Darrow, and with him Jack Warford, had descended more leisurely. Before
leaving the building Darrow placed the flat of his hands over his ears,
and motioned Jack to do the same. Thus they missed the stunning effect of
receiving the world of noise all at once; as a man goes to a bright light
from a dark room. Furthermore, Darrow returned several times from the
sound to the silence, trying to determine where the line of demarcation
was drawn. Then, motioning to Jack, he began methodically to make his way
through the crowd.
This proved to be by no means an easy task. Rumors of all sorts were
afoot. Some bold spirits were testing a new sensation by venturing into
the corridor of the building. The police were undecided as to what should
be done. One or two reporters were already at hand, investigating.
McCarthy, his assurance returned, was conversing earnestly with a police
captain.
Percy Darrow, closely followed by Jack, managed to worm his way through
the crowd, and finally debouched on Broadway.
"What was it? What struck us?" demanded Jack. "Do you know?"
"I can guess; in essence," said Percy. "I was pretty sure after last
evening's trouble; but this underscores it, proves it. Also, it opens the
way."
"What do you mean?"
"Along the lines of these phenomena there are two more things possible.
Possible, I say. They might be called certain, were we dealing only with
theory; but there is still some doubt how the practical side of it may
work out.
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