“Is that close enough my master?” came the soft voice of Naka Machi.
“Quite,” said Barter, whose face was now a mask of concentration. “Cleve and Stanley and Morton?”
“They have been locked in their cages, my master,” said Naka Machi. “Are you sure this man who came in the guise of an ape is safe?”
“I shall make sure. But do you remain close where you can render him harmless in case I have misjudged him.”
Naka Machi turned baleful eyes on Bentley. The latter could see the hatred in them and for a moment was at a loss to understand it.
“I shall destroy him before he can put his hands upon you, my master,” said Naka Machi.
“I do not wish him destroyed, Naka Machi,” replied Barter. “That is enough of the anesthetic, Miss Estabrook. Naka Machi, my instruments, quickly.”
Before he proceeded with his labors Barter stood in front of Bentley and stared at him for a moment. Bentley felt the strength flow out of him under the gaze of this man––a gaze he could not avoid. Barter smiled slightly.
“You will eventually join me of your own free will, Lee,” he said softly.
“I would rather die a thousand deaths!” screamed Bentley, but the sound of his scream echoed and reechoed through his soul without coming out so that Barter could hear it.