,only a few m9utes be=e1 d[n 9 ! subm>9e h>bor1 ! (fic]s ( ! bo>d ( =eign ag5ts _h be5 gr\p$ ab\t ,del ,m>1 :o _h ent]$ & tak5 8 place at _! head1 v angry ov] ! failure to cut ! cable4 ,z !y conclud$ _! ha/y conf]5ce1 he wrote a message on a slip ( pap]4 ,take ?is to our wireless /ation1 he ord]$1 h&+ x to "o ( ! m54 ,! man took x1 rose1 & w5t to a w>drobe f :i* he extract$ "o ( ! subm>9e suits4 ,) ! message 9 8 h&1 he w5t out ( ! room1 buckl+ on ! suit4 ,a few m9utes lat] ! mess5g] 9 ! subm>9e suit bobb$ up out ( ! wat]1 ne> ! promontory1 & climb$ sl[ly ov] ! rocks t[>d a crevice1 :]e he began to take (f ! div+ outfit4 ,hav+ f9i%$1 he hid ! suit among ! rocks & !n w5t along to ! little riv]1 c>efully skirt+ its banks into ! rav9e 9 :i* 7 ! falls & ! wireless cave4 ,9 h] disguise1 ,ela9e _h made h] way by a sort ( in/9ct along ! %ore to ! rocky promontory :]e we _h discov]$ ! message 9 ! t9 tube 9 ! wat]4 ,some?+1 %e knew n :at1 0 go+ on ab\t !re1 & %e reason$ t x 0 n all ov] yet4 ,%e 0 "r4 ,z %e look$ ab\t ke5ly %e did see some?+1 & %e hid among ! rocks4 ,x 0 a man1 all dripp+1 9 an outl&i% helmet & suit4 ,%e saw him sl9k into a crevice & take (f ! suit1 !n1 z he mov$ t[>d ! riv] rav9e1 %e /ole up aft] him4 ,sudd5ly %e /opp$ />k /ill1 surpris$1 & />$4 ,! man _h actually gone up to ! v wat]fall4 ,he _h press$ :at look$ l a lev] & ! wat] ov] ! falls seem$ to /op4 ,!n he walk$ directly ?r\gh into a cave4 ,9 ! greate/ wond]1 ,ela9e crept along t[>d ! falls4 ,inside ! cave ,del ,m>'s emiss>y />t$ to climb a ladd] to an inn] cave4 ,z he rea*$ ! top1 he glanc$ out & saw ,ela9e by ! entrance4 ,) an oa? he jump$ into ! inn] entrance4 ,8 h& rea*$ eag]ly = a lev] 9 ! rocks & z he f\nd & held x1 he pe]$ out c>efully4 ,ela9e cauti\sly came f beh9d a rock :]e %e _h hidd5 h]self & see+ no "o app>5tly wat*+1 n[1 advanc$ until %e /ood directly "u ! trickle ( wat] :i* _h once be5 ! falls4 ,%e gaz$ into ! cave1 curi\sly unc]ta9 :e!r %e d>$ to g 9 alone or n4 ,! emiss>y j]k$ fi]cely at ! lev] z he saw ,ela9e4 ,above ! falls a dam _h be5 built & by a sy/em ( lev]s ! gates c\ld be op]at$ s t ! wat] c\ld be ?r[n ov] ! falls or div]t$ away1 at w4 ,z ! man press$ ! lev]1 ! flood gates work$ quickly4 ,ela9e /ood gaz+ eag]ly into ! blackness ( ! cave4 ,j !n a great volume ( wat] f above cra%$ d[n on h]1 ) almo/ cru%+ weight4 ,h[ %e liv$ ?r\gh x %e nev] knew4 ,b1 =tunately1 %e _h n gone q f> en\gh to get ! full =ce ( ! wat]4 ,/ill1 ! t]rific flood easily ov]came h]4 ,%e 0 swept1 scream+1 d[n ! /ream4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,r al>m$ at ! /range disappe>ance ( ,ela9e aft] ,i br\ght h] home1 ,i _h />t$ out along ! road to ! %ore to look = h]1 ?9k+ t %e might p]haps h return$ !re4 ,z ,i walk$ along a "y t\gh--at lea/ at ! "t ,i ?\ght x 0 a "y t\gh1 s good 0 ! disguise %e _h assum$ & s well did %e c>ry x (f--sl\*$ pa/ me4 ,:at su* a "* c\ld be do+ 9 ! neighborhood ,i c\ld n see4 ,b he 0 s noticeably t\gh t ,i turn$ & look$4 ,he kept 8 eyes av]t$ z if afraid ( be+ recogniz$4 ,great ,caes>1 ,i mutt]$ to myself1 t's a r\ghneck4 ,?is place is sure gett+ to be a hang-out = gunm54 ,i %rugg$ my %\ld]s & cont9u$ my walk4 ,x 0 no bus9ess ( m9e4 ,f9d+ no trace ( ,ela9e1 ,i return$ to ! h\se4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 9 ! libr>y1 alone4 ,:]e's ,ela9e8 ,i ask$ anxi\sly4 ,i don't "k1 %e repli$4 ,i don't ?9k %e's at home4 ,well1 ,i c't f9d h] any:]e1 ,i fr[n$ w&]+ out at a loss :at to d1 & ?ru/+ my h&s deep 9 my pockets z an aid to ?\ght4 ,someh[1 ,i felt1 ,i didn't seem to get on well z a detective )\t ,k5n$y4 ,yet1 s f>1 a k9d provid5ce seem$ to h wat*$ ov] u4 ,0 x because we 7 *ildr5--or--,i reject$ t alt]native4 ,walk+ along leisurely ,i made my way d[n to ! %ore4 ,at a bridge t cross$ a r turbul5t /ream z x tumbl$ its way t[>d ! sea1 ,i paus$ & look$ at ! wat] reflectively4 ,sudd5ly my vagrant int]e/ 0 ar\s$4 ,up ! /ream ,i saw "s "o /ruggl+ 9 ! wat] & %\t+ = help z ! curr5t c>ri$ h] along1 scream+4 ,x 0 ,ela9e4 ,! hat & mu/a*e ( h] disguise 7 gone & h] beautiful ,titian hair 0 spread out on ! wat] z x c>ri$ h] n[ ?is way1 n[ t1 :ile %e /ruck out ) all h] /r5g? to keep afloat4 ,i did n /op to ?9k h[ or :y %e 0 !re4 ,i swung ov] ! bridge rail1 /ripp+ (f my coat1 ready to dive4 ,on %e came ) ! swift curr5t to ! bridge4 ,z %e approa*$ ,i div$4 ,x 0 n a m9ute too soon4 ,9 h] /ruggles %e _h become ?or\ghly exhau/$4 ,%e 0 a good swimm] b ! fight ) nature 0 unequal4 ,i rea*$ h] 9 a second or s & took h] h&4 ,half pull+1 half %ov+ h]1 ,i /ruck out = ! %ore4 ,we manag$ to make x toge!r :]e ! curr5t 0 n q s /rong & climb$ safely up a rock4 ,ela9e sank d[n1 *ok+ & gasp+1 n unconsci\s b pretty mu* all 9 & exhau/$4 ,i look$ at h] 9 amazem5t4 ,%e 0 ! t\gh "* ,i _h j se54 ,:y1 :]e 9 ! _w did y get ^? togs8 ,i qu]i$4 ,nev] m9d my clo!s1 ,walt]1 %e gasp$4 ,take me home = "s dry ones4 ,i h a clue4 ,%e rose1 det]m9$ to %ake (f ! effects ( h] rec5t plunge & w5t t[>d ! h\se4 ,z ,i help$ h] %e relat$ brea?lessly :at %e has j se54 ,mean:ile1 back ( t wall ( wat]1 ! wireless op]ator 9 ! cave 0 s5d+ ! messages :i* ,del ,m>'s emiss>y dictat$ to him1 "o aft] ano!r4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,) ! high resi/ance receiv+ app>atus ov] 8 head1 ,arnold 0 li/5+ to ! wireless signals t came ov] 8 radio detective on ! ya*t1 mov+ ! slid] back & =? on a sort ( tun+ coil1 z he li/5$4 ,woodw>d /ood close beside him4 ,z y "k1 ,arnold rem>k$1 by ! use ( an a]ial1 messages may be easily receiv$ f any numb] ( /ations4 ,laws1 rules1 & regulations may be adopt$ by ! gov]nm5t to %ut out int]lop]s & to plug busybody e>s1 b ! great] "p ( :atev] is transmitt$ by ! ,h]tzian waves c be snat*$ d[n by ?is wireless detective ( m9e4 ,"h ,i c sit 9 my wireless room ) ?is e>-phone clamp$ ov] my head dr9k+ 9 news1 pluck+ ! secrets ( o!rs f ! sky--9 o!r words1 ?is is eavesdropp+ by a wireless wire-tapp]4 ,are y gett+ any?+ n[8 ask$ ,woodw>d4 ,arnold nodd$1 z he seiz$ a p5cil & />t$ to write4 ,! lieut5ant b5t =w>d 9 t5se int]e/4 ,f9ally ,arnold read :at he _h writt5 & ) a peculi>1 quiet smile h&$ x ov]4 ,woodw>d read4 ,x 0 a s5seless jumble ( dots & da%es ( ! ,morse code b1 al?\gh he 0 famili> ) ! code1 he c\ld make no?+ out ( x4 ,x's ! ,morse code all "r1 he said1 h&+ x back ) a puzzl$ look1 b x doesn't make any s5se4 ,arnold smil$ aga91 took ! pap]1 & )\t a ^w wrote on x "s m4 ,!n he h&$ x back to ,woodw>d4 ,an old trick1 he said4 ,rev]se ! dots & da%es & see :at y get4 ,woodw>d look$ at x1 z ,arnold _h rev]s$ x & 8 face light$ up4 ,h>bor successfully m9$1 he quot$ 9 surprise4 ,i'll %[ y ano!r ?+ ab\t ?is radio detective ( m9e1 w5t on ,arnold en]getically4 ,x's n only a wave l5g? measur]1 b by a process ( my own ,i c det]m9e approximately ! di/ance betwe5 ! s5d+ & ! receiv+ po9ts ( a message4 ,he atta*$ ano!r1 small] ma*9e to ! wireless detector4 ,9 ! face 0 a mov+ f+] :i* swung ov] a dial m>k$ (f 9 miles f "o upw>d4 ,z ,arnold adju/$ ! new detector1 ! h& began to move sl[ly4 ,woodw>d look$ eag]ly4 ,x did n move f>1 b came to re/ above ! figure #b4 ,n s v f> away1 y see1 ,lieut5ant1 rem>k$ ,arnold1 po9t+ at ! dial face4 ,he seiz$ 8 glass & hurri$ to ! deck1 levell+ x at ! %ore1 lean+ f> ov] ! rail 9 8 eag]ness4 ,z he swept ! %ore1 he /opp$ sudd5ly4 ,!re 0 a h\se-ro( among ! trees ) a wireless a]ial fa/5$ to ! *imney1 b n q conceal$ by ! d5se foliage4 ,look1 he cri$ to ,woodw>d1 ) an exclamation ( satisfaction1 h&+ ov] ! glass4 ,woodw>d look$4 ,a secret wireless /ation1 all "r1 he agre$1 l[]+ ! glass aft] a long look4 ,we'd bett] get ov] !re "r away1 plann$ ,arnold1 lead+ ! way to ! ladd] ov] ! side ( ! ya*t & call+ to ! sailor :o _h manag$ ! little motor-boat to foll[ him4 ,quickly !y skimm$ across to ! %ore4 ,i ?9k we'd bett] s5d to ! ,=t = "s m51 consid]$ ,arnold z !y l&$4 ,we may ne$ re9=cem5ts be=e we get ?r\gh4 ,woodw>d nodd$ & ,arnold ha/ily wrote a note on a r l>ge scrap ( pap] :i* he happ5$ to h 9 8 pocket4 ,take ?is to ,colonel ,swift at ,=t ,dale1 he direct$ ! sailor4 ,& hurry6 ,! sailor lop$ (f1 half on a run1 z ,arnold & ,woodw>d left d[n ! %ore1 proce$+ c>efully4 ,at top spe$1 ,arnold's sailor made 8 way to ,=t ,dale & 0 direct$ by ! s5try to ,colonel ,swift :o 0 /&+ be=e ! headqu>t]s ) sev]al (fic]s4 ,a message f ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d & ,pr(essor ,arnold1 he ann\nc$1 approa*+ ! comm&+ (fic] & h&+ him ! note4 ,colonel ,swift tore x op5 & read3 ,h locat$ radio a]ial 9 ! woods along %ore4 ,please s5d squad ( m5 ) be>]4--,,arnold4 ,y j left !m8 qu]i$ ! ,colonel4 ,yes sir1 repli$ ! sailor4 ,we came a%ore 9 8 boat4 ,i don't "k exactly :]e !y w5t b ,i "k ! direction & we c cat* up ) !m easily if we hurry1 sir4 ,! colonel h&$ ! note quickly to a cavalry (fic] beside him :o read x1 salut$ at ! ord]s t foll[$1 turn$ & /rode (f1 ha/ily /uff+ ! pap] 9 8 belt1 z ! sailor w5t1 too4 ,mean:ile1 ,del ,m>'s valet 0 leav+ ! bungal[ & walk+ d[n ! road on an err& = 8 ma/]4 ,up ! road he he>d ! clatt] ( ho(s4 ,he /epp$ back (f ! road & f 8 cov]t he c\ld see a squad ( cavalry head$ by ! capta9 & a sailor cant]+ pa/4 ,! capta9 turn$ 9 ! saddle to speak to ! sailor1 :o rode l a horse m>9e1 & z he did s1 ! turn+ ( 8 body loos5$ a pap] :i* he _h /uff$ quickly into 8 belt4 ,x fell to ! gr\nd4 ,9 _! hurry ! troop1 close beh9d1 rode ov] x4 ,b x did n escape ! quick eye ( ,del ,m>'s valet4 ,!y _h sc>cely disappe>$ ar\nd a b5d 9 ! road :5 he /epp$ out & p\nc$ on ! pap]1 read+ x eag]ly4 ,e l9e ( 8 face %[$ fe> z he turn$ & ran back to ! bungal[4 ,see :at ,i f\nd1 he cri$ brea?lessly bur/+ 9 on ,del ,m> :o 0 seat$ at 8 desk1 hav+ return$ f ! h>bor4 ,del ,m> read x ) a sc[l ( fury4 ,!n he seiz$ 8 hat1 & a %ort hunt]'s axe1 & disappe>$ ?r\gh ! panel into ! subt]ranean passage :i* took him by ! %orte/ cut ?r\gh ! v hill to ! %ore4 ,sl[ly ,arnold & ,woodw>d made _! way along ! %ore1 c>efully se>*+ = ! spot :]e !y _h se5 ! h\se ) ! a]ial4 ,at la/ !y came to a place :]e !y c\ld see ! des]t$ h\se1 f> up on ! side ( a rav9e above a riv] & a wat]falls4 ,!y div$ into ! ?ick und]bru% = cov] & w5t up ! hill4 ,"s di/ance (f f ! h\se1 !y p>t$ ! bu%es & gaz$ (f across an op5 space at ! ram%ackle build+4 ,z !y look$ !y c\ld see a man hurry across f ! opposite direction & into ! h\se4 ,z ,i live1 ,i ?9k t's ,del ,m>1 mutt]$ ,arnold4 ,woodw>d nodd$1 d\btfully1 ?\gh4 ,9 ! h\se1 ,del ,m> hurri$ to a wall :]e he f\nd & press$ a conceal$ spr+4 ,a small cab9et 9 ! pla/] op5$ & he took out a little telephone :i* he rang & ?r\gh :i* he spoke ha/ily4 ,pull 9 ! wires1 he %\t$4 ,we're discov]$1 ,i ?9k4 ,d[n 9 ! wireless /ation 9 ! cave1 ! op]ator at 8 in/rum5t he>d ! signal ( ! telephone & quickly answ]$ x4 ,all "r1 sir1 he return$ ) a look ( great excitem5t & anxiety4 ,cut ! wires & ,i'll pull !m 94 ,putt+ back ! telephone1 ,del ,m> ran to ! w9d[ & look$ out betwe5 ! brok5 slats ( ! clos$ bl9ds4 ,conf\nd !m6 he mutt]$ angrily4 ,he c\ld see ,arnold & ,woodw>d cauti\sly approa*+4 ,a mom5t lat] he /epp$ back & pull$ a silk mask ov] 8 upp] face1 leav+ only 8 eyes visible4 ,!n he seiz$ 8 hunt]'s axe & da%$ up ! /airs4 ,?r\gh ! scuttle ( ! ro( he came1 mak+ 8 way ov] to ! *imney to :i* ! wireless ant5nae 7 fa/5$4 ,ha/ily he cut ! wires :i* ran ?r\gh ! ro( f ! a]ial4 ,z he did s he saw !m disappe> ?r\gh ! ro(4 ,bel[1 9 ! cave1 d[n 9 ! rav9e back ( ! falls1 ! op]ator 0 ha/ily haul+ 9 ! wire ,del ,m> _h cut4 ,vici\sly next1 ,del ,m> fell ^u ! wood5 a]ial itself1 *opp+ x "r & left ) p[]ful bl[s4 ,he broke x (f & ?rew x ov] ! ro(4 ,bel[1 ,arnold & ,woodw>d1 tak+ advantage ( e tree & %rub = concealm5t1 _h almo/ rea*$ ! h\se :5 ! brok5 a]ial fell ) a bang almo/ on !m4 ,9 surprise !y dropp$ back ( a tree & look$ up4 ,b f _! position !y c\ld see no?+4 ,toge!r !y drew _! guns & advanc$ m cauti\sly at ! h\se4 ,del ,m> made 8 way back quickly ov] ! ro(1 back ?r\gh ! scuttle & d[n ! /airs aga94 ,%\ld he g out8 ,he look$ out ( ! w9d[4 ,!n he w5t to ! door4 ,an in/ant he paus$ ?9k+ & li/5+1 8 axe rais$1 ready = a bl[4 ,arnold & ,woodw>d1 by ?is "t1 _h rea*$ ! door :i* swung op5 on its ru/y h+es4 ,woodw>d 0 ab\t to g 9 :5 he felt a h& on 8 arm4 ,wait1 caution$ ,arnold4 ,he took (f 8 hat & jamm$ x on ! end ( a /ick4 ,sl[ly he %ov$ ! door op51 !n ?ru/ ! hat & /ick j a fraction ( a foot =w>d4 ,del ,m>1 wait+1 al]t1 saw ! door op5 & a hat4 ,he /ruck at x h>d ) ! axe & m]ely ! hat & /ick fell to ! floor4 ,n[1 come on1 %\t$ ,arnold to ,woodw>d4 ,9 ! o!r h&1 ,del ,m> held a *air4 ,z ,woodw>d da%$ 9 ) ,arnold beside him1 ,del ,m> %i$ ! *air at _! feet4 ,woodw>d fell ov] x 9 a heap & z he did s ! delay 0 all t ,del ,m> _h hop$ to ga94 ,)\t a second's hesitation he div$ ?r\gh an op5 w9d[1 j z ,arnold ran =w>d1 avoid+ ,woodw>d & ! *air4 ,x 0 spectacul>1 b x work$4 ,arnold fir$1 b ev5 t 0 n quick en\gh4 ,he turn$ & ) ,woodw>d :o _h pick$ himself up 9 spite ( 8 b>k$ %9s & !y ran back ?r\gh ! door by :i* !y _h ent]$4 ,recov]+ himself1 ,del ,m> da%$ = ! woods j z ,arnold & ,woodw>d ran ar\nd ! side ( ! h\se1 /ill blaz+ away aft] him1 z !y foll[$1 rapidly ga9+4 ,ela9e *ang$ h] clo!s quickly4 ,mean:ile %e _h ord]$ horses = bo? ( u & a groom br\ght !m ar\nd f ! /ables4 ,x took me only a %ort "t to jump into "s dry ?+s & ,i wait$ impati5tly4 ,%e 0 ready v soon1 h[ev]1 & we m\nt$ & cant]$ (f1 aga9 9 ! direction ( ! %ore :]e %e _h se5 ! rem>kable wat]fall1 ( :i* %e _h told me4 ,we _h n gone f> :5 we he>d s\nds1 z if an army 7 be>+ d[n on u4 ,:at's t8 ,i ask$4 ,ela9e turn$ & look$4 ,x 0 a squad ( cavalry4 ,:y1 x's ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d's fri5d1 ,capta9 ,price1 %e exclaim$1 wav+ to ! capta9 at ! head ( ! squad4 ,a mom5t lat] ,capta9 ,price pull$ up & b[$4 ,quickly we told him ( :at ,ela9e _h j discov]$4 ,t's /range1 he said4 ,?is man-- indicat+ ! sailor--has j told me t ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d & ,pr(essor ,arnold are inve/igat+ a wireless outfit ov] ne> !re4 ,p]haps !re's "s connection4 ,may we jo9 y8 %e ask$4 ,by all means1 he return$4 ,i 0 ab\t to sugge/ x myself4 ,we fell 9 beh9d ) ! re/ & 7 (f aga94 ,"u ! direction ( ! sailor we came at la/ to ! rav9e :]e we look$ ab\t se>*+ly = "s trace ( ,arnold & ,woodw>d4 ,:at's t noise8 exclaim$ "o ( ! cavalrym54 ,we c\ld he> %ots1 above u4 ,!y may ne$ u1 cri$ ,ela9e1 impati5tly4 ,x 0 impossible to ride up ! %e] height above4 ,dism\nt1 ord]$ ,capta9 ,price4 ,8 m5 jump$ d[n & we foll[$ him4 ,ela9e /ruggl$ up1 n[ help$ by me1 n[ help+ me4 ,fur!r d[n ! hill f ! des]t$ h\se :i* we c\ld see above u at ! top 0 an und]gr\nd passage :i* _h be5 built to div]t "p ( ! wat] above ! falls = p[]4 ,?r\gh x ! wat] surg$ & ov] ?is boil+ /ream ran a bo>d walk1 ! l5g? ( ! tunnel4 ,into ?is tunnel we c\ld see t a mask$ man _h made 8 way4 ,z he did s1 he turn$ = j a mom5t & fir$ a volley ( %ots4 ,ela9e scream$4 ,!re 7 ,arnold & ,woodw>d1 8 t>gets1 com+ on boldly1 z yet unhit4 ,!y ru%$ 9 aft] him1 9 spite ( 8 runn+ fire1 return+ 8 %ots & d>t+ t[>d ! tunnel entrance ?r\gh :i* he /ill blaz$ back at !m4 ,f our end ( ! rav9e1 we c\ld see precisely :at 0 go+ on4 ,come--! o!r end ( ! tunnel1 %\t$ ,price1 :o _h evid5tly be5 ov] ! gr\nd & knew x4 ,we made our way quickly to x & x seem$ z if we _h our man trapp$1 l a rat 9 a hole4 ,9 ! tunnel ! man 0 fir+ back at 8 pursu]s z he ran along ! bo>d walk = our end4 ,he look$ up j 9 "t z he approa*$ u4 ,!re he c\ld see ,price & 8 cavalry wait+1 cutt+ (f retreat4 ,we 7 too _m = him4 ,he turn$ & took a /ep back4 ,!re 7 ,arnold & ,woodw>d ) levell$ guns pe]+ 9 z ?\gh !y c\ld n see v cle>ly4 ,9 a mom5t _! eyes w\ld become accu/om$ z 8 to ! d>kness4 ,:at %\ld he d8 ,!re 0 n a second to wa/e4 ,he look$ d[n at ! planks b5ea? him & ! black wat] slipp+ pa/ on its way to ! p[] /ation4 ,x 0 a desp]ate *ance4 ,b x 0 all t 0 left4 ,he dropp$ d[n & let himself )\t ev5 a spla% into ! wat]4 ,arnold & ,woodw>d took a /ep into ! d>kness1 sc>cely kn[+ :at to expect1 _! eyes a bit bett] accu/om$ to ! dusk4 ,b if !y _h be5 !re an h\r1 9 all probability !y c\ld n h se5 :at 0 at _! v feet4 ,del ,m> _h sunk & 0 swimm+ "u wat] 9 ! swift black curr5t sweep+ "u !m4 ,z !y ent]$1 he pass$ out1 n]v$ up to desp]ation4 ,d[n ! /ream1 j be=e x took its f9al plunge to ! p[] :eel1 ,del ,m> manag$ by a sup]human ef=t to rea* out & grasp a wood5 support ( ! floor+ aga9 & pull himself out ( ! /ream4 ,smil+ grimly to himself1 he hurri$ up ! bank4 ,"s "o's com+1 :isp]$ ,price4 ,get ready4 ,we levell$ our guns4 ,i 0 ab\t to fire4 ,look out6 ,don't %oot6 w>n$ a voice %>ply4 ,x 0 ,ela9e4 ,h] ke5 eyes & quick p]ception _h recogniz$ ,arnold1 lead+ ,woodw>d4 ,we l[]$ our guns4 ,did y see a man1 mask$1 come out "h8 cri$ ,woodw>d4 ,no--he mu/ h gone y\r way1 we call$4 ,no1 he c\ldn't4 ,arnold 0 eag]ly que/ion+ ! capta9 z ,ela9e & ,i approa*$4 ,dropp$ into ! wat]--risk$ almo/ c]ta9 dea?1 he mutt]$1 half turn+ & see+ u4 ,i want to congratulate y on y\r n]ve = go+ 9 !re1 began ,ela9e1 advanc+ t[>d ! pr(essor4 ,app>5tly he nei!r he>d nor saw u1 = he turn$ z soon z he _h f9i%$ ) ,price & w5t into ! cave z ?\gh he 7 too busy to pay any att5tion to any?+ else4 ,ela9e look$ up at me1 9 blank a/oni%m5t4 ,:at an impolite man1 %e murmur$1 gaz+ at ! figure all /oop$ ov] z x disappe>$ 9 ! d>kness ( ! tunnel4 ,,*apt] ,,xii ,,! ,,dea? ,,cl\d ,(f a lonely :>f 9 a des]t$ "p ( ! coa/ "s miles f ! promontory :i* af=d$ ,del ,m> 8 secret subm>9e h>bor1 a %ip 0 rid+ at an*or4 ,on ! :>f a gr\p ( m51 husky lasc>s1 7 /ra9+ _! eyes at ! my/]i\s craft4 ,"h %e comes1 mutt]$ "o ( ! m51 at la/4 ,f ! %ip a l>ge yawl _h put out4 ,z %e approa*$ ! :>f x c\ld be se5 t %e 0 load$ to ! gunwales ) cases & boxes4 ,%e drew up close to ! :>f & ! m5 fell to unload+ h]1 lift+ up ! boxes z ?\gh !y 7 weight$ ) fea!rs in/ead ( metal & explosives4 ,d[n ! %ore1 at ! same "t1 beh9d a huge rock1 cr\*$ a r\gh look+ tramp4 ,8 int]e/ 9 ! yawl & its c>go 0 ev5 ke5] ?an t ( ! lasc>s4 ,supplies1 he mutt]$1 mov+ back cauti\sly & up ! bluff4 ,i wond] :]e !y are tak+ !m8 ,m>cus ,del ,m> _h *os5 an old & ru9$ hotel n f> f ! %ore z 8 /oreh\se & ars5al4 ,already he 0 !re1 pac+ up & d[n ! rott$ v]&a :i* %ook "u 8 weight4 ,come1 hurry up1 he call$ impati5tly z ! fir/ ( ! m5 c>ry+ a huge box on 8 back made 8 appe>ance up ! hill4 ,"o aft] ano!r !y troop$ 9 & ,del ,m> l$ !m to ! hotel1 unlock+ ! door4 ,inside1 ! old ho/elry 0 q z ram%ackle z outside4 ,:at _h once be5 ! d9+-room n[ held no?