the radioman, "--and tell them I
want that man alive. Get that--_alive!_"

"Right." The officer switched on his microphone and began to talk.

Karnes pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes in an
attempt to concentrate. With Lansberg shot up, that put the Brittain
case in his hands. Theoretically, he should be pumping the prisoners
down below to find out how much higher the spy ring went.

* * * * *

But his real interest lay in Brittain, himself. There was no doubt
that he had received another message from the impressor before he had
thrown it down.

Evidently, when the thing broke, the unknown energies which powered it
had short-circuited, paralyzing everyone in the room with their
mind-impressing effect.

Then why hadn't it affected Brittain? Perhaps his recent exposure to a
normal dosage had immunized him. There was no way of knowing--there
never would be.

But what was the message Brittain had received from the impressor that
would make him react so violently? It couldn't be the same one that
he, Karnes, had received.

Continued on Stratum Two!

Sure; that was it! Like the pages in a book. He, himself, had been hit
with page one; Brittain had page two. Page three? Lost forever.

Why hadn't they found that 'copter by now? It ought to be easy enough
to spot.

He walked over to the edge of the building and looked down. The police
were herding the prisoners into the ground cars. Presently, they were
gone. One of the police officers touched his shoulder.

"Ready to go, Mr. Karnes?"

Karnes nodded and climbed into the 'copter. The machine lifted and
headed toward the Central Police Station.

He was still trying to think when the phone rang. The policeman picked
it up.

"3217. Brown speaking. Oh? Yeah, just a second. It's for you, Mr.
Karnes."

Karnes took the instrument. "Karnes speaking."

"Radio Central, Mr. Karnes," came the voice. "We just got some more on
Brittain. About ten minutes ago, he abandoned the police 'copter.
Officer Powers was in the seat, shot through the head. We'll get the
essobee on a murder rap, now."

"Where was the 'copter abandoned?"

Radio Central told him and went on: "Funny thing was, he didn't try
to hide it or anything. And he stole another 'copter from a private
citizen. We're trying to get the description now. I'll call you if
anything further comes in."

"Fine." Karnes hung up. The address where Brittain had left the
'