The key rattled and the rotary spark whined into a shriek. Then silence.
"Paris says that the same manifestations have been observed in Russia, Algeria, Italy, and London," called out Williams. "Ah! What's that? Nauen's calling." Again he sent the blue flame crackling between the coils. "Nauen reports an error of five minutes in their meridian observations according to the official clocks. And hello! He says Berlin has capitulated and that the Russians began marching through at daylight—that is about two hours ago. He says he is about to turn the station over to the Allied Commissioners, who will at once assume charge."
Evarts whistled.
"How about it?" he asked of Thornton.
The latter shook his head gravely.
"It may be—explainable—or," he added hoarsely, "it may mean the end of the world."
Williams sprang from his chair and confronted Thornton.
"What do you mean?" he almost shouted.
"Perhaps the universe is running down!" said Evarts soothingly. "At any rate, keep it to yourself, old chap. If the jig is up there's no use scaring people to death a month or so too soon!"
Thornton grasped an arm of each.