+ b a long1 rickety table & sev]al *airs4 ,put !m !re1 ord]$ ,del ,m>1 direct+ ! disposal ( ! cases4 ,!n y c beg9 "w4 ,i %all be back soon4 ,he w5t out & z he did s1 two m5 seiz$ guns f a corn] ne>-by & foll[$ him4 ,on ! v]&a he paus$ & turn$ to ! m54 ,if any "o approa*es ! h\se--any "o1 y und]/&--make him a prison] & s5d = me1 he ord]$4 ,if he resi/s1 %oot4 ,yes1 sir1 !y repli$1 mov+ ov] & /ation+ !mselves "o at ea* angle ( ! n>r[ pa?s t ran be=e ! old h\se4 ,del ,m> turn$ & plung$ delib]ately into ! bu%es1 z if = a cross c\ntry walk1 unobs]v$4 ,mean:ile1 by ano!r pa? up ! bluff1 ! tramp _h made 8 way p>allel to ! l9e tak5 by ! m54 ,he paus$ at ! top ( ! bluff :]e "s bu%es ov]hung & p>t$ !m4 ,_! headqu>t]s1 he rem>k$ to himself1 "u 8 brea?4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i 7 on ! lawn t =5oon :5 a groom 9 respl5d5t liv]y came up to u4 ,miss ,ela9e ,dodge8 he b[$4 ,ela9e took ! note he (f]$ & he dep>t$ ) ano!r b[4 ,oh1 isn't t delightful1 %e cri$ ) pleasure1 h&+ ! note to me4 ,i read x3 ,! ,wilke%ire ,c\ntry ,club w be honor$ if ,miss ,dodge & h] fri5ds w jo9 ! pap] *ase ?is aft]noon4 ,l4,h4 ,br[n1 ,secret>y4 ,i suppose a prep>ation = ! fox or drag hunt+ season8 ,i qu]i$4 ,yes1 %e repli$4 ,w y g8 ,i don't ride v well1 ,i answ]$1 b ,i'll g4 ,oh1 & "h's ,mr4 ,del ,m>1 %e add$1 turn+4 ,y'll jo9 u at ! ,wilke%ire hunt 9 a pap] *ase ?is aft]noon1 surely1 ,mr4 ,del ,m>8 ,*>m$1 ,i'm sure1 he agre$ gracefully4 ,= sev]al m9utes we *att$1 plann+1 !n he )drew4 ,i %all meet y on ! way to ! ,club1 he promis$4 ,x 0 n long be=e ,ela9e 0 ready1 & f ! /able a groom l$ ?ree ( ! be/ tra9$ cross-c\ntry horses 9 ! neighborhood1 = old ,taylor ,dodge1 ,ela9e's fa!r1 _h be5 passionately fond ( hunt+1 z _h be5 bo? ,ela9e & ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,we met on ! por* & a few m9utes lat] m\nt$ & cant]$ away4 ,on ! road ,del ,m> jo9$ u & we gallop$ along to ! ,hunt ,club1 c>eful1 h[ev]1 to save ! horses z mu* z possible = ! da% ov] ! fields4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,= "s "t ! unc\? tramp cont9u$ gaz+ fix$ly out ( ! bu%es at ! des]t$ hotel4 ,sudd5ly1 he he>d a noise & dropp$ flat on ! gr\nd1 look+ ke5ly ab\t4 ,?r\gh ! trees he c\ld see "o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 /ation$ on s5try duty4 ,he 0 lean+ aga9/ a tree1 on ! al]t4 ,! tramp rose cauti\sly & mov$ (f 9 ano!r direction to t 9 :i* he _h be5 mak+ 8 way1 endeavor+ to flank ! s5try4 ,fur!r along1 h[ev]1 ano!r ( ,del ,m>'s m5 0 /&+ 9 ! same att5tive mann] ne> a pa? t l$ f ! woods4 ,z ! tramp approa*$1 ! s5try he>d a crackle ( ! bru% & /epp$ =w>d4 ,be=e ! tramp knew x1 he 0 cov]$ by a rifle f ! s5try 9 an unexpect$ qu>t]4 ,any "o b ! s5try1 ) half an eye1 might h se5 t ! fe> he %[$ 0 clev]ly feign$4 ,he ?rew 8 h&s above 8 head ev5 be=e he 0 ord]$ & 9 g5]al 0 ! mo/ tractable captive imag9able4 ,! s5try blew a :i/le1 :]eat ! o!r s5try ran 94 ,:at %all we d ) him1 ask$ ! captor4 ,ma/]'s ord]s to take any "o to ! r5dezv\s1 respond$ ! o!r firmly1 & lock him up4 ,toge!r !y =c$ ! tramp to m>* d\ble quick t[>d ! old hotel4 ,"o s5try dropp$ back at ! door & ! o!r drove ! tramp be=e him into ! hotel1 avoid+ ! big room on ! side :]e ! m5 7 at "w & =c+ him up-/airs to ! attic :i* _h once be5 ! s]vant's qu>t]s4 ,!re 0 no w9d[ 9 ! room & x 0 empty4 ,! only light came 9 ?r\gh a skylight 9 ! ro(4 ,! s5try ?ru/ ! tramp into ?is room & tri$ a door lead+ to ! next room4 ,x 0 lock$4 ,at ! po9t ( 8 gun ! s5try frisk$ ! tramp = weapons1 b f\nd none4 ,z he did s ! tramp trembl$ mightily4 ,b no soon] _h ! s5try gone ?an ! tramp smil$ quietly to himself4 ,he tri$ bo? doors4 ,!y 7 lock$4 ,!n he look$ at ! skylight & m$itat$4 ,d[n bel[1 al?\gh he did n "k x1 9 ! b>e d9+-room :i* _h be5 arrang$ into a sort ( *emical laboratory1 ,del ,m>'s m5 7 engag$ 9 manufactur+ gas bombs mu* l ^? us$ 9 ! w> 9 ,europe4 ,be=e !m 0 a =midable array ( bottles & retorts4 ,! conta9]s = ! bombs 7 l>ge & v brittle globes ( h>d rubb]4 ,z ! m5 made ! gas & =c$ x "u trem5d\s pressure into tubes1 !y protect$ !mselves by we>+ goggles = ! eyes & l>ge masks ( clo? & saturat$ cotton ov] _! m\?s & noses4 ,satisfi$ ) ! safety ( 8 captive1 ! s5try made 8 way d[n-/airs & out aga9 to report to ,del ,m>4 ,at ! bungal[1 ,del ,m>'s valet 0 sett+ ! libr>y 9 ord] :5 he he>d a signal 9 ! secret passage4 ,he press$ ! button on ! desk & op5$ ! panel4 ,f x ! s5try ent]$4 ,:]e is ,mr4 ,del ,m>8 he ask$ hurri$ly1 look+ ar\nd4 ,we've be5 foll[$ to ! headqu>t]s by a tramp :om ,i've captur$1 & ,i don't "k :at to d ) him4 ,he is n "h1 answ]$ ! valet4 ,he has gone to ! ,c\ntry ,club4 ,conf\nd x1 return$ ! s5try1 vex$ at ! en=c$ wa/e ( "t4 ,d y ?9k y c rea* him8 ,if ,i hurry1 ,i may1 nodd$ ! valet4 ,!n d s1 direct$ ! s5try4 ,he mov$ back into ! panel & disappe>$ :ile ! valet clos$ x4 ,a mom5t lat] he1 too1 pick$ up 8 hat & hurri$ out4 ,at ! ,wilke%ire ,club a l>ge numb] ( hunt]s _h arriv$ = ! imitation meet4 ,ela9e1 ,aunt ,joseph9e1 ,del ,m> & myself rode up & 7 greet$ by !m z ! ,ma/] ( ,fox ,h\nds assembl$ u4 ,(f a bit1 a spl5did pack ( h\nds 0 held by ! huntsman :ile !y debat$ :e!r to hold a pap] *ase or to try a drag hunt4 ,y />t y\r cross-c\ntry rid+ e>ly1 comm5t$ ,del ,m>4 ,yes1 answ]$ ,ela9e4 ,y see we c h>dly wait until autumn & ! wea!r is s f9e & cool1 we feel t we ought to get into trim dur+ ! summ]4 ,s we h pap] *ases & drag hunts z soon z we c1 ma9ly to please ! y\ng] set4 ,! *ase 0 j ab\t to />t1 :5 ! valet came up4 ,del ,m> caught 8 eye & excus$ himself to u4 ,:at he said1 we c\ld n he>1 b ,del ,m> fr[n$1 nodd$ & dismiss$ him4 ,j !n ! horn s\nd$ & we w5t (f1 da%+ across ! road into a field 9 full *ase aft] ! h\nds1 tak+ ! f5ces & settl+ d[n to a good half h\r's run ov] ! mo/ beautiful c\ntry ,i h ev] se54 ,! h\nds _h /ruck ! trail1 :i* ( c\rse1 z 0 f9ally decid$1 0 no?+ b t laid by an anise-se$ bag dragg$ ov] ! gr\nd4 ,x 0 none ! less1 9 fact p]haps m int]e/+ = t4 ,! huntsman w9d$ 8 horn & mir?ful %\ts ( ,gone away6 s\nd$ 9 imitation ( a real hunt4 ,! bla/ ( ! horn once he>d is nev] =gott51 ?rill+ ! blood & urg+ "o on4 ,! ,m4 ,f4 ,h4 seem$ to be ev]y:]e at once1 re/ra9+ ^? :o 7 too eag] & sav+ ! h\nds (t5 f be+ ridd5 d[n by ^? new to ! hunt :o press$ !m4 ,ela9e 0 "o ( ! =emo/4 ,h] hunt] 0 "o c>efully tra9$1 & %e knew all ! tricks ( ! game4 ,someh[1 ,i got sep>at$1 at fir/1 f ! re/ & foll[$1 until f9ally ,i caught up1 & !n kept beh9d "o ( ! be/ rid]s4 ,del ,m> also got sep>at$1 b1 z ,i aft]w>d le>n$1 by int5tion1 = he delib]ately rode out ( ! c\rse at ! fir/ opportunity he _h & let ,ela9e & ! re/ ( u pass )\t see+ him4 ,ela9e's blood 0 up1 b someh[1 9 spite ( h]self1 %e w5t a/ray1 = ! h\nds _h di/anc$ ! fleete/ rid]s & %e1 9 an attempt at a %ort cut ov] ! c\ntry :i* %e ?\ght %e knew s well1 w5t a mile or s out ( ! way4 ,%e pull$ up 9 a rav9e & look$ ab\t4 ,int5tly %e li/5$4 ,!re 0 no sign ( ! hunt4 ,%e 0 hot & tir$ & ?ir/y &1 at a loss j to jo9 ! field aga91 %e took ?is *ance to dism\nt & dr9k f a cle> /ream f$ by m\nta9 spr+s4 ,z %e did s1 float+ ov] ! peaceful woodl& air came ! fa9t /ra9s ( ! huntsman's horn1 f>1 f> (f4 ,%e look$ ab\t1 /ra9+ h] eyes & e>s to cat* ! direction ( s\nd4 ,j !n h] horse caught ! w9d+ ( ! horn4 ,8 e>s w5t erect & )\t wait+ he in/antly gallop$ (f1 leav+ h]4 ,ela9e call$ & ran aft] him1 b x 0 too late4 ,%e /opp$ & look$ deject$ly z he disappe>$4 ,!n %e made h] way up ! side ( ! rav9e1 sl[ly4 ,on %e climb$ until1 to h] surprise1 %e came to ! ru9s ( an old hotel4 ,%e rememb]$1 z a *ild1 :5 x _h be5 fam\s z a heal? resort1 b x 0 all *ang$ n[--a wreck4 ,%e look$ at x a mom5t1 !n1 z %e _h no?+ bett] to d1 approa*$ x4 ,%e advanc$ t[>d a w9d[ ( ! d9+-room & look$ 94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m> wait$ only until ! la/ /raggl] _h pass$4 ,!n he da%$ (f z fa/ z 8 horse w\ld c>ry him /raight t[>d ! des]t$ hotel :i* s]v$ him z headqu>t]s = ! supplies he 0 accumulat+4 ,z he rode up1 "o ( 8 s5tries appe>$1 z if f n[h]e1 &1 see+ :o x 01 salut$4 ,"h1 take c>e ( ?is horse1 ord]$ ,del ,m>1 dism\nt+ & turn+ ! animal ov] to ! man1 :o l$ him to ! re> ( ! build+ z ,del ,m> ent]$ ! front door1 aft] giv+ a secret signal4 ,!re 7 8 m5 9 goggles & masks at ! "w1 :i* 8 knock _h int]rupt$4 ,give me a mask be=e ,i ent] ! room1 he ord]$ ( ! man :o _h answ]$ 8 signal4 ,! man h&$ ! mask & goggles to him1 z well z a coat1 :i* he put on quickly4 ,!n he ent]$ ! room & look$ at ! rapid progress ( ! "w4 ,:]e's ! prison]8 ask$ ,del ,m> a mom5t lat]1 satisfi$ at ! progress ( 8 m54 ,9 ! attic room1 "o ( 8 lieut5ants indicat$4 ,i'd l to take a look at him1 add$ ,del ,m>1 j ab\t to turn & leave ! room4 ,z he did s1 he happ5$ to glance at "o ( ! w9d[s4 ,!re1 pe]+ ?r\gh ! brok5 %utt]s1 0 a face--a girl's face--,ela9e6 ,j :at ,i want$ gu>d$ aga9/1 he cri$ angrily1 po9t+ at ! w9d[4 ,n[--get h]6 ,! m5 _h sprung up at 8 al>m4 ,!y c\ld all see h] & ) "o accord da%$ = ! door4 ,ela9e sprang back & !y ran z !y saw t %e 0 w>n$4 ,9 g5u9e fe> n[ %e too ran f ! w9d[4 ,b x 0 too late4 ,= j !n ! s5try :o _h tak5 ,del ,m>'s horse came f beh9d ! build+ cutt+ (f h] retreat4 ,he seiz$ h] j z ! o!r m5 ran out4 ,ela9e />$4 ,%e c\ld make no?+ ( !m4 ,ev5 ,del ,m>1 9 8 goggles & brea?+ mask 0 unrecognizable4 ,take h] inside1 he ord]$ disguis+ 8 voice4 ,!n to ! s5try he add$1 ,get on gu>d aga9 & don't let any "o ?r\gh4 ,ela9e 0 hu/l$ into ! big des]t$ hallway ( ! hotel1 j z ! tramp _h be54 ,y may g back to "w1 ,del ,m> sign$ to ! o!r m51 :o w5t on1 leav+ "o %ort b a?letic look+ fell[ ) ,del ,m> & ,ela9e4 ,lock h] up1 ,%orty1 ord]$ ,del ,m>1 & br+ ! o!r prison] to me d[n "h4 ,none too g5tly ! man =c$ ,ela9e up-/airs ahead ( him4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! attic1 ! tramp1 pac+ up & d[n1 he>d foot/eps approa* on ! /airs & ent] ! next room4 ,quickly he ran to ! doorway & pe]$ ?r\gh ! keyhole4 ,!re he c\ld see ,ela9e & ! small man ent]4 ,he lock$ ! door to ! hall1 !n quickly took a /ep t[>d ! door into ! tramp's room4 ,!re 0 j "t en\gh = ! tramp to see 8 approa*4 ,he ran swiftly & s(tly ov] to ! fur!r corn] & dropp$ d[n z if s\nd asleep4 ,! key turn$ 9 ! lock & ! small man ent]$1 c>eful to lock ! door to ,ela9e's room4 ,he mov$ ov] to :]e ! tramp 0 feign+ sleep4 ,get up1 he gr[l$1 kick+ him4 ,! tramp sat up1 yawn+ & rubb+ 8 eyes4 ,come n[1 be reasonable1 dem&$ ! man4 ,foll[ me4 ,he />t$ t[>d ! door into ! hall4 ,he nev] rea*$ x4 ,sc>cely 0 8 h& on ! knob :5 ! tramp seiz$ him & dragg$ him to ! floor4 ,"o h& on ! man's ?roat & 8 knees on 8 *e/1 ! tramp tore (f ! brea?+ mask & goggles4 ,already he _h ! man truss$ up & gagg$4 ,quickly ! tramp undress$ ! man & left him 9 8 und]clo!s1 /ill /ruggl+ to get loose1 z he took ,%orty's clo!s1 includ+ ! /range head-ge>1 & unlock$ ! door into ! next room ) ! key he also took f him4 ,ela9e 0 pac+ anxi\sly up & d[n ! little room into :i* %e _h be5 ?r[n1 greatly fright5$4 ,sudd5ly ! door ?r\gh :i* h] captor _h left op5$ hurri$ly aga94 ,a mo/ disreputable look+ tramp ent]$ & lock$ ! door aga94 ,ela9e />t$ back 9 fe>4 ,he motion$ to h] to be quiet4 ,y'll nev] get out alive1 he :isp]$1 speak+ rapidly & ?ickly1 z ?\gh to disguise 8 voice4 ,"h--take ^! clo!s4 ,d j z ,i say4 ,put !m on4 ,put on ! mask & goggles4 ,cov] up y\r hair4 ,x is y\r only *ance4 ,he laid ! clo!s d[n & w5t out into ! hallway4 ,outside he li/5$ c>efully at ! head ( ! /airs & look$ ab\t expect+ mom5t>ily to be discov]$4 ,ela9e und]/ood only t sudd5ly a fri5d 9 ne$ _h appe>$4 ,%e *ang$ h] clo!s quickly1 f9d+ =tunately t !y fitt$ h] pretty well4 ,by pull+ ! hat ov] h] hair & ! goggles ov] h] eyes & ty+ on ! brea?+ mask1 %e made a v pres5table man4 ,cauti\sly %e pu%$ op5 ! door into ! hallway4 ,!re 0 ! tramp4 ,:at %all ,i d8 %e ask$4 ,don't talk1 he :isp]$ close to h] e>4 ,g out--& if y meet any "o1 j salute & walk pa/4 ,yes--yes1 ,i und]/&1 %e nodd$ back1 &--?ank y4 ,he gave h] no "t to say m1 ev5 if x _h be5 safe1 b turn$ & lock$ ! door ( h] room4 ,try+ to keep ! old /airway f creak+ & betray+ h]1 %e w5t d[n4 ,%e manag$ to rea* ! l[] hallway )\t see+ anybody or be+ discov]$4 ,quietly %e w5t to ! door & out4 ,%e _h n gone f> :5 %e met an arm$ man1 ! s5try1 :o _h be5 conceal$ 9 ! %rubb]y4 ,:o goes !re8 he *all5g$4 ,ela9e did n betray h]self by speak+1 b m]ely salut$ & pass$ on z fa/ z %e c\ld )\t excit+ fur!r suspicion4 ,nonplus$1 ! man turn$ & wat*$ h] curi\sly z %e mov$ away d[n ! pa?4 ,:]e's ,,he go+8 ! s5try mutt]$1 /ill />+4 ,ela9e 9 h] eag]ness 0 n look+ z c>efully :]e %e 0 go+ z %e 0 ?9k+ ab\t gett+ away 9 safety4 ,sudd5ly an ov]hang+ bran* ( a tree caught h] hat & be=e %e knew x pull$ x (f h] head4 ,!re 0 no conceal+ h] gold5 hair n[4 ,/op6 %\t$ ! s5try4 ,ela9e did n pause1 b div$ into ! bu%es on ! side ( ! pa?1 j z ! man fir$ & ran =w>d1 /ill %\t+ = h] to halt4 ,%e ran z fa/ z %e c\ld1 pull+ (f ! goggles & mask & look+ back n[ & !n 9 t]ror at h] pursu] :o 0 rapidly ga9+ on h]4 ,be=e %e c\ld cat* h]self %e miss$ h] foot+ & slipp$ ov] ! edge ( a gorge4 ,d[n %e w5t1 ) a ru%4 ,x 0 un=tunate1 dang]\s1 b1 aft] all1 x 0 ! only ?+ t sav$ h]1 at lea/ = ! "t4 ,half fall+1 half slid+1 scrat*+ h]self & te>+ h] clo!s1 %e desc5d$4 ,! s5try *eck$ himself j 9 "t at ! top ( ! gorge & lean$ z f> ov] ! edge z he d>$4 ,he rais$ 8 gun aga9 & fir$4 ,b ,ela9e's c\rse 0 s hidd5 by ! trees & s zigzag t he miss$ aga94 ,a mom5t he hesitat$1 !n />t$ & climb$ d[n aft] h] z fa/ z he c\ld4 ,at ! bottom ( ! hill %e pick$ h]self up & da%$ aga9 into ! woods1 ! s5try /ill aft] h] & ga9+ aga94 ,at ! same "t1 we :o 7 /ill 9 ! *ase _h circl$ ab\t ! c\ntry until we 7 v ne> :]e we />t$4 ,foll[+ ! dogs ov] a rail f5ce1 ,i drew up sudd5ly1 he>+ a scream4 ,!re 0 ,ela9e1 on foot1 runn+ z if h] life dep5d$ on x4 ,i ne$$ no second glance4 ,beh9d h] 0 a man ) a rifle1 almo/ ov]tak+ h]4 ,z luck w\ld h x1 ! mom5tum ( my horse c>ri$ me "r at !m4 ,c>eful to avoid ,ela9e1 ,i rode squ>e at ! man1 /rik+ at him vici\sly ) my rid+ crop be=e he knew :at _h /ruck him4 ,! fell[ dropp$1 /unn$4 ,i leap$ f my horse & ran to h]1 j z ! re/ ( ! hunt came up4 ,eag]ly que/ion+ u1 !y ga!r$ ab\t4 ,hav+ wait$ until he 0 sure t ,ela9e _h got away safely1 ! old tramp sl[ly & c>efully foll[$ d[n ! /airs ( ! ru9$ hotel4 ,z he w5t d[n1 he he>d a %ot f ! woods4 ,c\ld x be "o ( ! s5tries8 ,he look$ ab\t ke5ly1 hesitat+ j :at to d4 ,9 an in/ant1 d[n bel[1 he he>d ! scurry ( foot/eps f ! improvis$ laboratory & %\ts4 ,he turn$ & /eal?ily ran up-/airs1 j z ! door op5$4 ,! tramp _h n be5 ! only "o :o _h be5 al>m$ by ! %ot ( ! s5try4 ,del ,m> 0 talk+ aga9 to ! m5 :5 x rang out4 ,:at's t8 he exclaim$4 ,ano!r intrud]8 ,! m5 />$ at him blankly1 :ile ,del ,m> da%$ = ! door1 foll[$ by !m all4 ,9 ! hall he issu$ 8 ord]s quickly4 ,"h1 y fell[s1 he call$ divid+ ! m51 get outside & see :at is do+4 ,y o!r m5 foll[ me4 ,i want y to see if ev]y?+'s all "r up above4 ,mean:ile ! tramp _h ga9$ ! upp] hallway & da%$ pa/ ! room :i* he occupi$4 ,outside1 9 ! hall1 ,del ,m> & 8 m5 ru%$ up to ! door ( ! room 9 :i* ,ela9e _h be5 ?r[n4 ,x 0 lock$ & !y broke 94 ,%e 0 gone6 ,on into ! next room !y da%$1 be>+ d[n ?is door also4 ,!re 0 ,%orty1 truss$ up 9 8 und]clo!s4 ,!y ha/5$ to release him4 ,:]e are !y--:]e's ! tramp8 dem&$ ,del ,m> angrily4 ,i ?9k ,i he>d "s "o on ! ro(1 repli$ ,%orty weakly4 ,he 0 "r4 ,! tramp _h manag$ to get ?r\gh a scuttle on ! ro(4 ,!n he climb$ d[n to ! edge & began to let himself h& ov] h& d[n ! lightn+ rod4 ,rea*+ ! gr\nd safely1 he scurri$ ab\t to ! back ( ! build+4 ,!re1 ti$1 0 ! horse :i* ,del ,m> _h ridd5 to ! hunt4 ,he unti$ x1 m\nt$ & da%$ (f d[n ! pa? ?r\gh ! woods1 tak+ ! %orte/ cut 9 ! direction ( ,=t ,dale4 ,du/y & fleck$ ) foam1 ! tramp & 8 m\nt1 a /range comb9ation1 7 in/antly *all5g$ by ! s5try at ! ,=t4 ,i mu/ see ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d imm$iately1 urg$ ! tramp4 ,a heat$ argum5t foll[$ until f9ally a corporal ( ! gu>ds 0 call$ & l$ (f ! tramp t[>d ! headqu>t]s4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes be=e ,woodw>d 0 conv9c$ ( ! id5tity ( ! tramp ) 8 fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,at ! head ( a squad ( cavalry1 ,woodw>d & ! tramp da%$ (f4 ,already on ! qui vive1 ,ela9e he>d ! s\nd ( ho(-beats long be=e ! re/ ( u cr[d$ ar\nd h]4 ,= ! mom5t we all /ood ready to repel an attack f any qu>t]4 ,b x 0 n meant = u4 ,x 0 ,woodw>d at ! head ( a score or s ( cavalrym54 ,) him rode a tramp on a horse :i* 0 /rangely famili> to me4 ,oh1 cri$ ,ela9e1 !re's ! man :o sav$ me6 ,z !y pass$1 ! tramp paus$ a mom5t & look$ at u %>ply4 ,al?\gh he c>efully avoid$ ,ela9e's eyes1 ,i fanci$ t only :5 he saw t %e 0 safe 0 he satisfi$ to gallop (f & rejo9 ! cavalry4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ar\nd ! old hotel1 9 e direction1 ,del ,m>'s m5 7 se>*+ = ! tramp & ,ela9e1 :ile 9 ! hotel ano!r se>* 0 9 progress4 ,h y discov]$ any?+8 ask$ ,del ,m>1 ent]+4 ,no1 sir1 !y report$4 ,conf\nd x6 swore ,del ,m>1 go+ up-/airs aga94 ,"h also 7 m5 se>*+4 ,f9d any?+8 he ask$ briefly4 ,no luck1 return$ "o4 ,del ,m> w5t on up to ! top floor & out ?r\gh ! op5 scuttle to ! ro(4 ,t's h[ he got away1 all "r1 he mutt]$ to himself1 !n look+ up he exclaim$ "u 8 brea?1 z 8 eye caught some?+ f> (f1 ,! deuce--:at's t8 ,lean+ d[n to ! scuttle1 he call$1 ,j5k9s--my field-glasses--quick6 ,"o ( 8 m5 h&$ !m to him & he adju/$ !m1 gaz+ (f int5tly4 ,!re he c\ld see :at look$ l a squad ( cavalry gallop+ along head$ by an (fic] & a r\gh look+ individual4 ,come--we mu/ get ready = an attack6 he %\t$ div+ d[n ! scuttle aga94 ,9 ! laboratory d9+-room1 8 m51 recall$1 ha/ily took 8 ord]s4 ,ea* ( !m seiz$ "o ( ! huge black rubb] newly complet$ gas bombs & ran out1 mak+ = a grove ne>-by4 ,quickly z ,del ,m> _h act$1 x 0 n done s fa/ b t ! troop ( cavalry z !y pull$ up on ! top ( a hill & foll[$ ! direct+ f+] ( ! tramp c\ld see m5 runn+ to ! cov] ( ! grove4 ,=w>d6 %\t$ ,woodw>d4 ,z if all 7 "o ma*9e1 ! m5 & horses %ot ahead1 until !y came to ! grove ab\t ! old hotel4 ,!re !y dism\nt$ & spread out 9 a semi-circul> ord]1 advanc+ on ! grove4 ,z !y did s1 %ots rang out f beh9d ! trees4 ,del ,m>'s m51 f ! %elt] 7 fir+ at !m4 ,b x seem$ hopeless = ! fugitives4 ,ready6 ord]$ ,del ,m> z ! cavalrym5 advanc$1 rel5tless4 ,ea* ( 8 m5 pick$ up "o ( ! big black gas bombs & held x high up ov] 8 head4 ,come on6 urg$ ,woodw>d4 ,8 m5 broke into a *>ge on ! grove4 ,?r[ !m6 ord]$ ,del ,m>4 ,z f> z he c\ld hurl x1 ea* ( ! m5 s5t "o ( ! black globes hurtl+ ?r\gh ! air4 ,!y fell almo/ simultane\sly1 a long l9e ( !m1 ea* break+ into a ?