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Dolph followed Hansel down the frigid corridor, the cold made bearable by anticipation. The lights illuminating the corridor hinted at what was in store, their power far beyond anything lighting the streets of Paris. Hansel was his smartest investment by far, but the man was somewhat strange. In the beginning Dolph limited his access to the books, concerned about the eccentric man’s behavior. He regretted his decision the further they descended into his mountain lair. What lay before him was pure brilliance.
The corridor opened into a large laboratory illuminated by rows of tubular lights on the ceiling. Benches ran from one end of the cavern to the other, crowded with sizzling, bubbling and gurgling flasks and beakers. The center of the room was filled with tables stacked with mechanical parts and devices in various state of development. The room was empty of any other people.
“Impressive,” Dolph commented. “You’ve made tremendous progress.”
Hansel turned, sharing an exaggerated grin.
“The books are the words of God himself. Every day another truth is revealed. I tell you Dolph the knowledge will change the world forever!”
“You did this all yourself?”
Hansel’s grin transformed into a sly smile. “Not exactly.”
He reached into his shirt then extracted a whistle. Pressing the whistle to his thin lips, his cheeks puffed out but there was no sound. The sound of metal striking rock echoed into the chamber; moments later a dozen mechanical creatures marched into the room.
“My God!” Dolph gasped.
“Meet my assistants, Herr Eriksson.”
Automatons filed into the room, separating as they entered the cavern. Each metal man took a position at the lab tables then stood rigid.
“How many of these do you have?” Dolph asked.
“Thirty assembled,’ Hansel replied. “I have parts for at least twenty more. Their construction is similar to the Hounds but the wiring is more elaborate.”
“What can they do?” Dolph asked.
“Very little,” Hansel replied. His face took on a despondent look. “If I had privy to Carver’s mind I could build an army!”
Dolph frowned at the mention of the Freedonian genius’s name.
“I’m sure you can best any creation of that Negro,” he said.
Hansel chuckled. “Your Prussian pride and European arrogance is getting the best of you, Herr Erikson. I’m a scientist. I respect intelligence whatever form it comes. I can’t believe after seeing what I have produced with the knowledge contain in these Books that you still cling to such outdated notions.”
“It’s of no consequence,” he said. “You will soon surpass Carver’s advances.”
Hansel caressed the book. “With this, I certainly will.”