turning his luminous gaze upon the boy � and, behold � Ernest’s hand began to shake � the chair fell from his grasp� . He tried to call for help, but no sound issued from his lips� . Utterly paralysed he confronted � the Force� .

Minutes — eternities passed.

And still those eyes were fixed upon him.

But this was no longer Reginald!

It was all brain � only brain � a tremendous brain-machine � infinitely complex � infinitely strong. Not more than a mile away Ethel endeavoured to call to him through the night. The telephone rang, once, twice, thrice, insistingly. But Ernest heard it not. Something dragged him � dragged the nerves from his body dragged, dragged, dragged� . It was an irresistible suction � pitiless � passionless � immense.