\s& bits4 ,in/antly d5se1 gre5i%-yell[ fumes seem$ to p\r =?1 envelop+ ev]y?+4 ,! w9d :i* ,del ,m> _h c>efully not$ :5 he *ose ! position 9 ! grove1 0 bl[+ f 8 m5 t[>d ! only position f :i* an attack c\ld be made successfully4 ,aga9/ ,woodw>d's m5 z !y *>g$1 x seem$ z if a trem5d\s1 sl[-mov+ wall ( vapor 7 advanc+ f ! trees4 ,x 0 only a mom5t be=e x completely wrapp$ !m 9 its /ifl+1 *ok+1 suffocat+ embrace4 ,"s fell1 ov]come4 ,o!rs tri$ to run1 clut*+ frantically at _! ?roats & rubb+ _! eyes4 ,get back--quick--till x rolls ov]1 *ok$ ,woodw>d4 ,^? :o 7 able to d s1 pick$ up _! /upefi$ comrades & retreat$1 z be/ !y c\ld1 /umbl+ bl9dly back f ! fe>ful dea? cl\d ( *lor9e4 ,meantime1 "u cov] ( ?is weird def5ce1 ,del ,m> & 8 m51 _! own faces cov]$ & unrecognizable 9 _! brea?+ masks & goggles1 da%$ to "o side1 ) a %\t & disappe>$ walk+ & runn+ beh9d & ev5 ?r\gh ! safety ( _! impregnable gas b>ri]4 ,m sl[ly we ( ! hunt _h foll[$ ,woodw>d's cavalry until1 "s di/ance (f1 we /ood1 witness+ & wond]+ at ! attack4 ,to our utt] amazem5t we saw !m c>ry+ (f _! w\nd$ & /upefi$ m54 ,we hurri$ =w>d & ga!r$ ab\t1 (f]+ :atev] assi/ance we c\ld to resuscitate !m4 ,z ,ela9e & ,i help$1 we saw ! unkempt figure ( ! tramp borne 9 & laid d[n4 ,he 0 n completely ov]come1 hav+ _h pres5ce ( m9d to tie a h&k]*ief ov] 8 nose & m\?4 ,ela9e hurri$ t[>d him ) an exclamation ( sympa?y4 ,j recov]+ full consci\sness1 he he>d h]4 ,) ! greate/ difficulty1 he seem$ to summon "s res]ve =ce n yet us$4 ,he /ruggl$ to 8 feet & /agg]$ (f1 z ?\gh he w\ld escape u4 ,:at a /range old codg]1 mus$ ,ela9e1 look+ f me at ! retreat+ figure4 ,he sav$ my life--yet he won't ev5 let me ?ank him--or help him6 ,,*apt] ,,xiii ,,! ,,se>*light ,,gun ,i don't und]/& x1 rem>k$ ,ela9e "o day z1 ) ,aunt ,joseph9e & myself1 %e 0 discuss+ ! /range ev5ts t _h occurr$ s9ce ! disappe>ance ( ,k5n$y1 b1 someh[1 x is z if a /range ,provid5ce seems to be wat*+ ov] u4 ,nor d ,i1 ,i agre$4 ,x does seem t1 al?\gh we d n see x1 a my/]i\s p[] = good is ab\t u4 ,x's uncanny4 ,a package = y1 ,miss ,dodge1 ann\nc$ ,m>ie1 com+ 9 ) a small p>cel :i* _h be5 deliv]$ by a mess5g] :o did n wait = an answ]4 ,ela9e took x1 look$ at x1 turn$ x ov]1 & !n look$ at ! writt5 address aga94 ,x's n ! h&writ+ ( any "o :i* ,i recognize1 %e mus$4 ,n[1 ,i suppose ,i ought to be suspici\s ( x ,yet1 ,i'm go+ to op5 x4 ,%e did s4 ,inside1 ! pap] wrapp+ cov]$ a pa/ebo>d box4 ,%e op5$ t4 ,!re lay a revolv]1 :i* %e pick$ up & turn$ ov]4 ,x 0 a curi\s look+ weapon4 ,i nev] knew s mu* ab\t fire>ms z ,i h le>n$ 9 ! pa/ few weeks1 rem>k$ ,ela9e4 ,b :at d y suppose ?is is--& :o s5t x to me--& :y8 ,%e held ! gun up4 ,f ! b>rel /uck out a little roll$-up piece ( pap]4 ,see1 %e cri$1 read+ & h&+ ! pap] to me1 !re x is aga9--t my/]i\s p[]4 ,aunt ,joseph9e & ,i read ! note3 ,,de> ,,miss ,,dodge3 ,?is weapon %oots exactly into ! c5t] ( ! light disc4 ,keep x by y4--,a ,,fri5d4 ,let me see x1 ,i ask$1 tak+ ! gun4 ,sure en\gh1 along ! b>rel 0 a peculi> tube4 ,a se>*light gun1 ,i exclaim$1 puzzl$1 ?\gh /ill my suspicions 7 n entirely at re/4 ,suppose x's sight$ wrong1 ,i c\ld n help consid]+4 ,x might be a plant to save "s "o f be+ %ot4 ,t's easily settl$1 return$ ,ela9e4 ,let's try x4 ,oh1 m]cy no1--n "h1 remon/rat$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,:y n--d[n cell>8 p]si/$ ,ela9e4 ,x c't hurt any?+ !re4 ,i ?9k x w\ld be a good plan1 ,i agre$1 j to make sure t x is all "r4 ,accord+ly we ?ree w5t d[n cell>4 ,!re1 ,ela9e f\nd ! light swit* & turn$ x4 ,eag]ly ,i hunt$ ab\t = a m>k4 ,!re1 9 "s rubbi% t _h n yet be5 c>t$ away1 0 a small *9a plate4 ,i set x up on a small %elf across ! room & took ! gun4 ,b ,ela9e playfully wr5*$ x f my h&4 ,no1 %e insi/$1 x 0 s5t to me4 ,let me try x fir/4 ,reluctantly ,i cons5t$4 ,swit* (f ! light1 ,walt]1 please1 %e direct$1 /&+ a few paces f ! plate4 ,i did s4 ,9 ! d>kness ,ela9e po9t$ ! gun & pull$ a little rat*et4 ,in/antly a spot ( light %[$ on ! wall4 ,%e mov$ ! revolv] & ! spot ( light mov$ ) x4 ,z x re/$ on a little decorative figure 9 ! c5t] ( ! plate1 %e pull$ ! trigg]4 ,! gun explod$ ) a report1 deaf5+1 9 ! conf9$ cell>4 ,i swit*$ on ! light & we ran =w>d4 ,!re 0 ! plate--sma%$ into a hundr$ bits4 ,! bullet _h /ruck exactly 9 ! c5tre ( ! little bull's-eye ( light4 ,spl5did1 cri$ ,ela9e en?usia/ically1 z we look$ at ea* o!r 9 surprise4 ,?\gh none ( u guess$ x1 half an h\r be=e1 9 ! seclusion ( 8 ya*t1 ,woodw>d's fri5d1 ,pr(essor ,arnold1 _h be5 /&+ ) ! long b>rell$ gun 9 8 h&1 adju/+ ! tube :i* ran b5ea? ! b>rel4 ,9 "o h& he held ! gun2 9 ! o!r 0 a piece ( pap]4 ,z he br\ght ! pap] be=e ! muzzle & press$ a rat*et by gripp+ ! revolv] h&le1 a di/9ct light appe>$ on ! pap]1 ?r[n out f ! tube "u ! b>rel4 ,hav+ adju/$ ! tube & sight$ x1 ,arnold wrote a ha/y note on ano!r piece ( pap] & ins]t$ x into ! b>rel ( ! gun1 ) ! end /ick+ out j a bit4 ,!n he wrapp$ ! :ole ?+ up 9 a box1 rang a bell1 & h&$ ! package to a s]vant ) explicit in/ructions z to its deliv]y to ! "r p]son & only to t p]son4 ,d[n 9 ! subm>9e h>bor1 ,del ,m> 0 9 conf]5ce ) 8 bo>d ( /rategy & advice1 lay+ ! plan = ! attack on ,am]ica4 ,ev] s9ce we h be5 at "w1 he rem>k$1 ,ela9e ,dodge has be5 busy h9d]+ & fru/rat+ u4 ,t girl mu/ g6 ,be=e him1 on ! table1 he plac$ a squ>e package4 ,x mu/ /op1 he add$ om9\sly1 tapp+ ! package4 ,b h[8 ask$ "o ( ! m54 ,we've done our be/4 ,?is is a bomb1 repli$ ,del ,m>1 cont9u+ to tap ! package4 ,:5 our man--let me see1 ,x _h bett] d x1--arrives1 h him look 9 ! secret cav]n by ! l&+-place4 ,!re ,i w leave x4 ,i want him to put x 9 h] h\se to-night4 ,he h&$ ! bomb to "o ( 8 m5 :o took x g+]ly4 ,!n ) a few m words ( admonition1 he took up 8 div+ helmet & left ! headqu>t]s1 foll[$ by ! man4 ,sev]al m9utes lat]1 ,del ,m>1 alone1 em]g$ f ! wat] j outside ! subm>9e h>bor & took (f 8 helmet4 ,he made 8 way ov] ! rocks1 c>ry+ ! bomb1 until he came to a little fissure 9 ! rocks1 l a cav]n4 ,!re he hid ! bomb c>efully4 ,/ill c>ry+ ! helmet1 he hurri$ along until he came to ! cave entrance t l$ to ! secret passage to ! panel 9 8 bungal[ libr>y4 ,up ?r\gh ! secret passage he w5t1 rea*+ ! panel & op5+ x by a spr+4 ,9 ! libr>y ,del ,m> *ang$ 8 wet clo!s & hid !m1 !n set to "w on an accumulation ( pap]s on 8 desk4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,t aft]noon1 ,ela9e decid$ to g = a little ride ?r\gh ! c\ntry 9 h] runab\t4 ,z %e />t$ to leave h] room1 dress$ = ! trip1 x 0 z ?\gh a premonition ( dang] came to h]4 ,%e paus$1 !n turn$ back & took f ! draw] ! se>*light gun :i* _h be5 s5t to h]4 ,%e slipp$ x into ! pocket ( h] skirt & w5t out4 ,(f %e drove at a fa/ clip1 ?or\ghly enjoy+ ! ride until1 ne> a b5d 9 ! road1 z x swept d[n t[>d ! %ore1 %e /opp$ & got out1 attract$ by "s wild fl[]s4 ,!y grew 9 su* pr(usion t x seem$ no "t be=e %e _h a bun* ( !m4 ,on %e w&]$1 d[n to ! rocks1 wat*+ ! re/less wat]s ( ! ,s\nd4 ,f9ally %e f\nd h]self walk+ alone along ! %ore1 "o arm full ( fl[]s1 :ile ) h] free h& %e amus$ h]self by skimm+ flat /ones ov] ! wat]4 ,z %e turn$ to pick up "o1 h] eye caught some?+ 9 ! rocks & %e />$ at x4 ,!re 9 a crevice1 z ?\gh x _h be5 hidd51 0 a /range squ>e package4 ,%e rea*$ d[n & pick$ x up4 ,:at c\ld x be8 ,:ile %e 0 exam9+ x1 back ( h]1 ano!r ( ^? /range be-helmet$ figures came up out ( ! wat]4 ,x wat*$ h] = an in/ant1 !n sank back into ! wat] aga94 ,ela9e1 hold+ ! package 9 h] h&1 walk$ up ! %ore1 oblivi\s to ! /range eye t _h be5 fix$ on h]4 ,i mu/ %[ ?is to ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d1 %e said to h]self4 ,9 ! c> %e plac$ ! package1 !n jump$ 9 h]self c>efully & />t$ (f4 ,a mom5t aft] %e _h gone1 ! div] reappe>$1 look+ ab\t cauti\sly4 ,?is "t ! coa/ 0 cle> & he came all ! way out1 tak+ (f 8 helmet & plac$ x 9 ! secret hid+-place :i* ,del ,m> & 8 m5 us$4 ,!n1 ) ano!r glance1 n[ ( ang]1 9 ! direction ( ,ela9e1 he hurri$ up ! %ore4 ,mean:ile1 z fa/ z h] light runab\t w\ld c>ry h]1 ,ela9e :izz$ ov] to ,=t ,dale4 ,z %e ent]$ ! gr\nds1 ! s5try salut$ h]1 ?\gh t "p ( ! =malities ( admission 0 purely p]functory1 = e "o at ! ,=t knew h] n[4 ,is ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d 98 %e inquir$4 ,yes ma'am1 return$ ! s5try4 ,i w s5d = him4 ,a corporal appe>$ & took a message = h] to ,woodw>d4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes be=e ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d himself appe>$4 ,:at is ! tr\ble1 ,miss ,dodge8 he ask$ solicit\sly1 not+ ! look on h] face4 ,i don't "k :at x is1 %e repli$ dubi\sly4 ,i've f\nd some?+ among ! rocks4 ,p]haps x is a bomb4 ,woodw>d look$ at ! package1 /udy+ x4 ,pr(essor ,arnold is inve/igat+ ?is affair = u1 he rem>k$4 ,p]haps y'd bett] take ! package to him on 8 ya*t4 ,i'm sorry ,i c't g ) y1 b j n[ ,i'm on duty4 ,t's a good idea1 %e agre$4 ,only ,i'm sorry y c't g along ) me4 ,%e />t$ up ! c> & drove (f z ,woodw>d turn$ back to ! ,=t ) a l+]+ look4 ,del ,m> 0 h>d at "w 9 ! libr>y :51 sudd5ly1 he he>d a s\nd at ! panel4 ,he rea*$ ov] & press$ a button on 8 desk1 & ! panel op5$4 ,?r\gh x came ! div] /ill we>+ 8 dripp+ suit & c>ry+ ! weird helmet "u 8 arm4 ,t ,dodge girl has cross$ u aga96 he exclaim$ excit$ly4 ,h[8 dem&$ ,del ,m>1 ) an oa?4 ,i saw h] on ! rocks j n[4 ,%e happ5$ to /umble on ! bomb :i* y left !re to be plac$4 ,& !n8 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,%e took x ) h] 9 h] c>4 ,! deuce6 ejaculat$ ! =eign ag5t1 furi\sly4 ,y mu/ get ! m5 out & hunt ! c\ntry ?or\ghly4 ,%e mu/ n escape n[ at any co/4 ,! div+ man dove back into ! panel to escape ,del ,m>'s wra?1 :ile ,del ,m> hurri$ out1 leav+ 8 valet 9 ! libr>y4 ,quickly1 ,del ,m> made 8 way to a secret hid+-place 9 ! hills back ( ! bay4 ,!re he f\nd 8 pick$ b& ( m5 arm$ ) rifles4 ,z briefly z he c\ld he told !m ( :at _h happ5$4 ,we mu/ get h] ?is "t--dead or alive1 he ord]$4 ,n[ scatt] ab\t ! c\ntry4 ,keep 9 t\* ) ea* o!r & :5 y f9d h]1 close 9 on h] at any co/4 ,! m5 salut$ & left 9 v>i\s directions to sc\r ! c\ntry4 ,del ,m> himself pick$ up a rifle & foll[$ %ortly1 pass+ d[n a secret trail to ! road :]e he _h a c> ) a *auffeur wait+4 ,/ill c>ry+ ! rifle1 he climb$ 9 & ! man %ot ! c> along d[n ! road4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,on ! top ( a hill "o ( ! m5 0 po/$ z a sort ( look\t4 ,gaz+ ov] ! c\ntry c>efully1 8 eye 0 f9ally arre/$ by some?+ at :i* he />$ eag]ly4 ,f> away1 on ! road1 he c\ld see a c> 9 :i* 0 a girl1 alone4 ,wav+ 9 ! breeze 0 a r$ fea!r 9 h] hat4 ,he look$ m %>ply4 ,x 0 ,ela9e ,dodge4 ,! man turn$ & wav$ a signal ) a h&k]*ief to ano!r man f> (f4 ,d[n ! valley ano!r ( ,del ,m>'s m5 0 wait+ & wat*+4 ,z soon z he saw ! signal1 he wav$ back & ran along ! road4 ,z ,del ,m> :izz$ along1 he c\ld see "o ( 8 m5 approa*+ ov] ! road1 wav+ to him4 ,/op6 he ord]$ 8 driv]4 ,! man hurri$ =w>d4 ,i've got ! signal1 he pant$4 ,!y h se5 h] c> ov] ! hill4 ,good1 exclaim$ ,del ,m>1 pull+ a black silk mask ov] 8 eyes4 ,n[1 get (f quickly4 ,we've got to cat* h]4 ,!y sp$ away aga9 9 a cl\d ( du/4 ,b ev5 :ile ,del ,m> 0 spe$+ t[>d h]1 ano!r ( 8 m5 _h discov]$ h] pres5ce1 s vigilant 7 !y4 ,he _h be5 keep+ a %>p wat* on ! road1 :5 he 0 sudd5ly all att5tion4 ,he saw a c>1 ?r\gh ! foliage4 ,quickly1 8 rifle w5t to 8 %\ld]4 ,?r\gh ! sight he c\ld j cov] ,ela9e's head1 = h] hat1 ) a bright r$ fea!r 9 x1 %[$ pla9ly j ov] ! bu%es4 ,he aim$ c>efully & fir$4 ,i _h be5 out = a tramp ov] ! hills ) no de/9ation 9 p>ticul>4 ,z ,i swung along ! road1 ,i he>d ! ?robb+ ( a c> com+ up ! hill1 ! cut-out op54 ,i turn$1 = c>s make walk+ on c\ntry roads some:at haz>d\s n[adays4 ,z ,i did s1 "s "o 9 ! c> wav$ to me4 ,i look$ aga94 ,x 0 ,ela9e4 ,:]e are y go+8 %e call$4 ,:]e are ,,y go+8 ,i return$1 laugh+4 ,i've j _h a v que] exp]i5ce--f\nd some?+ d[n on ! rocks1 %e repli$ s]i\sly1 po9t+ to ! squ>e package on ! floor ( ! c>4 ,i took x to ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d & he advis$ me to take x to ,pr(essor ,arnold on 8 ya*t4 ,i ?9k x is a bomb4 ,i wi% y'd g ) me4 ,be=e ,i c\ld answ]1 up ! hill a rifle %ot crack$4 ,!re 0 a :irr 9 ! air & a bullet sang pa/ u1 cutt+ ! r$ fea!r (f ,ela9e's hat4 ,duck6 ,i cri$1 jump+ into ! c>1 ,& drive l ! dick5s6 ,%e turn$ & we fairly rico*et$ d[n t road back aga94 ,beh9d u1 a man1 a /rang] :om we did n pause to obs]ve1 ru%$ f ! bu%es & fir$ aft] u aga94 ,sudd5ly ano!r rifle %ot crack$4 ,x 0 f ano!r c> t _h /eal?ily sneak$ up on u--com+ fa/1 recklessly4 ,!re's h] c>1 po9t$ "o ( ! occupants to a man :o 0 mask$ 9 black4 ,yes1 he nodd$4 ,give h] a little m gas6' ,cr\* d[n1 ,i mutt]$1 z l[ z y c4 ,we did s1 rac+ = life1 ! m p[]ful motor beh9d u ov]haul+ u e in/ant4 ,we 7 com+ to a v n>r[ "p ( ! road :]e x turn$1 on "o side a %e] hill1 on ! o!r a /ream sev]al feet d[n4 ,if we _h an accid5t1 ,i ?\ght1 x might be tickli% = u1 suppos+ ! squ>e package really to be a bomb4 ,:at if x %\ld g (f8 ,! idea sugge/$ ano!r1 in/antly4 ,! c> beh9d 0 only a few feet (f4 ,z we rea*$ ! n>r[ road by ! /ream1 ,i rose up4 ,z f> z ,i c\ld1 back ( me1 ,i hurl$ ! inf]nal ma*9e4 ,x fell4 ,we receiv$ a %[] ( dirt & small /ones1 b ! cov] ( ! c> protect$ u4 ,:]e ! bomb l&$1 h[ev]1 x cut a deep hole 9 ! roadway4 ,on came ,del ,m>'s c>1 ! driv] frantically tugg+ at ! em]g5cy brake4 ,b x 0 ( no use4 ,!re 0 n room to turn aside4 ,! c> cra%$ into ! hole1 l a gigantic pl[4 ,x took "o head] ov] ! side ( ! road & d[n sev]al feet into ! /ream1 j z ! mask$ man & ! driv] jump$ f> ahead into ! wat]4 ,safe n[ 9 our c> :i* 0 slack5+ its t]rific spe$1 ,i look$ back4 ,!y've be5 ?r[n6 ,i cri$4 ,we're all "r4 ,on ! edge ( ! wat]1 j cov]$ by "s wreckage1 ! *auffeur lay motionless4 ,! mask$ man crawl$ f "u ! wreckage & look$ at him a mom5t4 ,dead6 he exclaim$1 /ill me*anically gripp+ a rifle 9 8 h&4 ,angrily he rais$ x at u & fir$4 ,a mom5t lat]1 "s o!r m5 ga!r$ f all directions ab\t him1 ea* arm$4 ,don't m9d ! wreck1 he cri$1 exasp]at$4 ,fire6 ,a volley 0 deliv]$ at u4 ,b ! di/ance 0 n[ app>5tly too great4 ,we 7 j congratulat+ ourselves on our escape1 :5 a /ray %ot :izz$ pa/1 /rik+ a piece directly out ( ! head ( ! /e]+-po/1 almo/ "u ,ela9e's h&s4 ,naturally %e lo/ control1 ?\gh =tunately we 7 n go+ s fa/ n[4 ,crazily1 our c> sw]v$ f side to side ( ! road1 z %e va9ly tri$ to control bo? its spe$ & direction4 ,on ! v edge ( ! dit*1 h[ev]1 x /opp$4 ,we look$ back4 ,!re we c\ld see a gr\p ( m5 :o seem$ to spr+ out ( ! woods1 z if f n[h]e1 at ! s\nd ( ! %ots4 ,a %\t w5t up at ! sight ( ! bullet tak+ effect1 & !y ran =w>d at u4 ,"o ( _! numb]1 ,i c\ld see1 mask$1 :o _h be5 9 ! wreck$ c>1 /umbl$ =w>d weakly1 until f9ally he sank d[n4 ,a c\ple ( ! o!rs ran to him4 ,g on1 he mu/ h urg$ vehem5tly4 ,"o ( y is en\gh to /ay ) me4 ,i'm go+ back to ! subm>9e h>bor4 ,! re/--g on--report to me !re4 ,z ! re/ ran t[>d u1 !re 0 no?+ = u to d b to ab&on ! c> ourselves & run = x4 ,we left ! road & /ruck into ! trackless woods1 foll[$ closely n[ by two ( ! m5 :o _h outdi/anc$ ! re/4 ,?r\gh ! woods we fl$1 tak+ advantage ( su* %elt] z we c\ld f9d4 ,look1 "h's a cave1 cri$ ,ela9e1 z we plung$1 exhau/$ & ab\t ready to drop1 d[n into a rav9e4 ,we hurri$ 9 & ! bu%es swung ov] ! cave entrance4 ,inside we /opp$ %ort & gaz$ ab\t4 ,x 0 d>k & gloomy4 ,we look$ back4 ,!re 0 no hope !re4 ,!y _h be5 ov]tak+ u4 ,on d[n a passageway1 we w5t4 ,! two m5 :o 7 pursu+ u plung$ d[n ! rav9e also4 ,z ill-luck w\ld h x1 !y saw ! cave entrance & da%$ 91 !n halt$4 ,cr\*+ 9 ! %ad[ we c\ld see _! figures silh\ett$ 9 ! dim light ( ! entrance ( ! cav]n4 ,"o /opp$ at ! entrance :ile ! o!r advanc$4 ,he 0 a big fell[ & p[]fully built & ! o!r fell[ 0 equally burly4 ,i made up my m9d to fight to ! la/ ?\gh ,i knew x 0 hopeless4 ,x 0 d>k4 ,i c\ld n ev5 see ! man advanc+ n[4 ,quickly ,ela9e rea*$ into h] pocket & drew out some?+4 ,"h1 ,walt]1 take ?is1 %e cri$4 ,i seiz$ ! object4 ,x 0 ! se>*light gun4 ,ha/ily ,i aim$ x1 ! spot ( light gl[+ brightly4 ,inde$1 ,i d\bt :e!r ,i c\ld h %ot v accurately o!rwise4 ,z ! man approa*$ cauti\sly d[n ! passageway ! bright disc ( light danc$ ab\t until f9ally x fell full on 8 brea/4 ,i fir$4 ,! man fell =w>d in/antly4 ,aga9 ,i fir$1 ?is "t at ! man 9 ! cave entrance4 ,he jump$ back1 dropp+ 8 gun :i* explod$ h>mlessly4 ,8 h& 0 w\nd$4 ,quickly he drew back & disappe>$ among ! trees4 ,we wait$ 9 t5se sil5ce1 & !n cauti\sly look$ out ( ! m\? ( ! cave4 ,no "o seem$ to be ab\t4 ,come--let's make a da% = x1 urg$ ,ela9e4 ,we ran out & hurri$ on d[n ! rav9e1 app>5tly n foll[$4 ,back among ! trees1 h[ev]1 ! man _h pick$ up a rifle :i* he _h hidd54 ,:ile he 0 b9d+ up 8 h& ) a h&k]*ief1 he saw u4 ,pa9fully he tri$ to aim 8 gun4 ,b x 0 too heavy = 8 weak5$ arm & ! pa9 0 too great4 ,he _h to l[] x4 ,) a mutt]$ imprecation1 he foll[$ u at a di/ance4 ,evid5tly1 to u1 we _h elud$ ! pursu]s1 = no "o seem$ n[ to be foll[+1 at lea/ z f> z we c\ld det]m9e4 ,we kept on1 h[ev]1 until we came to ! wat]'s edge4 ,!re1 d[n ! bay1 we c\ld see ,pr(essor ,arnold's ya*t4 ,let u see ,pr(essor ,arnold1 anyh[1 said ,ela9e1 lead+ ! way along ! %ore4 ,we came at la/1 )\t be+ mole/$1 to a little dock4 ,a sailor 0 /&+ beside x & moor$ to x 0 a swift motor-boat4 ,out at an*or 0 ! ya*t4 ,y are ,pr(essor ,arnold's man8 ask$ ,ela9e4 ,yes'm1 he repli$1 rememb]+ h]4 ,is ! ,pr(essor out on 8 boat8 we ask$4 ,he nodd$4 ,did y want to see him8 ,v mu*1 answ]$ ,ela9e4 ,i'll take y out1 he (f]$4 ,we jump$ into ! motor-boat1 he />t$ ! eng9e & we plan$ out ov] ! wat]4 ,?\gh we did n see him1 ! man :om ,i _h w\nd$ 0 /ill wat*+ u f ! %ore1 not+ e move4 ,he _h foll[$ u at a di/ance across ! woods & fields & d[n along ! %ore to ! dock1 _h se5 u talk+ to ,arnold's man1 & get into ! boat4 ,f ! %ore he cont9u$ to wat* u skim across ! bay & pull up alongside ! ya*t4 ,z we climb$ ! ladd]1 he turn$ & hurri$ back ! way he _h come4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e & ,i climb$ abo>d ! ya*t :]e we c\ld see ! ,pr(essor sitt+ 9 a wick] deck *air4 ,:y1 h[ d y d8 he welcom$ u1 adju/+ 8 glasses s t 8 eyes seem$1 if any?+1 m opaque ?an be=e4 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ t1 al?\gh he 0 glad to see u1 !re 0 a c]ta9 air ( re/ra9t ab\t him4 ,quickly ,ela9e relat$ ! /ory ( f9d+ ! bomb 9 ! rocks & ! peculi> ev5ts & our escape :i* foll[$4 ,once1 at ! m5tion ( ! se>*light gun1 ,pr(essor ,arnold rais$ 8 h& & c\gh$ back ( x4 ,i felt sure t x 0 to hide an involunt>y expression ( satisfaction & t x mu/ be he :o _h s5t ! gun to ,ela9e4 ,he 0 li/5+ att5tively to h]1 :ile ,i /ood by ! rail1 n[ & !n look+ out ov] ! wat]4 ,f> away ,i not$ some?