ous. When he took Steel over and
opened war upon us, he did it with his eyes wide open. With his ideas,
he must have a monopoly of 'X' or nothing; and he knows the only
possible way of getting it. However, you and I both know that he would
not let either one of us live, even though we surrendered."

"You chirped it! But that guy's going to find he's started something,
unless I get paralysis of the intentions. Well, how about turning up a
few R. P. M.? We don't want to keep Dunark waiting too long."

"There is very little to do beyond installing the new instruments; and
that is nearly done. We can finish pumping out the compass _en route_.
You have already installed every weapon of offense and defense known to
either Earthly or Osnomian warfare, including those ray-generators and
screens you moaned so about not having during the battle over Kondal. I
believe that we have on board every article for which either of us has
been able to imagine even the slightest use."

"Yes, we've got her so full of plunder that there's hardly room left for
quarters. You ain't figuring on taking anybody but Shiro along, are
you?"

"No. I suppose there is no real necessity for taking even him, but he
wants very much to go, and may prove himself useful."

"I'll say he'll be useful. None of us really enjoys polishing brass or
washing dishes--and besides, he's one star cook and an A-1 housekeeper."

* * * * *

The installation of the new instruments was soon completed, and while
Dorothy and Margaret made last-minute preparations for departure, the
men called a meeting of the managing directors and department heads of
the "Seaton-Crane Co., Engineers." The chiefs gave brief reports in
turn. Units Number One and Number Two of the immense new central
super-power plant were in continuous operation. Number Three was almost
ready to cut in. Number Four was being rushed to completion. Number Five
was well under way. The research laboratory was keeping well up on its
problems. Troubles were less than had been anticipated. Financially, it
was a gold mine. With no expense for boilers or fuel, and thus with a
relatively small investment in plant and a very small operating cost,
they were selling power at one-sixth of prevailing rates, and still
profits were almost paying for all new construction. With the completion
of Number Five, rates would be reduced still further.

"In short, Dad, everything's slick," remarked S