The Martian knelt over his prostrate opponent, and, whispering something to him while still in his agony, forced his will at last.
Presently the two rose together, physically and psychically the conquerer and the conquered. The Venerian was taken to the wireless operator's chair, and he put on the receivers.
To Hughes the mystery of it was insoluble. For some minutes he watched the form of the Professor and noted how it bore itself erect and with an indescribable, and in the circumstances wonderful, calm and dignity even in defeat.
He looked at the dark inscrutable features of him standing over the chair like a tall sinister spirit of evil, and for a moment caught a flash from those eyes. Then the scene quivered and faded before Hughes. Sagging sideways in his seat, he fainted.
A minute later the figure in the operator's chair also wilted, seeming about to fall, then pulling himself together somewhat, sat up, but limply now.
Professor Rudge put up trembling hands to remove the headpiece. He found himself in the operator's chair at Station X. He staggered to his feet and, turning round; looked into the eyes of the Martian.
CHAPTER XIII
The "Sagitta" Arrives
For one awful moment victory and despair gazed at each other.
The aura of the Martian was rendering his victim powerless to oppose his will.
He motioned the Professor to re-seat himself at the instrument. He assisted to put the receivers on the head of the dazed and horror-struck man. While doing so his hand faltered and he staggered.
At the same moment the Professor felt as though a weight had been suddenly lifted from his mind, as though a spring that had been pressing his will into subservience to another had suddenly snapped.
He looked up. The Martian's face was deathly white. He tottered. In another moment he collapsed on the floor. The spirit might be dauntless, but the human body it had invaded, and by which alone it could act on the material plane, had for the moment given way under its late ordeal and present burden and fainted.
The Professor rose from his chair and for a moment stood motionless. Then, realizing what had happened, hope once more re-asserted itself.
"Hughes," he shouted, "come and help me bind this—er—madman, before he recovers!"
Hughes jumped up with alacrity, relieved to find himself free from the inexplicable influence that had bound him. He ran for cord, and in a few seconds returned. The sailor and the scientist made a very thorough and complete job, that looked as if it could safely be trusted to defy any efforts on the part of the Martian to free himself. They then carried him into Macrae's room, and deposited him on the floor.
"I'll wait here until he comes to," said the Professor. "No doubt you wish to make your report of what has happened."
As soon as Hughes had left the room, Professor Rudge proceeded to gag the Martian as effectually as he had bound him, He had not made up his mind how much to tell Hughes of the real state of affairs. He wanted a quiet moment to think.
He waited until there were signs of returning consciousness. They were to be felt as well as seen. He then hastily withdrew, locking the door behind him.
He passed into the signal-room and listened to the report Hughes was making to the Admiralty. He made no attempt to interrupt or suggest in any way. He wished it to be Hughes' report, made from the view point of his present knowledge.
While giving half his attention to the report, Professor Rudge was debating with himself how much or little of the true position he should tellHughes. Finally he decided to tell him all.
A Wireless Report to the Admiralty in London. Rudge Out of Martian Influence
When Hughes had finished sending his message, the Professor told him he had something to say. He began at the beginning, with Macrae's first coming to the island and all that had, step by step, followed.
Professor Rudge was prepared for surprise from Hughes, even for his look of incredulity. As he proceeded he saw the surprise heighten and the incredulity disappear.
When he had finished, it was with great satisfaction that the Professor heard Hughes' assurance that he would stand by him in any course he might have to adopt, even the most drastic.
Even the most drastic—for that was the way his thoughts were tending.
"And now, Hughes," Rudge said, "the question of all others is—what are we to do next?"
Hughes was silent, not venturing to make a suggestion.
"I thought it best," said Professor Rudge, "to let you make your report before explaining matters. It had to be made, and for you to have entered on the actual facts as now known to you would have been useless and undesirable. The knowledge would have hampered you."
"Most certainly it would," said Hughes.
"If it has to be gone into now," said Professor Rudge, "it must be by me. The question whether to do so or not is worrying me."
"Had I known all I know now," said Hughes, "I don't know how I should have been able to make a report at all!"
"I feel that time should not be lost," said the Professor. "I know what I consider ought to be done, but as it entails what the courts would call murder, I hesitate to assume the responsibility, especially as the Sagitta is due."
"It's a good thing that Captain Evered knows so much about it," said Hughes. “He will be the better prepared for what has happened now."
"I wish he were here," said Professor Rudge. "I used to think, with the Venerian's warning ringing in my ears, that once I knew the form of danger that threatened, then my anxieties would be relieved. I never anticipated a situation like this."
"At all events we've got him trussed like a turkey," said Hughes. "We're safe for the present."
Professor Rudge's anxiety was not lightened by these words. A live Martian and safety were ideas
