www.freeclassicebooks.com

should both realize that Number One is not beautiful. To one another we may say

what we would not think of suggesting to outsiders."

Professor Maxon was mollified by this apology, and turned to resume his watch

beside a large, coffin-shaped vat. For a while von Horn was silent. There was

that upon his mind which he had wished to discuss with his employer since

months ago, but the moment had never arrived which seemed at all propitious,

nor did it appear likely ever to arrive. So the doctor decided to broach the subject

now, as being psychologically as favorable a time as any.

Your daughter is far from happy, Professor," he said, "nor do I feel that,

surrounded as we are by semi-savage men, she is entirely safe."

Professor Maxon looked up from his vigil by the vat, eyeing von Horn closely.

Well?" he asked.

It seemed to me that had I a closer relationship I might better assist in adding to

her happiness and safety--in short, Professor, I should like your permission to

ask Virginia to marry me."

There had been no indication in von Horn's attitude toward the girl that he loved

her. That she was beautiful and intelligent could not be denied, and so it was

small wonder that she might appeal strongly to any man, but von Horn was quite

evidently not of the marrying type. For years he had roved the world in search of

adventure and excitement. Just why he had left America and his high place in the

navy he never had divulged; nor why it was that for seven years he had not set

his foot upon ground which lay beneath the authority of Uncle Sam.

Sing Lee who stood just without the trap door through which he was about to

pass Professor Maxon's evening meal to him could not be blamed for overhearing

the conversation, though it may have been culpable in him in making no effort to

divulge his presence, and possibly equally unpraiseworthy, as well as lacking in

romance, to attribute the doctor's avowal to his knowledge of the heavy chest.

As Professor Maxon eyed the man before replying to his abrupt request, von Horn

noted a strange and sudden light in the older man's eyes--a something which he

never before had seen there and which caused an uncomfortable sensation to

creep over him--a manner of bristling that was akin either to fear or horror, von

Horn could not tell which.

Then the professor arose from his seat and came very close to the younger man,

until his face was only a few inches from von Horn's.

The Monster Men