st what could you offer any _man_ to make him join your outfit?"
demanded Costigan, venomously.

"Many things," Roger's cold tone betrayed no emotion, no recognition of
Costigan's open and bitter contempt. "I have under me many men, bound to
me by many ties. Needs, wants, longings, and desires differ from man to
man, and I can satisfy practically any of them. Many men take delight in
the society of young and beautiful women, but there are other urges
which I have found quite efficient. Greed, thirst for fame, longing for
power, and so on, including many qualities usually regarded as 'noble.'
And what I promise, I deliver. I demand only loyalty to me, and that
only in certain things and for a relatively short period. In all else,
my men do as they please. In conclusion, I can use you two conveniently,
but I do not need you. Therefore you may choose now between my service
and--the alternative."

"Exactly what is the alternative?"

"We will not go into that. Suffice it to say that it has to do with a
minor research, which is not progressing satisfactorily. It will result
in your extinction, and perhaps I should mention that that extinction
will not be particularly pleasant."

"I say NO, you...." Bradley roared. He intended to give an unexpurgated
classification, but was rudely interrupted.

"Hold on a minute!" snapped Costigan. "How about Miss Marsden?"

"She has nothing to do with this discussion," returned Roger, icily. "I
do not bargain--in fact, I believe that I shall keep her for a time. She
has it in mind to destroy herself if I do not allow her to be ransomed,
but she will find that door closed to her until I permit it to open."

"In that case, I string along with the Chief--take what he started to
say about you and run it clear across the board for me!" barked
Costigan.

"Very well. That decision was to be expected from men of your type." The
gray man touched two buttons and two of his creatures entered the room.
"Put these men into two separate cells on the second level," he ordered.
"Search them; all their weapons may not have been in their armor. Seal
the doors and mount special guards, tuned to me here."

Imprisoned they were, and carefully searched; but they bore no arms, and
nothing had been said concerning communicators. Even if such instruments
could be concealed, Roger would detect their use instantly. At least, so
ran his thought. But Roger's men had no inkling of the possibility of
Costigan's "