Fort dropped his seriousness for an instant. "To tell the truth, Powart, I haven't any plan at all--yet. Thanks for the exemption. In return, I assure you that whatever I do will be as truly in the interests of the people as what you have done." Powart eyed him keenly. For a moment Van Emmon thought he would try to learn if Fort had any suspicions. But he said nothing further than a curt, "The audience is ended." A few minutes later Billie, through Mona, knew that Fort was reporting progress. He did it by telephone. "Thought you'd like to know," he finished. "Hope I didn't rouse you out of bed." It was night in Mona's part of the world, and Billie had come upon the girl just as she was preparing for bed. "Thank you," she said, through a tremendous yawn. "I was just about to retire. Good luck"--another yawn--"and good--" Her voice changed. "Mr. Fort!" sharply. "Powart's declaration of war on Alma is a frame-up! Never mind how I happen to know; it is true; they are not planning to invade us at all! He trumped up this affair in order to make himself dictator!" "What!" The athlete was astounded. "Are you sure of this, Mona?" The girl's manner had changed again. "I beg your pardon?" she inquired, vastly confused. "Did I say something that--why, I am not aware, Mr. Fort, that I had said anything more than 'good night'!" "You AREN'T!" His voice was strained and excited. "Mona--you just now said something of the most extraordinary--surely--incredulously--you recall saying something, don't you?" She was still bewildered. "I do not!" Then gathering her poise again, "What did I say?" "You said--" He stopped and waited a long while before going on. Then he stated with a soberness that was almost stern: "Mona, you told me something which could have come only through a supernatural agency. I am sure of it, from your manner. You were temporarily possessed." He paused again. She sensed his earnestness, and spoke just as seriously. "It is not impossible. I have heard of such things before. I was sleepy, and--the point is, what did I say?" she demanded. "I do not intend to tell--you. What I learned gives me a great advantage over Powart; that's all I can say. More would be dishonorable. Will you take my word for that, Mona?" "Certainly," with swift decision, and a grace that Billie envied. Whereupon she went to bed, but not to sleep until after many an hour of wide-eyed wondering. Fort next showed himself to Smith, through Reblong. He had secured a pass to the engine-room of the Cobulus; and shortly his breezy manner completely broke down the engineer's usual reserve. "Always glad to show the machinery," said Reblong, denying that the visitor was making any trouble. Fort's technical knowledge had delighted him. "Come again any time you like." Which Fort did, the very next day. And this time he brought a package of sweetmeats, during the eating of which the two men became pretty friendly.