heir ships, to land on the coasts of Spain and France, and become the
ancestors of modern man.

"In old Atlantis, still not wholly submerged, I have made myself a
god. I have mastered the savage Drilgoes whom the Atlanteans
oppressed. All the spoils of their ruined cities are at my disposal.
And I came back to get Lucille, whom I had never ceased to love.
Together Lucille and I will rule like god and goddess.

"Join me, Dent. I'm a god in Atlantis--a god, I tell you. The lesser
races fear me as a supernatural being. Only the city remains
uncaptured, but it is mine whenever I choose to take it. A god--a
god--a god!"

Jim saw now what he had not realized before, that Tode was insane. It
would, indeed, have been a miracle if he had been able to retain his
sanity under such circumstances as he had described. His voice rose
into a wild scream. Yes, Tode was mad--just such a madman as any of
the old Roman emperors, drunk with power, each in his turn the sole
ruler of the world.

"The Earth is mine!" Tode screamed. "Before the modern world was
dreamed of, before the nations were created, Atlantis was the sole
power that held dominion over the scattered tribes of mankind. And she
is in my hand whenever I strike.

"Wealth incalculable, treasures such as man has never since seen,
marvels of scientific discovery, flying machines that would make ours
look foolish, paintings grander than have since been executed--all
these things exist in the proud city that will shortly be at my
command. And I have my Drilgoes, the inferior race, to serve me. They
worship me because they know I am a god. Join me, Dent, and taste the
joys of being one of the supreme rulers of the world."

* * * * *

In spite of his undoubted madness, there was such power in Tode's
voice that Jim could not help believe what he had said.

"Well," snarled Tode. "You hesitate to give me your answer, Dent?"

"Lucille and I are engaged to be married," answered Jim, and the words
were drawn from his lips almost against his will. "We love each other.
I am not going to lie to you and then betray you, Tode."

The expression on Tode's face was demoniacal. He snatched up the
deadly tube that contained the violet fire and turned it upon Jim.
Again Jim felt that repulsive force pushing him back. He gasped for
breath, and tensed his whole body in supreme resistance, while he
tried to grapple with Tode in vain.

But suddenly Tode dropped