hull, Gerry was
not greatly worried, but Closana seemed to feel that things had gone far
enough.

Hitherto the girl had been quite evidently enjoying the consternation
that the _Viking's_ arrival had caused among the defenders of the city.
Now she leaned far out from the open window and waved reassuringly. As
she was recognized, defense preparations ceased and the gun crews began
to cover their weapons up again.

The _Viking_ settled gently down on the worn stone pavement of a square
plaza directly before the central tower. A ring of amazon spearmen
instantly formed to keep back the curious crowds, and other companies
were drawn up as a guard of honor. They saluted Closana with a shout and
a surge of uplifted spears when she and Gerry stepped out the opened
starboard door. Then, when Angus McTavish came out with a group of
senior officers a few seconds later, all the Amazon warriors dropped
instantly down on one knee while their spear-points rattled on the
stones. The big engineer beamed through his beard, and tilted his
uniform cap to a more rakish angle.

"I have already stated that these folk are a verra discriminating
people!" he said with deep satisfaction. Closana turned to Gerry.

"It would be better to take only a few of your people along when we go
into see my father."

Gerry faced about, his glance running quickly over those of his crew who
had emerged from the hull and were standing nearby.

"Steve Brent stays here in command," he said quietly, "You come with me,
Angus. And Portok. And one other...." He hesitated, then named Olga
Stark. Later he was to wonder what evil genius had led him to select her
as one of the party. He could not quite remember. Probably it was just a
desire to take as varied and representative a group along with him as
possible. Closana looked annoyed at his choice, but did not comment.

* * * * *

They passed through the ranks of the spear-guard, and up to the
octagonal main door of the tower where carved golden leaves slid back
into the wall on each side. A blue light glowed around the inner frame
of the door, and Closana held up her arm.

"Wait till the blue light fades, for it is Death," she said quietly.
Then, as the light died out, they all stepped inside while the golden
leaves of the door closed clashing behind them.

They were in a winding corridor whose stone walls were faced with
polished stone and hung with ancient tapestries. The