"Is that close enough my master?" came the soft voice of Naka Machi. "Quite," said Barter, whose face was now a mask of concentration. "Cleve and Stanley and Morton?" "They have been locked in their cages, my master," said Naka Machi. "Are you sure this man who came in the guise of an ape is safe?" "I shall make sure. But do you remain close where you can render him harmless in case I have misjudged him." Naka Machi turned baleful eyes on Bentley. The latter could see the hatred in them and for a moment was at a loss to understand it. "I shall destroy him before he can put his hands upon you, my master," said Naka Machi. "I do not wish him destroyed, Naka Machi," replied Barter. "That is enough of the anesthetic, Miss Estabrook. Naka Machi, my instruments, quickly." Before he proceeded with his labors Barter stood in front of Bentley and stared at him for a moment. Bentley felt the strength flow out of him under the gaze of this man--a gaze he could not avoid. Barter smiled slightly. "You will eventually join me of your own free will, Lee," he said softly. "I would rather die a thousand deaths!" screamed Bentley, but the sound of his scream echoed and reechoed through his soul without coming out so that Barter could hear it. - - - Barter's confidence in his ability to convert Bentley was assuredly a mark of his twisted mind, for he must surely have realized that Bentley would be the most injured by his schemes. But he seemed to associate him with the days of Manape, when Barter had proved to himself, to Bentley and Ellen Estabrook, that the operation he now planned in wholesale proportions was possible. Bentley could understand why Barter regarded him as a friend and colleague, and his animosity temporary--because as a subject of his first great experiment Bentley was a symbol of Barter's success. Strange how easy it was to find logic in the reasoning of madmen, and to understand that logic! Barter sprang back to his task. "Naka Machi," he said, "take heed that you serve me well. Do you like this woman?" "Yes, my master." "If you continue in your loyalty to me, I shall give her to you." Bentley's mind recoiled with horror. The shock of this cold statement was like another blow on the head. He wanted to leap forward and set strangling fingers about the neck of Naka Machi. Ordinarily Naka Machi could handle him with ease, but now that Bentley had heard the plan of Barter, he could have handled the Japanese with superhuman strength. But he could not move. He strained against the bodily lethargy which held him prisoner. If only he could move forward and grasp the incineration tube, he would turn it on Naka Machi and Barter.... But he could not move, could not fight off the lethargy which was like invincible prison walls around him.