"Let me add another five thousand," said Meigs. "I don’t see how your invention, even if it is all you claim for it, could affect me or my interests one way or the other, but I will add my contribution simply because Popham has taken the initiative." "Count me in for the same amount," supplemented Markham, "on the condition that Professor Quinn signs over to the four of us all his right, title and interest in his non-gravity invention, and covenants to leave that field entirely alone in future." Quinn seemed to enjoy these propositions, and it was apparent at a glance that he had no intention of accepting twenty thousand dollars and renouncing his discoveries. "Gentlemen," said he, "you are already half convinced that I am no dreamer, for you are financiers, and, while twenty thousand dollars is no more to you than twenty cents is to me, it is not your habit to give your money away. I repeat that you are inclined to have faith in me, and before many minutes I shall have made your belief in my abilities complete." "Am I to understand that you decline our offer?" demanded Popham. "Most decidedly!" "Then there is nothing more to be said. Come on, gentlemen," and Popham started toward the door. "A moment more, if you please," requested the professor. "Not another second!" cried Popham. "Our offer is withdrawn; and, if your so-called discoveries amount to anything, we shall find other means for making them ineffective." I had been interested in proceedings to an extent that had all but caused me to forget my purpose. The plutocrats were about to leave the castle in a temper, and if I wrested tribute from them it must be now or never. Starting up, I drew my revolver and ran hastily down the iron stairs. *CHAPTER III.* *PROFESSOR QUINN’S FEAT.* My unexpected advent upon the scene proved as startling as I had anticipated. Even the professor was dashed. Stepping in front of the steel door, I toyed menacingly with the revolver and surveyed the plutocrats with a grim humor I made no attempt to conceal. At that period of my life, inspired by the sophistry to which I have already adverted, I was a cool and dangerous man. "Pardon me for entering unannounced," said I blindly. "You have listened to Professor Quinn’s theory and witnessed its demonstration. I am but an humble philosopher, yet I have a theory of my own which I should also like to expound and to demonstrate." "Who are you, sir?" demanded Quinn. "I am a bird of like feather with these, your guests," said I facetiously, "albeit my methods are more direct if less extensive. My name is James Peter Munn; my specialty is robbery of the out-and-out variety, for I have the courage of my convictions, and do not hide behind a technicality.