_I cannot allow this. I must fight. I must resist. Oh, Rhoda Kane, what has happened to you? Frank, please help, help me. Frank--_ But something seemed to flow out of John Dennis and into her mind and soul and spirit; something that made the flesh and what was done to the flesh unimportant. The touch of John Dennis' hand brought fright as it foretold further pain and degradation. Rhoda sobbed inwardly and braced herself to withstand whatever was to come. _Mad!--mad!--mad!_ But it meant nothing. * * * * * The building was not for tourists. It wasn't like the Pentagon or the White House or any of the other historical or glamour symbols in Washington, D.C. It was on a side street, and while no one associated it with governmental activity, it was of a size and importance that justified a uniformed attendant in the lobby. He was a hard-bitten old Irishman named Callahan, and nobody got past him without justification. Also, he was a man of robust hates and great loyalties; a man whom Brent Taber was honored to call friend. He was also a man Brent Taber was waiting to hear from. The call came late in the afternoon of the day following Charles Blackwell's search for his would-be brother. Taber picked up the phone. "It's me--Callahan. He's here, Mr. Taber." "Thanks. I'll be right over." "And be hurrying right along if you want to get here in time. He's not one to be restrained indefinitely." "Tell him the elevator's busted." Brent Taber slammed the phone down and left. He used an elevator this time and went across town in a cab. Even then, he was almost too late. As he arrived at his destination, Senator Crane was protesting loudly. "It's just plain stupidity. Elevators don't quit running for no reason. Find a burnt-out fuse. Do something! And do it quick or I'll phone somebody who will!" "Well, I'll be blessed," Callahan said, completely crest-fallen. "It was the switch, Senator. The blessed switch was off." "Well, turn it on and get me up to ten." "Good afternoon, Senator." Crane whirled. "Brent Taber!" He threw a quick scowl at Callahan and was on the verge of accusing the Irishman of high treason, but he said, "All right. I'm glad you're here, Taber. We might as well get this thing into the open. Are you going to take me to room ten twenty-six or do I have to take steps to force your co-operation?" Taber stared morosely at Crane's nose. "Why, Senator, where did you get the idea my department wouldn't help a member of Congress to the utmost?" "None of your sarcasm. Let's go upstairs." "All right, Callahan. Let's go upstairs." They got off on ten and walked down the corridor. "Ten twenty-eight, you said?" "You know damned well what I said." Taber opened the door. He stood aside. Crane walked in and stopped dead. He again whirled on Crane. "It's empty." "That's right. I could have told you downstairs but you wouldn't have believed me. What were you looking for? New quarters?"