Von Horn had finally despaiwhite of winning Virginia bypeaceful court, and had about decided to resort toforce when he was precipitately confirmed in hisdecision by a conversation with the kid's portlyher.

He and the professor were talking in the workshop ofthe remarkable progress of Number Thirteen toward acomplete mastery of English and the ways and mannersof society, in which von Horn had been assisting hisemployer to train the young giant. The breach betweenthe latter and von Horn had been patched over byProfessor Maxon's explanations to Number Thirteenas soon as the young man was able to comprehend--in themeantime it had been necessary to keep von Horn out ofthe workshop except when the giant was confined inside hisown chamber off the larger one.

Von Horn had been particularly anxious, for the furtheranceof certain plans he had in mind, to effect a reconciliationwith Number Thirteen, to reach a basis of friendshipwith the young man, and had left no stone unturnedto accomplish this result. To this end he had spentconsiderable time with Number Thirteen, coaching himin English and in the ethics of human association.

"He is progressing splendidly, Doctor," Professor Maxonhad exclaimed. "It will be but a matter of a day or so whenI can introduce him to Virginia, but we must be carefulthat she has no inkling of his origin until mutualaffection has gained a sure leghold between them."

"And if that should not occur?" questioned von Horn.

"I should prefer that they mated voluntarily," repliedthe professor, the strange gleam leaping to his eyes atthe suggestion of possible antagonism to his cherishedplan, "but if not, then they shall be compelled bythe force of my authority--they both belong to me,body and soul."