“Yes, I know you.... You are the son of Joh Fredersen ... of Joh Fredersen, who is the father of us all....”

“Yes. Therefore I am your brother, Georgi, do you see? I heard your Pater-noster....”

The body flung itself up with a heave.

“The machine—” He sprang to his feet. “My machine—!”

“Leave it alone, Georgi, and listen to me....”

“Somebody must be at the machine!”

“Somebody will be at the machine; but not you....”

“Who will, then?”

“I.”

Staring eyes were the answer.