“I agree with you. It appears to me most important. I even hope it may prove the means of tracking this strange personage.” “That is what I also hope, Mr. Ward.” “Only what connection can possibly exist between the ‘Terror’ and the Great Eyrie?” “That I do not know. I cannot even imagine.” “There can be but one explanation,” continued Mr. Ward, “though it is almost inadmissible, even impossible.” “And that is?” “That the Great Eyrie was the spot selected by the inventor, where he gathered his material.” “That is impossible!” cried I. “In what way would he get his material in there? And how get his machine out? After what I have seen, Mr. Ward, your suggestion is impossible.” “Unless, Strock—” “Unless what?” I demanded. “Unless the machine of this Master of the World has also wings, which permit it to take refuge in the Great Eyrie.” At the suggestion that the “Terror,” which had searched the deeps of the sea, might be capable also of rivaling the vultures and the eagles, I could not restrain an expressive shrug of incredulity. Neither did Mr. Ward himself dwell upon the extravagant hypothesis. He took the two letters and compared them afresh. He examined them under a microscope, especially the signatures, and established their perfect identity. Not only the same hand, but the same pen had written them. After some moments of further reflection, Mr. Ward said, “I will keep your letter, Strock. Decidedly, I think, that you are fated to play an important part in this strange affair or rather in these two affairs. What thread attaches them, I cannot yet see; but I am sure the thread exists. You have been connected with the first, and it will not be surprising if you have a large part in the second.” “I hope so, Mr. Ward. You know how inquisitive I am.” “I do, Strock. That is understood. Now, I can only repeat my former order; hold yourself in readiness to leave Washington at a moment’s warning.” All that day, the public excitement caused by the defiant letter mounted steadily higher. It was felt both at the White House and at the Capitol that public opinion absolutely demanded some action. Of course, it was difficult to do anything. Where could one find this Master of the World? And even if he were discovered, how could he be captured? He had at his disposal not only the powers he had displayed, but apparently still greater resources as yet unknown. How had he been able to reach Lake Kirdall over the rocks; and how had he escaped from it? Then, if he had indeed appeared on Lake Superior, how had he covered all the intervening territory unseen?