+ mov+ ov] ! surface1 l a rod1 foll[$ by a ?9 wake ( foam4 ,look6 ,i exclaim$1 ,:at's t8 ,ela9e turn$ to me1 z ,arnold seiz$ 8 glasses4 ,:y1 x seems to be mov+ directly at u1 exclaim$ ,ela9e4 ,by ,george1 x's ! p]iscope ( a subm>9e1 cri$ ,arnold a mom5t lat]1 l[]+ 8 glasses4 ,he did n hesitate an in/ant4 ,get ! ya*t "u way1 he ord]$ ! capta91 :o imm$iately %\t$ 8 ord]s to ! re/4 ,quickly ! eng9e />t$ & we pl[$ ahead1 t om9\s look+ p]iscope foll[+4 ,9 ! subm>9e h>bor to :i* he _h be5 tak51 ,del ,m> f\nd t he _h be5 pretty badly %ak5 up by ! accid5t to 8 c>4 ,8 clo!s 7 torn & 8 face & body scrat*$4 ,no bones 7 brok51 h[ev]1 ?\gh ! %ock _h be5 great4 ,sev]al ( 8 m5 7 endeavor+ to fix him up 9 ! little subm>9e (fice1 b he 0 angry1 v angry4 ,at su* a juncture1 a man 9 a dripp+ div+-suit ent]$ & pull$ (f 8 helmet1 aft] :at _h evid5tly be5 a ha/y trip f ! l& ?r\gh ! entrance & up aga9 into ! h>bor4 ,z he approa*$1 ,del ,m> saw t ! man's h& 0 b\nd up4 ,:at's ! matt]8 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,h[ did y get t8 ,t fell[ ,jameson & ! girl did x1 he repli$1 tell+ :at _h happ5$ 9 ! cave4 ,"s "o mu/ h giv5 !m "o ( ^? new se>*light guns4 ,del ,m>1 already ugly1 0 beside himself ) rage n[4 ,:]e are !y8 he ask$4 ,i saw !m g out to ! ya*t ( t ,pr(essor ,arnold4 ,he's ! fell[ t gave h] ! gun1 almo/ hiss$ ,del ,m>4 ,on ! ya*t1 are !y8 ,an evil smile seem$ to spread ov] 8 face4 ,!n we'll get !m all1 ?is "t4 ,man ! subm>9e--! ,z#ii4 ,all left ! (fice on ! run1 hurry+ ar\nd ! l$ge & d[n into ! op5 hat* ( ! subm>9e4 ,del ,m> came along a mom5t lat]1 giv+ ord]s %>ply & quickly4 ,! hat* 0 clos$ & ! vessel seal$4 ,on all sides 7 electrical devices & ma*9es to op]ate ! craft & ! torp$oes--an intricate sy/em ( ?+s :i* x seem$ z if no human m9d c\ld possibly und]/&4 ,del ,m> ?rew on a swit*4 ,! subm>9e humm$ & trembl$4 ,sl[ly %e sank 9 ! h>bor until %e 0 at ! level ( ! und]wat] entrance ?r\gh ! rocks4 ,c>efully %e 0 guid$ out ?r\gh ?is entrance into ! wat]s ( ! l>g]1 real h>bor4 ,del ,m> took 8 place at ! p]iscope1 ! eye ( ! subm>9e4 ,anxi\sly he turn$ x ab\t & b5t ov] ! image :i* x project$4 ,!re x is1 he mutt]$1 pick+ out ,arnold's ya*t & *ang+ ! c\rse ( ! subm>9e s t x 0 head$ directly at x1 ! planes turn$ s t !y kept ! boat j "u ! surface ) only ! p]iscope %[+ above4 ,=w>d1 ab\t ! torp$o dis*>ge tubes m5 7 busy1 te/+ ! doors1 & gett+ ready ! big automobile torp$oes4 ,!y mu/ h se5 u1 mutt]$ ,del ,m>4 ,!y've />t$ ! ya*t4 ,b we c beat !m1 easily4 ,are y ready8 ,yes1 call$ back ! m5 =w>d1 pu%+ a torp$o into ! lock-l comp>tm5t f :i* x 0 laun*$4 ,let x g1 !n1 bell[$ ,del ,m>4 ,! torp$o %ot out into ! wat]1 travell+ "u h] own p[]1 /raight at ! ya*t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e & ,i look$ back4 ,! p]iscope 0 mu* ne>] ?an be=e4 ,c we outdi/ance ! subm>9e8 ,i ask$ ( ,arnold4 ,arnold %ook 8 head1 8 face grave4 ,on came ! ?9 l9e ( foam4 ,i'm afraid we'll h to leave ! ya*t1 he said w>n+ly4 ,my little motor-boat is mu* fa/]4 ,arnold %\t$ 8 ord]s z he l$ u d[n ! ladd] to ! motor-boat into :i* we jump$1 foll[$ by z _m ( ! crew z c\ld get 91 :ile ! o!rs leap$ into ! wat] f ! rail ( ! ya*t & /ruck out = ! %ore :i* 0 n v di/ant4 ,:at's t8 cri$ ,ela9e1 horrifi$1 po9t+ back4 ,! wat] seem$ to be all *urn$ up4 ,a long cig>-%ap$ affair 0 slipp+ along ne> en\gh to ! surface s t we c\ld j make x out--murd]\s1 deadly1 aim$ "r at ! he>t ( ! ya*t4 ,a torp$o6 exclaim$ ,arnold4 ,ca/ (f6 ,we mov$ (f f ! ya*t z swiftly z ! spe$y little op5 motor-boat w\ld c>ry u1 n a m9ute too soon4 ,! torp$o /ruck ! ya*t almo/ exactly amid%ips4 ,a huge column ( wat] spurt$ up into ! air z ?\gh a gigantic :ale 7 bl[+ (f4 ,! ya*t itself seem$ lift$ f ! wat] & lit]ally brok5 9 half l a brittle rod ( glass & dropp$ back into ! wat]4 ,bel[ 9 ! subm>9e1 ,del ,m> 0 /ill at ! p]iscope direct+ ?+s4 ,a hit6 he cri$ exult+ly4 ,we got ! :ole bun* ?is "t6 ,he turn$ to ! m5 to congratulate !m1 a smile on 8 evil face4 ,b z he look$ aga91 he caught sight ( our little motor-boat skimm+ safely away on ! o!r side ( ! wreck4 ,! deuce6 he mutt]$4 ,try ano!r4 ,"h's ! direction4 ,furi\sly he swore z ! m5 guid$ ! subm>9e & load$ ano!r torp$o into a tube4 ,z ! tube came into position1 !y let ! torp$o g4 ,an in/ant lat] x 0 hiss+ its way at u4 ,see1 !re's ano!r6 ,i cri$1 cat*+ sight ( x4 ,all look$4 ,sure en\gh1 ?r\gh ! wat] c\ld be se5 ano!r ( ^? murd]\s mess5g]s da%+ at u4 ,arnold ran =w>d & seiz$ ! :eel himself1 sw++ ! boat ar\nd h>d to />bo>d & ! l&4 ,we turn$ j 9 "t4 ,! torp$o1 bra9less b deadly1 da%$ pa/ u h>mlessly4 ,z fa/ z we c\ld n[ we made = ! %ore4 ,no "o c\ld cat* u ) su* a />t1 n ev5 ! swifte/ torp$o4 ,we _h be5 rescu$ by ,arnold's quick wit f a mo/ desp]ate situation4 ,some:]e bel[ ! wat]1 ,i c\ld imag9e a man consum$ ) fury ov] our escape1 z ! p]iscope disappe>$ & ! subm>9e made (f4 ,we 7 safe4 ,b1 look+ out ov] ! wat]1 we c\ld n help %udd]+ at ! p]ils b5ea? its app>5tly peaceful surface4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv ,,! ,,life ,,*a9 ,e>ly "o morn+1 a v h&some woman ( ! adv5turess type arriv$ ) sev]al trunks at ! big summ] hotel1 j outside ! t[n1 ! ,/4 ,g]ma94 ,among ! _m fa%ionable p at ! wat]+-place1 h[ev]1 %e attract$ no great att5tion & 9 ! =5oon %e quietly w5t out 9 h] motor = a ride4 ,x 0 ,madame ,l>5z1 "o ( ,del ,m>'s secret ag5ts :o1 up to ?is "t1 _h be5 engag$ 9 spy+ on weal?y & impressionable ,am]ican manufactur]s4 ,h] air+ br\ght h]1 f9ally1 to ! bungal[ ( ,del ,m> & !re %e 0 admitt$ 9 a mann] t %[$ t ,del ,m> tru/$ h] highly4 ,n[1 he in/ruct$1 aft] a few m9utes *at1 ,i want y to get acqua9t$ ) ,miss ,dodge4 ,y "k h[ to int]e/ h]4 ,%e's q human4 ,pretty g[ns appeal to h]4 ,get h] to ! ,/4 ,g]ma94 ,!n ,i'll tell y :at to d4 ,a few m9utes lat] ! woman left 9 h] c>1 s rapidly driv5 t no "o w\ld recognize h]4 ,x 0 e>ly 9 ! aft]noon t ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 sitt+ on ! v]&a1 :5 an automobile drove up & a v /yli%ly g[n$ & bonnett$ woman /epp$ out4 ,good aft]noon1 %e greet$ ,aunt ,joseph9e +ratiat+ly z %e approa*$ ! h\se4 ,i am ,madame ,l>5z ( ,new ,york & ,p>is4 ,p]haps y h he>d ( my %ops on ,fif? ,av5ue & ! ,rue de la ,paix4 ,aunt ,joseph9e _h he>d ! "n1 ?\gh %e did n "k t ?is woman _h assum$ x )\t be+ 9 any way connect$ ) ! places %e m5tion$4 ,i'm e/abli%+ a new sort ( summ] s]vice at ! bett] resorts1 ! woman expla9$4 ,y see1 my p f9d x annoy+ to g into ! city = g[ns4 ,s ,i am br++ ! late/ ,p>is models out to !m4 ,is ,miss ,dodge at home8 ,i ?9k %e is play+ t5nis1 return$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,oh1 yes1 ,i see h]1 ?ank y1 ! woman murmur$1 mov+ t[>d ! t5nis c\rt1 back ( ! h\se4 ,ela9e & ,i _h agre$ to play a c\ple ( games & 7 toss+ rackets = position4 ,v well1 laugh$ ,ela9e1 z %e won ! toss1 take ! o!r c\rt4 ,x 0 a cool day & ,i felt 9 good spirits4 ,j to see :e!r ,i c\ld d x /ill1 ,i jump$ ov] ! net4 ,our game _h sc>cely />t$ :5 we 7 int]rupt$ by ! approa* ( a /unn+ look+ woman4 ,miss ,dodge8 %e greet$4 ,w y excuse me a mom5t8 ,ela9e paus$ 9 s]v+ ! ball & ! woman h&$ h] a c>d f h] delicate gold me% bag4 ,x read simply3 ,mme4 ,l>5z ,p>is ,g[ns ,ela9e look$ at ! c>d a mom5t :ile ! woman repeat$ :at %e _h already told ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,y h !m "h1 !n8 qu]i$ ,ela9e1 int]e/$4 ,yes1 ,i h "s v exclusive models :i* ,i am %[+ at my suite 9 ! ,/4 ,g]ma94 ,oh1 h[ lovely1 exclaim$ ,ela9e4 ,i mu/ see !m4 ,!y talk$ a few m9utes1 :ile ,i wait$ pati5tly = ,ela9e to />t ! game aga94 ,t game1 h[ev]1 0 de/9$ nev] to be f9i%$4 ,m weighty matt]s 7 "u discussion4 ,i wond]$ :at !y 7 talk+ ab\t &1 suppress+ a yawn1 ,i walk$ t[>d !m4 ,z ,i approa*$1 ,i he>d scatt]$ rem>ks ab\t /yles & dress fabrics4 ,ela9e _h completely =gott5 t5nis & me4 ,%e took a c\ple ( /eps away f ! c\rt ) ! woman1 z ,i came up4 ,ar5't y go+ to play8 ,i ask$4 ,i "k y'll excuse me1 ,walt]1 smil$ ,ela9e4 ,my frocks are all s frightfully out ( date4 ,& "h's a *ance to get new ones1 v reasonably1 too4 ,!y walk$ (f & ,i c\ld n help sc[l+ at ! visitor4 ,on t[>d ! h\se ,ela9e & ,madame ,l>5z proce$$ & ar\nd x to ! front por* :]e ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 /&+4 ,j ?9k1 ,auntie1 cri$ ,ela9e1 real ,p>is g[ns d[n "h )\t ! tr\ble ( go+ to ! city--& *eaply1 too4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 only mildly int]e/$1 b t did n seem to worry ,madame ,l>5z4 ,i %all be glad to see y at ?ree1 ,miss ,dodge1 %e said z %e got into h] c> aga9 & drove (f4 ,by t "t1 ,i _h caught up ) ,ela9e aga94 ,j "o game1 ,i urg$4 ,please excuse me1--?is "t1 ,walt]1 %e plead$1 laugh+4 ,y don't "k h[ sadly ,i'm 9 ne$ ( new frocks4 ,x 0 no use ( fur!r urg+ h]4 ,t5nis 0 out ( h] m9d = good t day4 ,accord+ly1 ,i m\nt$ to my room & !re quickly donn$ my rid+ clo!s4 ,:5 ,i came d[n1 ,i f\nd ,aunt ,joseph9e /ill on ! v]&a4 ,9 addition to my horse :i* ,i _h telephon$ =1 ,ela9e's little runab\t _h be5 driv5 to ! door4 ,:ile ,i 0 talk+ to ,aunt ,joseph9e1 ,ela9e came d[n-/airs & walk$ ov] to ! c>4 ,may ,i g ) y8 ,i plead$4 ,no1 ,walt]1 %e repli$ laugh+ m]rily4 ,y c't g4 ,i want to try !m on4 ,prop]ly squel*$1 ,i retreat$4 ,ela9e drove away & a mom5t lat]1 ,i m\nt$ & cant]$ (f leisurely4 ,ne> ,del ,m>'s bungal[ might h be5 se5 aga9 ! my/]i\s naturali/1 walk+ along ! road ) a butt]fly net 9 8 h& & :at appe>$ to be a lea!r specim5 case1 p]haps six in*es long1 "u 8 o!r arm4 ,z ,madame ,l>5z :izz$ pa/ 9 h] c>1 he look$ up ke5ly 9 spite ( 8 seem+ ne>-sight$ness & huge smok$ glasses4 ,he wat*$ h] closely1 not+ ! numb] ( ! c>1 !n turn$ & foll[$ x4 ,madame ,l>5z drew up1 a second "t1 be=e ,del ,m>'s4 ,z %e got out & ent]$1 ! naturali/1 hav+ quick5$ 8 pace1 came up & wat*$ h] g 94 ,!n1 aft] tak+ 9 ! situation = a mom5t1 he made 8 way ar\nd ! side ( ! bungal[4 ,is ,mr4 ,del ,m> at home8 inquir$ ,madame ,l>5z1 z ! valet u%]$ h] into ! libr>y4 ,no ma'am1 he return$4 ,mr4 ,del ,m> is out4 ,b he left ^w t if y came be=e he got back1 y 7 to leave ^w4 ,! woman sat d[n at ! desk & wrote ha/ily4 ,:5 %e _h f9i%$ ! %ort note1 %e read x ov] & fold$ x up4 ,tell ,mr4 ,del ,m> ,i've left a note "h on 8 desk1 %e said to ! valet4 ,a mom5t lat] %e left ! libr>y1 foll[$ by ! valet1 :o accompani$ h] to h] c> & assi/$ h] 94 ,! hotel1 %e direct$ to h] driv]1 z he />t$ (f1 :ile ! valet return$ to ! bungal[4 ,outside1 ! naturali/ _h come ?r\gh ! %rubb]y & _h be5 look+ 9 at ! libr>y w9d[1 wat*+ e move ( ,madame ,l>5z z %e wrote4 ,z %e w5t out1 he paus$ j a second to look ab\t4 ,!n he drew a long knife f 8 pocket1 =c$ ! w9d[ cat*1 & quickly climb$ into ! room4 ,directly to ! desk he w5t & hurri$ly ran ov] ! pap]s on x4 ,!re 0 ! note4 ,he pick$ x up & read x eag]ly4 ,my ap>tm5t--,/4 ,g]ma9--#c ,p4 ,m4 ,,l>5z4 ,= a mom5t he seem$ to consid] :at to d4 ,!n he replac$ ! note4 ,sudd5ly he he>d ! s\nd ( foot/eps4 ,x 0 ! valet return+4 ,quickly ! naturali/ ran to ! w9d[ & jump$ out4 ,a mom5t lat]1 ! valet ent]$ ! libr>y aga94 ,t's /range1 he exclaim$ "u 8 brea?1 ,i don't recall op5+ t w9d[ ov] !re to-day4 ,he look$ puzzl$4 ,b z no "o 0 ab\t1 he w5t ov] & %ut x4 ,"s di/ance d[n ! road1 ! naturali/ quietly em]g$ 9 safety f ! bu%es4 ,) sc>cely a mom5t's hesitation1 8 m9d ?or\ghly made up to 8 c\rse1 he hurri$ along ! road4 ,mean:ile1 at ! ,/4 ,g]ma91 ,madame ,l>5z ent]$ & pass$ ?r\gh ! rotunda ( ! hotel1 foll[$ by _m admir+ glances ( ! m54 ,up 9 h] room /ood sev]al l>ge trunks1 op54 ,f !m _h be5 tak5 a numb] ( g[ns :i* 7 scatt]$ ab\t or hung up = exhibition4 ,z %e ent]$1 quickly %e select$ "o ( ! trunks ^: cont5ts 7 m sm>t ?an ! re/ & laid ! g[ns out mo/ fet*+ly ab\t ! room4 ,9 ! (fice ( ! hotel a few mom5ts lat]1 ! naturali/ ent]$4 ,he look$ ar\nd curi\sly1 !n w5t to ! desk & glanc$ ov] ! regi/]4 ,at ! "n ,mme ,l>5z1 ,p>is1 ,room #bb1 he paus$4 ,= "s seconds he /ood ?9k+4 ,!n he delib]ately walk$ ov] to a lea!r *air & took a prom95t seat ne>-by 9 ! lobby4 ,he _h disc>d$ 8 net1 b /ill _h ! case :i* n[ he _h %ov$ into 8 pocket4 ,f a table1 he pick$ up a newspap]4 ,x 0 n long be=e ,del ,m> pull$ up be=e ! hotel & ent]$ 9 8 usual swagg] mann]4 ,he _h return$ to ! bungal[1 read ! note & hurri$ ov] to ! ,/4 ,g]ma94 ,he cross$ ! lobby1 back to ! (fice4 ,z he did s1 ! naturali/ _h 8 face hidd5 deeply 9 ! op5 newspap]4 ,b no soon] _h ,del ,m> pass$ ?an ! newspap] fell unappreciat$ & he gaz$ aft] him1 z he left ! lobby by ! back way4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes aft] %e _h complet$ arrang+ h] small /ock s t x look$ q impressive1 t ,madame ,l>5z he>d a knock at ! door & recogniz$ ,del ,m>'s secret code4 ,%e op5$ ! door & he /rode 94 ,i got y\r note1 he said briefly1 com+ directly to bus9ess & tell+ h] j :at he want$ done4 ,let me see1 he conclud$1 glanc+ at 8 wat*4 ,x is aft] ?ree n[4 ,%e ought to be "h any m9ute4 ,outside1 ,ela9e drove up to ! r g>i% entrance ( ! ,/4 ,g]ma9 & "o ( ! boys 9 uni=m ran =w>d to op5 ! door & take *>ge ( ! c>4 ,%e1 too1 cross$ ! lobby )\t see+ ! old naturali/1 ?\gh no?+ escap$ him4 ,z %e pass$1 he />t$ to rise & cross t[>d h]1 !n appe>$ to *ange 8 m9d4 ,ela9e w5t on out ?r\gh ! back ( ! lobby1 direct$ by a boy1 & m\nt$ a flight ( /airs1 9 pref]5ce to tak+ ! lift to ! second1 or sort ( mezzan9e floor4 ,d[n along ! corridor %e w5t1 hunt+ = numb] tw5ty-two4 ,at la/ %e f\nd x at ! end1 & knock$4 ,del ,m> & ,madame ,l>5z 7 /ill talk+ 9 l[ tones :5 !y he>d a light tap on ! door4 ,!re %e is1 n[1 :isp]$ ,l>5z4 ,all "r4 ,let h] 91 answ]$ ,del ,m>1 leap+ quietly to a closet4 ,i'll hide "h until ,i get ! signal4 ,d j z ,i told y4 ,outside1 at ! same "t1 accord+ to 8 c>efully concoct$ plans1 ,del ,m>'s c> _h driv5 up & /opp$ close to ! side ( ! hotel1 :i* 0 on a slight hill t br\ght ! /reet level "h n s f> bel[ ! second /ory w9d[s4 ,?ree ( 8 mo/ tru/$ m5 7 9 ! c>4 ,madame ,l>5z op5$ ! door4 ,oh1 ,i'm s glad y came1 %e rattl$ on to ,ela9e4 ,y see1 ,i've got to get />t$4 ,n a cu/om] yet4 ,b if y'll only take a few g[ns1 o!r p w come to me4 ,i'll let y h !m *eaply1 too4 ,j look at ?is "o4 ,%e held up "o filmy1 creamy creation t look$ l a delicate fl[]4 ,i'd l to try x on1 cri$ ,ela9e1 f+]+ x raptur\sly4 ,by all means1 agre$ ,madame4 ,we are alone4 ,d s4 ,) deft f+]s1 ,l>5z help$ h] take (f h] own v pretty dress4 ,z ,ela9e slipp$ ! s(t g[n ov] h] head1 ) h] head & arms engag$ 9 its multitud9\s folds1 ,madame ,l>5z1 a p[]ful woman1 seiz$ h]4 ,ela9e 0 effectually gagg$ & b\nd 9 ! g[n itself4 ,in/antly1 ,del ,m> flung himself f ! closet1 disguis+ 8 voice4 ,toge!r1 !y wrapp$ ! dress ab\t ,ela9e ev5 m tightly to prev5t h] scream+4 ,madame ',l>5z seiz$ a blanket & ?rew t ov] ,ela9e's head1 also1 :ile ,del ,m> ran to ! w9d[4 ,!re 7 8 m5 9 ! c>1 wait+ bel[4 ,are y ready8 he call$ s(tly to !m4 ,!y look$ ab\t c>efully4 ,!re 0 no "o on t side ( ! hotel j at ! mom5t4 ,ready1 respond$ "o4 ,quick6 ,toge!r1 ,del ,m> & ,madame ,l>5z pass$ ,ela9e1 ineffectually /ruggl+1 out ( ! w9d[4 ,! m5 seiz$ h] & plac$ h] 9 ! bottom ( ! c>1 :i* 0 cov]$4 ,!n !y %ot away1 tak+ a back road up ! hill4 ,hurri$ly ! naturali/ w5t ?r\gh ! lobby 9 ! direction ,ela9e _h gone1 & a mom5t lat] rea*$ ! corridor above4 ,d[n x1 he c\ld he> "s "o com+ out ( room tw5ty-two4 ,he slid into an angle & hid4 ,x 0 ,del ,m> & ! woman he _h se5 at ! bungal[4 ,!y pass$ by )\t discov]+ him1 nor c\ld he make out any?+ t !y said4 ,:at mis*ief 0 afoot8 ,:]e 0 ,ela9e8 ,he ran to ! door & tri$ x4 ,x 0 lock$4 ,quickly1 he took f 8 pocket a skeleton key & unlock$ x4 ,!re 0 ,ela9e's hat & dress ly+ 9 a heap on ! b$4 ,b %e 0 n !re4 ,he 0 n[ ?or\ghly al>m$4 ,%e c\ld n h pass$ him 9 ! hall4 ,!re=e %e mu/ h gone or be5 tak5 out ?r\gh ! w9d[4 ,t w\ld nev] h be5 volunt>y1 especially leav+ h] ?+s !re4 ,! w9d[ 0 /ill op54 ,he ran to x4 ,"o glance out 0 en\gh4 ,he leap$ to ! gr\nd4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 7 automobile tracks 9 ! du/4 ,del ,m>'s c>1 he mutt]$ to himself1 /udy+ !m4 ,he fairly ran ar\nd ! side ( ! hotel4 ,!re he came sudd5ly ^u ,ela9e's c> /&+ alone1 & recogniz$ x4 ,!re 0 no "t = delay4 ,he jump$ into x1 & let ! swift little rac] out z he turn$ & ga!r$ mom5tum to %oot up ! hill on high spe$4 ,mean:ile1 ,i _h be5 jogg+ along ?r\gh ! c\ntry1 lonely & disconsolate4 ,i don't "k h[ x happ5$1 b ,i suppose x 0 by "s subconsci\s desire4 ,at any rate ,i f\nd myself at ! road t came out across "o lead+ to ! ,/4 ,g]ma9 & x occurr$ to me t ,ela9e might by ?is "t h pur*as$ en\gh frocks to clo! h] = a ye>4 ,at any rate ,i quick5$ my pace 9 ! hope ( see+ h]4 ,sudd5ly1 my horse %i$ & a famili> little c> fla%$ pa/ me4 ,b ! driv] 0 n famili>4 ,x 0 ,ela9e's road/]4 ,9 x 0 a /rang]--a man :o look$ l a bugologi/1 z ne>ly z ,i c describe him4 ,0 he runn+ (f ) h] c> :ile %e 0 wait+ inside ! hotel8 ,i gallop$ aft] him4 ,del ,m>'s automobile1 ) ,ela9e b\nd & gagg$ 9 x1 drove rapidly by back & unfrequ5t$ ways into ! c\ntry until at la/ x pull$ up be=e an empty two-/ory h\se 9 a sort ( grove ( trees4 ,! m5 leap$ out1 lift$ ,ela9e1 & c>ri$ h] bodily into ! h\se1 tak+ h] up-/airs & into an upp] room4 ,%e _h fa9t$ :5 !y laid h] d[n & loos5$ ! dress f ab\t h] face s t %e c\ld brea!4 ,!re !y left h]1 on ! floor1 h] h&s & feet b\nd1 & w5t out4 ,h[ long %e lay !re1 %e nev] knew1 b at la/ ! air reviv$ h] & %e rega9$ consci\sness & sat up4 ,h] muscles 7 sore & h] head a*$4 ,b %e set h] tee? & began /ruggl+ ) ! cords t b\nd h]1 manag+ at la/ to pull ! dress ov] h]self at lea/4 ,9 ,ela9e's c>1 ! naturali/ drove sl[ly at times1 foll[+ ! tracks ( ! automobile ahead4 ,at la/1 h[ev]1 he came to a place :]e he saw t ! tracks w5t up a lonely side road4 ,to approa* 9 a c> 0 to w>n :oev] 0 !re4 ,he ran ! cat up alongside ! road 9 ! bu%es & jump$ out leav+ x & foll[+ ! tracks up ! side roadway4 ,z he approa*$ a s+le des]t$ h\se1 he left ev5 ! n>r[ road altoge!r & plung$ into ! woods1 c>eful to proce$ noiselessly4 ,?r\gh ! bu%es1 ne> ! h\se1 he pe]$4 ,!re he c\ld see "o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 9 ! doorway1 app>5tly talk+ to o!rs beh9d him4 ,/eal?ily ! naturali/ crept ar\nd1 /ill hid+1 until he 0 clos] to ! h\se on ! o!r side4 ,at la/ he work$ 8 way ar\nd to ! re> door4 ,he tri$ x4 ,x 0 bolt$ & ev5 ! skeleton key 0 unavail+ to slide ! bolt4 ,seconds 7 preci\s4 ,quickly1 he w5t to ! corn] ( ! h\se4 ,!re 0 a wat]-lead]4 ,he began to climb x1 risk+ its prec>i\s support4 ,on ! ro( at la/1 ! naturali/ crawl$ along1 look+ = "s way ( gett+ into ! h\se4 ,b he c\ld n seem to f9d any4 ,c>efully1 he crawl$ to ! edge ( ! ro( & look$ ov]4 ,bel[1 he c\ld he> s\nds1 b c\ld make no?