Page:Weird Tales Volume 7 Number 1 (1926-01).djvu/111

nov's latest attack must have been successfully repulsed or he would not have made this offer.

"Beware! I am offering you your life."

"I don't care to buy it at that price."

The emperor was patently more perplexed than angered by Robert's rejection of his terms. His code did not permit of an understanding of anyone's refusal of life for principle. He was concerned merely in deciding just what concession it was necessary to hold out to Robert in order to secure his acquiescence. A crafty thought occurred to him.

"You will also be given as many of the diamonds, so highly valued on your planet, as you can take with you. Does that interest you? Of course, I should require that two or three of my men accompany you while you were operating against the government's enemies."

An inspiration came to Robert. Once he got the Sphere in midair again—three or a dozen Martians—he might frighten them into submission and land within the city. It was worth trying anyway, and, if it failed, they could but take his life, which it seemed certain he would lose anyway if he flatly refused the emperor's demand.

"You have the advantage of me," he said finally. "I accept your terms. But my friend must accompany me to assist in the operation of the Sphere."

"One of my men will assist you after you have instructed him. Your friend must remain a hostage till you have carried out your part of the contract. No harm shall come to him unless you fail."

This put the matter in a different light. Here was an obstacle that would require real diplomacy to hurdle.

"I fear your man can not learn quickly enough, but I'll try to teach him," said Robert, hoping to find some solution later. "However, the Sphere can not be operated until I have discovered and corrected some defect in its machinery."

"Ah, so that explains your strange landing."

"Exactly."

Kharnov pondered a moment.

"Very well," he resumed. "I shall select the men to accompany you and return later. Meanwhile I will see that you are made more comfortable here."

A sinister smile played over his face as he turned to go, giving Robert a feeling of unknown, impending evil.

True to Kharnov's promise, however, the tent promptly was equipped with various comforts, including a couch, table and chair, and other welcome additions. Good food and excellent wines also were brought him.

The soft couch and soothing wine, after his night of sleeplessness, produced a pleasant drowziness winch Robert found difficult to resist. He slept, and it was dusk when he awoke.

The distant sounds of battle had ceased again. Dinner was brought to him and two hours passed without further word from Kharnov. Once more drowziness overtook Robert and he dozed. His two guards, who had so far watched him with eyes of hawks, relaxed their vigilance somewhat. They envied him his privilege of sleeping.

"Brother," said Rudderbeak, finally, "it is not necessary that two of us watch over this sleeper. Let us decide by chance which of us may rest also."

"Words of wisdom, indeed. Let us do so by all means."

Fate decided against Rudderbeak. The pebble which he cast at the line drawn on the sand in the tent rolled a trifle too far. So, grumblingly, he