ust be reprimanded
severely; and meanwhile I beg you not to hold their impetuousness
against me."

* * * * *

Carse could stand it no longer. This suave mockery and the pathetic
figure of his friend; the mention of raid and murder----

"It's all my fault," he blurted out. "I told him where you were. I
thought----"

"Oh, no!" Dr. Ku broke in, pleasantly protesting. "Captain Carse is
gallant, but the responsibility's not his. I have a little machine--a
trifle, but most ingenious at extracting secrets which persons attempt
to hold from me. The Captain couldn't help himself, you see----"

"It was not necessary to tell me that," said Leithgow.

"Of course," the Eurasian agreed and for the first time seriously; "but
let me suggest that the end justifies the means. And that brings me to
my point. Master Scientist, now you may know that I have for some time
been working toward a mighty end. This end is now in sight, with you
here, the final achievement can be attained. An achievement----" He
paused, and the ecstasy of the inspired fanatic came to his eyes. Never
before had the three men standing there so seen him. "I will explain."

His eyes changed, and imperiously he gave an order to his assistants. "A
chair for Master Leithgow, and one for Carse. Place them there." Then,
"Be seated," he invited them with a return of his usual seeming
courtesy. "I'm sure you must be tired."

Slowly Eliot Leithgow lowered himself into the metal seat. Friday,
ignored, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. The Hawk did not
sit down until with old habit he had sized up the whole layout of
laboratory, assistants and chances. The two chairs faced toward ward the
high screen; to each side stood the five coolie-guards; mechanically
alert as always; the four Caucasian assistants made a group of strange
statues to the right.

Ku Sui took position, standing before the screen. Seldom did the cold,
hard iron of the man show through the velvet of his manner as now.

"Yes," he said, "I will talk to you for a while; give you broad outline
of my purpose. And when I have finished you will know why I have wanted
you here so badly, Master Leithgow."

* * * * *

He began, and, as never before, he hid nothing of his monstrous
ambition, his extraordinary preparations. With mounting fear his
captives listened to his well-modulated voice as it proceeded logically