Page:The world set free.djvu/205

 drivers of the capital, but beside him sat the young secretary of Pestovitch, who knew the way to the farm where the bombs were hidden.

The automobile made its way through the narrow streets of the old town, which were still lit and uneasy—for the fleet of airships overhead had kept the cafés open and people abroad—over the great new bridge, and so by straggling outskirts to the country. And all through his capital the king who hoped to outdo Cæsar, sat back and was very still, and no one spoke. And as they got out into the dark country they became aware of the searchlights wandering over the countryside like the uneasy ghosts of giants. The king sat forward and looked at these flitting whitenesses, and every now and then peered up to see the flying ships overhead.

"I don't like them," said the king.

Presently one of these patches of moonlight came to rest about them and seemed to be following their automobile. The king drew back.

"The things are confoundedly noiseless," said the king. "It's like being stalked by lean white cats."

He peered again. "That fellow is watching us," he said.

And then suddenly he gave way to panic. "Pestovitch," he said, clutching his minister's arm,