He closed it after he and his companion had entered the cage and, dropping rapidly downward, they came to a stop in a lighted chamber that was far below the surface of the ground.
A stoop-shouldered old man greeted them, an expression of surprise on his face.
“Gentlemen!” he exclaimed. “What is––”
“Power, Gaeble!” commanded Steinholt tensely. “Power! Let every dynamo run its swiftest. To-night we have to use for the electrosceotan!”
“But I thought it was peace that those from the stars desired,” said the old electrician. “Through my radiovisor I heard––”
“That was sent out,” explained Steinholt, “to relieve the fears of the people and to keep them in order.”
Swiftly the distorted figure of the old man sped to a great switchboard, where he pressed button after button.
The very ground commenced to vibrate around them and the massive structure seemed to be alive with straining power.
Then Steinholt, going to a corner of the intricate board, adjusted a few levers, while his gnomelike companion watched him carefully.
“And now, Gaeble,” the scientist said impressively, “these are your orders. At precisely the hour of four o’clock in the morning make one connection with this switch.”