The Angel in the House

Shows H

with a trembling hand. He knew that voice. He walke

aimed. "Thank Go

," said

inter

you here. For me it is a memorable occasion. Your presence graces my home, and, however unworthily, distinguishes me, rewardi

y visit. Your sickening verbal genuflections beautifully evade the details-the house of my friend raided at night; he, himself, u

t?" he exclaimed. "Is this true? My servitors must be reprimanded sever

ve mockery and the pathetic figure of hi

lurted out. "I told him w

nsibility's not his. I have a little machine-a trifle, but most ingenious at extracting se

ary to tell me tha

entist, now you may know that I have for some time been working toward a mighty end. This end is now in sight, with you here, the final achievement can be attained

Master Leithgow, and one for Carse. Place them there." Then, "Be seated," he invi

wn until with old habit he had sized up the whole layout of laboratory, assistants and chances. The two chairs faced toward ward the high screen;

een. Seldom did the cold, hard iron of the ma

oad outline of my purpose. And when I have finished you will

tives listened to his well-modulated voice as it proceeded logically from point to point. He had fine feeling for the dramatic, knew

Affair of the Brains, the

I said we four, but I should have said we two, Master Leithgow. Captain Carse has commanded a certain respect from me, the respect one must show for courage, fine physical coordination and a remarkable instinct and capacity for self-preservation-

us. The man with the most profound and extensive scientific knowledge un

the eyes of the Master Sci

but not the audacity. I have the audaci

his obscure threat. Some of their reaction must have shown in their face

w minutes. Right now, in this very laborator

licked hi

rds!" h

n to call on and the mightiest brains in existence, all coordinated for perfect, instant effectiveness. Why, with these brains working for him, he can become omnipotent; there can be but feeble r

not explain your intended means. What you imply

ten years ago, I was universally recognized as the greatest expert in my specialty. But I tell you that my kn

indicated the four coolie-guards an

minds certain superficial qualities of thought. The four men in white were, a few years ago, highly skilled surgeons, three of them brain specialists and noted for exceptional intellects and bold, pioneering thinking. I needed them and

n his face. His lips parted as if to speak, then clos

rde

In a sense, yes.

great, important part of all Earth's scientific knowledge at my fingertips, under my control. I wanted the exceptional brains of Earth, the brains of rare genius, the b

till under control; and Carse, sitting there silently, felt that the climax was being reache

e good-looking young American; Dr. Swanson, the Swede; Master Scientist Cram-the great English genius Cram, already legendary, the only other of that rank beside yourself; Professor

triumph. To Eliot Leithgo

ntist cried out, "you g

eve they were killed! Stupid Earthlings! Abducted, of course; but why assume they were killed? And why, of all people, decide that Master Scientist Eliot Leithgow had something to do with their disappearance? I confess to having planted that evidence pointing to you, but if they had the sense

. They were very much alive for eight years and very troublesome pri

u'll see for yourself that they are very usefully alive. Fo

he turned to the screen behind him. For some obscure reason the perfu

sistant threw a switch on a nearby panel. The

scientific knowledge and geni