k, who had
been awaiting just such an opportunity, struck him on the jaw.

* * * * *

The blow would have felled an ox but Solinski merely staggered back a
step and snarled. Before Baron could renew the attack he jerked an
automatic from beneath his coat and leaped to the hall door.

"You I shall kill," he grinned evilly. "But not now. First you must
taste the horror of sinking into the long sleep. You have no more
drug, nor can you obtain any. Those pitiful storage batteries will be
exhausted by the time you have aroused the child. So you must sleep
unless you have the courage to kill yourself. Doctor, I deeply regret
that this has occurred, but you see that I must let you and June sleep
too. When I have need of you I will recall you. That is all. Farewell.
May God pity you, Baron. I will not."

He sprang through the door and, the tails of his black coat flapping
like the wings of a gigantic bat, vanished down the stairs.

Manthis slammed the door and locked it, then leaned weakly against the
panels and wiped his round face. His hands shook pitifully.

"This then is the end," he whispered hoarsely.

"Is there none of the drug left?" Jack shook him out of his lethargy.

"Enough for a half portion for all of us," sighed the doctor. "But
what use of that? Better we poisoned ourselves now and escaped that
demon."

"Nonsense. A half portion means twelve hours of life. In that time I
can rig up the big transmitter. Perhaps there is still time to revive
New York. Solinski won't know we have a generator until we turn on the
power. Quick. Poor June must be nearly frightened to death at our
shouting."

* * * * *

But they found the girl sitting tense and jubilant at the controls.

"Father! Jack!" she cried as the door opened. "It's working. I saw her
move. That means we may be able to revive the world!" Her face was
streaked with tears.

"Her heart's beating," whispered the doctor, feeling the child's
pulse. "Slow but steady. She'll regain consciousness any moment now."

"No time to wait." Disregarding June's cry of protest Jack stripped
off the electrodes. "We must get the big machine working."

"But the little thing will die again," cried June, throwing herself on
her knees beside the tot. "I didn't think you could be so cruel."

"Solinski has cut off our drug supply," explained Manthis gently.
"He's operating the other station. Don't blame Jack.