It galvanized the man into speech. “I will tell you!” he babbled. “Be sure to put it all down!
“We have been preparing for a great stand here in America. The time is ripe for the overthrow of the Government and all in power. Sixty thousand anarchists have come to this conclusion.”
“Do tell!” murmured the detective.
“These men and women, devoted to their Cause, are stationed all over the United States, and from several stations like ours explosives are to be distributed. Then, at a busy hour, eleven A.M. on the thirteenth, as though struck by a single blow, these bombs and delicate infernal machines will explode.”
“Aunt Merriar!” whispered Frank as his pencil flew over the paper. “I would like to see about sixty thousand electrocutions done Dutch.”
The Captain looked at him questioningly. He did not understand; but Zip was speaking.
“Mr. De Lorme was the greatest chemist of them all; and aside from the fact that we could never manage to make the infernal machines waterproof, he invented a number of ingenious and deadly toys. They were all to be used on the thirteenth. He used to send prescriptions all over; formulas for the lesser men to pattern after.”
“I want the names of all these men, their workshops, and also a list of as many anarchists as you have,” said the Major.
“Not that,” Zip said. “I can’t be a traitor!”
“You’re one already!” and the detective shoved his revolver hard into Zip’s meager stomach.