Kemp’s hand went to his moustache. Was that a movement downstairs?

“And it is killing we must do, Kemp.”

“It is killing we must do,” repeated Kemp. “I’m listening to your plan, Griffin, but I’m not agreeing, mind. Why killing?”

“Not wanton killing, but a judicious slaying. The point is, they know there is an invisible man⁠—as well as we know there is an invisible man. And that invisible man, Kemp, must now establish a reign of terror. Yes; no doubt it’s startling. But I mean it. A reign of terror. He must take some town like your Burdock and terrify and dominate it. He must issue his orders. He can do that in a thousand ways⁠—scraps of paper thrust under doors would suffice. And all who disobey his orders he must kill, and kill all who would defend them.”