fighting it but I'm going myself in a minute," replied
the doctor grimly. "Something is pulling me over. It's the same power
that keeps me from turning on my light."

"It's perfectly safe to go over," said Carnes suddenly. "The plane is
resting on a solid base."

"I have the same feeling. Catch hold of my belt and let's go."

* * * * *

They climbed over the side of the plane and dropped to the ground.
Their descent made absolutely no sound. Dr. Bird stopped and felt the
floor.

"Crepe rubber, or something of the sort," he murmured. "At any rate,
it's noise and vibration proof."

"Now what?" asked Carnes.

"This way," replied the doctor confidently. "I'm beginning to get the
hang of understanding this. The way is perfectly level and open before
us. Keep your hand on my shoulder and step right out."

"How do you know where we're going?"

"I don't, but something tells me that the road is level and open. It
is the same thing that brought us over the side. I can't explain it
but it is some sort of a telepathic control exerted by an
intelligence. Whether the sending mind is reinforced by instruments I
don't know, but I rather fancy not."

"Where is Garland?"

"He went off in another direction. I could feel the power that guided
him although it was not directed at us. Something tells me that he is
safe for the present."

For half a mile they made their way through the darkness before they
stopped. This time Carnes could plainly understand the command which
came to both of them.

"There is a table before us," said Dr. Bird. "Lay your flashlight and
pistol on it."

Carnes struggled against the order but the power guiding him was
stronger than his will. He strove to turn on his light. When he could
not, he tried to cock his pistol. With a sigh, he laid his gun and
light on the table before him. Without words, the two men walked
forward a few feet and sat confidently down on a bench that something
told them was there.

* * * * *

For a moment they sat quietly. A cry, choked in the middle, came from
the detective's throat. Cold clammy hands touched his face. He strove
again to cry out, but his voice was paralyzed. The hands went
methodically over his body, evidently searching for weapons. Mustering
up his will, Carnes made a grab for one of them. His captor apparently
had no objection to the detective's action for Carnes seized the hand
without e