Time was when there were volcanoes almost everywhere on the earth.
"The same is likely true of Sanus as well. The point is," and the
doctor paused significantly, "there have been no volcanic eruptions,
and no lightning discharges within the memory of Sanusian man!"
What was he getting at? The others eyed him closely. Neither Van
Emmon nor Smith could guess what he meant; but Billie, her intuition
wide awake, gave a great jump in her chair.
"I know!" she cried. A flood of light came to her face.
"The Sanusians--no wonder they let the bees put it over on them!"
"They haven't got FIRE! They've never had it!"
VIII
FIRE!
From the corner of his eyes Kinney saw Van Emmon turn a gaze of
frank admiration at his wife. It lasted only a second, however; the
geologist remembered, and masked the expression before Billie could
detect it.
Smith had been electrified by the idea.
"By George!" he exclaimed two or three times. "Why didn't I think of
that? It's simple as A, B, C now!"
"Why," Van Emmon exulted, "all we've got to do is put the idea of
fire into their heads, and the job is done!" He jumped around in his
chair.
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