'I'll see to that,' Mr. Hurn promised. 'Guess I can hire some sort of an automobile to take me out there. Good morning, Captain Merrill,' he added, by way of parting salute, holding out his curiously stained hand. 'I am much obliged to you for your help, and you can sleep to-night feeling you've done more than any man in this great building to save your country.' Merrill winked at Lavendale as he disappeared within his room. The latter, with the inventor by his side, stepped out into the street. 'About going down there to-morrow morning----' he began. 'Young man,' Mr. Hurn interrupted impressively, 'you've done your best for me and it's only right you should have your reward. You may accompany me to this place, wherever it is.' Lavendale laughed softly, a laugh which his companion absolutely failed to understand. 'All right,' he agreed, 'I'll take you down in my car. I'll be at the hotel at nine o'clock.' 'At five minutes to ten, if the General is punctual,' Mr. Hurn promised, 'you shall see the most wonderful sight you have ever witnessed in your life.' II Punctually at nine o'clock on the following morning, Lavendale brought his car to a standstill before the front door of the Milan Hotel. Mr. Hurn, looking, if possible, shabbier and more insignificant than ever, was waiting under the portico. He clambered at once to the seat by Lavendale's side. 'Haven't you any apparatus to bring, or anything?' the latter inquired. Mr. Hurn smiled. 'Not a darned thing!' Lavendale was puzzled. 'You mean you're ready to start with your experiment, just as you are, like this?' 'Sure!' the little man answered, 'and you'd better get her going.' They started off in silence. Once more Lavendale, as he glanced at the shabby little object by his side, began to lose confidence. As they swung round into Golder's Green he spoke again. 'What sort of a show are you going to give us?' he asked. Mr. Hurn glanced at his watch. 'You'll know inside of an hour,' he replied. Lavendale frowned. His protégé's appearance that morning was certainly not prepossessing. His collar showed distinct traces of its vicissitudes upon the previous day. His ugly, discoloured hands were ungloved; his boots were of some dull, indescribable material which seemed to have escaped the attentions of the valet; his flannel shirt was of the style and pattern displayed in Strand establishments which cater for the unæsthetic. He had discarded his hat for a black cloth cap and he had developed a habit of muttering to himself. Lavendale pressed the accelerator of his car and increased its pace. 'I suppose I've made a fool of myself,' he muttered.