Washington was very powerful. He procured a strong cord, and, before
Taggert could resist had him firmly bound. Then, picking the man up in
his arms, Washington carried him back into the balloon shed.

"Help! Help!" cried Taggert, and then his cries were smothered.

"Don't hurt him!" cautioned the professor, calling into the darkness to
Washington.

"I only guv him a soft piece ob wood to bite on," replied the negro. "He
mustn't expostulate sounds too freely 'cause it might keep us awake."

In a few minutes Washington returned.

"I made him as comfortableness as de existin' circumstanceableness would
permit ob," he announced.

"That's right. I did not want to do this, but I was forced to," the
inventor said. "I will release him as soon as we are ready to sail. But
I am forgetting the boys. Come out," he called, and Jack and Mark, much
mystified and somewhat frightened by what had taken place, crawled from
under the bed.

"I am sorry you witnessed what you did," the professor said to them.
"But I could not have this man spoil my plans. Some time ago he
discovered my secret, and to keep him from publishing it broadcast I was
forced to take him into my confidence. He has given me some aid in
getting rare chemicals, but he wants a heavy price. He demands a half
interest in the _Monarch_, and to be taken to the north pole."