"It'll be bigger before we get through. You and I can
have the little expedition to Volcano Island."
"Nothing suits me better," said Jack. "Are you sure we'll get it?"
"Sure," said Darrow.
Monsieur X had of course honored the waiting world with a message. It
followed the fifteen minutes of darkness:
"TO THE PEOPLE: I have been patient and have stayed my hand in order
that you may learn the vanity of your endeavor. Who are ye that ye
shall strive to take me? Vanity and foolishness is your portion. Now
ye know my power and ye will listen unto my words as to the words of
the Master. Ye must hunt down this man McCarthy and deliver him over
unto me. If every one of you gives himself to the task, lo! it is
quickly done. Bestir yourselves against the wrath to come!"
These events occupied the three days of the ordered exodus. The time was
further filled with rumor that ever grew more dire. Gradually business was
suspended entirely. Those who could not or would not go away stood about
talking matters over, and, as is always the case, matters did not improve
in the telling. The only activity in the city was that bent on seeking out
the abiding-place of Monsieur X.
Eldridge had now come to the conclusion that he had perhaps been mistaken
in confining his efforts to so small an area. In fact, further experiments
rendered hazy the arbitrary outlines formerly determined for the zone of
danger.
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