u
and banish forever into the unknown a portion of your brains. Without
knowing which adjustment I make of the infinite number possible, no
one, not even the king, can ever recall it."

* * * * *

Dr. Bird turned to the Selom scientists and hurled his thoughts at
them.

"This man intends to commit a horrible crime," he thought, "and one
which he has no authority to perform. To you I appeal for justice. Bid
him wait until Astok returns, and let him be the judge as to whether
it shall be done. Jumor, you know me well. You know that my brain is
the equal of one of the Selom. Even you cannot read my thoughts
against my will. Are you willing to see that brain destroyed? Astok
will be here soon and nothing will be lost by a short delay."

"He thinks truly," was the answering thought of Jumor. "It would be
better to wait."

"We will not wait," crashed Saranoff's thought into their
consciousness. "He killed Hanac when he escaped, and his punishment
shall be as I have decreed. Did not the king give me full power while
he was away?"

"It is true that he ordered us to obey this man in all things dealing
with upper-world men," thought Jumor. "If it is true that he killed
Hanac his punishment is doubtless just."

"I did not kill Hanac," returned the doctor. "He is paralyzed and will
be all right in a few hours, if he isn't already. I demand that you
wait until Astok returns. When an appeal is made to him, no other may
judge. So says the Selom law."

"That is true," replied Jumor. "We will wait until the king returns."

"We will _not_ wait," came Saranoff's thought. "The king delegated to
me his powers during his absence, as far as all the world, save the
Selom, were concerned. Were it one of the Selom appealing to the king,
I would be powerless before the appeal. These are not bound by Selom
law and are not entitled to its benefits. We will operate at once."

"Then you will operate alone," retorted Jumor. "I will not assist
you."

"I need none of your help," thought Saranoff. "Asmo and Camol, will
you help me? If you refuse I will report to Astok that you have
disobeyed and defied his chosen delegate."

"We had better assist him, Jumor," thought Asmo. "Astok did delegate
his authority. I am not of the nobility and I dare not refuse to
help."

"Suit yourself, Asmo," replied Jumor. "I refuse to assist, and will
appeal to Astok against him."

* * * * *