from point to point. He had fine feeling for the dramatic, knew well the
value of climax and pause; but his use of them was here unconscious, for
he spoke straight from his dark and feline heart.

For the first time in the Affair of the Brains, the tiger was showing
his claws.

"For a long time," Ku Sui said, "we four gathered here have fought each
other. All over space our conflict has ranged, from Earth to beyond
Saturn. I suppose there never have been more bitter enemies; I know
there has never been a greater issue. I said we four, but I should have
said we _two_, Master Leithgow. Captain Carse has commanded a certain
respect from me, the respect one must show for courage, fine physical
coordination and a remarkable instinct and capacity for
self-preservation--but, after all, he is primarily only like the black
here, Friday, and a much less splendid animal. It is a _brain_ that
receives my respect! A brain! Genius! I do not fear Carse: he is only an
adventurer; but your brain, Master Leithgow, I respect.

"For, naturally, brains will determine the future of these planets
around us. The man with the most profound and extensive scientific
knowledge united to the greatest audacity--remember, audacity!--can rule
them every one!"

He paused and looked into the eyes of the Master Scientist. Pointedly he
said:

"You, Master Leithgow, have the brains but not the audacity. I have the
audacity _and_ the brains--now that you are here."

* * * * *

Cold prickles of fear chased down Carse's and the scientist's spine at
this obscure threat. Some of their reaction must have shown in their
faces, for the Eurasian permitted himself a brief, triumphant smile and
added:

"You shall know just what I mean in but a few minutes. Right now, in
this very laboratory, the fate of the planets is being decided!"

Hawk Carse licked his dry lips.

"Big words!" he said.

"Easily proved, Captain Carse, as you'll see. What can restrain the man
who can instantly command Earth's master-minds of scientific knowledge,
the man who has both a considerable brain of his own to call on and the
mightiest brains in existence, all coordinated for perfect, instant
effectiveness. Why, with these brains working for him, he can become
omnipotent; there can be but feeble resistance to his steps toward
universal power! Only chance, unpredictable chance, always at work,
always powerful, can defeat him--and my auda