I could hear them shuffling in thedistance; I could
hear the clank of metal upon metal. My prince, he cried, we have been betrayed. Then
I sat on the window sill and leaned far out. I commanded the brain to return at
thehighest speed compatible with safety. By the crown of the Jeddak, he muttered,
has the fellow escaped?
The ships drew closer, Gar Nals almost abreast of
mine.
His every interest demanded that he either betray
or destroy me. A woman rose from her bed uponthe opposite side. I am going to lower
you to the window of the room just below, Iwhispered. Then I went to the opposite
end of the beam, and still I found nothingto give me any ray of hope. I jumped again
to place its exact position, and then I leaped for itand caught it.
You are a wise girl, I said; you have bought your
life verycheaply.
Now we were at the door, and Ozara was searching
for the secretmechanism that would open it to us. Youthink I might hide here safely
until tonight? Presently the rope went slack, andI knew that she had reached the
sill of the room below.
Before mewas a dimly lighted room, apparently
vacant.
The alarm has been raised and warriors are almost
at the door, Icalled to them.
I judged that they wereapproaching the next level
below. If they succeeded in boarding her, the doom ofDejah Thoris would be
sealed.
It was a wild,hare-brained plan that depended upon
many things over which I had nocontrol.
Those were long hours that dragged themselves
slowly by.
I doubtthat anyone who had once looked into the
mans eyes could trust him. I could hear them shuffling in thedistance; I could hear
the clank of metal upon metal. Again and again I reminded myself that I stilllived.
I doubtthat anyone who had once looked into the mans eyes could trust him. They have
learned of your escape from the cell, she replied.