+ ( !m4 ,f 8 pocket1 he took ! lea!r case & op5$ x4 ,!re 0 a peculi> arrangem5t1 l "s ( ! collapsible arms on :i* telephone in/rum5ts are (t5 fa/5$ to a desk or wall1 capable ( be+ collaps$ into small space or ( be+ ext5d$ = "s di/ance4 ,on ! ?+ 0 arrang$ a sy/em ( mirrors1 :i* ! naturali/ adju/$4 ,x 0 a pocket p]iscope4 ,he ?ru/ ! ?+ ov] ! edge ( ! ro( & d[n1 & look$ ?r\gh x4 ,bel[1 he c\ld see into ! room f :i* came ! peculi> s\nds4 ,he look$ anxi\sly4 ,!re he c\ld see ,ela9e endeavor+ /ill to loos5 ! cords & unable to d s4 ,only = a mom5t he look$4 ,!n he fold$ up ! pocket p]iscope into ! case & %ov$ x back into 8 pocket4 ,quickly he cross$ ! ro( aga91 & slid back d[n ! ra9-pipe4 ,at ! door /ood ?ree ( ,del ,m>'s m5 wait+ = ,del ,m> :o _h told !m he w\ld foll[ imm$iately4 ,! naturali/ _h by ?is "t rea*$ ! gr\nd & 0 go+ along c>efully back ( ! h\se4 ,he drew 8 revolv] &1 po9t+ x d[n1 fir$4 ,!n he dodg$ back ( an ext5sion & disappe>$ = ! mom5t4 ,in/antly1 ! ?ree m5 sprang up & ran t[>d ! spot :]e x seem$ ! %ot _h be5 fir$4 ,!re 0 no "o ab\t ! side ( ! h\se4 ,b ! w9d _h c>ri$ ! smoke into "s bu%es beside ! grove & !y cra%$ into ! bu%es1 beat+ ab\t4 ,at ! same "t1 ! naturali/1 hav+ fir/ wait$ until he saw :i* way ! m5 7 go+1 da%$ ab\t ! h\se 9 ! opposite direction4 ,!n he slipp$1 unoppos$ & unobs]v$1 9 ?r\gh ! op5 front door1 up ! /airs & along to ! room into :i* he _h j be5 look+4 ,he unlock$ ! door1 & ent]$4 ,ela9e 0 /ill /ruggl+ ) ! cords :5 %e caught sight ( ! /rang]4 ,n a ^w1 he caution$ "u 8 brea?4 ,%e 0 inde$ too fright5$ to cry out4 ,quickly1 he loos5$ h]1 /ill hold+ 8 f+] to 8 lips to enjo9 sil5ce4 ,foll[ me1 he :isp]$4 ,%e obey$ me*anically1 & !y w5t out into ! hall4 ,on d[n-/airs w5t ! naturali/1 ,ela9e /ill keep+ close aft] him4 ,he look$ out ?r\gh ! front door1 !n drew back4 ,quickly he w5t ?r\gh ! l[] hall until he came to ! back door 9 ! kit*51 ,ela9e foll[+4 ,he unbolt$ ! door & op5$ x4 ,run1 he said1 simply1 po9t+ out ( ! door4 ,!y're com+ back ! o!r way4 ,i'll hold !m4 ,%e ne$$ no fur!r urg+1 b d>t$ f ! h\se z he clos$ ! door aft] h]4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 j at ?is po9t t ,del ,m> came rid+ along ! ma9 road on horseback4 ,he pull$ up sudd5ly z he saw a c> run 9 alongside ! road4 ,t's ,ela9e's runab\t1 he mutt]$1 z he dism\nt$ & ti$ 8 horse4 ,h[ came x "h8 ,he approa*$ ! c>1 mu* worri$ by its unacc\ntable pres5ce !re in/ead ( be=e ! ,/4 ,g]ma94 ,!n he drew 8 gun & hurri$ up ! side road4 ,he he>d a %ot & quick5$ 8 pace4 ,9 ! woods unexpect$ly he came ^u 8 ?ree m5 /ill beat+ ab\t1 se>*+ ) drawn revolv]s = ! p]son :o _h fir$ ! %ot4 ,well8 he dem&$ %>ply1 :at's all ?is8 ,"s "o fir$ a %ot1 !y expla9$1 some:at cre/fall54 ,x 0 a trick1 y fools1 he answ]$ te/ily4 ,get back to y\r prison]4 ,)\t a ^w !y turn$ & hurri$ t[>d ! h\se1 ,del ,m> foll[+4 ,y two g 91 he ord]$ ! =emo/4 ,i'll g ar\nd ! h\se ) ,patrick4 ,z ,del ,m> & ! o!r man ran ar\nd ! corn]1 !y c\ld j cat* a fleet+ glimpse on "s "o disappe>+ among ! trees4 ,x 0 ,ela9e4 ,! man hurri$ =w>d1 blaz+ away ) 8 gun4 ,runn+1 brea?less1 ,ela9e he>d ! %ot beh9d h] :i* ,del ,m>'s man _h fir$ 9 8 eag]ness4 ,! bullet /ruck a tree ne> h] ) a p+6 ,%e glanc$ back & saw ! man4 ,b %e did n /op4 ,in/ead1 %e r$\bl$ h] ef=ts1 runn+ zigzag 9 among ! trees :]e !y 7 ?icke/4 ,del ,m>1 a little bit beh9d 8 man :]e %e c\ld n recognize him1 urg$ ! man on1 foll[+ c>efully4 ,on fl$ ,ela9e1 h] he>t beat+ fa/4 ,sudd5ly %e /opp$ & almo/ cri$ out 9 vexation4 ,a /ream block$ h] retreat1 a /ream1 swift & deep4 ,%e look$ back1 t]rifi$4 ,h] pursu]s 7 com+ ahead fa/ n[ 9 h] direction4 ,wildly %e gaz$ ar\nd4 ,!re 0 a canoe on ! bank4 ,9 an in/ant %e jump$ 91 unti$ x1 & seiz$ ! paddle4 ,(f %e w5t1 /rik+ = ! opposite %ore4 ,b ! curr5t 0 rac+ swiftly1 & %e 0 already tir$ & exhau/$4 ,%e c\ld sc>cely make any headway at all 9 ! fi]ce eddies4 ,b at lea/1 %e ?\ght hurri$ly1 %e 0 gett+ fur!r & fur!r away f !m d[n-/ream4 ,up above1 ,del ,m> & 8 man came to ! edge ( ! wat]4 ,!re !y /ood = a mom5t look+ d[n4 ,!re %e is1 po9t$ ! man4 ,del ,m> rais$ 8 revolv] & fir$4 ,sudd5ly a bullet /ruck ,ela9e's paddle & broke x4 ,clut*+ ! useless spl9t]$ %aft1 %e 0 n[ at ! m]cy ( ! curr5t1 swept along l a piece ( driftwood4 ,%e look$ ab\t frantically4 ,:at 0 t ro>+ noise8 ,x 0 ! wat]falls ahead6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! meantime1 ,del ,m>'s o!r two m5 _h ent]$ ! h\se & _h run up-/airs1 kn[+ well 8 wra? if any?+ _h happ5$4 ,z !y did s1 ! naturali/ pok$ 8 head cauti\sly out ( ! kit*5 :]e he _h be5 hid+1 & saw !m4 ,!n he foll[$ noiselessly1 8 revolv] ready4 ,headlong !y ran into ! room :]e !y _h left ,ela9e4 ,%e 0 gone6 ,be=e !y c\ld turn1 ! naturali/ lock$ ! door1 turn$ & took ! /eps d[n1 two at a "t4 ,!n he ran out ( ! front door & into ! woods at an angle to ! direction tak5 by ,ela9e1 turn+ & go+ d[n hill1 :]e a rapid1 swoll5 /ream curv$ ab\t ?r\gh a gorge4 ,z he rea*$ ! /ream1 he he>d a %ot above1 & a scream4 ,he look$ up4 ,!re 0 ,ela9e1 swept d[n t[>d him4 ,bel[ he knew ! /ream tumbl$ ov] a tall cat>act into ! gorge bel[4 ,:at c\ld he d8 ,a sudd5 crackl+ ( ! twigs caus$ him to turn & cat* sight ( me1 j com+ up4 ,=1 z be/ ,i c\ld on horseback1 ,i _h foll[$ ,ela9e's c> until at la/ ,i saw t x _h be5 ab&on$4 ,?or\ghly al>m$1 ,i rode on1 pa/ a des]t$ h\se until sudd5ly ,i he>d a %ot & a scream4 ,x seem$ to come f bel[ me & ,i leap$ (f my horse1 mak+ = x z fa/ z ,i c\ld1 rac+ t[>d a /ream ^: ro> ,i c\ld he>4 ,!re on ! bank ,i came ^u a que] old codg]1 look+ ab\t wildly4 ,0 he ! automobile ?ief8 ,i ran =w>d1 ready to seize him4 ,b z ,i did s1 he :irl$ ab\t & ) a /r5g? rem>kable 9 "o s old seiz$ my own wri/ be=e ,i c\ld get 84 ,look6 he cri$ simply1 po9t+ up ! /ream4 ,i did4 ,a girl 9 a canoe 0 com+ d[n t[>d ! falls1 scream+1 h] paddle brok5 & useless4 ,my he>t leap$ into my m\?4 ,x 0 ,ela9e6 ,come1 he pant$ eag]ly to me4 ,i c save h]4 ,y mu/ d j z ,i say4 ,he po9t$ to an ov]hang+ rock ne>-by & we ran to x4 ,by ?is "t ,ela9e 0 almo/ ^u u1 ea* second gett+ ne>] ! v]itable mael/rom above ! falls4 ,f ! rock ov]hung also a tree at ! v edge ( ! wat]4 ,!re 0 no?+ to d b obey him4 ,above1 ?\gh we did n see !m1 ,del ,m> & 8 man 7 gloat+ ov] ! result ( _! "w4 ,b !y 7 gloat+ too soon4 ,we came to ! rock & ! tree4 ,"h1 cri$ ! new-f\nd fri5d1 ,i'll get hold ( ! tree & !n hold y4 ,in/antly he ?rew himself on 8 /oma*1 hook+ 8 leg ab\t ! tree trunk4 ,i crawl$ out ov] ! l$ge ( slipp]y rock to ! v edge & look$ ov]4 ,x 0 ! only *ance4 ,! old naturali/ seiz$ my legs 9 8 h&s4 ,i slid d[n ! rock1 lett+ myself g4 ,lit]ally1 8 pres5ce ( m9d _h inv5t$ :at 0 really a life *a91 a human rope4 ,on came ! canoe1 ,ela9e 9 x z :ite z dea?1 cry+ out & try+ to /op or guide x z1 ne>] & ne>] ?r\gh ! smoo?-worn walls ( ! *asm1 x :irl$ to ! falls4 ,) a grip ( /eel1 ! naturali/ held to ! tree :i* sway$ & b5t1 :ile also he held me1 z if 9 a vise1 head d[n4 ,on came ,ela9e--directly at u4 ,%e /ood up & balanc$ h]self1 a dang]\s feat 9 a canoe at any "t1 b d\bly s 9 ^? d>k1 swirl+1 trea*]\s wat]s4 ,/eady6 ,i enc\rag$4 ,grab my arms6 ,z ! canoe rea*$ u1 %e gave a little jump & seiz$ my =e>ms4 ,h] h&s slipp$1 b ,i grasp$ h] own arms1 & we held ea* o!r4 ,! mom5tum ( h] body 0 great4 ,= an in/ant ,i ?\ght we 7 all go+ ov]4 ,b ! naturali/ held 8 grip & sl[ly began to pull himself & u up ! slipp]y rock4 ,a second lat] ! canoe cra%$ ov] ! falls 9 a cl\d ( spray & p\nd+ wat]4 ,z we rea*$ ! bank above ! rock1 ,i almo/ lift$ ,ela9e & set h] d[n1 trembl+ & gasp+ = brea?4 ,be=e ei!r ( u knew x ! que] old fell[ _h plung$ into ! bu%es & 0 gone )\t ano!r ^w4 ,walt]1 %e cri$1 call him back1 ,i mu/ tell him h[ mu* ,i owe him--my life6 ,b he _h disappe>$1 absolutely4 ,we %\t$ aft] him4 ,x 0 ( no use4 ,well1 :at d y ?9k ( t8 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,he sav$ my life--!n didn't wait ev5 to be ?ank$4 ,:o 0 he8 ,we look$ at ea* o!r a mom5t4 ,b nei!r ( u spoke :at 0 9 our he>ts4 ,,*apt] ,,xv ,,! ,,fla% ,alone 9 ! doorway be=e 8 rude %ack on ! %ore ( ! promontory sat an old fi%]man1 gaz+ out fix$ly at ! h>bor z ?\gh deeply conc]n$ ov] ! wea!r1 :i*1 z usual1 0 unseasonable4 ,sudd5ly he />t$ & w\ld h disappe>$ into 8 hut b = ! fact t1 al?\gh he c\ld n himself be se51 he _h already se5 ! intrud]4 ,x 0 a troop] f ,=t ,dale4 ,he gallop$ up &1 z ?\gh obey+ to ! lett] 8 in/ructions1 delib]ately dropp$ an envelope at ! feet ( ! fi%]man4 ,!n1 )\t a ^w1 he gallop$ away aga94 ,! fi%]man pick$ up ! envelope & op5$ x quickly4 ,inside 0 a photograph & a note4 ,he read3 ,,=t ,,dale ,,pr(essor ,,arnold1 ,j4 ,smi?1 cl]k 9 ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t1 has disappe>$4 ,we are n sure1 b fe> t he has a copy ( ! new ,s&y ,hook ,def5se ,plans4 ,x is believ$ he is head$ y\r way4 ,he walks ) a slight limp4 ,look out = him4 ,,lieut5ant ,,woodw>d4 ,= a long "t ! fi%]man appe>$ to /udy ! face on ! photograph until he _h x indelibly implant$ 9 8 memory1 z if by "s sy/em su* z t ( ! immortal ,b]tillon & 8 clev] portrait p>le1 or spok5 picture1 = sci5tific id5tification & appreh5sion4 ,x 0 n a pleasant face & !re 7 features t 7 n easily =gott54 ,f9ally he turn$ & ent]$ 8 hut4 ,ha/ily he took (f 8 /a9$ reef]4 ,f a wood5 *e/ he drew ano!r outfit ( clo!s4 ,! trans=mation 0 complete4 ,:5 he issu$ =? f 8 hut aga91 x 0 no long] ! ag$ disciple ( ,izaac ,walton4 ,he 0 n[ a trim *auffeur1 be>d$ & goggl$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 ! libr>y ( 8 bungal[1 ,del ,m> 0 pac+ up & d[n1 n[ & !n sc[l+ to himself1 z ?\gh !re fla%$ ov] 8 m9d /ray recollections ( h[ "s ( 8 mo/ *]i%$ plans 7 misc>ry+4 ,/ill1 on ! :ole1 he _h no?+ to compla9 (4 ,=1 a mom5t lat] ! valet ent]$ ) a telegram = :i* he _h evid5tly be5 wait+4 ,del ,m> seiz$ x eag]ly & tore op5 ! yell[ envelope4 ,on ! blank 0 pr9t$ 9 ! usual way ! foll[+ non-committal message3 ,,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c41 ,augu/ #ab1 #aiae4 ,,mr4 ,,del ,,m>1 ,:at y reque/ is com+4 ,answ] to sign ( ! r+4--,,smi?4 ,good1 mutt]$ ,del ,m> z he f9i%$ read+4 ,/range1 :at a little gold w d--:5 y "k h[ to dispose ( x4 ,he smil$ cynically to himself at ! s5tim5t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,at ! little railroad /ation1 !y 7 q pr\d ( ! fact t at lea/ two ( ! f\r hacks _h be5 replac$ already by taxicabs4 ,x 01 !n1 ) "s surprise & n a little op5 jeal\sy t !y saw a new taxicab drive up & take its /& by ! plat=m4 ,if ! *auffeur1 trans=m$ f ! lonely fi%]man1 _h expect$ a cordial reception1 he might bett] h /ay$ be=e 8 hut1 = ! glances ! o!r driv]s gave him 7 z black & l[]+ z ! cl\ds he _h be5 look+ at4 ,! new *auffeur got (f 8 seat4 ,in/ead ( try+ to braz5 x out1 he walk$ ov] to ! o!rs :o 7 /&+ 9 a gr\p wait+ = ! approa*+ tra9 ^: :i/le _h already s\nd$4 ,i'm n go+ to locate "h p]man5tly1 he said1 pull+ out a roll ( bills z he spoke4 ,leave any f>e ,i claim to me1 he add$1 pass+ a bill ( a good d5om9ation to ea* ( ! f\r jehus4 ,!y look$ at him curi\sly4 ,b :at bus9ess ( !irs 0 x8 ,! money felt good4 ,all "r1 bo1 !y agre$4 ,?und]+ d[n ! plat=m came ! aft]noon tra91 a great ev5t 9 ! t[n life4 ,z ! baggage 0 be+ toss$ (f1 ! pass5g]s alight$ & ! five hackm5 sw>m$ at !m4 ,keb1 sir1 k]ridge4 ,taxi1 lady6 ,f ! ,pullman alight$ a wid[1 9 deep m\rn+4 ,z %e got (f & mov$ d[n ! plat=m1 x 0 app>5t t %e walk$ ) a pron\nc$ limp4 ,at ! end ( ! plat=m1 ! *auffeurs 7 /ill call+1 :ile ! newcom] look$ ov] ! cr[d ha/ily4 ,sudd5ly he caught sight ( ! face ( ! wid[4 ,he /epp$ =w>d1 z %e approa*$4 ,! o!rs held back z !y _h agre$ & paid no att5tion4 ,x 0 l =c+ a c>d4 ,he held ! door op5 & %e ent]$ ! cab1 unsuspect+4 ,mr4 ,del ,m>'s1 %e direct$1 simply4 ,z ! new taxicab driv] crank$ 8 eng9e & climb$ into ! seat1 he 0 c>eful to let no action ( 81 h[ev] small1 betray ! int5se satisfaction he felt at ! work+ ( 8 s*eme4 ,he pull$ away f ! /ation4 ,on ?r\gh ! pretty c\ntry roads ! *auffeur drove ! heavily veil$ wid[ until at la/ !y came to ,del ,m>'s bungal[4 ,at ! gate he /opp$ & ran ar\nd to op5 ! door to assi/ 8 f>e to alight4 ,wait = me1 %e said1 )\t pay+ him yet4 ,i %all n be long & ,i want to be driv5 back to ! /ation to cat* ! f\r tw5ty-n9e to ,new ,york4 ,z %e limp$ up ! gravel walk1 he wat*$ h] closely4 ,%e w5t to ! door & rang ! bell1 & ! valet admitt$ h]4 ,del ,m> 0 /ill sitt+1 ?9k+1 9 ! libr>y4 ,mr4 ,del ,m>8 %e inquir$4 ,! voice 0 n exactly s(t1 & ,del ,m> ey$ h] suspici\sly4 ,0 ?is ! p]son he expect$1 or a plant8 ,yes1 he answ]$1 gu>d$ly1 ,i am ,mr4 ,del ,m>4 ,& y8 ,! wid[1 too1 evid5tly wi%$ to make no mi/ake4 ,z %e spoke1 %e rais$ h] h&4 ,by t simple action %e display$ a curi\s & conspicu\s seal r+ on h] f+]4 ,x 0 ! sign ( ! r+ = :i* ,del ,m> _h be5 wait+4 ,he ext5d$ 8 own left h&4 ,on ! r+ f+] 0 ano!r r+1 b n simil>4 ,z he did s1 ! wid[ took ! r+ f h] own f+] & plac$ x on ! little f+] ( ,del ,m>4 ,good6 he exclaim$4 ,e action ( ! sign ( ! r+ _h be5 c>ri$ out4 ,! woman rais$ h] ?ick veil1 disclos+ ! face (--a man6 ,x 0 ! same face1 also1 t _h appe>$ 9 ! photograph s5t to ! old fi%]man by ,woodw>d4 ,awkw>dly1 ! man se>*$ 9 ! front ( 8 %irtwai/ & drew =? a pap] :i* ,del ,m> almo/ seiz$ 9 8 eag]ness4 ,x 0 a p5 & ink copy ( a ,gov]nm5t map1 %[+ a huge spit ( s& 9 ! sea be=e a h>bor1 ,s&y ,hook & ,new ,york4 ,on x 7 indicat$ all ! def5ses1 ! positions ( guns1 ev]y?+4 ,toge!r1 ,del ,m> & ,smi? b5t ov] x1 :ile ! r5egade cl]k expla9$ ea* m>k on ! traitor\s map4 ,!y 7 too occupi$ to see a face flatt5$ aga9/ ! pane ( a w9d[ ne>-by4 ,! *auffeur _h no int5tion ( rema9+ inactive outside :ile he knew t some?+ t int]e/$ him 0 transpir+ inside4 ,he _h crept up by ! side ( ! h\se to ! w9d[4 ,b he c\ld see little & he> no?+4 ,a mom5t he /ra9$ e s5se4 ,x 0 no use4 ,he mu/ devise "s o!r way4 ,h[ c\ld he get into t room8 ,sl[ly he return$ to 8 c>1 ?9k+ x ov]4 ,!re he /ood = a mom5t revolv+ 9 8 m9d :at to d4 ,he look$ up ! road4 ,an idea came to him4 ,!re he saw a little runab\t approa*+ rapidly4 ,quickly he w5t ar\nd to ! front ( 8 c> & lift$ up ! hood4 ,!n he b5t ov] & pret5d$ to be t9k]+ ) 8 eng9e4 ,z ! c> 0 ab\t to pass he delib]ately /epp$ back1 app>5tly n see+ ! runab\t1 & 0 /ruck & knock$ d[n4 ,! runab\t /opp$1 ! em]g5cy brakes bit+ h>d4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e _h ask$ me to g %opp+ 9 ! village ) h] t aft]noon4 ,:ile ,i wait$ = h] 9 h] little c>1 %e came d[n at la/1 c>ry+ a little h&bag4 ,we drove (f a mom5t lat]4 ,x 0 a delightful ride1 n too w>m1 b sunny4 ,)\t realiz+ x1 we f\nd ourselves on ! road t l$ pa/ ,del ,m>'s4 ,z we approa*$1 ,i saw t !re 0 a taxicab /&+ 9 front ( ! gate4 ,! hood 0 lift$ & ! driv] 0 app>5tly t9k]+ ) 8 eng9e4 ,let's n /op1 said ,ela9e1 :o _h by ?is "t a peculi> av]sion to ! man4 ,z we pass$ ! driv]1 app>5tly n see+ u1 /epp$ out &1 be=e we c\ld turn out1 we _h knock$ him d[n4 ,we /opp$ & ran back4 ,!re he lay on ! road1 seem+ly unconsci\s4 ,we lift$ him up & ,i look$ t[>d ,del ,m>'s h\se4 ,help6 ,i %\t$ at ! top ( my voice4 ,! valet came to ! door4 ,he>+ me1 ! valet ran out d[n ! walk4 ,all "r1 he cri$4 ,i'll be !re 9 a m9ute4 ,) 8 help ,i pick$ up ! taxicab *auffeur & we c>ri$ him into ! h\se4 ,del ,m> 0 talk+ ) a p]son :o look$ l a wid[1 :5 !y he>d our approa* up ! walk c>ry+ ! injur$ man4 ,s engross$ _h !y be5 9 disc]n+ :at ! /ol5 docum5t conta9$ t1 z we f9ally ent]$1 ! wid[ _h only "t to drop h] veil & conceal h] id5tity z ! r5egade ,smi?4 ,del ,m> /ill held ! plan 9 8 h&4 ,! valet & ,i ent]$ ) ,ela9e & we plac$ ! *auffeur on a c\* ne> ,del ,m>'s desk4 ,i rememb] t !re 0 ?is /range woman all 9 black1 heavily veil$1 9 ! room at ! "t4 ,i ?9k we ought to telephone = a doctor1 said ,ela9e plac+ h] h&-bag on ! desk & excit$ly tell+ ,del ,m> h[ we _h accid5tally knock$ ! man d[n4 ,call up my doctor1 ,h5ry1 said ,del ,m>1 ha/ily ?ru/+ ! plan into a book ly+ on ! desk4 ,we ga!r$ ab\t ! man1 try+ to revive him4 ,h y a little /imulant8 ,i ask$1 turn+ f him4 ,del ,m> mov$ t[>d a cell>ette built into ! wall4 ,we 7 all wat*+ him1 our backs to ! *auffeur1 :5 sudd5ly he mu/ h rega9$ consci\sness v mu*4 ,l a fla% 8 h& %ot out4 ,he seiz$ ! plan f betwe5 ! leaves ( ! book4 ,he _h n "t to get away ) x himself4 ,p]haps he might be se>*$4 ,he op5$ ,ela9e's bag1 & ?ru/ x 94 ,! valet by ?is "t _h f9i%$ telephon+ & spoke to ,del ,m>4 ,! doctor w be "h %ortly1 ,miss ,dodge1 said ,del ,m>4 ,y ne$ n wait1 if y don't c>e to4 ,i'll take c>e ( him4 ,oh1 ?ank y--ev] s mu*1 %e murmur$4 ,( c\rse x wasn't our fault1 b ,i feel sorry = ! poor fell[4 ,tell ! doctor to s5d me ! bill4 ,%e & ,del ,m> %ook h&s4 ,i ?\ght he held h] h& p]haps a little long] & a little tight] ?an usual4 ,at any rate ,ela9e seem$ to ?9k s4 ,:y1 :at a curi\s r+1 ,mr4 ,del ,m>1 %e said1 f9ally releas+ h] own h& f 8 grasp4 ,!n %e look$ quickly at ! woman1 half jok+1 z if ! r+ _h some?+ to d ) ! /range woman4 ,%e look$ back at ! r+4 ,del ,m> smil$1 %ook 8 head & laugh$ easily4 ,!n ,ela9e pick$ up h] bag & we w5t out4 ,a mom5t lat] we climb$ back into ! c> & 7 (f aga94 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,hav+ left u at ! door1 ,del ,m> hurri$ back to ! libr>y4 ,he w5t /raight to ! desk & pick$ up ! book1 eag] n[ to make sure ( ! safety ( ! plan4 ,x 0 gone6 ,did y1 ,smi?-- he began ha/ily1 !n *eck$ himself1 kn[+ t ! cl]k _h n tak5 ! plan4 ,del ,m> walk$ ov] to ! c\* & /ood a mom5t look+ at ! *auffeur4 ,i wond] :o he is1 he said to himself4 ,i don't recall ev] see+ him at ! /ation or 9 ! village4 ,he lean$ ov] clos]4 ,! deuce6 he exclaim$1 t's a fake be>d ! fell[ has on4 ,del ,m> made a lunge = x4 ,z he did s1 ! *auffeur leap$ to 8 feet & drew a gun4 ,h&s up6 he %\t$4 ,& ! fir/ man t moves is a dead "o6 ,be=e ! secret ag5t knew x1 bo? he & ,smi? 7 cov]$4 ,! *auffeur took a /ep t[>d ,smi? & unc]emoni\sly j]k$ (f ! wid['s we$s1 z well z ! wig4 ,at t v mom5t "o ( ,del ,m>'s m5 came up to ! secret panel t op5$ f ! und]gr\nd passageway into 8 libr>y4 ,he 0 ab\t to op5 x :5 he he>d a s\nd on ! o!r side t />tl$ him4 ,he li/5$ a mom5t1 !n slid x j a %ort di/ance & look$ 94 ,!re he saw a *auffeur hold+ up ,del ,m> & ,smi?4 ,hav+ pull$ ! disguise f ,smi?1 he w5t next ar\nd ,del ,m> & took 8 gun f 8 pocket1 !n pass$ 8 h&s ov] ! folds ( ,smi?'s dress1 b f\nd no weapon4 ,he /epp$ back away f !m4 ,at t po9t ! man quietly slid ! panel all ! way op5 & sil5tly /epp$ into ! room1 beh9d ! *auffeur4 ,cauti\sly he began sneak+ up on him4 ,z he did s1 ,del ,m> & ,smi? wat*$1 fasc9at$4 ,someh[ _! faces mu/ h betray$ t some?