"But that is impossible," said the other. "I cannot stop the dynamo; it is against all orders."
"Stop that dynamo," hissed Ela between his teeth. "Stop it at once, or you are a dead man."
The man hesitated, then walked to the great switchboard, brilliant with a score of lights.
"I will not do it," he said sulkily. "There is the signal; give it yourself."
A little red lamp suddenly glowed on the marble switchboard.
"What is that?" asked Ela.
"That is a signal from the lower rooms," said the man sullenly; "they want more power."
Ela turned on the man with a snarl, raised his pistol and there was murder in his eyes.
"Mercy!" gasped the Italian, and putting out his hand he grasped a long red switch marked 'Danger' and pulled it over. Instantly all the lights in the power house went dim, and the great whirling wheels slowed down and stopped. Only the light of day illuminated the power house. Ela, standing on the controlling platform, wiped his perspiring face with the back of a hand which was shaking as though with ague.