"How was that?" inquired the German.

"Why, I ran a wire all around the shop, and charged the conductor
with a mild current of electricity. Some people got shocked by
coming too close, and after that they gave my place a wide berth.
I'll do the same thing now."

"A fine idea," commented Mr. Roumann. "But what about Washington
White? He is so fond of talking, and using big words, that he
may disclose our plans."

"No, I can trust Washington," declared the professor. "But, as a
further precaution, I have not told him what our object is. All
he knows is that we are building a new machine, but he does not
know what it is for, nor where we are going."

"That's good."

"Maybe when he does find out he'll not want to go," added Mark.

"Do you intend to take him with us?" asked Mr. Roumann.

"I think so--if he'll go," replied Mr. Henderson. "He has always
been with me, and he is very helpful on these trips. But I shall
not tell him where we are going until we are almost ready to
start. But now, Mr. Roumann, I'd like to consult with you about
the installation of the motor, or whatever we are to call it, by
means of which your secret force is to be used."