of the invisible ray pistol warned him that
Ianito was at his heels.

Clyone uncurled her sinuous, black-sheathed body and rose to her feet
as they neared the dais.

"Welcome, oh Carson," she purred. "Clyone has mourned you as dead, but
she mourns no longer. A kind fate has returned you."

The gold-flecked eyes were all for him; it was as if she did not see
his companion. Blaine fought the spell of her with all that was in him.
He did not reply.

"Come to me, Carson," she pleaded, her lashes lowered. "Leave this
Rulan girl and come to me."

"Where I go she goes," he replied firmly.

"Very well then," said the Zara meekly, "bring her with you. I would
converse with her as with you."

Something new, this was: a gentleness Blaine had never thought the
leopard woman could exhibit, even in sham. And her eyes, when she
raised them, still were gentle. She extended a white arm and smiled
provocatively. If this was a ruse, if she meant harm to the Rulan maid,
her acting was superb. And, from what he had seen of the woman
previously, he was almost convinced of her sincerity. A nature like
hers was incapable of successful dissimulation. Still, he was
suspicious and he shielded Ulana with his body as they came up to the
throne. The Zara studied them in silence for a while. Then she spoke.

"Let me look at you, my dear," she said to the Rulan maiden.

* * * * *

And Ulana, unafraid, faced her boldly. His muscles tensed, Blaine
watched every movement of the Zara's straying fingers. But her gaze was
direct and kindly; there was no dissembling here. It was not the same
Clyone he had previously known.

"You are very beautiful, Ulana," she said softly. "Do you love this
Earth man very much?"

"I do, Your Majesty."

"And you, Carson, you love her--very much?"

His answer was wordless. A sudden lump in his throat choked back the
vigorous affirmative and he merely nodded, mute, as he enfolded the
slight form of Ulana in his arms.

"Carson--are you sure?" Clyone was pleading, her eyes compelling;
tender. Ulana drew away from his arms, waiting.

What had come over the leopard woman? She was a creature of mad
vagaries, he knew, and yet this was the most convincing mood he had
seen. Despite his knowledge of her past; despite his better judgment,
he was drawn toward her. A step, and then quick revulsion of feeling.
He recoiled and turned swiftly to Ulana.

Clyone saw and understood