Just as he came down Roger knotted his tie.
In the car kept handy in the garage, they drove the several blocks to the two-story building.
Before they got near it, Grover put on speed.
Fire sirens and the scream of the warning signal on a police car made both cousins wonder what terrible situation they might face.
Had some one, entering the laboratory, set off the first alarm as fire broke out? Had Potts, fighting either fire or intruder, been rendered incapable of responding to their telephone call?
“Oh, I hope nothing has happened to Tip.”
Roger was very fond of the dull-witted, but dependable man, almost an Albino with his sandy hair and light eyes, who loved to use big words whether they fitted his idea or not, and who helped in the many mechanical, photographic and other activities involved in their work.
The car, racing forward, turned into the proper street and they saw fire apparatus gathering in front of the building. Roger, as the car slowed, leaped out, crouching and running to avoid being thrown down by the momentum.
“Don’t break in!” he shouted to firemen, “Our protective gas will prevent damage—and water would ruin our electrical things.”
The company captain paused as he saw, behind the youthful caller, the taller laboratory owner striding forward.