There is now no reason
to empty the water-pot entirely. All he wanted to do this morning was to
scare McCarthy, and impress the public. He did that in thirty-eight
minutes. On the basis of fourteen hours to fill the water-pot, it is
evident that he would be rehabilitated, ready for business, in an hour.
Therefore, all he is waiting for now is the most effective moment to try
out his city-wide experiment of silence. I imagine that will be about
six."
"Sounds reasonable," admitted Jack.
"Reasonable! It's certain!" cried Helen.
Darrow smiled. "No, only a wild hypothesis."
"It'll scare people to death," observed Jack.
"They're scared already; and they're somewhat prepared by the performance
this morning. Besides, I don't see yet that human agency is suspected."
"Don't you think you'd better warn people what is going to happen, and
tell them there's nothing to be frightened of?" pleaded Helen.
"No," said Darrow, "I do not. It would confuse the phenomena, and they
must be unconfused in order that I can either prove or disprove my
hypothesis. If this lasts about two hours, the fact will go far to prove
me right. If the next manifestation comes at about ten the next morning,
we shall have established a periodicity, at least. But if the man realizes
that his existence is suspected, he will purposely vary in order to mix me
up."
"The next manifestation!" cried Helen. "Then you think they will
continue--"
"Why not," smiled Darrow, "until he has scared McCarthy out?"
"Which will it be next time, do you think?"
"Whatever happens, don't be frightened," said Darrow enigmatically.
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