Nothing could have given a more sickening sense of Grantley’s power over the actress than this astounding transformation, this slavish adherence to the conditions of abject failure which he had imposed upon her. It seemed incredible, and yet, there it was, plainly revealed to sight and hearing alike. A subtler or more uncanny revenge has probably never been conceived by the mind of man. The public breakdown which Grantley had so mercilessly caused had only been the beginning of his scheme of vengeance. He doubtless meant to hypnotize his victim again and again, and each time to impose his will upon her gradually weakening mind, until she had become a mere wreck of her former self, and incapable of ever again taking her former place in the ranks of genius. There was nothing impossible about it. On the contrary, the result was a foregone conclusion if Grantley were left free to continue as he had begun. The very emotional susceptibility which had made Helga Lund a great actress had also made her an easy victim of hypnotic suggestion, and if the process went on long enough, she would permanently lose everything that had made her successful. Outright murder would have been innocent by comparison with such infernal ingenuity of torture. It seemed to Nick as if he were watching the destruction of a splendid priceless work of art. He had seen enough. He withdrew the little periscope from the keyhole and straightened up. One hand went to his pocket and came out with an automatic. Chick followed his example. They were outnumbered two to one, but that did not deter them. Helga must be rescued at once, and her tormentors caught red-handed. CHAPTER IX. THE SWING OF THE PENDULUM. What was to be done, though? To burst into the room and seek to overpower the four doctors then and there, in Helga’s presence, would place the actress in additional danger. Nick was convinced, however, that that risk would have to be run. He had seen evidences that more than one of the men were tiring of the cruel sport, and it might now come to an end at any moment. He swiftly considered two or three possible plans for drawing the four away from their victim, but rejected them all. They would only increase the danger of a slip of some sort, and he was bent upon capturing the four, as well as releasing the actress. Furthermore, he did not believe that even Grantley would dare to harm Helga further in his presence, even if the fortunes of war should give the surgeon a momentary opportunity. He, accordingly, motioned to his assistant to follow close behind him, and laid his left hand on the knob. He turned it noiselessly, and was greatly relieved to find that the door yielded. Their advent would be a complete surprise, therefore, and would find the four totally unprepared. Nick paused a moment, then flung the door back violently and strode into the room.