“You’re lucky to get off so easily,” Mr. Parker said. “It’s possible too, that we can get part of your deposit back.”
“You can’t hold me on any trumped-up charge,” Professor Bettenridge said angrily. “You have no warrant.”
He started away, but was brought up short as he felt the major’s revolver pressing against his ribs.
“This will hold you, I think,” said the Army man coolly. “Now lead the way up the hill to the other cabin. I want to see your remarkable invention.”
With his wife clinging to his arm, the professor marched stiffly ahead of the group. He unlocked the cabin door and all went inside.
Jerking off the canvas which covered the secret ray machine, Major Bryan inspected it briefly.
“A worthless contraption!” he said contemptuously. “Utterly useless!”
“Where did you meet Webb Nelson?” Penny asked the professor. “And where is he now?”
“You’ll have to find him for yourself,” sneered the professor. “If he has the sense I think, he’s probably miles away from here by now.”
Determined that the man should not escape, Penny, Salt and Mr. Parker started for the farmhouse, leaving the major and Mr. Johnson to question the professor. As they rapped on the screen door, Mrs. Leonard came to let them in.