Short Fiction · Chapter
Bratton's Idea explained
Ben Gascon, a ventriloquist and former radio star, is kidnapped by two gunmen working for Tom-Tom, the criminal alter ego of his dummy.
What happens
Ben Gascon, a ventriloquist and former radio star, is kidnapped by two gunmen working for Tom-Tom, the criminal alter ego of his dummy. He is taken to a suburban cottage where he confronts the mob. Meanwhile, old Bratton, a janitor and secret mad scientist, dreams of creating life with electricity. The chapter also details a police raid on the Salters gang, where Juney Saltz is killed by a mysterious 'Squeaky-Voice,' and the subsequent kidnapping of Shannon Cole, Gascon's co-star.
Themes in this chapter
Science vs. Superstition
Old Bratton's attempt to create life with electricity contrasts with the superstitious fear of his 'mad scientist' persona.
Evil and Moral Corruption
Tom-Tom's criminal gang and the kidnapping of Shannon Cole highlight moral decay and organized crime.
Characters to notice
- Ben Gascon
Former radio star and ventriloquist; kidnapped by Tom-Tom's men; uses wit and a hidden weapon to survive.
- Shannon Cole
Contralto star and co-star of Gascon's program; kidnapped from her bedroom; Gascon is questioned about her disappearance.
- Bratton
Old janitor at Station XCV; secretly a mad scientist obsessed with creating life using electricity.
- Juney Saltz
Gangster; killed in a police raid by a mysterious figure with a high, squeaky voice.
Key passages
“Electricity is life”
Bratton believes that electricity is the fundamental force of life.
Bratton's mantra, quoting Dr. C. W. Roback, justifying his experiments.
“I made you, and I can break you.”
Gascon threatens Tom-Tom, asserting his control over the dummy.
Gascon's message to Tom-Tom, showing his dual relationship with his creation.