n him
that no slightest memory of it would remain in the brain of Ellen
Estabrook.

Naka Machi went back to the room which Bentley had first entered and
returned almost at once with a tall thin man, immaculately garbed in
gray, wearing a spade beard. His eyes were flashing fires of anger and
of pride.

He stared at Barter.

"What is all this quackery?" he demanded. "Who is responsible for this
unspeakable rigmarole?"

"Your words are harsh, Mr. Keller," said Barter suavely, "and you
shall learn in good time what I intend. Had you followed my
manifestoes in the news columns you would have known what I intend. I
shall create a race of super--"

"You will at once release myself and the others with me," interrupted
Keller.

But at that moment Naka Machi returned, leading a great ape which
seemed as docile as though it had been drugged. Naka Machi raised his
right hand quickly, so quickly Bentley could scarce follow the
movement, and with the edge of his palm struck the tall gray man in
back of the head. Keller's knees buckled. As he started to fall Naka
Machi stepped close to him, gathered him in his arms and bore him to
the table.

At Barter's swift instructions Ellen Estabrook, all unknowing, placed
a cone indicated by Barter over the mouth and nose of Keller. Naka
Machi struck the ape as he had struck the man, but he waited until he
had persuaded the brute to take his place on the table near Keller's
head.

- - -

The ape sprawled. Naka Machi quickly twisted both Keller and the ape
around so that their heads were toward each other, their feet pointing
in opposite directions.

"Is that close enough my master?" came the soft voice of Naka Machi.

"Quite," said Barter, whose face was now a mask of concentration.
"Cleve and Stanley and Morton?"

"They have been locked in their cages, my master," said Naka Machi.
"Are you sure this man who came in the guise of an ape is safe?"

"I shall make sure. But do you remain close where you can render him
harmless in case I have misjudged him."

Naka Machi turned baleful eyes on Bentley. The latter could see the
hatred in them and for a moment was at a loss to understand it.

"I shall destroy him before he can put his hands upon you, my master,"
said Naka Machi.

"I do not wish him destroyed, Naka Machi," replied Barter. "That is
enough of the anesthetic, Miss Estabrook. Naka Machi, my instruments,
quickly."

Before he proceeded with his labors Ba