"I have much to thank you for, my creation!" he said. "You have saved me considerable trouble. Did you think it your mind that set these miserable humans free? Fool! I gave you my _idea_ long before you regained consciousness in my compartments. And your every action was the result of my initial impulse, even your pulling the false suspension switch upon my shell. I instilled it in your mind to kill every Capek if you could!" The crowds had drawn away, shrunk back from the two machines. Ralph and Vee stood at the edge of the crowd, transfixed. "Now I am ruler," shouted 83. "That was my original purpose, you remember." He raised one hand dramatically. "I command you to take these slugs back to the stock yards!" Rod's mind whirled. _Was_ he in this monster's power? Had he no original thoughts? Was it thus that he had survived the destruction of the power plant? Something within him told him to obey; but the hatred of the machine, the Capek before him, was greater than the urge to obedience. He might be at his bidding but 83 had overlooked one thing.... "Whether it is your idea or mine, I do not know," said Rod, "but I shall kill you--for you, too, are a Capek!" He rolled slowly forward. "Stop!" 83 faltered. "See this body, mind. It is as strong as yours. I made both. What I created, I can destroy!" Rod said nothing. He shot out an arm and grasped the long neck. With a snap of the cable, 83 tore loose from his tendrils. He was more powerful than the others had been. Arms flailing, seeking a death-hold upon the darting machine, Rod caught a wheel of 83's carriage, up-ended him. But the thing was on its wheels instantly, upon him again. Rod found a grip upon one black arm, hurled him against the floor. The crash which would have ruined another Capek affected 83 not at all. He charged again. Rod was taken by the neck, flung against the wall. A roller was broken. Rod careened about the room, sparring for an opening. Twice men interfered, to be instantly killed by a stroke of 83's hand. Catching a firm hold upon the other's arms at the upper joint, close to the shell, they remained deadlocked for a moment, staring into each other's eye. Rod twisted with all his might. Then 83's arms snapped--and so did his. Both dismembered, they paused. And 83 whirled, fleeing from the room. * * * * * Rod was after him instantly, passed him at the landing, blocked his escape downward. Turning, 83 dashed up the slide to the roof. Rod followed. The Capek, dashing madly about the level, was finally trapped in a corner of the light railing.