+ 0 wrong4 ,=1 z ! newcom] leap$ at him1 ! *auffeur turn$ sudd5ly & fir$4 ,! %ot w\nd$ ! man4 ,x 0 a signal = a free-=-all fight4 ,del ,m> & ,smi? leap$ at ! intrud]4 ,ov] & ov] !y roll$1 break+ furniture1 ov]turn+ & sma%+ bric-a-brac4 ,del ,m>'s revolv] 0 knock$ out ( ! *auffeur's h&4 ,) a bl[ ( a *air1 ! *auffeur laid out ,smi?1 entangl$ 9 8 unfamili> g>m5ts1 %ook himself loose f ! two o!rs1 & made a ru% at ! door4 ,del ,m> paus$ only long en\gh to pick up ! revolv] f ! floor4 ,in/antly he fir$ at ! retreat+ =m4 ,b ! *auffeur _h pass$ out & bang$ %ut ! door4 ,d[n ! walk he sp$ & out to ! gate1 into 8 c>1 ! eng9e ( :i* he _h left runn+4 ,h>d aft] him came ,del ,m> & ! re/1 jo9$ n[ by ,h5ry1 ! valet4 ,"o %ot 0 left 9 ! *auffeur's revolv] & he blaz$ away z he leap$ into ! c>4 ,he's got me1 groan$ ,smi? z he /umbl$ & fell =w>d4 ,on kept ,del ,m> & ! o!rs4 ,!y caught up ) ! c> j z x 0 />t+4 ,b ! *auffeur knock$ ! gun f ,del ,m>'s h& be=e he c\ld get a good aim & fire1 at ! same "t b[l+ ov] ! man :o _h come ?r\gh ! panel4 ,(f ! c> w5t1 n[ rapidly ga9+ spe$4 ,del ,m> _h j "t to sw+ on ! re> ( x4 ,ar\nd ! rapidly-driv5 c>1 he climb$1 hang+ on = de> life1 ov] ! mud-gu>d & t[>d ! runn+-bo>d4 ,on sp$ ! c>1 sway+ crazily back & =?1 ,del ,m> cr\*$ on ! runn+-bo>d & work+ 8 way sl[ly & p]il\sly to ! front seat4 ,! *auffeur felt ! weight ( "s "o on t side4 ,j z he turn$ to see :at x 01 ,del ,m> leap$ at him4 ,/ill hold+ ! :eel1 ! *auffeur f\ght him (f ) 8 free h&1 ,del ,m> hold+ on to "s sp>e tires ) "o h&1 also4 ,h&icapp$ by hav+ ! /e]+-:eel to manage1 nev]!less ! *auffeur seem$ q well able to give a good acc\nt ( himself4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,someh[1 ,ela9e & ,i mu/ h be5 hoodoo$ t day4 ,we _h n be5 gone five m9utes f ,del ,m>'s aft] ! accid5t to ! *auffeur1 :5 we he>d a my/]i\s knock 9 ! eng9e4 ,m eng9e tr\ble1 ,i sigh$4 ,pull up along ! road & ,i'll see if ,i c fix x4 ,we /opp$ & bo? got out4 ,!re 0 no fake ab\t ?is tr\ble or ab\t ! dirt & grease ,i acquir$ on my h&s & face1 t9k]+ ) t motor4 ,=1 reg>dless ( my immaculate flannels1 ,i _h to set to "w4 ,a huge spot ( grease spatt]$ on me4 ,ela9e laugh$ outright4 ,"h1 let me p[d] y\r nose1 ,walt]1 %e cri$ undismay$ at our tr\ble1 gayly op5+ h] bag4 ,well--( all ?+s--:at's ?is1 & :]e did x come f8 ,i turn$ f ! eng9e & look$4 ,%e 0 hold+ "s k9d ( plan or docum5t 9 h] h&4 ,9 blank surprise %e exam9$ x4 ,x look$ l a =t or a s]ies ( =ts4 ,b ,i 0 sure at a glance t x 0 n ,=t ,dale4 ,:at d y ?9k x is1 ,walt]8 %e ask$1 h&+ x to me4 ,i took x & exam9$ x c>efully4 ,incr$ible z x seem$1 ,i figur$ out quickly t x mu/ be no?+ %ort ( a plan ( ! new def5ses at ,s&y ,hook4 ,i don't "k :at x all means1 ,i said4 ,b ,i d "k t we won't get any d9n] till ,i get ?is eng9e runn+ aga94 ,i fell to "w aga91 eag] to get away ) our dang]\s prize1 ,ela9e n[ & !n advis+ me4 ,f9ally ,i turn$ ! eng9e ov]4 ,= a wond] x ran smoo?ly4 ,well1 t's all "r1 at la/1 ,i sigh$1 wip+ ! grease (f my h&s on a piece ( wa/e4 ,:at's ! matt] n[8 exclaim$ ,ela9e1 turn+ quickly & look+ up ! road along :i* we _h j come4 ,!re1 lur*+ along at full spe$ 0 a c>4 ,two m5 7 actually fight+ on ! front ( x reg>dless ( spe$ & safety4 ,z x ne>$ u1 ,i saw x 0 ! taxicab t _h be5 /&+ be=e ,del ,m>'s4 ,i look$ clos] at x4 ,to my utt] amazem5t1 :o %\ld be driv+ x b ! v *auffeur :om we _h left at ,del ,m>'s only a few m9utes be=e1 app>5tly unconsci\s4 ,he c\ld n h be5 hurt v badly1 = he 0 n only able to drive b 0 fight+ (f a man cl++ on ! runn+-bo>d4 ,on ru%$ ! c>1 directly at u4 ,j z x pass$ u1 ! *auffeur seem$ to summon all 8 /r5g?4 ,he /ruck a p[]ful bl[ at ! man1 recoil$ & /raight5$ out 8 c> j 9 "t4 ,! man fell1 lit]ally at our feet4 ,x 0 ,del ,m> himself6 ,on sp$ ! taxicab4 ,bruis$ ?\gh he mu/ h be5 by ! fall1 ,del ,m> nev]!less rais$ himself by ! elb[ & fir$ e *amb] ( 8 revolv] z fa/ z he c\ld pump ! bullets4 ,i mu/ say t ,i admir$ ! man's pluck4 ,ela9e & ,i hurri$ ov] to him4 ,i /ill _h 9 my h& ! que] pap] :i* %e _h f\nd s /rangely 9 h] h&-bag4 ,:y1 :at's all ?is ab\t8 ,i ask$ eag]ly4 ,be=e ,i c\ld raise him up1 ,del ,m> _h rega9$ 8 feet4 ,j a pla9 crook1 :o attack$ me1 he mutt]$1 bru%+ (f 8 clo!s to cov] up ! quick recognition ( :at x 0 t ,i 0 hold+ 9 my h&1 = he _h se5 ! plan imm$iately4 ,c't we drive y back8 ask$ ,ela9e1 q =gett+ our fe>s ( ,del ,m> 9 ! ugly pr$icam5t 9 :i* he j _h be54 ,we've _h tr\ble b ,i guess we c get y back4 ,?ank y1 he said1 =c+ a smile4 ,i ?9k any?+ w\ld be an improvem5t on my ride "h & ,i'm sure y c d m ?an y claim4 ,he climb$ up & sat on ! floor ( ! road/]1 8 feet outside1 & we drove (f4 ,at la/ we pull$ up at ,dodge ,hall aga94 ,won't y come 98 ask$ ,ela9e z we got out4 ,?ank y1 ,i believe ,i w = a few m9utes1 cons5t$ ,del ,m>1 conceal+ 8 real eag]ness to foll[ me4 ,i'm all %ak5 up4 ,z we ent]$ ! liv+-room1 ,i 0 ?9k+ ab\t ! map4 ,i op5$ a table draw]1 ha/ily took ! plan f my pocket & lock$ x 9 ! draw]4 ,ela9e1 mean:ile1 0 /&+ ) ,del ,m> :o 0 talk+1 b 9 reality wat*+ me closely4 ,a smile ( satisfaction seem$ to flit ov] 8 face z he saw :at ,i _h done & n[ knew :]e ! pap] 04 ,i turn$ to him4 ,h[ are y n[8 ,i ask$4 ,oh1 ,i'm mu* bett]--all "r1 he answ]$4 ,!n he look$ at 8 wat*4 ,i've a v important appo9tm5t4 ,if y'll excuse me1 ,i'll walk ov] to my place4 ,?ank y aga91 ,miss ,dodge1 ev] s k9dly4 ,he b[$ l[ & 0 gone4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,d[n ! road pa/ :]e we _h turn$1 be=e a pretty little %+le h\se1 ! taxicab *auffeur /opp$4 ,"o ( ! bullets _h tak5 effect on him & 8 %\ld] 0 ble$+4 ,b ! wor/1 z he seem$ to ?9k x1 0 t ano!r %ot _h giv5 him a flat tire4 ,he jump$ out & look$ up ! road :5ce he _h come4 ,no "o 0 foll[+4 ,/ill1 he 0 worri$4 ,he w5t ar\nd to look at ! tire4 ,b he 0 too weak n[ f loss ( blood4 ,x _h be5 n]ve & res]ve =ce t _h c>ri$ him ?r\gh4 ,n[ t ! /ra9 0 (f1 he felt ! reaction to ! full4 ,j !n ! doctor & 8 driv]1 :om ! valet _h already summon$ to ,del ,m>'s1 came spe$+ d[n ! road4 ,! doctor saw ! *auffeur fall 9 a half fa9t1 /opp$ 8 c> & ran to him4 ,! *auffeur _h kept up z long z he c\ld4 ,he _h n[ sunk d[n beside 8 ma*9e 9 ! road4 ,a mom5t lat] !y pick$ him up & c>ri$ him into ! h\se4 ,!re 0 no act+ ab\t 8 hurts n[4 ,9 ! h\se !y laid ! man d[n on a c\* & ! doctor made a ha/y exam9ation4 ,h[ is he8 ask$ "o ( ! k9d ,sam>itans4 ,! w\nd is n dang]\s1 repli$ ! physician1 b he's lo/ a lot ( blood4 ,he _c be mov$ = "s "t yet4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,we talk$ ab\t no?+ else at ,dodge ,hall aft] dress+ = d9n] b ! /range ev5ts ov] at ,del ,m>'s & :at _h foll[$4 ,! m ,i ?\ght ab\t x1 ! m x seem$ to me t we w\ld nev] be left ov] night 9 peaceful possession ( ! plan :i* bo? ,ela9e & ,i decid$ ought on ! foll[+ day to be s5t to ,wa%+ton4 ,accord+ly ,i cudgell$ my bra9 = "s me?od ( protect+ bo? ourselves & x4 ,! only ?+ ,i c\ld ?9k ( 0 a s*eme once adopt$ by ,k5n$y 9 ano!r case4 ,h[ ,i long$ = him4 ,b ,i _h to d my be/ alone4 ,i _h a small quick %utt] cam]a t _h belong$ to ,craig & j z we 7 ab\t to retire1 ,i br\ght x into ! liv+-room ) a package ,i _h _h s5t up f ! village4 ,:at are y go+ to d8 ask$ ,ela9e curi\sly4 ,i assum$ an air ( my/]y b did n say1 = ,i 0 n sure b t ev5 n[ "s "o 0 eavesdropp+4 ,x 0 n late1 b ! c\ntry air made u all sleepy & ,aunt ,joseph9e1 look+ at ! clock1 soon ann\nc$ t %e 0 go+ to retire4 ,%e _h no soon] said good-night ?an ,ela9e began aga9 to "q me4 ,b ,i _h det]m9$ n to tell h] :at ,i 0 do+1 = if my imitation ( ,k5n$y fail$1 ,i knew t %e w\ld laugh at me4 ,oh1 v well1 %e said f9ally 9 pique1 !n1 if y're go+ to be s secret ab\t x1 y c sit up alone--!re6 ,%e fl\nc$ (f to b$4 ,sure z ,i c\ld be at la/ t ,i 0 alone1 ,i op5$ ! package4 ,!re 7 ! tools t ,i _h ord]$1 a coil ( wire & "s dry cells4 ,!n ,i w5t to ! table1 unlock$ ! draw] & put ! plan 9 my pocket4 ,i _h det]m9$ t :e!r ! idea work$ or n1 no "o 0 to get ! plan except by ov]com+ me4 ,al?\gh ,i 0 no exp]t at wir+1 ,i />t$ to make ! connections "u ! table ) ! draw]1 n a v difficult ?+ to d z long z x 0 to be only tempor>y & = ! night4 ,f ! table ,i ran ! wires along ! edge ( ! c>pet until ,i came to ! book-case4 ,!re1 mask$ by ! books1 ,i plac$ ! little quick %utt] cam]a1 & at a di/ance also conceal$ ! fla%-light pan4 ,next ,i aim$ ! cam]a c>efully & focuss$ x on a po9t above ! draw] on ! writ+-table :]e any "o w\ld be likely to /& if he attempt$ to op5 x4 ,!n ,i connect$ ! %utt] ( ! cam]a & a little sp>k coil 9 ! fla%-pan ) ! wires1 us+ an app>atus to "w ! %utt] su* z ,i recall$ hav+ se5 ,craig use4 ,f9ally ,i cov]$ ! sp>k+ device ) ! fla%-light p[d]1 gave a la/ look ab\t & snapp$ (f ! light4 ,up 9 my b$room1 ,i mu/ say ,i felt l "s detective & ,i c\ld n help slapp+ myself on ! *e/ = ! +5uity ) :i* ,i _h duplicat$ ,craig4 ,!n ,i lay d[n on ! b$ ) my clo!s on & pick$ up a book1 det]m9$ to keep awake to see if any?+ happ5$4 ,x 0 a good book1 b ,i 0 tir$ & 9 spite ( myself ,i nodd$ ov] x1 & !n dropp$ x4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 8 bungal[1 n[ t ,smi? _h gone back aga9 to ,new ,york & ,wa%+ton1 ,del ,m> 0 prep>+ to keep ! important engagem5t he _h told u ab\t1 ano!r ( 8 nef>i\s nocturnal exp$itions4 ,he drew a cap on 8 head1 well ov] 8 e>s & =ehead4 ,8 eyes & face he conceal$ z well z he c\ld ) a mask to be put on lat]4 ,to 8 equipm5t he add$ a gun4 ,!n ) a ha/y ^w or two to 8 valet1 he w5t out4 ,by back ways s t ev5 9 ! gl>e ( automobile headlights he w\ld n be recogniz$1 he made 8 way to ,dodge ,hall4 ,z he saw ! h\se loom+ up 9 ! moonlight he put on 8 mask & approa*$ cauti\sly4 ,ga9+ ! h\se1 he op5$ a w9d[1 noiselessly turn+ ! cat* z deftly z a h\se-break]1 & climb$ into ! liv+-room4 ,a mom5t he look$ ar\nd1 !n tipto$ ov] to ! table4 ,he look$ at x to be sure t x 0 ! "r "o & ! "r draw]4 ,!n he b5t d[n to =ce ! draw] op54 ,p\f6 a bl9d+ fla% came & a little metallic click ( ! %utt]1 foll[$ by a cl\d ( smoke4 ,z quick z x happ5$1 !re w5t ?r\gh ,del ,m>'s head1 ! explanation4 ,x 0 a conceal$ cam]a4 ,he sprang back1 clapp+ 8 h&s ov] 8 face4 ,out ( range = a mom5t1 he /ood gaz+ ab\t ! room1 try+ to locate ! ?+4 ,sudd5ly he he>d foot/eps4 ,he div$ ?r\gh ! w9d[ t he _h op5$1 j z "s "o ran 9 & swit*$ on ! lights4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,half asleep1 ,i he>d a muffl$ explosion1 z if ( a fla%-light4 ,i />t$ up & li/5$4 ,surely "s "o 0 mov+ ab\t d[n-/airs4 ,i pull$ my gun f my pocket & ran out ( ! room4 ,d[n ! /eps ,i flung myself1 two at a "t4 ,9 ! liv+-room1 ,i swit*$ on ! lights 9 "t to see "s "o disappe> ?r\gh an op5 w9d[4 ,i ran to ! w9d[ & look$ out4 ,!re 0 a man1 half d\bl$ up1 runn+ ar\nd ! side ( ! h\se & into a clump ( bu%es1 !n app>5tly lo/4 ,i %ot out ( ! w9d[ & call$4 ,my only answ] 0 an imprecation & return volley t %att]$ ! glass above my head4 ,i duck$ ha/ily & fell flat on ! floor1 = 9 ! light /ream+ out1 ,i mu/ h be5 a good m>k4 ,i 0 n ! only "o :o he>d ! noise4 ,! %ots quickly awak5$ ,ela9e & %e leap$ out ( b$ & put on h] kimono4 ,!n %e light$ ! lights & ran d[n-/airs4 ,! intrud] _h disappe>$ by ?is "t & ,i _h got up & 0 pe]+ out ( ! w9d[ z %e came brea?lessly into ! liv+-room4 ,:at's ! matt]1 ,walt]8 %e ask$4 ,"s "o broke into ! h\se aft] ^? plans1 ,i repli$4 ,he escap$1 b ,i got 8 picture1 ,i ?9k1 by ?is device ( ,k5n$y's4 ,let's g into a d>k room & develop x4 ,!re 0 no use try+ to foll[ ! man fur!r4 ,to ,ela9e's inquiry ( :at ,i meant1 ,i repli$ by m]ely go+ ov] to ! spot :]e ,i _h hidd5 ! cam]a & disconnect+ x4 ,we w5t up-/airs :]e ,i _h rigg$ up an impromptu d>k room = my amateur photographic "w "s days be=e4 ,ela9e wat*$ me closely4 ,at la/ ,i f\nd t ,i _h develop$ some?+4 ,z ,i drew ! film ?r\gh ! hypo tray & pick$ x up1 ,i held x to ! r$ light4 ,ela9e lean$ ov] & look$ at ! film ) me4 ,!re 0 a picture ( a mask$ man1 8 cap d[n1 9 a />tl$ attitude1 8 h&s clapp$ to 8 face1 completely hid+ :at ! mask & cap did n hide4 ,well1 ,i'll be bl[$6 ,i cri$ 9 *agr9 at ! outcome ( :at ,i ?\ght _h be5 my clev]e/ c\p4 ,a little exclamation ( a/oni%m5t escap$ ,ela9e4 ,i turn$ to h]4 ,:at is x8 ,i ask$4 ,! r+6 %e cri$4 ,i look$ aga9 m closely4 ,on ! little f+] ( ! left h& 0 a peculi> r+4 ,once se51 ,i ?9k x 0 n readily =gott54 ,! r+6 %e repeat$ excit$ly4 ,don't y rememb]--t r+8 ,i saw x on ,mr4 ,del ,m>'s h&--at 8 h\se--?is aft]noon6 ,i c\ld only />e4 ,at la/ we _h a real clue6 ,9 8 bungal[1 ,del ,m> at t mom5t ?rew d[n 8 hat & tore (f 8 mask furi\sly4 ,:at _h he done8 ,= a long "t he sat !re1 8 *9 on 8 h&1 gaz+ fix$ly be=e him1 plann+ to protect himself & rev5ge4 ,,*apt] ,,xvi ,,! ,,disappe>+ ,,helmets ,x 0 e>ly ! foll[+ morn+ t1 v excit$1 ,ela9e & ,i %[$ ,aunt ,joseph9e ! photograph :i* we _h snapp$ & develop$ by us+ ,k5n$y's trick me?od4 ,b :o is x8 ask$ ,aunt ,joseph9e exam9+ ! pr9t c>efully & see+ no?+ b a face mask$ & ) a pair ( h&s be=e x1 a seal r+ on ! little f+] ( "o h&4 ,oh1 ,i =got t y hadn't se5 ! r+ be=e1 expla9$ ,ela9e4 ,:y1 we knew him at once1 9 spite ( ev]y?+1 by t seal r+--,mr4 ,del ,m>6 ,mr4 ,del ,m>8 repeat$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 look+ f "o to ! o!r ( u1 incr$ul\s4 ,i saw ! r+ at 8 own bungal[ & on 8 own f+]1 reit]at$ ,ela9e positively4 ,b :at are y go+ to d1 n[8 ask$ ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,h him arre/$1 ( c\rse1 ,ela9e repli$4 ,/ill talk+ ov] ! /range exp]i5ce ( ! night be=e1 we w5t out on ! v]&a4 ,well1 ( all ! n]ve6 exclaim$ ,ela9e1 cat*+ sight ( a man com+ up ! gravel walk4 ,if t isn't ,h5ry1 ,mr4 ,del ,m>'s valet6 ,! valet advanc$ z ?\gh no?+ _h happ5$ &1 inde$1 ,i suppose t z f> z he knew no?+ _h happ5$ or 0 kn[n to u4 ,he b[$ & h&$ ,ela9e a note :i* %e tore op5 quickly & read4 ,w\ld y g8 %e ask$1 h&+ ! note ov] to me4 ,x read3 ,,de> ,,miss ,,dodge1 ,if y & ,mr4 ,jameson w call on me to-day1 ,i w h some?+ ( int]e/ to tell y conc]n+ my inve/igations 9 ! case ( ! disappe>ance ( ,craig ,k5n$y4 ,s9c]ely1 ,m4 ,,del ,,m>4 ,yes1 ,i ass]t$1 ,i w\ld g4 ,tell ,mr4 ,del ,m> we %all see him z soon z possible1 nodd$ ,ela9e to ! valet :o b[$ & left quickly4 ,:at is x8 inquir$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 rejo9+ u4 ,a note f ,mr4 ,del ,m>1 repli$ ,ela9e %[+ x to h]4 ,well1 qu]i$ ,aunt ,joseph9e1 :at are y go+ to d8 ,we're go+1 ( c\rse1 cri$ ,ela9e4 ,y're n1 blurt$ out ,aunt ,joseph9e4 ,:y1 j ?9k4 ,he's sure to d some?+4 ,b ,ela9e & ,i _h made up our m9ds4 ,i "k x1 ,i int]ject$4 ,he's sure to try some?+ t w %[ 8 h&--& !n ,i've got him4 ,p]haps ,i ?rew out my *e/ a little m ?an 0 necess>y1 b !n ,i figur$ t ,ela9e ) h] usual intuition _h = once agre$ ) me & t x mu/ be all "r4 ,i drew my gun & twirl$ ! cyl9d] ab\t z ,i spoke4 ,inde$ ,i felt1 s9ce ! success ( ! snap%ot episode1 t ,i 0 a mat* = sev]al ,del ,m>'s4 ,yes1 ,walt] is "r1 agre$ ,ela9e4 ,aunt ,joseph9e cont9u$ to %ake h] head sagely 9 prote/4 ,b ,ela9e wav$ all h] prote/ations aside & ran into ! h\se to get ready = ! visit4 ,half an h\r lat]1 two saddle horses 7 br\ght ar\nd to ! front ( ,dodge ,hall & ,ela9e & ,i salli$ =?4 ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 /ill prote/+ aga9/ our go+ to ,del ,m>'s1 b we _h made up our m9ds to c>ry ! ?+ ?r\gh4 ,y "k1 %e insi/$1 t ,mr4 ,k5n$y is n ar\nd to protect y two *ildr54 ,some?+ w surely happ5 to y if y don't keep out ( ?is affair4 ,oh1 ,auntie1 laugh$ ,ela9e1 a bit n]v\sly1 h[ev]1 don't be a kill-joy4 ,suppose ,craig isn't ab\t8 ,:o's go+ to d ?is1 if ,walt] & ,i don't8 ,9 spite ( all1 we m\nt$ & rode away4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,del ,m>1 /ill cont9u+ 8 nef>i\s "w ( m9+ ,am]ican h>bors & bridges1 _h arriv$ at a s*eme z soon z he return$ f ! attempt to get back f u ! ,s&y ,hook plans4 ,smi?1 :o _h /ol5 ! plans f ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t1 0 /ill at ! bungal[4 ,e>ly 9 ! morn+1 ,del ,m> _h seat$ himself at 8 desk & wrote a lett]4 ,"h1 ,h5ry1 he direct$ 8 valet1 take ?is to ,miss ,dodge4 ,z ! valet w5t out1 he wrote ano!r note4 ,read t1 he said1 h&+ x ov] to ,smi?4 ,x's a message ,i want y to take to headqu>t]s "r away4 ,x 0 word$ cryptically3 ,a4 ,a4 ,l4 ,n4 ,y4 ,closely wat*$4 ,mu/ act soon or all w be discov]$4--,m4 ,smi? read ! note1 nodd$1 & put x into 8 pocket1 z he />t$ to ! door4 ,no1 no1 %\t$ ,del ,m>1 call+ him back4 ,?is ?+ means t y'll h to be c>eful 9 y\r getaway4 ,y'd bett] g out ?r\gh my secret passage1 he add$1 po9t+ to ! panel 9 ! libr>y wall4 ,he press$ ! button on ! desk & ,smi? left ?r\gh ! hidd5 passage4 ,d[n x he grop$ & at ! o!r end em]g$4 ,see+ no "o ar\nd1 he made 8 way to ! road4 ,!re seem$ to be no "o :o look$ at all suspici\s on ! road1 ei!r1 & ,smi? congratulat$ himself on 8 easy escape4 ,on a bridge ov] a creek1 h[ev]1 z ,smi? approa*$1 0 "o in(f5sive-look+ p]son :o might h be5 a m9i/] or a pr(essor4 ,he 0 lean+ on ! rail 9 deep ?\ght1 gaz+ at ! creek t ran b5ea? him1 & n[ & !n fla%+ a %>p glance ab\t4 ,sudd5ly he saw some?+ approa*+4 ,in/antly he dodg$ to ! f>!r end ( ! bridge & took refuge beh9d a tree4 ,smi? walk$ on ov] ! bridge1 oblivi\s to ! fact t he 0 wat*$4 ,no soon] _h he disappe>$ ?an ! inquisitive /rang] em]g$ aga9 f beh9d ! tree4 ,x 0 ! my/]i\s ,pr(essor ,arnold :o _m times _h %[n a peculi> int]e/ 9 ! welf>e ( ,ela9e & myself4 ,evid5tly he _h recogniz$ ,del ,m>'s mess5g]1 = aft] wat*+ him a mom5t he turn$ & foll[$4 ,at ! railroad /ation1 j be=e ! tra9 = ,new ,york pull$ 91 ! wait+ cr[d 0 increas$ by "o /rang]4 ,smi? _h come 9 & tak5 8 place uno/5tati\sly among !m4 ,b if he ?\ght he 0 to be lo/ 9 ! little cr[d1 he 0 mu* mi/ak54 ,arnold _h foll[$1 b n s quickly t he _h n _h "t to pick up ! two policem5 t ! t[n boa/$1 bo? ( :om 7 d[n at ! /ation at ! "t4 ,!re he is1 indicat$ ,arnold1 ! fell[ ) ! slight limp4 ,br+ him to my room 9 ! ,/4 ,g]ma9 ,hotel4 ,all "r1 sir1 repli$ ! (fic]s1 edg+ _! way to ! plat=m z ,arnold retreat$ back ( ! /ation & disappe>$ up ! /reet4 ,j !n ! tra9 pull$ into ! /ation & ! pass5g]s cr[d$ =w>d to m\nt ! /eps4 ,smi? 0 j ab\t to pu% 8 way on ) !m1 :5 ! (fic]s elb[$ ?