was to be called so soon as Captain Evered's arrival at Station X was reported.
As the day passed and he received no call, his curiosity deepened into concern. By evening he felt the necessity of seeking further information, and returned to make inquiries of Station X as to the Sagitta's whereabouts. He knew that the vessel, whether delayed or not, must for the last twenty-four hours have been within radio signalling distance of the island.
He gave instructions for Station X to be called up. After the space of a quarter of an hour he was informed that there was no reply.
Meanwhile, at Station X, as the night wore on, neither Professor Rudge nor Hughes could rest. Sometimes they talked together in the signal-room; at others, singly or together, they paced up and down under the stars. Never had hours passed so slowly, so anxiously, as those preceding the arrival of the Sagitta.
They were walking to and fro together outside, when the Professor said, "I think perhaps we are better and safer outside. The place may not be healthy for us."
"Not healthy! What do you mean, sir?" said Hughes.
By way of reply, Professor Rudge began to speak on auras, emanations of telepathic nature and kindred subjects where Hughes could follow him only with difficulty.
The "Sagitta" Is at Anchor Off the Island
By way of showing you that the things I speak of are not only real, but of practical importance for us to remember, I will tell you of something I foolishly did while waiting for you to get through to Mr. Mansfield. I had been thinking on what the Venerian would do if in my place. I went to look at our bound enemy. I have little doubt now where the thought emanated from. I unlocked the door and went in. By the starlight I could see the figure on the floor. Suddenly an influence assailed me, attacking my power of will and resistance to impulse.
In an instant I realized where this must come from, and its import. Only just in time I managed to get outside, beyond its range apparently. Now listen! This was the thing, the thought, if thought it can be called, that assailed me, in which my own volition in another moment would have been submerged—if I had remained I should have unbound the Martian."
Hughes gasped. This was uncanny beyond his weirdest dreams.
They were still speaking of it as they paced to and fro before the station-house, when the signal bell rang. It was the Sagitta.
According to the instructions he had received, Hughes at once proceeded to report the late occurrences on the island. Professor Rudge then added considerably to the official statement, so that by the time the Sagitta was near the island, Captain Evered knew everything.
When the cruiser had anchored, Captain Evered sent a boat and radioed that Professor Rudge and Hughes should come on board, with Jones and the attendant.
They at once left the signal-room, and Hughes gave the necessary orders.
As they were passing Macrae's door their attention was caught by sounds from within as of someone tumbling violently about the room.
Both had been convinced that no man living could free himself bound as they had left the Martian. But as they now exchanged a startled glance, the same thought struck both—the Martian was partially unbound!
They stood as though paralyzed. Crash! The body was precipitated violently against the door at which they were standing. Panic seized them, and they ran for the cliff, calling loudly for Jones and the attendant to follow them. Suddenly Professor Rudge stopped, and darted back to the signal-room. What he went to do was soon done, and he was out again, running after Hughes.
When half the distance to the boat had been covered the Professor looked over his shoulder. No one was visible, not even the other two men. Unaware of the urgency of the call, they had not obeyed it with alacrity.
A few minutes later the Professor was tumbling into the boat, and the order was given to shove off. When near the Sagitta, a searchlight was thrown in their direction. It illuminated their track and the point of the shore from which they had started.
A figure was plainly visible under its beam, standing on the cliff, watching them.
The professor gave one glance. It was the Martian—free.
CHAPTER XIV
Captain Evered's Decision
When Professor Rudge reached the Sagitta's deck he found Captain Evered eagerly awaiting him.
The Professor knew that to convince Captain Evered of the full meaning of what had happened was of the greatest importance. Adequate precautions and prompt action were vital.
It was significant that, when the searchlight showed up the figure of the Martian standing on the cliff, he gave orders that, as soon as the boat was hoisted on board, the Sagitta should stand off from the island.
But the sight of that unbound figure had also suggested to him a flaw in the account he had received. Captain Evered decided to hear the report of Lieutenant Hughes first. He listened attentively and asked many questions as to the life and mutual harmony, or otherwise, between Professor Rudge and Macrae while at the station.
He satisfied himself that there was nothing there that could in any way account for the conflict that had taken place. He then sent and asked Professor Rudge and Dr. Anderson to join them.
"I am very sorry, Professor Rudge," he said, "for the way you have been served, but glad that you bear your injuries with so little concern."
"My dear Evered," said the Professor, "I have no time to think about them, no thought for any-
