"But I thought it was peace that those from the stars desired," said the old electrician. "Through my radiovisor I heard--" "That was sent out," explained Steinholt, "to relieve the fears of the people and to keep them in order." Swiftly the distorted figure of the old man sped to a great switchboard, where he pressed button after button. The very ground commenced to vibrate around them and the massive structure seemed to be alive with straining power. Then Steinholt, going to a corner of the intricate board, adjusted a few levers, while his gnomelike companion watched him carefully. "And now, Gaeble," the scientist said impressively, "these are your orders. At precisely the hour of four o'clock in the morning make one connection with this switch." * * * * * He indicated, with a stubby finger, the lever to be operated. "Keep the circuit closed for just four seconds," he added slowly, "and then break it. Do you understand, Gaeble?" he demanded. "I do," replied the old man. "Then," continued Steinholt, "after you break that connection you quickly will close this next circuit. Keep it closed for four seconds and then, after opening it for one second, close it again for four seconds. Repeat the procedure twice more, Gaeble, after that, and then await my further instructions. Is everything clear?" he asked. "It is, sir," the old man replied. "I will follow your orders implicitly." "There is one thing more," Steinholt said. "Get the Worldwide Tower on the televisor and warn them of what is to happen." "I will do that immediately," Gaeble replied. Dirk and Steinholt shot up to the roof again and the building over which they walked seemed to be quivering with life. They could see that all of the mammoth dynamos beneath them were revolving and the humming which they had heard before had changed into an ugly, vibrant roar. * * * * * Again they took flight and, reaching Manhattan, they continued north and east to the shore of Long Island Sound. Long before the old East River had been filled in and the space which it had occupied reclaimed for building purposes. All indications of its former bed had been obliterated by mammoth terraced structures. When they reached their destination on the shore of the Sound a small submarine, which Dirk had ordered by radio, was awaiting them. "Submerge and proceed up the Sound," Dirk ordered the officer, "and take us directly under the craft of the Lodorians." In a few minutes they were skimming over the surface of the water and, when a sufficient depth had been gained, the tiny boat disappeared beneath the rain-rippled sea. Dirk sat at a port and watched the aquatic life as it was illuminated by the powerful aquamarine searchlights.