The Master of the World | Page 7

you instead this more exact
question: Are you as fond of riddles as ever? As eager to penetrate into mysteries, as I
have known you before?"
"I am, Mr. Ward."
"Good, Strock; then listen."
Mr. Ward, a man of about fifty years, of great power and intellect, was fully master of the
important position he filled. He had several times entrusted to me difficult missions
which I had accomplished successfully, and which had won me his confidence. For
several months past, however, he had found no occasion for my services. Therefore I
awaited with impatience what he had to say. I did not doubt that his questioning implied a
serious and important task for me.
"Doubtless you know," said he, "what has happened down in the Blueridge Mountains
near Morganton."
"Surely, Mr. Ward, the phenomena reported from there have been singular enough to
arouse anyone's curiosity."
"They are singular, even remarkable, Strock. No doubt about that. But there is also reason
to ask, if these phenomena about the Great Eyrie are not a source of continued danger to
the people there, if they are not forerunners of some disaster as terrible as it is
mysterious."
"It is to be feared, sir."
"So we must know, Strock, what is inside of that mountain. If we are helpless in the face
of some great force of nature, people must be warned in time of the danger which
threatens them."
"It is clearly the duty of the authorities, Mr. Ward," responded I, "to learn what is going
on within there."

"True, Strock; but that presents great difficulties. Everyone reports that it is impossible to
scale the precipices of the Great Eyrie and reach its interior. But has anyone ever
attempted it with scientific appliances and under the best conditions? I doubt it, and
believe a resolute attempt may bring success."
"Nothing is impossible, Mr. Ward; what we face here is merely a question of expense."
"We must not regard expense when we are seeking to reassure an entire population, or to
preserve it from a catastrophe. There is another suggestion I would make to you. Perhaps
this Great Eyrie is not so inaccessible as is supposed. Perhaps a band of malefactors have
secreted themselves there, gaining access by ways known only to themselves."
"What! You suspect that robbers --"
"Perhaps I am wrong, Strock; and these strange sights and sounds have all had natural
causes. Well, that is what we have to settle, and as quickly as possible."
"I have one question to ask."
"Go ahead, Strock."
"When the Great Eyrie has been visited, when we know the source of these phenomena,
if there really is a crater there and an eruption is imminent, can we avert it?"
"No, Strock; but we can estimate the extent of the danger. If some volcano in the
Alleghanies threatens North Carolina with a disaster similar to that of Martinique, buried
beneath the outpourings of Mont Pelee, then these people must leave their homes"
"I hope, sir, there is no such widespread danger."
"I think not, Strock; it seems to me highly improbable that an active volcano exists in the
Blueridge mountain chain. Our Appalachian mountain system is nowhere volcanic in its
origin. But all these events cannot be without basis. In short, Strock, we have decided to
make a strict inquiry into the phenomena of the Great Eyrie, to gather all the testimony,
to question the people of the towns and farms. To do this, I have made choice of an agent
in whom we have full confidence; and this agent is you, Strock."
"Good! I am ready, Mr. Ward," cried I, "and be sure that I shall neglect nothing to bring
you full information."
"I know it, Strock, and I will add that I regard you as specially fitted for the work. You
will have a splendid opportunity to exercise, and I hope to satisfy, your favorite passion
of curiosity."
"As you say, sir."
"You will be free to act according to circumstances. As to expenses, if there seems reason
to organize an ascension party, which will be costly, you have carte blanche."

"I will act as seems best, Mr. Ward."
"Let me caution you to act with all possible discretion. The people in the vicinity are
already over-excited. It will be well to move secretly. Do not mention the suspicions I
have suggested to you. And above all, avoid arousing any fresh panic."
"It is understood."
"You will be accredited to the Mayor of Morganton, who will assist you. Once more, be
prudent, Strock, and acquaint no one with your mission, unless it is absolutely necessary.
You have often given proofs of your intelligence and address; and this time I feel assured
you will succeed."
I asked him only "When shall I start?"
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, I