From the forward cockpit came a rustling sound. There was a slight jar in the ship, and it gave as though a weight had been applied to one side. "What are you doing, Garland?" asked the doctor sharply. There was no reply. Again came the rustling sound. The ship gave a sudden lurch as though a weight had left the side. Carnes suddenly spoke. "Good-by, Doctor," he said. "I'm going over the side." "I have been fighting it but I'm going myself in a minute," replied the doctor grimly. "Something is pulling me over. It's the same power that keeps me from turning on my light." "It's perfectly safe to go over," said Carnes suddenly. "The plane is resting on a solid base." "I have the same feeling. Catch hold of my belt and let's go." * * * * * They climbed over the side of the plane and dropped to the ground. Their descent made absolutely no sound. Dr. Bird stopped and felt the floor. "Crepe rubber, or something of the sort," he murmured. "At any rate, it's noise and vibration proof." "Now what?" asked Carnes. "This way," replied the doctor confidently. "I'm beginning to get the hang of understanding this. The way is perfectly level and open before us. Keep your hand on my shoulder and step right out." "How do you know where we're going?" "I don't, but something tells me that the road is level and open. It is the same thing that brought us over the side. I can't explain it but it is some sort of a telepathic control exerted by an intelligence. Whether the sending mind is reinforced by instruments I don't know, but I rather fancy not." "Where is Garland?" "He went off in another direction. I could feel the power that guided him although it was not directed at us. Something tells me that he is safe for the present." For half a mile they made their way through the darkness before they stopped. This time Carnes could plainly understand the command which came to both of them. "There is a table before us," said Dr. Bird. "Lay your flashlight and pistol on it." Carnes struggled against the order but the power guiding him was stronger than his will. He strove to turn on his light. When he could not, he tried to cock his pistol. With a sigh, he laid his gun and light on the table before him. Without words, the two men walked forward a few feet and sat confidently down on a bench that something told them was there. * * * * *