f it--the Sleeping Beauty, Brunhilde, Rip Van Winkle. I am
convinced that in ancient times a few persons knew how to draw a fairy
ring about those they wished to injure or protect, placing them thus
outside the reach of time and change. This has now happened the world
over, perhaps through some drift in the ether or germ in the brain.
That is what we must find out so we can solve the mystery and take
steps to reawaken the world--"

"Perhaps this will help," interrupted Manthis in his turn. "As you
know, all the great scientists--Einstein, Jeans, Pavlov--are convinced
that everything in the universe is a form of vibration. Even thought,
they believe, operates somewhat like a very short radio wave. What if
some agency, either inside or outside the universe, began interfering
on the thought-wave channel?"

"Granting your supposition,"--Jack was on his own ground
now--"transmission would be impossible on that channel."

"Exactly! Well, that's what I am convinced is taking place. I'm a
chemist, not an engineer. I've given you the lead. You'll have to do
the rest. Do you think you might locate such interference?"

"Possibly. I'll do my best."

"Fine! Of course, if it is coming from outside the stratosphere as the
cosmic rays do, there is no hope. But if someone is broadcasting such
a devilish wave from an earthly station we may have a chance to stop
it.

"Now, Baron, my boy," he continued, dropping into a more jovial tone
and leading his friend into the laboratory, "you'll have to get busy
if you intend to keep us ticking. This equipment is at your disposal."
He waved toward a newly installed short wave radio transmitter. "Here
are storage batteries, all charged." He opened another door. "I have a
five kilowatt generator installed here. It is operated by a gasoline
engine. If you need other equipment you can raid the Rothafel plant."

* * * * *

Returning to the main laboratory he indicated the work table set close
to a great double window overlooking Central Park.

"Couldn't ask for anything better, could you?" he smiled. "Plenty of
light and air and a view of the city. Look, you can even see those
poor devils lying around the subway kiosk." His face became bleak.
Then he shrugged and tried to throw off his depression. "June and I
will help you as much as we can. We can raid stores for provisions and
hashish. New let's have breakfast."

The next few days were filled with unending la