"Because," he said, "Mary Atwood loves you. When I have conquered New York with my Robots, I shall search further into Time and find an era where scientific skill will give me--shall I say, your body? That is what I mean. My soul, my identity, in your body--there is nothing too strange about that. In some era, no doubt, it has been accomplished. When that has been done, Mary Atwood, you will love me. You, George Rankin, can have this poor miserable body of mine, and welcome." * * * * * For all my repugnance to him, I could not miss his earnest sincerity. There was a pathos to it, perhaps, but I was in no mood to feel that. He seemed to read my thoughts. He added, "You think I am irrational. I am not at all. I scheme very carefully. I killed Harl for a reason you need not know. But the Princess Tina I did not kill. Not yet. Because here in New York now there is a very vital fortified place. It is operated by humans; not many; only three or four, I think. But my Robots cannot attack it successfully, and the City Council does not trust me enough to let me go there by the surface route. There is a route underground, which even I do not know; but Princess Tina knows it, and presently I will cajole her--trick her if you like--into leading me there. And, armed with the white-ray, once I get into the place--You see that I am clever, don't you?" I could fancy that he considered he was impressing Mary with all this talk. "Very clever," I said. "And what are you going to do with us in the meantime? Let us go with you." "Not at all," he smiled. "You will stay here, safe with Migul. The Princess Tina and your friend Larry are much concerned over you." Larry! It was the first I knew of Larry's whereabouts. Larry here? Tugh saw the surprise upon my face; and Mary had clutched me with a startled exclamation. "Yes," said Tugh. "This Larry says he is your friend; he came with Tina from 1935. I brought him with Tina from when they were marooned in 1777. I have not killed this man yet. He is harmless; and as I told you I do not want Tina suspicious of me until she has led me to the Power House.... You see, Mistress Mary, how cleverly I plan?" What strange, childlike, naive simplicity! He added calmly, unemotionally, "I want to make you love me, Mary Atwood. Then we will be Tugh, the great man, and Mary Atwood, the beautiful woman. Perhaps we may rule this world together, some time soon." * * * * * The door slid open. Migul appeared. "Master, the Robot leaders wish to consult with you." "Now, Migul?" "Master, yes." "They are ready for the demonstration at the palace?" "Yes, Master." "And ready--for everything else?" "They are ready." "Very well, I will come. You, Migul, stay here and guard these captives. Treat them kindly so long as they are docile; but be watchful." "I am always watchful, Master."