"We'll call on him, just the same," insisted Darrow. "I'm game," said Jack, "but I can tell you the answer right now. No need to walk to the Atlas Building." "I have a notion the Atlas Building is going to be a mighty interesting place," said Darrow. They debouched on the street. The air was soft and golden; the sun warm with the Indian summer. The clock on the Metropolitan tower was booming nine. As the two set out at a slow saunter down the backwater of the side street, Darrow explained a little further. "Jack," said he abruptly, "I'll tell you what I think--or imagine. I believe last night's phenomena were controlled, not fortuitous or the result of natural forces. In other words, some man turned off the juice in this city; and turned it on again. How he did it, I do not know; but he did it very completely. It was not a question of wiring alone. Even dry-cell batteries were affected. Now, I can think of only one broad general principle by which he could accomplish that result. Just what means he took to apply the principle is beyond my knowledge. But if I am correct in my supposition, there occurs to me no reason why he should not go a step or so farther." "I don't believe I follow," said Jack contritely. "What I'm driving at is this," said Darrow; "this is not the end of the circus by any means. We're going to see a lot of funny things--if my guess is anywhere near right." CHAPTER VI THE WRATH TO COME "Did you ever meet McCarthy?" asked Darrow, as the elevator of the Atlas sprang upward. "Never." "Well, no matter what he says or does, I want you to say nothing--nothing." "Correct," said Jack. "I'll down-charge." "That's right," Darrow approved. "First of all, wait outside until I call you." McCarthy was already at his desk, and in evil humor. When Darrow entered, he merely looked up and growled. "Good morning," Darrow greeted him easily. "Any wireless this morning?" McCarthy threw back his heavy head. "That damn operator's been leaking!" he cried. "So there are 'wireless'," observed Darrow. "No, your operator didn't leak. Who is he?" "If he didn't leak, what did you say that for?" "I'm a good guesser," replied Darrow enigmatically. "They say anything about a 'sign' being sent, and such talk?" "You've been gettin' the dope yourself out of the air," returned McCarthy sullenly. "Look here, my fat friend," drawled Darrow, his eyes half closing, "I'm getting nothing from anywhere except in my own gray matter. What do your messages have to say?" "Why should I tell you?" "Because I'm interested--and because I know who sent 'em." "So do I," snarled McCarthy, in a gust of temper. "And I'm beginning to suspect he's a man to look out for. And I doubt if you'll ever find him. Of course, he's responsible for the row last night--as well as for the trouble in the Atlas Building the night before." "I don't know whether he is or not."