rned. He
became known as the Mad Menace. The police and secret service
organizations of the world searched for him. His name became a byword.
Where had he gone? What would he do? What was his scheme? For he was
still the astounding scientific genius. That portion of his mind was
untouched. At the time of his escape the physicians in charge of the
case assured the press that Fraser's scientific mind was every bit as
sound as ever.

And that was all. Aside from his god Science he was a maniac--inhuman,
cruel, unreasoning. What would such a man do loosed in the world? What
might he not do? Was it possible that it was this man who stood before
us now with his eyes fastened upon us so intently and his lips spread
in that little, empty smile? Suddenly I knew! Those eyes! Those eyes
were the shiny, vacuous, soulless eyes of a madman!

"I see," he said softly, "that you have heard of me. But it is three
years since your world has seen me--yes?" He laughed--a low laugh that
seemed to freeze the air around him. "They call me mad." His smile
faded, his eyes bored through us like steel needles. "I am not mad! No
madman could do what I have done in three years!" For the first time
an expression flickered in his eyes--a crafty gleam of vanity that
flared instantaneously. "Would you like to see?" He leaned toward us.
We bowed, but it was Brice who spoke.

"Very much, Doctor Fraser--"

"Don't call me that!" The man whirled like a tiger ready to spring.
"Don't call me that! I am Master here! Call me Master! Say it." His
voice rose to a shriek. "Say it--Master!"

* * * * *

I clamped my teeth against the bloodless horror of that maniacal
voice. It chilled my veins. Again I felt the hair rise on my scalp.
Brice bowed quietly; and his eyes, serene and blue, met Fraser's
fairly.

"Of course, Master." His low English voice soothed the bristling
silence. "I am sure I speak for Monsieur Foulet and Lieutenant Ainslee
when I say that we would be most deeply interested in your
achievements."

Fraser was placated. He relaxed. He softly rubbed his hands while a
smug, crafty smile flitted across his lips. "You will follow me," he
murmured.

He led the way back through the ante-room and down the passageway till
we stood again under the stars, and again I was struck by the strange
light, warm and faint and rosy like a sunset afterglow. As if he read
my thought Fraser turned to me.

"I will show you first t