y laid. Mr. Carnes is
now on his way here from Washington, lured by my voice. He is rushing,
he thinks, to your rescue."

"What--"

Dr. Bird was suddenly silent.

* * * * *

"I am glad you comprehend my plan so readily, Doctor. Yes, indeed, Mr.
Carnes knows that I have captured you. He knows the exact location of
this cavern and, more important, he knows the location of the power
line which feeds my device when it is in operation. He also knows that
there is stored in this cavern, fifty pounds of radite, your
ultra-explosive. He knows that you are chained close to the explosive
and that it is rigged with a detonator, connected with the power line.
In only one thing is he in error.

"He thinks, that if he can sever the power line before he attempts to
penetrate the cavern, that the charge will be rendered harmless, and
that you will be safe. In point of fact, the charge is set with an
interrupter detonator which will explode as soon at the power line is
severed. It pleases my sense of humor that it will be the hand of your
faithful friend, Carnes, that will send you in fragments to eternity."

Beads of sweat shone on Dr. Bird's head as the Russian finished his
speech, but his expression of amused interest did not change. Neither
did his voice, when he spoke, betray any nervousness.

"And I presume that Carnes is also to be blown into bits by the
explosion?" he asked.

"No, indeed, Doctor, that would frustrate one of the most humorous
angles of the whole affair. He will cut the line at the base of a
large rock, some two hundred yards from here, far enough away that he
will not be seriously injured by the force of the explosion. Thus he
will witness the explosion and realize what he has done. In order to
be sure that he knows, as soon as he cuts the wire, my men will
capture him. I, personally, will tell him of it. I wish to see his
face when he realizes what he has unwittingly done."

"Then, I presume, you'll kill him?"

"I doubt it. I rather think I'll let him live. He should be useful to
me."

"Carnes will never work for you!"

"With Feodrovna in my power, I rather think that Mr. Carnes will be an
efficient and loyal servant. If not, he shall have the pleasure of
watching me wreak my vengeance on her before he, himself, takes his
last long trip."

* * * * *

"Saranoff," said Dr. Bird in a level voice, his piercing eyes boring
straight into