Page:Weird Tales Volume 7 Number 1 (1926-01).djvu/108

tween the Sphere and its goal to move out of the way in less than half an hour. And half an hour spelled almost certain disaster for the Sphere.

"Looks as if we'll have to indulge in a little more diplomacy," Robert remarked.

"Drop in upon his Royal Highness to bid him goo'bye, so to speak," said Taggert.

"Something like that."

At this moment the suspense was broken by a sudden lurch of the Sphere. The gyrostats had stopped!

With but the disk's diminished power to break its fall, the Sphere dropped into the sand with a jarring thud.

The Martians had carefully avoided the section beneath the Sphere. Consequently it fell clear. For several minutes they kept their distance. It was evident that they all feared this mysterious machine greatly. Presently a pompous officer strode into the space about the Sphere. Clearly he saw in the situation great possibilities for his own future and he intended making the most of it. Yet, like the rest, he was not certain that the Sphere was as helpless as it seemed. Before he had given an order, Robert stepped out of the Sphere.

Robert interrupted the officer as he was about to speak.

"I come to give warning that unless the retirement of all the emperor's forces is accomplished more rapidly, I will resume their destruction," he said, imperiously.

The Martian was visibly undecided. Perhaps he and his regiment would be wiped out if he attempted to hold the Sphere. He observed Taggert glaring at him balefully from a window. Nevertheless he was a brave man, especially when he thought of the brilliant future he might enjoy if he got away with this. A disagreeable smile disfigured his sharp-featured countenance.

"I think the emperor will soon have changed his mind about the retirement—just as soon as he knows that you have honored him by landing within his lines."

"The emperor is too wise a man to delay the withdrawal of these troops," answered Robert, "for even at this moment, should I choose, every man in sight would be blasted into atoms at a signal from me!"

The cocky officer's assurance again was visibly shaken. Neither knowing that the death-dealing Norrensen shaft was rendered useless on account of its outlet being buried in the sand, nor being certain that the Sphere's power was exhausted, he must have feared instant annihilation if he persisted. A cunning light came into his eyes suddenly, and was as quickly veiled. Affecting a friendly attitude he strode over to within a couple feet of Robert. To have backed away from him would but have advertised their weakness, and any retreat from the circle about them was impossible. So he stood his ground and waited the officer's next move.

As if about to take Robert into his confidence, he placed his hand upon Robert's shoulder. Then like a flash he rapped out a command, at the same instant covering Robert with his lahan, the Martian electric automatic. Immediately the ring of Martians closed in upon the Sphere, while the officer's two aids hurried to his help. Counting on his immunity from a possible blast from the Sphere while in close proximity to Robert, the crafty officer had dared to defy the Sphere. But he had not counted upon his prisoner's hot-headedness.

Even as he whipped out the lahan, Robert started a slashing uppercut to his head. Before the surprized officer could fire or dodge, the blow caught him on the point of his jaw