of combatting this new enemy. Have you
any ideas?"

"I have not, sir," Van replied gloomily, "though I believe it can be
done only from the air. Possibly bombing, or a gas of some sort--I
don't know. It will take time, Mr. Governor."

"Yes, and meanwhile the thing is overwhelming us at what rate?"

"As nearly as I can estimate it, the growth is moving with a speed of
four or five miles an hour."

"By morning you expect it will have traveled forty or fifty miles in
all directions?"

"I'm afraid so."

A sharp buzz from the instrument on the governor's desk interrupted
them. "The President," he whispered.

"That is enough, Governor," came the husky tones of President Alford's
voice. "I shall communicate with Secretary Makely at once. All
available army bombing-planes will be rushed to the scene. You, sir,
will mobilize the militia, as will the governors of the other states.
Meanwhile, this young scientist is to report to the Bureau of
Scientific Research in Washington--to-night. Have him bring a supply
of these seeds with him."

That was all. Governor Perkins offered no comment, but merely rose
from his seat to indicate that the discussion was ended. A solemn
silence reigned in the room.

"Let's go!" exclaimed Bill Petersen suddenly, unawed by the presence
of the governor. "My ship's waiting, and we can stop off for a couple
of those pods and still make Washington in two hours. Come on!"

Governor Perkins smiled. "Good luck, boys," he said, as they were
ushered from the room. "My car will return you to the airport. And
remember, the country will be watching you now, and expecting much
from you. Good-by."

They were to recall his words in the dark days ahead.

* * * * *

Before they had reached Newburgh, they saw a dull red glow in the
skies that told them the news broadcast to which they had been
listening had not exaggerated. The red growth was luminous in
darkness. Off there to the south-west, it was as if a vast forest fire
were lighting the heavens. No wonder the panics and rioting were
getting out of control of the police!

Coming up over Bear Mountain, they caught their first glimpse of the
sea of fire that was the red death by night. Like a vast bed of
glowing embers it covered the countryside, extending eastward to
Haverstraw where it was temporarily halted by the broad Hudson. It was
a shimmering, undulating mass of living, luminous things, eating their
horrible