f my education. But does a man have to be an Indian to
read this correctly?" He was pointing at the ground. The small
cleared space was littered with cigarette butts, rolled in brown
paper and what had once been a popular brand of tobacco. There
were also a number of burned matches. From this patch, screened by
some undergrowth, there was a clear unobstructed sight of the late
William Flynn's home.

Professor Brierly continued:

"Here is your timing device, Mr. Hale. This person, presumably one
person, showing commendable patience, as evidenced by the number
of cigarettes, waited here. A human timing device, but a very
accurate one is proved."

"But, Professor," protested Jimmy, "that would entail wires,
buried wires, perhaps. Such wires would not be readily destroyed.
Such--"

"Tut, Mr. Hale. You forget that it takes only a fraction of a
second for an electric impulse to encircle the earth. We live in
modern times. What need for clumsy wires. And yet in a sense you
are right. There were buried wires.

"John," turning abruptly to his young assistant, "that path leads
to a state road. See what is at the end of that road, will you.
See if there is any shop or place where there is a public
telephone."

John Matthews had started along the path when he turned abruptly
and came back.

"Professor, I'd rather Jimmy went. We'll wait here for him." John
looked grim as he said this. He looked meaningly at Jimmy.
Professor Brierly laid his tiny hand on the big shoulder, in his
eyes an unwonted brightness. The Nordic is not a demonstrative
creature, particularly the male creature.

"You foolish boy, come on, we'll all go."

A garish filling station was diagonally opposite the path. The
familiar sign of the bell indicated that a telephone was to be had
inside. But the place was still closed. Professor Brierly jotted
down the name on the sign. The three men returned to the wrecked
house. After a perfunctory look about the scene, Professor Brierly
indicated that he was ready to go. On their way to the station he
asked Jimmy if he would take him up to see his city editor, Hite.
Jimmy, carefully restraining a grin, gravely consented.

The man who had driven them from the hangar hearing them discuss
their trip to New York, told Professor Brierly that the car, as
well as the plane, was at his disposal. They therefore, drove to
the city.

A quick breakfast at an all night lunch counter, a shave and
massage and the old man,