"What has happened?" he demanded. "Don't go into the library."
"I've just escaped from the Automaton," shouted Flint, "and I've found the antidote!"
Before Balcom could stop him he rushed into the library, Balcom following in a towering rage. Eva gave a startled little cry at the wild intrusion and Locke moved closer to her.
"Is the antidote that will restore your father's reason worth ten thousand dollars to you?" demanded Flint; then, before Eva could reply, added: "Speak quick! I've got to get out of the country to-night."
"Ten thousand!" gasped Eva. "Ten times ten thousand! Tell me what it is."
"Show me the money first," haggled Flint, "and remember I must have the hard cash."
"Just a moment, Eva," interrupted Locke. "Consider this thing well. We can deal with this fellow as a final resort."
Eva looked from Locke to Balcom, her mind in a turmoil, as the telephone-bell rang and Locke hurried to answer it.
In the room now there was a conflict of emotions and desires that fairly electrified the place. Eva ardently craved her father's recovery at all costs. Flint's avaricious mind wavered between a scheme nearing success and the possibility of failure and the fear of the Automaton. Balcom strained to hear the purport of the message that Locke was receiving.
At the sound of the chemist's voice Locke was tense with suppressed excitement.