now they were
dead. This is their experimental laboratory--where they keep their
hands in. They experiment on the prisoners."

As the chill went through Mike, he saw four guards who had been
stationed on the far side of the pit acknowledge a sign from one of
the priests and start toward a staircase leading to the prisoner's
balcony.

They stopped at one of the cells and unlocked a door set in the barred
front. As they entered a roar of hatred went up from every cell in the
dreadful circle.

* * * * *

As he watched, Mike was conscious of the fact that only he and Nicko
were watching the proceedings, that M'Landa's face was not glued to
the bars. The thing's too horrible for the H'Lorkan to take, Mike
thought. He's crouching back there behind us--covering his face most
likely. And I can't say I blame him.

The guards came forth from the cell dragging a screaming victim, a
tall naked speciman who bested even the Ptomenites in physical
perfection. Here, Mike realized, was truly a man.

The screams had been from rage, not from fear. As the door snapped
behind him, the victim stopped screaming, evidently realizing this was
the end, that escape was now impossible. He raised his head, a look of
contempt lighting his handsome features. He walked proudly amidst the
guards. He seemed completely indifferent to whatever fate awaited him.

Mike stared as the man was led to the center of the pit. Chains were
clamped to his wrists and ankles. Then the guards lifted him, holding
him horizontal. One of the priests extended his arms upward, over the
prone man, and seemed to be mouthing a prayer or incantation. He
appeared to Mike to be asking some deity to accept this poor offering.

This ceremony over, the guards walked with the helpless man toward a
great vat of smoking purple liquid. But at this moment, Mike's
attention was diverted. A door had opened far down the circle and two
figures were approaching. As the guards lifted the unfortunate
prisoner and threw him in the vat a great roar of fury went up from
the circle of cells. And Mike recognized the approaching figures.

McKee and Talbott.

McKee was amply bandaged about the head and shoulders. Talbott
appeared to have come off better, only his right wrist and elbow
tightly wrapped.

They moved past the cells until they were confronting Mike and Nicko.
There they stopped. McKee, the fat one, grinned and glanced at his
companion. "Dangero