first I was conscious of nothing but his eyes. Large, coal black
and shiny with that peculiar, expressionless gloss I had noted in the
eyes of our guide. Later I realized that he was of slight build,
meticulously neat, with a tiny black waxed mustache and a carefully
trimmed Van Dyke beard.

"Welcome to my floating island," he said gravely, never swerving those
shiny eyes for an instant. "We have hoped long for your coming." He
paused, noiselessly rubbing his hands, and watching us. We stared
back, fascinated by that glossy, fixed gaze. "There is much to tell
you," he went on, "and to ask you." He permitted himself a slow smile
that spread his lips but failed to reach his eyes. "During your stay
here," he continued, "which I hope will be both long and profitable,
you will become my slaves and will know me as Master. But before you
come under my domination you may know my name."

For the first time he moved his eyes. His glance swept the room as if
to assure himself we were alone. He stepped, as swiftly and softly as
a cat, over to the door through which we had entered, opened it, spoke
to our guide who was waiting in the ante-room, closed it and returned.
He faced us, his lips smiling and his eyes as blank as polished agate.

"My name," he said softly, "is Algernon--Frederick--Fraser!" He paused
and watched us. Behind me I felt Foulet start; I heard Brice's quickly
suppressed gasp. My own throat closed on words that might have been
fatal. Algernon Frederick Fraser! Was it possible? Could it be?

Five years before Fraser had suddenly burst on the world of science.
He had made some amazing discoveries regarding the power of light;
discoveries that would reorganize the living conditions of the world.
For a week or two the papers were filled with the man's amazing
genius; then no more was heard of him. Had he died? What was the
story?

* * * * *

Two years passed and even the name of Fraser was forgotten. Then
suddenly it burst forth again in the headlines of the world. Fraser
had disappeared! Fraser had vanished! But not as a brilliant genius of
science; he had gone as an escaped lunatic! After his amazing burst of
fame his mind snapped. Somehow the story had been kept out of the
press.

Fraser was incarcerated in a quiet, very private asylum, and that was
all. All--until he escaped. When that happened the story couldn't be
hushed any longer. The press was informed, the people were wa