Morton and Cleve drew up to the curb while Barter watched carefully on all sides, through the heliotube, to make sure that their arrival was unmarked by the police.
They climbed out quickly and raced across the sidewalk to the 256 green gate which gave on a gloomy old court, inside which they were swallowed by the shadows from all eyes save those of Caleb Barter.
Five minutes after the strange trio had entered the “place,” the great chrome-steel door of Barter’s laboratory swung open.
“Morton and Cleve, my master,” announced Naka Machi, bowing low and sucking in his breath with a hissing sound.
Barter’s own puppets entered with the ape between them.
Barter walked fearlessly forward. He had slipped the key from the orifice atop his head. Morton and Cleve now stood listlessly, dumbly, looking with dead eyes at their master. Barter tossed them several walnuts each.
Then he turned his attention to the ape, rubbing his hands together with pleasure.
But the ape was behaving strangely. His eyes were staring past Barter. His hands sought to lift as though he would hold them out to someone; but the ropes prevented him. Barter turned to look. Ellen Estabrook stood beyond him, white of face, motionless as a statue. The ape was straining toward her.
Caleb Barter chuckled with understanding.
“Good evening, Lee,” he said gently. “I’ve been expecting you!”