Hardesty whispered, "It ... it is over?"
"It is over. Your friend has vanished ... disappeared into whatever hell awaits rebels." The Overlord smiled. "It was a most interesting exhibition ... most. Through the glazed pane we saw him standing, panic-stricken, frozen with terror. Then the current was turned on. Before our eyes, he vanished as a mist—"
"I don't believe it!" growled Shaughnessey. "Morris was afraid of nothing; man, beast, nor devil—"
"And ... and we?" broke in Fred Meacher fearfully.
"Go free," said Black Garroway, "as I promised. But have a care! If ever I hear a word of complaint or suspicion raised against any of you again, you will share his fate. It is only through my graciousness you live."
"We understand," said Neil evenly. "Come, friends."
He led the way from the cell as a guard unlocked the door. When the four had almost reached the end of the prison corridor, Garroway called after them.
"Oh ... one thing more! I almost forgot to thank you, Meacher!"
Shaughnessey said, "Huh? What's that? Why? What's he got to thank you for, Fred?"
Meacher's pale eyes rolled, suddenly panicked.