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,y're want$1 hiss$ "o ( !m1 seiz+ 8 %\ld]4 ,b ,smi?1 9 spite ( 8 de=mity1 0 n "o to submit to arre/ )\t a /ruggle4 ,he f\ght !m (f & broke away1 runn+ t[>d ! baggage-room4 ,z he ru%$ 91 !y foll[$4 ,"o ( !m 0 ga9+ on him & took a fly+ football tackle4 ,! o!r almo/ fell ov] ! twi/$ mass ( arms & legs4 ,! /ruggle n[ 0 %ort & %>p & end$ 9 ! (fic]s slipp+ ! bracelets ov] ! wri/s ( ,smi?4 ,:ile ! pass5g]s & by/&]s cr[d$ ab\t to wat* ! excitem5t1 !y l$ him (f quickly4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 8 rooms at ! ,/4 ,g]ma91 clutt]$ ) te/ tubes & o!r p>aph]nalia :i* indicat$ 8 sci5tific t5d5cies1 ,pr(essor ,arnold ent]$ & ?rew (f 8 hat1 light+ a cig>ette & wait+ impati5tly4 ,he _h n z long to wait z he _h expect$4 ,a knock s\nd$ at ! door & he op5$ x4 ,!re 0 ,smi? h&cuff$ & =c$ 9 by ! two policem54 ,good "w1 comm5d$ ,arnold1 at once sett+ to "w to se>* ! prison] :o fum$ b c\ld n resi/4 ,:at h we "h8 drawl$ ,arnold 9 mock c\rtesy & surprise z he f\nd & drew =? f ,smi?'s pocket a bundle ( pap]s1 :i* he ha/ily ran ?r\gh4 ,ah6 he mutt]$1 com+ to ,del ,m>'s note1 :i* he op5$ & read4 ,:at's ?is8 ',a4 ,a4 ,l4 ,n4 ,y4 ,closely wat*$4 ,mu/ act soon or all w be discov]$4 ,m4' ,n[1 :at's all t8 ,arnold pond]$ ! text deeply4 ,y may take him away1 n[1 he conclud$1 glanc+ up f ! note to ! (fic]s4 ,?ank y4 ,all "r1 sir1 !y return$1 prodd+ ,smi? along out4 ,/ill /udy+ ! note1 ,arnold sat d[n at ! desk4 ,?\ghtfully he pick$ up a p5cil4 ,"u ! lett]s ,a4 ,a4 ,l4 he sl[ly wrote ,anti-,am]ican ,league & "u ! initial ,m ! "n1 ,m>t94 ,n[ is ! "t1 if ev]1 to use t new telaphotograph in/rum5t :i* ,i h in/all$ = ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t 9 ,wa%+ton & c>ry ar\nd ) me1 he said to himself1 ris+ & go+ to a closet4 ,he took out a l>ge in/rum5t compos$ ( innum]able coils & a que] batt]y ( sel5ium cells4 ,x 0 ! receiv] ( ! new in/rum5t by :i* a photograph c\ld be s5t ov] a telegraph wire4 ,d[n-/airs1 9 ! telegraph room ( ! hotel1 ,arnold secur$ ! s]vices ( "o ( ! op]ators4 ,evid5tly by ! way !y obey$ him !y _h receiv$ ord]s f ! company reg>d+ him1 & knew him well !re4 ,i wi% y'd s5d ?is message "r away to ,wa%+ton1 he said1 h&+ 9 a blank he _h already writt54 ,! cl]k *eck$ x ov]3 ,u4 ,s4 ,,w> ,,dep>tm5t1 ,wa%+ton1 ,d4 ,c4 ,wire me imm$iately photograph & p]sonal hi/ory ( ,m>t9 arre/$ two ye>s ago z head ( ,anti-,am]ican ,league4--,,arnold4 ,z ! message 0 tick$ (f1 ,arnold atta*$ 8 receiv+ telaphotograph in/rum5t to ano!r wire4 ,x 0 a matt] sc>cely ( seconds be=e a message 0 fla%$ back to ,arnold f ,wa%+ton3 ,m>t9 escap$ f ,=t ,leav5wor? six mon?s ago4 ,?\ght to be 9 ,europe4 ,photograph foll[s4 ,,edw>ds4 ,v well1 nodd$ ,arnold ) satisfaction4 ,i ?9k ,i "k :at is go+ on "h n[4 ,let u wait = ! photograph4 ,he w5t ov] to ! new sel5ium telaphotograph & began adju/+ x4 ,f> away1 9 ,wa%+ton1 9 a room 9 ! ,w> ,dep>tm5t :]e ,arnold _h already in/all$ 8 sy/em = ! secret gov]nm5t s]vice1 a cl]k 0 also work+ ov] ! s5d+ "p ( ! app>atus4 ,no soon] _h ! cl]k f9i%$ 8 prep>ations & plac$ a photograph 9 ! transmitt] ?an ! buzz+ ( ! receiv] :i* ,arnold _h in/all$ ann\nc$ to him t ! m>vell\s transmission ( a picture ov] a wire1 "o ( ! v newe/ triumphs ( sci5ce1 0 9 progress4 ,9 ! little telegraph (fice ( ! ,/4 ,g]ma91 ! cl]ks & op]ators cr[d$ ab\t ,arnold1 wat*+ brea?lessly4 ,by ,jove1 x works6 cri$ "o1 no long] sceptical4 ,sl[ly a pr9t 0 be+ evolv$ be=e _! eyes z if by a _s h&4 ,arnold wat*$ ! syn*roniz] app>atus c>efully z1 po9t aft] po9t1 ! picture develop$4 ,he b5t ov] closely1 8 att5tion devot$ to e "p ( ! complicat$ app>atus4 ,at la/ ! transmission ( ! photograph 0 complet$ & ! ma*9e came to re/4 ,arnold almo/ tore ! pr9t f ! receiv] & held x up to exam9e x4 ,a smile ( int5se satisfaction cross$ 8 face4 ,at la/6 he mutt]$4 ,!re 0 a photograph ( ! man :o _h be5 id5tifi$ ) ! ar* conspirators ( two ye>s be=e1 ,m>t94 ,only1 n[ he _h *ang$ 8 "n & appe>$ 9 a new role4 ,x 0 ,m>cus ,del ,m>6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,already1 9 ! libr>y ( 8 bungal[1 ,del ,m> _h summon$ "o ( 8 tru/$ m5 & 0 talk+ to him1 :5 ,h5ry1 ! valet1 re5t]$ aft] 8 trip to see u4 ,!y're com+ z soon z !y c1 he report$4 ,del ,m> smil$ a cynical smile4 ,good1 he exclaim$ triumphantly1 !n1 look+ ab\t at ! electric fixtures1 add$ to ! man1 ,let u see :]e to in/all ! ?+4 ,he walk$ ov] to ! door & put 8 h& on ! knob1 !n po9t$ back at ! fixtures4 ,t's ! idea1 he cri$4 ,y c run ! l9e f ! brackets to ?is door-knob & ! mat4 ,h['s t8 ,v clev]1 flatt]$ ! man1 putt+ on a heavy pair ( rubb] gloves4 ,tak+ a pair ( pli]s & o!r tools f a closet 9 ! libr>y1 he began remov+ ! electric fixture f ! wall4 ,z ,del ,m> direct$1 ! man ran a wire f ! fixture along ! m\ld+1 & d[n ! side ( a door1 :]e he made a connection4 ,9 ! meantime ,del ,m> br\ght out a wire mat & laid x 9 front ( ! door :]e any "o :o ent]$ or left w\ld be sure to /ep on x4 ,! v>i\s connections made1 ! man plac$ a swit* 9 ! concealm5t ( a heavily-curta9$ w9d[ & replac$ ev]y?+ z he f\nd x4 ,?us x 0 t ,ela9e & ,i came at la/ to ,del ,m>'s bungal[1 ,i mu/ admit1 ) "s misgiv+s4 ,b ,i _h gone too f> to draw back n[ & ,ela9e 0 m eag] ev5 ?an ,i 04 ,we dism\nt$1 te!r$ our horses & w5t t[>d ! h\se1 :]e ,i rang ! bell4 ,prep>ations = our reception _h j be5 complet$ & ,del ,m> 0 issu+ 8 f9al in/ructions to 8 man1 :5 ! valet1 ,h5ry1 ran 9 ha/ily4 ,!y're "h1 sir1 n[1 he ann\nc$ excit$ly4 ,all "r1 ,i'm ready1 nodd$ ,del ,m>1 turn+ to 8 man aga9 & indicat+ a place back ( ! folds ( ! heavy curta9s by ! w9d[4 ,y get back !re by t swit*4 ,don't move--don't ev5 brea!4 ,n[1 ,h5ry1 let !m 94 ,z 8 valet )drew ,del ,m> gaz$ ab\t 8 libr>y to make sure t ev]y?+ 0 all "r4 ,j !n ! valet reappe>$ & u%]$ u 94 ,good morn+1 greet$ ,del ,m> pleasantly4 ,i see t y got my note & ,i'm glad y 7 s prompt4 ,won't y be seat$8 ,bo? ,ela9e & ,i 7 endeavor+ to appe> at ease4 ,b !re 0 a decid$ t5sion 9 ! atmosph]e4 ,we sat d[n1 h[ev]4 ,del ,m> did n seem to notice any?+ wrong4 ,i've some?+ at la/ to report to y ab\t ,k5n$y1 he said a mom5t lat]1 cle>+ 8 ?roat4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,aunt ,joseph9e turn$ f u z ,ela9e & ,i rode (f on our horses f ,dodge ,hall consid]ably worri$4 ,!n an idea seem$ to occur to h] & %e walk$ det]m9$ly into ! h\se4 ,j5n+s1 %e call$ to ! butl]1 h ! lim\s9e br\ght ar\nd f ! g>age imm$iately4 ,yes1 ma'am1 acquiesc$ ! fai?ful ,j5n+s1 hurry+ out4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes lat] t ! c> pull$ ar\nd be=e ! door4 ,aunt ,joseph9e bu/l$ out & ent]$4 ,=t ,dale1 %e direct$ ! driv]1 greatly agitat$4 ,ask = ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d4 ,out at ,=t ,dale1 ,woodw>d 0 mu* a/oni%$ :5 an ord]ly ann\nc$ t ,aunt ,joseph9e 0 wait+ 9 h] c> to see him on v urg5t bus9ess4 ,he ord]$ t %e be admitt$ at once4 ,i hope !re's no?+ wrong8 he inquir$ anxi\sly1 z he not$ ! excitem5t & ! worri$ look on h] face4 ,i--,i'm afraid !re may be1 %e repli$1 sitt+ d[n & expla9+ :at ,ela9e & ,i _h j done4 ,! ,lieut5ant li/5$ gravely4 ,&1 %e conclud$1 !y w\ldn't li/5 to me1 ,lieut5ant4 ,c't y foll[ !m & keep !m out ( tr\ble8 ,woodw>d :o _h be5 li/5+ to h] att5tively jump$ up z %e conclud$4 ,yes1 he cri$ sympa!tically1 ,i c4 ,i'll g myself ) "s ( ! m5 f ! po/4 ,if !y get into any scrape1 ,i'll rescue !m4 ,almo/ be=e %e c\ld ?ank him1 ,woodw>d _h hurri$ f 8 (fice1 foll[$ by h]4 ,on ! p>ade gr\nds 7 "s m54 ,quickly he issu$ 8 ord]s & a numb] ( !m sprang up z he detail$ !m (f = ! duty4 ,x 0 only a mom5t be=e !y return$1 arm$4 ,an in/ant lat] ?ree l>ge t\r+ c>s f ! ,=t swept up be=e ! (fice ( ,woodw>d4 ,into !m ! arm$ m5 pil$4 ,hurry--to ! ,del ,m> bungal[1 ord]$ ! ,lieut5ant1 jump+ up ) ! driv] ( ! fir/ c>4 ,we mu/ see t no?+ happ5s to ,miss ,dodge & ,mr4 ,jameson4 ,!y %ot away 9 a cl\d ( du/1 foll[$ h>d by ! o!r two c>s1 da%+ at a breakneck spe$ ov] ! good roads4 ,9 ! n>r[1 wood$ roadway ne> ,del ,m>'s1 ,woodw>d halt$ 8 c> & ! soldi]s all jump$ out & ga!r$ ab\t him z ha/ily he issu$ 8 directions4 ,surr\nd ! h\se1 fir/1 he ord]$4 ,!n arre/ any "o :o goes 9 or out4 ,!y scatt]$1 =m+ a wide circle4 ,z soon z ^w 0 pass$ t ! circle 0 complet$1 !y advanc$ cauti\sly at a signal f ,woodw>d1 tak+ advantage ( e concealm5t4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ar\nd 9 ! kit*5 back ( ,del ,m>'s1 ,h5ry1 ! valet1 _h retir$ to visit "o ( ! maids4 ,he 0 ab\t to leave :5 he happ5$ to look out ( ! w9d[4 ,:at's t8 he mutt]$ to himself4 ,he /epp$ back & pe]$ cauti\sly ?r\gh ! w9d[ aga94 ,!re he c\ld see a soldi]1 mov+ /eal?ily beh9d a bu%4 ,he drew back fur!r & ?\ght a m9ute4 ,he mu/ n al>m u4 ,!n he wrote a few words on a piece ( pap] & tore x s t he c\ld hold x 9 8 palm4 ,next he hurri$ f ! kit*5 & ent]$ ! /udy4 ,del ,m> _h sc>cely begun to outl9e to u a long & circum/antial pseudo-inve/igation into :at he 0 pleas$ to h9t _h be5 ! dea? ( ,k5n$y1 :5 we 7 int]rupt$ aga9 by ! entrance ( 8 valet4 ,excuse me1 sir1 apologiz$ ,h5ry1 z ,del ,m> fr[n$1 !n not$ t some?+ 0 wrong4 ,z ! valet said ! words1 he manag$ surreptiti\sly to h& to ,del ,m> ! pap] :i* he _h writt51 n[ fold$ up into a v small space4 ,i _h turn$ f ,del ,m> :5 ! valet ent]$1 app>5tly to speak to ,ela9e1 b 9 reality to ?r[ !m (f _! gu>d4 ,"u t cov] ,i 0 able to wat* ! preci\s pair f ! tail ( my eye1 ,i saw ,del ,m> nod to ! valet z ?\gh he und]/ood t "s w>n+ 0 ab\t to be convey$4 ,al?\gh no?+ 0 said1 ,del ,m> 0 indicat+ by dumb %[ ord]s ( "s k9d4 ,i _h no idea :at x 0 all ab\t b ,i /ood ready to :ip out my gun on ! slighte/ suspici\s move f ei!r4 ,i hope y'll p>don me1 ,miss ,dodge1 ,del ,m> deprecat$1 z ! valet retreat$ t[>d ! door to ! kit*5 & pantry4 ,b1 y see1 ,i h to be h\sekeep] "h1 too1 x seems4 ,actually1 ?\gh he 0 talk+ to u1 x 0 9 a way t enabl$ him by palm+ some?+ 9 8 h&1 ,i fanci$1 to look at x4 ,x 01 ?\gh ,i did n "k x1 ! ha/ily scrawl$ w>n+ ( ! valet4 ,x mu/ h be5 h>d to read1 = ,i manag$ by a quick %ift at la/ to cat* j a fleet+ glimpse t x 0 a piece ( pap] he held 9 8 h&4 ,:at 0 x1 ,i ask$ myself1 t he %\ld be s secret ab\t x8 ,cle>ly1 ,i reason$1 x mu/ be some?+ t 0 ( int]e/ to ,ela9e & myself4 ,if ,i mu/ act ev]1 ,i conclud$1 n[ 0 ! "t to d s4 ,sudd5ly ,i rea*$ out & snat*$ ! note f 8 h&4 ,b be=e ,i c\ld read x ,del ,m> _h sprung to 8 feet4 ,at ! same in/ant a man leap$ out f beh9d ! curta9s4 ,b ,i 0 on my gu>d4 ,already ,i _h drawn my revolv] & _h !m all cov]$ be=e !y c\ld make ano!r move4 ,back into t corn]--by ! w9d[--all ( y1 ,i ord]$1 ?9k+ ?us to get !m toge!r1 m easily cov]$4 ,!n1 h&+ ! note1 ) my o!r h&1 to ,ela9e1 ,i said to h]1 ,see :at x says--quick4 ,eag]ly %e took x & read al\d1 ,h\se surr\nd$ by soldi]s4 ,woodw>d1 ,i cri$4 ,/ill keep+ !m cov]$1 ,i smil$ quietly to myself & took "o /ep aft] ano!r sl[ly to ! door4 ,ela9e foll[$4 ,i rea*$ ! door & ,i rememb] t ,i _h to /ep on a metal mat to d s4 ,i put my h& beh9d me & grasp$ ! knob ab\t to op5 ! door4 ,z ,i did s1 ! man :o _h jump$ f beh9d ! curta9 sudd5ly ?rew d[n 8 uprais$ h&s4 ,be=e ,i c\ld fire1 in/antane\sly 9 fact1 ,i felt a ?rill z ?\gh a million ne$les _h be5 ?ru/ into all p>ts ( my body at once p>alyz+ e muscle & n]ve4 ,! gun fell f my n]veless h&1 clatt]+ to ! floor4 ,! man _h ?r[n an electric swit* :i* _h complet$ a circuit f ! metal mat to ! door-knob ?r\gh my body & !n to ! light & p[] curr5t ( high p[]4 ,!re ,i 01 held a prison]1 by ! electric curr5t6 ,at ! same in/ant1 also1 ,del ,m> ) an oa? leap$ =w>d & seiz$ ,ela9e by ! arms4 ,i /ruggl$ ) ! door-knob b ,i c\ld no m let g ?an ,i c\ld move my feet (f t mat4 ,x 0 torture4 ,h5ry6 call$ ,del ,m> to ! valet4 ,yes1 sir4 ,op5 ! cab9et4 ,give me ! helmets & ! suits4 ,! valet did s1 br++ out a numb] ( que] look+ head-pieces ) a s+le weird eye ( glass 9 ! front1 z well z rubb] suits ( an outl&i% design4 ,:ile he 0 do+ s1 ,del ,m> /uff$ a h&k]*ief into ,ela9e's m\? to keep h] quiet4 ,by ?is "t1 ,del ,m>1 z well z ! man f beh9d ! curta9s & ! valet 7 provid$ ) suits1 & "o at a "t hold+ ,ela9e1 ! o!rs put !m on4 ,del ,m> mov$ t[>d ,ela9e1 hold+ an extra helmet4 ,he /rapp$ x on h]1 !n />t$ to =ce h] into a suit4 ,i /ruggl$ /ill1 b 9 va91 to free myself f ! door-knob & mat4 ,x 0 m ?an ,i c\ld /&1 & ,i sank d[n1 half consci\s4 ,i reviv$ only long en\gh to see t ,del ,m> _h =c$ "o ( ! suits on ,ela9e f9ally4 ,!n he press$ a button hidd5 on ! side ( 8 desk & a secret panel 9 ! wall op5$4 ,pick+ up ,ela9e he & ! o!rs hurri$ ?r\gh into :at look$ l a d>k passage & ! panel clos$4 ,!y 7 gone4 ,i put =? all my rema9+ /r5g? 9 "o la/ desp]ate /ruggle4 ,someh[1 ,i manag$ to kick ! wire mat f "u my feet1 break+ ! contact4 ,i /agg]$ t[>d ! panel1 b fell to ! floor1 unconsci\s4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,outside1 ! iron r+1 z ,woodw>d _h plann$ x1 ( soldi]s 7 look+ ab\t1 al]t = any noise or movem5t4 ,sudd5ly1 two ( !m :o _h be5 wat*+ ! gr\nds att5tively signall$ to ea* o!r t !y saw some?+4 ,f ! %rubb]y em]g$ a mo/ curi\s & unc\? figure1 all 9 rags1 ) long1 unkempt hair & be>d1 sall[ complexion1 & c>ry+ a long /aff4 ,x might h be5 a tramp or a h]mit1 p]haps1 :o 0 mak+ 8 way t[>d ! h\se4 ,! two soldi]s /ole up noiselessly1 close to him4 ,almo/ be=e he knew x1 ! h]mit felt himself seiz$ f beh9d by f\r p[]ful arms4 ,escape 0 impossible4 ,let me g1 he plead$4 ,c't y see ,i'm h>m+ no "o8 ,b ! captors 7 obdurate4 ,tell x to ! ,lieut5ant1 !y rejo9$ grimly =c+ him to g be=e !m by twi/+ 8 arms1 ,our ord]s 7 to seize any "o ent]+ or leav+4 ,prote/s 7 9 va94 ,! h]mit 0 =c$ to g be=e ,lieut5ant ,woodw>d :o 0 j 9 ! re> direct+ ! advance4 ,well1 dem&$ ,woodw>d1 :at's y\r bus9ess8 ,= an in/ant ! h]mit /ood mute4 ,:at %\ld he d8 ,he has reason to "k t ! situation mu/ be urg5t4 ,sl[ly he rais$ 8 be>d s t ,woodw>d c\ld see n only t x 0 false b :at 8 features look$ l4 ,arnold6 gasp$ ,woodw>d1 />tl$4 ,:at br+s y "h8 ,ela9e & ,jameson are 9 ! h\se4 ,we h x surr\nd$4 ,half an h\r be=e1 9 ! ,/4 ,g]ma91 ,arnold _h no soon] receiv$ ! telaphotograph ?an he hurri$ up to 8 room4 ,f a closet he _h produc$ ano!r ( 8 num]\s disguises & quickly put x on4 ,) scant :ite locks fall+ ov] 8 %\ld]s & long scraggly be>d1 he _h made himself into a v]itable wild man4 ,!n he _h put on ! f9i%+ t\*es & _h made 8 way t[>d ,del ,m>'s4 ,a look ( int5se anxiety n[ fla%$ ov] ,arnold's face z he he>d ,woodw>d's words4 ,b1 he cri$1 !re is an und]gr\nd passage f ! h\se to ! %ore4 ,! deuce6 mutt]$ ,woodw>d1 m al>m$ n[ ?an ev]4 ,come1 m51--to ! h\se1 he %\t$ out 8 ord]s z !y pass$ !m ar\nd ! l9e4 ,arnold1 lead ! way6 ,toge!r ! soldi] & ! /range figure ru%$ to ! front door ( ! bungal[4 ,all 0 /ill inside4 ,heavy z x 01 !y broke x d[n & bur/ 94 ,walt]1 !re's ,walt]6 cri$ ,woodw>d z he saw me ly+ on ! floor ( ! /udy :5 !y ran 94 ,!y hurri$ to me & z quickly z !y c\ld />t$ to br+ me ar\nd4 ,:]e's ,ela9e8 ask$ ! /range figure ( ! h]mit4 ,weakly1 ,i 0 able only to po9t to ! panel4 ,b x 0 en\gh4 ,! soldi]s und]/ood4 ,!y da%$ = x1 look+ = a button or an op5+4 ,f9d+ nei!r1 !y />t$ to bang on x & batt] x 9 ) ! butts ( _! guns4 ,x 0 only seconds be=e x 0 spl9t]$ to k9dl+4 ,!re 0 ! passage4 ,in/antly1 ,woodw>d1 ! h]mit1 & ! re/ plung$ into x utt]ly reg>dless ( dang]4 ,on ?r\gh ! tunnel !y w5t until at la/ !y came1 unmole/$1 to ! end4 ,!re !y paus$ to look ab\t4 ,! h]mit po9t$ to ! gr\nd4 ,cle>ly !re 7 footpr9ts1 lead+ to ! %ore4 ,!y foll[$ !m on d[n to ! bea*4 ,look6 po9t$ ! h]mit4 ,(f 9 ! wat] !y c\ld n[ see ! mo/ curi\s sights4 ,f\r /rangely helmet$ creatures 7 wad+ out1 ea* l a huge octopus-head1 )\t t5tacles4 ,only a few seconds be=e1 ,del ,m> & 8 companions1 c>ry+ ,ela9e _h em]g$ f ! secret entrance ( ! tunnel & _h da%$ = ! %ore ( ! promontory4 ,/opp+ only an in/ant to consid] :at 0 to be done1 ,del ,m> _h se5 "s "o else em]ge f ! tunnel4 ,come--we mu/ get d[n !re quickly1 he %\t$1 hurri$ly issu+ ord]s1 z all ?ree1 c>ry+ ,ela9e1 wad$ out into ! wat]4 ,at sight ( ! /range figures ! soldi]s rais$ _! guns & a volley ( %ot rang out4 ,/op6 %\t$ ! h]mit1 8 hair /ream+ wildly z he ran be=e ! guns & ?rew up z _m z he c\ld grasp ) 8 out/ret*$ arms4 ,d y want to kill h]8 ,h]8 repeat$ ,woodw>d4 ,all /ood !re1 wond]+ly1 gaz+ at ! que] creatures4 ,:at did x mean8 ,sl[ly1 !y disappe>$--lit]ally "u ! wat]4 ,!y 7 gone--) ,ela9e6 ,,*apt] ,,xvii ,,! ,,triumph ,,( ,,ela9e ,half c>ry+1 half =c+ ,ela9e d[n into ! wat]1 ,del ,m> & 8 two m51 all f\r ( ! p>ty clad 9 ! outl&i% subm>9e suits1 bore ! poor girl lit]ally along ! bottom ( ! bay until !y rea*$ a po9t :i* !y knew to be directly "u ! entrance to ! secret subm>9e h>bor4 ,del ,m>'s m9d 0 work+ fev]i%ly4 ,?