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rich, and have too many degrees. Anyway, we wrote the latest textbook on insanity.”
    Heron Rhodes paused, one long finger slowly tapping the table. Suddenly he said, “Jan’s knife proves he escaped from a private asylum. No guard at Marysville would be allowed to carry a pig-sticker like that one. So—tough guard, tough place. There are a couple like that near Marysville. One’s an experimental place—don’t know much about it, but I don’t like what I’ve heard. Jan could have come from there. It’s a long hike from that area to the Glendale station, but Jan must have made it. He was so exhausted and hungry—”
    â€œPops,” Ginny interrupted. “Why can’t he remember what happened before he got to the station?”
    â€œThe station was his goal, pet. Until he got there, running and hiding all the way, it was just a continuation of the old nightmare. But the Glendale station meant the start of a new life. Now, if we could just get into this matter of names, why he told the priest his name was Riggs …”
    â€œRegress him!” Otis said eagerly. “Please, Pops, regress him!”
    Hecuba gave a sudden firm “No!” Then she said, “Heron, I’ve a suspicion Jan has already been regressed—and progressed—beyond endurance. What he needs now is sleep. Perhaps in the morning, when he’s had a good rest …”
    The world ceased to exist the moment his head touched the pillow in the great bed. Formless things pursued him through an eternal blackness, but he did not open his eyes till a small hand shook him awake. He sat up instantly, and saw Otis blinking at him.
    â€œPops says to get dressed fast,” Otis told him. “It’s mighty near noon, an’ the fuzz is comin’.”
    Jan flew into his clothes. As he ran into the library, where Heron Rhodes and his sister stood waiting, he heard the ringing of the front door chimes.
    â€œThat’s Bricker,” Heron muttered, snapping his fingers. “Now what in triple tarnation is holding up Jackson Lane?”
    â€œPeople can’t always do as you order,” Hecuba reminded him. “Are you going to answer the door?”
    â€œNo!”
    The chimes rang again. This was followed by a heavy pounding. “Let me in, Doctor!” Sergeant Bricker called sternly. “I’ve a court order for that boy!”
    At that moment the tall clock in the library began to strike the Hour. It was a deep, reverberating sound, and to Jan it was like the knell of doom. Abruptly he ran past Heron Rhodes, whirled into the hall, and started for the kitchen with the intention of escaping by way of the rear door. But he was hardly through the hall when he was confronted by Ginny.
    â€œNo!” she said, spreading her arms to stop him. “No! You can’t get away. There are policemen all around the house. Come back to the library—maybe Pops can figure out something. If only Mr. Lane would come!”
    â€œHe’s comin’ now,” announced Otis, who had been peering through the curtains of one of the narrow hall windows. “There he is, stopping by the white van.”
    Jan chilled. “That—that van’s out there?”
    â€œSure,” said Otis. “Now Mr. Lane’s talking to those men who came in it. The fuzz is with ’em.”
    Jan became aware of the low voices of men outside. They were approaching the door Once more the chimes rang.
    â€œHeron?” a deep voice called. “This is Jackson Lane. Can you hear me?”
    â€œI hear you, Jackson,” Heron Rhodes replied, swiftly crossing the hall. “I’ll open up for you, but not for the police!”
    â€œHeron, confound it, you can’t ignore a court order! And that’s not all. For the safety of your family, let the police inside. That boy’s deranged. He’s a monster! He’s already killed seven