"Look me in the eyes," Smithy commanded.
Questioningly, Herbux began to stare at Smithy.
"Well," Smithy said, after a time, "turn it on."
A set look came over Herbux's face. His lips were compressed and a thin dew of sweat had broken out on his forehead.
Possy stood aghast, slowly comprehending what his old friend Smithy was doing. He was actually risking his life—or so he believed—to prove that the child could not destruct a human being. He wanted to stop the boy, but he could not move from where he stood.
Suddenly Herbux broke and turned away. He began to sob.
"It's no use!" he cried. "I can't do it. I just can't do it ..."
Smithy went to him and put an arm on his shoulders.
"Tell me, boy," he exclaimed. "What do you mean? Do you mean that you can't bring yourself to do it, or that it is physically impossible?"
Herbux just stood there, his head bowed, crying wildly.