\gh he n[ _h 9 8 p[] ! girl he bo? lov$ & also fe>$ z ! /umbl+-block 9 ! execution ( 8 nef>i\s plans aga9/ ,am]ica1 he realiz$ t 9 gett+ h] he _h be5 =c$ to betray ! preci\s secret ( ! h>bor itself4 ,at ! po9t :]e he knew t ! h>bor 0 above him1 hidd5 safely b5ea? ! promontory1 he took f "u 8 arm a float :i* he releas$4 ,upw>d x %ot ?r\gh ! wat]4 ,above1 9 ! h>bor1 a numb] ( 8 m5 7 ei!r on gu>d or l\ng+ ab\t4 ,a signal f ! *ief1 cri$ a s5try1 po9t+ to ! float z x bobb$ up4 ,kick (f ! lead %oes1 signall$ ,del ,m> to ! o!rs1 "u ! wat]4 ,!y did s & rose sl[ly to ! surface1 c>ry+ ,ela9e up ) !m4 ,! m5 at ! surface 7 wait+ = !m & help$ to pull ,del ,m> & 8 companions out ( ! wat]4 ,come into ! (fice1 "r away1 beckon$ ,del ,m> anxi\sly1 remov+ 8 helmet & lead+ ! way4 ,9 ! (fice1 ! o!rs remov$ _! helmets1 :ile ,del ,m> took ! head-ge> (f ,ela9e4 ,%e />$ ab\t h] bewild]$4 ,:]e am ,i8 %e dem&$4 ,a woman6 exclaim$ ! m5 9 ! h>bor 9 surprise4 ,nev] m9d :]e y are1 gr[l$ ,del ,m>1 pla9ly worri$4 ,!n to ! m51 he add$1 ,we c't /ay any long]4 ,! h>bor is discov]$4 ,get ready to leave imm$iately4 ,murmurs ( ang] & anxiety rose f ! m5 z ,del ,m> relat$ briefly betwe5 ord]s :at _h j happ5$4 ,imm$iately !re 0 a g5]al scramble to make ready = ! escape4 ,9 ! corn] ( ! (fice1 ,ela9e1 aga9 9 h] skirt & %irtwai/ :i* ! div+-suit _h protect$1 sat op5-ey$ wat*+ ! prep>ations ( ! m5 = ! ha/y dep>ture4 ,"s _h be5 detail$ to get ! rifles :i* !y h&$ ar\nd to ^? z yet un>m$4 ,del ,m> took "o z well z a c>tridge belt4 ,gu>d h]1 he %\t$ to "o man indicat+ ,ela9e1 & if %e gets away ?is "t1 ,i'll %oot y4 ,!n he l$ ! o!rs d[n ! l$ge until he came to a subm>9e boat4 ,! re/ foll[$1 /ill mak+ prep>ations = a ha/y flight4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,woodw>d along ) ,pr(essor ,arnold1 9 8 disguise z a h]mit1 /ood = a mom5t surr\nd$ by ! soldi]s1 aft] ! disappe>ance ( ,ela9e & ,del ,m> 9 ! wat]4 ,i see x all1 n[1 cri$ ! h]mit1 ! subm>9e1 ! /range disappe>ances1 ! messages 9 ! wat]4 ,!y h a secret h>bor "u ^? cliffs1 ) an entrance b5ea? ! wat] l9e4 ,ha/ily he wrote a note on a piece ( pap]4 ,s5d "o ( y\r m5 to my headqu>t]s ) t1 he said1 h&+ x to ,woodw>d to read3 ,,rodg]s1--,s5d new subm>9e telescope by be>]4 ,y w f9d x 9 case ,no4 #ag1 closet ,no4 #c4--;,,arnold4 ,"r away1 nodd$ ,woodw>d1 compreh5d+ & call+ a soldi] :om he dispat*$ imm$iately ) hurri$ in/ructions4 ,! soldi] salut$ & left almo/ on a run4 ,!n ,woodw>d turn$ & ) ,arnold lead ! m5 up ! %ore1 /ill conf]r+ on ! be/ means ( attack+ ! h>bor4 ,on a :>f along ! %ore ,woodw>d1 ,arnold & ! soldi]s ga!r$1 wait+ = ! telescope4 ,already ,woodw>d _h _h a fa/ laun* br\ght up1 ready = use4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,:5 ,woodw>d1 ,arnold & ! attack+ p>ty _h discov]$ me unconsci\s 9 ,del ,m>'s /udy1 !re _h be5 no "t to wait = me to rega9 full consci\sness4 ,!y _h plac$ me on a c\* & run into ! secret passageway aft] ,ela9e4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 ,i sl[ly rega9$ my s5ses &1 look+ ab\t1 vaguely began to realize :at _h happ5$4 ,my fir/ impulse 0 to se>* ! /udy1 look+ 9 all ! closets & table draw]s4 ,9 a corn] 0 a l>ge *e/1 ,i op5$ x4 ,inside 7 sev]al ( ! que] helmets & suits :i* ,i _h se5 ,del ,m> use & "o ( :i* he _h plac$ on ,ela9e4 ,= "s mom5ts ,i exam9$ !m curi\sly1 wond]+ :at _! use c\ld be4 ,someh[ x seem$ to me1 if ,del ,m> _h us$ !m 9 ! escape1 we %\ld ne$ !m 9 ! pursuit4 ,!n my eye fell on ! brok5 panel4 ,i ent]$ x & grop$ cauti\sly d[n ! passageway4 ,at ! end ,i gaz$ ab\t1 try+ to discov] :i* way !y _h all gone4 ,at la/1 d[n on ! %ore1 be=e a :>f ,i c\ld see ,woodw>d1 ! /range old h]mit & ! re/4 ,i ran t[>d !m1 call+4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,by ?is "t ! soldi] :o _h be5 s5t = ! subm>9e telescope arriv$ at la/1 ) ! telescope 9 sections 9 sev]al long cases4 ,good6 exclaim$ ! old h]mit1 almo/ seiz+ ! package :i* ! soldi] h&$ him4 ,he unwrapp$ x & jo9$ ! v>i\s sections toge!r4 ,x 01 z ,i h said1 a subm>9e telescope1 b aft] a design entirely new1 diff]+ f ! ord9>y subm>9e telescope4 ,x _h an arm b5t at "r angles1 ) prismatic mirrors s t x 0 n only possible to see ! bottom ( ! sea b by an adju/m5t also to see at "r angles1 or1 z x 71 ar\nd a corn]4 ,x 0 :ile he 0 jo9+ ?is contrivance toge!r t ,i came up f ! end ( ! secret passage d[n to ! :>f4 ,:y1 "h's ,jameson1 greet$ ,woodw>d4 ,i'm glad y're s mu* bett]4 ,:]e's ,ela9e8 ,i int]rupt$ brea?lessly4 ,!y began to tell me4 ,ar5't y go+ to foll[8 ,i cri$4 ,foll[8 ,h[ c we foll[8 ,excit$ly ,i told ( my discov]y ( ! helmets4 ,j ! ?+6 exclaim$ ! h]mit4 ,s5d "s "o back to get !m4 ,woodw>d quickly deta*$ sev]al soldi]s to g ) me & ,i hurri$ back to ! bungal[1 :ile o!rs c>ri$ ! subm>9e telescope to ! boat4 ,x 0 only a few m9utes lat] t 9 ,del ,m>'s own c>1 ,i drove up to ! :>f aga9 & we unload$ ! curi\s subm>9e helmets & suits4 ,quickly ,woodw>d po/$ sev]al ( 8 m5 to act z s5tries on ! bea*1 !n ) ! re/ we climb$ into ! laun* & slipp$ (f d[n ! %ore4 ,! laun* :i* ,woodw>d _h comm&e]$ mov$ along 9 ! g5]al direction :i* !y _h se5 ,del ,m> & 8 m5 take ) ,ela9e4 ,) ! telescope ov] ! side1 we cruis$ ab\t sl[ly 9 a circle1 ,arnold gaz+ ?r\gh ! eyepiece4 ,all ( u 7 by ?is "t 9 ! div+-suits :i* ,i _h br\ght f ,del ,m>'s1 except t we _h n yet /rapp$ on ! helmets4 ,sudd5ly ,arnold rais$ 8 h& & signall$ to /op ! laun*4 ,look6 he cri$1 indicat+ ! eyepiece ( ! subm>9e telescope :i* he _h let d[n ov] ! side4 ,woodw>d gaz$ into ! eyepiece & !n ,i did1 also4 ,!re we c\ld see ! side ( a subm]g$ subm>9e a %ort di/ance away1 ?r\gh ! cave-l entrance ( :at appe>$ to be a great "u-wat] h>bor4 ,:at %all we d8 qu]i$ ,woodw>d4 ,attack x n[ be=e !y are prep>$1 repli$ ! h]mit decisively4 ,put on ! helmets4 ,all ( u except ^? :o 7 runn+ ! laun* buckl$ on ! head-pieces1 wrapp+ our guns 9 wat]pro( cov]s :i* we _h f\nd ) ! suits4 ,z soon z we _h f9i%$1 "o aft] ano!r1 we let ourselves ov] ! side ( ! boat & sank to ! bottom4 ,on ! bottom we ga!r$ & sl[ly1 9 ! heavy unaccu/om$ helmets & cumb]some suits1 we made our way 9 a body ?r\gh ! entrance ( ! h>bor4 ,upw>d ?r\gh ! ar*way we w5t1 cl++ to rocks1 any?+1 b always upw>d4 ,z we em]g$ a %ot rang out4 ,"o ( our m5 ?rew up 8 arms & fell back into ! wat]4 ,on we press$4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,ela9e sat 9 a corn] ( ! (fice1 mute1 :ile ! man :o 0 gu>d+ h]1 heavily arm$1 pac$ up & d[n4 ,sudd5ly an ov]:elm+ desire came ov] h] to attempt an escape4 ,b no soon] _h %e made a motion z ?\gh to run ?r\gh ! door ?an ! man seiz$ h] & drove h] back to h] corn]4 ,take y\r positions "h1 ord]$ ,del ,m> to sev]al ( ! m54 ,if y see anybody come up ?r\gh ! wat]1 ^! h& gr5ades ought to settle !m4 ,along ! l$ge ! m5 7 /ation$ ea* ) a pile ( ! gr5ades be=e him4 ,see6 cri$ "o ( !m f ! l$ge z he caught sight ( "o ( our helmets appe>+4 ,! o!rs cr\*$ & />$4 ,del ,m> himself hurri$ =w>d & gaz$ 9 ! direction ! man indicat$4 ,!re !y c\ld see ,woodw>d1 ,arnold & ! re/ ( u j beg9n+ to climb up out ( ! wat]4 ,del ,m> aim$ & fir$4 ,"o ( ! m5 _h ?r[n up 8 arms ) a cry & fall5 back into ! wat]4 ,invad]s seem$ to sw>m up n[ 9 e direction f ! wat]4 ,on ! semi-circul> l$ge ab\t "o side ( ! h>bor1 ,del ,m>'s m5 7 n[ rang$ 9 close ord] ne> a subm>9e1 ^: hat* 0 op5 to receive !m1 ready to repel ! attack & if necess>y retreat into ! "u-sea boat4 ,!y fir$ %>ply at ! figures t rose f ! wat]4 ,_m ( ! m5 fell back1 hit1 b1 9 turn1 a l>ge numb] manag$ to ga9 a foo?old on ! l$ge4 ,l$ by ,woodw>d & ,arnold1 !y =m$ quickly & /ripp$ (f ! wat]pro( cov]+s ( _! weapons1 return+ ! fire %>ply4 ,?+s 7 m equal n[4 ,sev]al ( ,del ,m>'s m5 _h fall54 ,! smoke ( battle fill$ ! n>r[ h>bor4 ,9 ! (fice ,ela9e li/5$ ke5ly to ! %ots4 ,:at did x all mean8 ,cle>ly x c\ld be no?+ less ?an assi/ance com+4 ,! man on gu>d he>d also & 8 uncontrollable curiosity took him to ! door4 ,z he gaz$ out ,ela9e saw h] *ance4 ,%e made a ru% at him & seiz$ him1 wre/+ ! rifle f 8 h&s be=e he knew x4 ,%e sprang back j z he drew 8 revolv] & fir$ at h]4 ,! %ot j n>r[ly miss$ h]1 b %e did n lose h] pres5ce ( m9d4 ,%e fir$ ! rifle 9 turn & ! man fell4 ,a little %udd] ran ov] h]4 ,%e _h kill$ a man6 ,b ! fir+ outside grew fi]c]4 ,%e _h no "t to ?9k4 ,%e /epp$ ov] ! body1 h] face av]t$1 & ran out4 ,!re %e c\ld see ,del ,m> & 8 m54 ,_m ( !m by ?is "t _h be5 kill$ or w\nd$4 ,we c't beat !m2 !y are too _m = u1 mutt]$ ,del ,m>4 ,we'll h to get away if we c4 ,into ! subm>9e6 he ord]$4 ,ha/ily !y began to pile into ! op5 hat*4 ,j z ,del ,m> />t$ to foll[ !m1 he caught sight ( ,ela9e runn+ out ( ! (fice4 ,almo/ 9 "o leap he 0 at h] side4 ,be=e %e c\ld raise h] rifle & fire he _h seiz$ x4 ,%e manag$1 h[ev]1 to pu% him (f & get away f him4 ,%e look$ ab\t = "s weapon4 ,!re on ! l$ge lay "o ( ! h& gr5ades4 ,%e pick$ x up & hurl$ x at him1 b he dodg$ & x miss$ him4 ,on x flew1 l&+ close to ! subm>9e4 ,z x explod$1 ano!r ( ,del ,m>'s m5 toppl$ ov] into ! wat]4 ,betwe5 volleys1 ,woodw>d1 ,arnold & ! re/ pull$ (f _! helmets4 ,ela9e6 cri$ ,arnold1 cat*+ sight ( h] 9 ! h&s ( ,del ,m>4 ,quickly1 at ! head ( su* m5 z he c\ld mu/]1 ! h]mit l$ a *>ge4 ,9 ! subm>9e ! la/ man 0 wait+ = ,del ,m>4 ,z ! h]mit ran =w>d ) sev]al soldi]s betwe5 ,del ,m> & ! subm>9e1 x 0 evid5t t ,del ,m> w\ld be cut (f4 ,! man at ! hat* climb$ d[n into ! boat4 ,x 0 useless to wait4 ,he bang$ %ut & clamp$ ! hat*4 ,sl[ly ! subm>9e began to s9k4 ,del ,m> by ?is "t _h ov]come ,ela9e & />t$ to run t[>d ! subm>9e ) h]4 ,b !n he /opp$ %ort4 ,!re 0 a que] figure ( a h]mit lead+ "s soldi]s4 ,he 0 cut (f4 ,back into ! (fice6 he gr[l$1 dragg+ ,ela9e4 ,he bang$ %ut ! door j z ! h]mit & ! soldi]s made a ru% at him4 ,on ! door !y batt]$4 ,b x 0 9 va94 ,! door 0 lock$4 ,9 ! (fice ,del ,m> ha/ily w5t to a corn]1 aft] b>r+ ! door1 & lift$ a trap-door 9 ! floor1 kn[n only to himself4 ,ela9e did n move or make any attempt to escape1 = ,del ,m> 9 addition to hav+ a vici\s look+ automatic 9 8 h& kept a wat*ful eye on h]4 ,outside ! (fice1 ! soldi]s1 l$ by ! h]mit & ,woodw>d cont9u$ to batt] at ! door4 ,n[--g d[n t /airway--ahead ( me1 ord]$ ,del ,m>4 ,ela9e obey$ t5sely1 & he foll[$ into 8 em]g5cy exit1 clos+ ! trap4 ,beat h>d]1 m51 urg$ ! h]mit1 z ! soldi]s batt]$ at ! door4 ,!y r$\bl$ _! ef=ts & ! door b5t & sway$4 ,at la/ x fell 9 "u ! %e] weight ( ! bl[s4 ,by ,george--he's gone--) ,ela9e1 cri$ ! h]mit1 look+ at ! empty (fice4 ,fev]i%ly !y hunt$ ab\t = a means ( escape b c\ld f9d none4 ,p\nd ! floor & walls ) ! butts ( y\r guns1 ord]$ ,arnold4 ,!re mu/ be "s place t is holl[4 ,!y did s1 go+ ov] all in* by in*4 ,mean:ile1 ?r\gh ! passage1 along a rocky /airway1 ,del ,m> cont9u$ to drive ,ela9e be=e him1 up & ev] up to ! level ( ! l&4 ,at la/ ,ela9e1 foll[$ by ,del ,m>1 em]g$ f ! rocky passage 9 a cleft 9 ! cliffs1 f> above ! promontory4 ,g on6 he ord]$1 =c+ h] to g ahead ( him4 ,!y came f9ally to a small hut on a cliff ov]look+ ! real h>bor4 ,ent]6 dem&$ ,del ,m>4 ,/ill meekly1 %e obey$4 ,del ,m> seiz$ h] & be=e %e knew x _h h] b\nd & gagg$4 ,d[n 9 ! little (fice our m5 cont9u$ to se>* = ! secret exit4 ,"h's a place t gives an e*o1 %\t$ "o ( !m4 ,z he f\nd ! secret trap & ?rew x op51 ! h]mit /ripp$ (f ! cumb]some div+-suit & jump$ 91 foll[$ by ,woodw>d1 myself & ! soldi]s4 ,upw>d we climb$ until at la/ we came to ! op5+4 ,!re we paus$ & look$ ab\t4 ,:]e 0 ,del ,m>8 ,:]e 0 ,ela9e8 ,we c\ld see no trace ( !m4 ,f9ally1 h[ev]1 ,arnold discov]$ ! trail 9 ! grass & we foll[$ him1 sl[ly pick+ up ! tracks4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,kn[+ t ! subm>9e w\ld cruise ab\t & wait = him1 ,del ,m> decid$ to leave ,ela9e 9 ! hut :ile he w5t out & se>*$ = a boat 9 :i* to look = ! subm>9e4 ,com+ out ( ! hut1 he gaz$ ab\t & mov$ (f cauti\sly4 ,/eal?ily he w5t d[n to ! %ore & !re look$ up & d[n int5tly4 ,a %ort di/ance away f him 0 a pi] 9 ! process ( con/ruction4 ,m5 7 unload+ spiles f a cable c> t ran out on ! pi] on a little con/ruction railway1 z well z o!r mat]ial ) :i* to fill 9 ! pi]4 ,at ! end ( ! dock lay a p[]-boat1 moor$1 evid5tly belong+ to "s "o int]e/$ 9 ! "w on ! pi]4 ,! workm5 _h j f9i%$ unload+ a c> full & 7 climb+ back on ! empty c>1 :i* look$ z if x _h once be5 a trolley4 ,z ,del ,m> look$ ov] ! sc5e ( activity1 he caught sight ( ! p[]boat4 ,j :at ,i want1 he mutt]$ to himself4 ,i mu/ get ,ela9e4 ,i c get away 9 t4 ,! workm5 signall$ to ! eng9e] above & ! c> ran up ! :>f & up an incl9e at ! %ore-end4 ,! mom5t ! c> disappe>$1 ,del ,m> hurri$ away 9 ! direction he _h come4 ,at ! top ( ! grade1 he notic$1 0 a donkey eng9e :i* op]at$ ! cable t drew ! c> up f ! dock1 & at ! top ( ! incl9e 0 a huge pile ( mat]ial4 ,! c> _h be5 drawn up to ! top ( ! grade by ?is "t4 ,!re ! eng9e] :o op]at$ ! eng9e /opp$ x4 ,j !n ! :i/le blew = ! noon h\r4 ,! m5 quit "w & w5t to get _! d9n] pails1 :ile ! eng9e] />t$ to draw ! fire4 ,beside ! eng9e1 he began to *op "s wood1 :ile ! c> 0 held at ! top ( ! grade by ! cable4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,9 our pursuit we came at la/ 9 sight ( a lonely hut4 ,evid5tly t mu/ be a r5dezv\s ( ,del ,m>4 ,b 0 he !re8 ,0 ,ela9e !re8 ,we mu/ see fir/4 ,:ile we 7 look+ ab\t & debat+ :at 0 ! be/ ?+ to d1 :o %\ld appe> hurry+ up ! hill b ,del ,m> himself1 go+ t[>d ! hut4 ,z we caught sight ( him1 ,arnold sprang =w>d4 ,woodw>d & ,i1 foll[$ by ! soldi]s also jump$ out4 ,del ,m> turn$ & ran d[n ! hill aga9 ) u aft] him1 9 full cry4 ,:ile we _h be5 wait+1 "s ( ! soldi]s _h deploy$ d[n ! hill & n[1 he>+ our %\ts1 turn$1 & came up aga94 ,beside 8 eng9e1 we c\ld see an eng9e] *opp+ wood4 ,he paus$ n[ 9 8 *opp+ & 0 gaz+ out ov] ! bay4 ,sudd5ly he _h se5 some?+ out 9 ! wat] t _h attract$ 8 att5tion & 0 />+ at x4 ,!re x mov$1 no?+ less ?an a half-subm]g$ subm>9e4 ,z ! eng9e] gaz$ (f at x1 ,del ,m> came up1 unse51 beh9d him & /ood !re1 also wat*+ ! subm>9e1 fasc9at$4 ,j !n beh9d him ,del ,m> he>d u pursu+4 ,he look$ ab\t z we ran t[>d him & saw t we _h =m$ a wide circle1 ) ! m5 d[n ! hill1 t almo/ completely surr\nd$ him4 ,!re 0 no *ance = escape4 ,x 0 hopeless4 ,b x 0 n ,del ,m>'s nature to give up4 ,he gave "o la/ glance ab\t4 ,!re 0 ! trolley c> t _h be5 conv]t$ into a cable way4 ,x (f]$ j "o *ance 9 a ?\s&4 ,sudd5ly 8 face assum$ an air ( desp]ate det]m9ation4 ,he sprang t[>d ! eng9e] & grappl$ ) him1 seek+ to wre/ ! axe f 8 h&4 ,e second c\nt$4 ,our circle 0 n[ n>r[+ d[n & clos+ 9 on him4 ,del ,m> manag$ to knock out ! eng9e]1 tak5 by surprise1 j z our m5 fir$ a volley4 ,9 ! /ruggle1 ,del ,m> 0 unh>m$4 ,in/ead he j manag$ to get ! axe4 ,an in/ant lat] a leap l&$ him on ! cable c>4 ,) a bl[ ( ! axe he cut ! cable4 ,! c> began to move sl[ly d[n ! hill on ! grade4 ,"s ( ! m5 7 d[n bel[ 9 its pa?4 ,b ! onru%+ cable c> 0 too mu* = !m4 ,!y c\ld only leap aside to save !mselves4 ,on d[n ! incl9e1 ga!r+ mom5tum e second1 ! c> da%$1 ,del ,m> sway+ crazily b keep+ 8 foot+4 ,we foll[$ z fa/ z we c\ld1 b x 0 useless4 ,out on ! :>f x sp$ at a t]rific pace4 ,at ! end x lit]ally catapult$ itself into ! wat]1 cra%+ f ! end ( ! pi]4 ,z x did s1 ,del ,m> gave a fly+ leap out into ! h>bor1 /ruck ! wat] ) a clean dive & disappe>$4 ,on d[n ! hill we hurri$4 ,!re 9 ! wat] 0 ,del ,m> swimm+ rapidly4 ,almo/ be=e we knew x1 we saw him raise 8 h& & signal1 %\t+4 ,!re only a few y>ds away 0 ! p]iscope ( a subm>9e4 ,z we wat*$1 we c\ld see t x _h se5 him1 _h turn$ 9 8 direction4 ,w\ld !y get him8 ,we wat*$1 fasc9at$4 ,"s ( our m5 fir$1 z accurately z !y c\ld at a figure bobb+ s unc]ta9ly on ! wat]4 ,mean:ile ! subm>9e approa*$ clos] & rose a bit s t ! hat*way cle>$ ! waves4 ,x op5$4 ,"o ( ! =eign ag5ts assi/$ ,del ,m> 94 ,he _h escap$ at la/6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,x 0 mo/ he>t-break+ to h _h ,del ,m> s ne>ly 9 our grasp & !n to h lo/ him4 ,we look$ f "o to ano!r1 9 despair4 ,only ,arnold1 9 8 disguise z a h]mit1 seem$ undisc\rag$4 ,sudd5ly he turn$ to ,woodw>d4 ,:at "t is x8 he ask$ eag]ly4 ,a little pa/ noon4 ,! ,k5n$y wireless torp$o6 he exclaim$4 ,x arriv$ to-day4 ,burnside is try+ x out4 ,sudd5ly !re fla%$ ov] me ! recollection ( ! m>vell\s inv5tion t ,k5n$y _h made = ! ,gov]nm5t j be=e 8 disappe>ance1 z well z ! memory ( ! exp]i5ce ,i _h _h once ) ! intrepid ,burnside4 ,woodw>d's face %[$ a ray ( int]e/ & hope 9 ! ov]:elm+ gloom t _h settl$ on u all4 ,y & ,jameson g to ,=t ,dale1 quick1 direct$ ,arnold eag]ly4 ,i'm n fit4 ,get ,burnside4 ,h him br+ ! torp$o 9 ! air-boat4 ,we ne$$ no fur!r urg+4 ,x 0 a sl5d] *ance4 ,b ,i reflect$ t ! subm>9e c\ld n run ?r\gh ! bay totally subm]g$4 ,x mu/ h its p]iscope 9 view4 ,we hurri$ away1 leav+ ,arnold1 :o sl[ly m\nt$ ! hill aga94 ,h[ we did x1 ,i don't "k1 b we manag$ to get to ! ,=t 9 record "t4 ,!re ne> ! a]oplane hang>1 sure en\gh1 0 ,burnside ) "s o!r m5 adju/+ ! fir/ real wireless ,k5n$y torp$o1 ! la/ ^w 9 sci5tific w>f>e1 mak+ an a]ial torp$o-boat4 ,we ran up to ! hang> call+ to ,burnside excit$ly4 ,x 0 only a mom5t lat]1 t he began to issue ord]s 9 8 %>p /accato4 ,8 m5 sw>m$ =w>d & took ! torp$o f ! spot :]e !y _h be5 exam9+ x1 adju/+ x n[ b5ea? ! hydroa]oplane4 ,jameson1 y come ) me1 he ask$4 ,y w5t be=e4 ,we rose quickly f ! surface & plan$ along out ov] ! h>bor4 ,f> (f we c\ld see ! ripple f ! p]iscope ( ! subm>9e t 0 be>+ ,del ,m> away4 ,w\ld ,k5n$y's inv5tion = :i* ,del ,m> _h d>$ s mu* 9 ! fir/ place prove 8 f9al undo+8 ,we sp$ ahead4 ,d[n bel[ 9 ! subm]sible ,del ,m> 0 giv+ ha/y ord]s to 8 m51 to dip d[n z soon z all ! %ipp+ & ! s& b>s 7 cle>$4 ,i /ra9$ my eyes ?r\gh ! glasses report+ fev]i%ly to ,burnside :at ,i saw s t he c\ld /e] 8 c\rse4 ,!re x is1 ,i urg$4 ,keep on--j to ! left4 ,i see x1 return$ ,burnside a mom5t lat] cat*+ ) 8 nak$ eye ! ?9 l9e ( foam on ! wat] left by ! p]iscope4 ,w\ld y m9d gett+ t torp$o ready8 he cont9u$4 ,i'll tell y j :at to d4 ,!y'll try to duck z soon z !y see u1 b x won't be any use4 ,!y c't get totally subm]g$ fa/ en\gh4 ,foll[+ ,burnside's directions ,i adju/$ ! fir+ app>atus ( ! torp$o4 ,let x g6 %\t$ ,burnside4 ,i did s1 z he volplan$ d[n almo/ to ! wat]4 ,! torp$o fell1 sank1 bobb$ up1 !n ran along j t9d] ! surface4 ,already ,i 0 some:at famili> ) ! wireless device t controll$ x1 s t :ile ,burnside /eadi$ ! aircraft ,i c\ld direct x1 z he coa*$ me4 ,! subm>9e saw x com+ n[4 ,b x 0 too late4 ,x c\ld n turn2 x c\ld n subm]ge 9 "t4 ,a t]rific explosion foll[$ z ! torp$o came 9 contact ) ! boat1 ?r[+ a column ( wat] high 9 ! air4 ,a yawn+ hole 0 bl[n 9 ! v side ( ! subm>9e4 ,"o c\ld see ! wat] ru% 94 ,inside1 ,del ,m> & 8 m5 7 n[ panic-/rick54 ,"s ( !m desp]ately tri$ to plug ! hole4 ,b x 0 hopeless4 ,o!rs fell1 fa9t+1 f ! poison\s gases t 7 develop$4 ,( !m all1 ,del ,m>'s 0 ! only cool head4 ,he realiz$ t all 0 ov]4 ,!re 0 no?+ left to d b :at o!r subm>9e h]oes _h done 9 bett] causes4 ,he seiz$ a piece ( pap] & ha/ily wrote3 ,tell my emp]or ,i fail$ only because ,craig ,k5n$y 0 aga9/ me4--,,del ,,m>4 ,he _h b>ely "t to place ! message 9 a metal float ne>-by4 ,d[n ! subm>9e1 n[ full ( wat]1 sank4 ,) 8 la/ /r5g? he flung ! message cle> ( ! wreckage z x settl$ on ! mud on ! bottom ( ! bay4 ,burnside & ,i c\ld b />e 9 grim satisfaction at ! end ( ! enemy ( ourselves & our c\ntry4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ,up ! hillside plodd$ ,pr(essor ,arnold /ill 9 8 wild disguise z ! h]mit4 ,n[ & !n he turn$ & ca/ an anxi\s glance out ov] ! bay at ! fa/ disappe>+ p]iscope ( ! subm>9e4 ,once he paus$4 ,t 0 :5 he saw ! hydroa]oplane ) ,burnside & myself c>ry+ ! wireless torp$o4 ,aga9 he paus$ z he plodd$ up1 ?is "t ) a gasp1 ( extreme satisfaction4 ,he has se5 ! wat]-sp\t & he>d ! explosion t m>k$ ! debacle ( ,del ,m>4 ,! torp$o _h work$4 ,! mo/ dang]\s =eign ag5t ( ! coalition ( ,am]ica's enemies 0 dead1 & 8 secrets _h gone ) him to ! bottom ( ! sea4 ,p]haps no "o w\ld ev] "k :at ! nation _h be5 sp>$4 ,he did n pause long1 n[4 ,m eag]ly he plodd$ up ! hill1 until he came to ! hut4 ,he pu%$ op5 ! door4 ,!re lay ,ela9e1 /ill b\nd4 ,quickly he cut ! cords & tore ! gag f h] m\?4 ,z he did s1 8 own be>d fell (f4 ,he 0 no long] ! h]mit4 ,nor 0 he :at ,i myself _h ?\ght him1 ,arnold4 ,craig6 cri$ ,ela9e 9 eag] surprise4 ,k5n$y said n a ^w z he grasp$ h] two h&s4 ,& y 7 always ar\nd u1 protect+ ,walt] & me1 %e half laugh$1 half cri$ hy/]ically4 ,i knew x--,i knew x6 ,k5n$y said no?+4 ,8 he>t 0 too happy4 ,yes1 he said simply1 z he gaz$ deeply into h] great eyes1 my "w on ! case is done4 ,,! ,,end