from the astonished Llott and was boring in
with body punches that quickly had the dwarf gasping for breath. These
creatures knew nothing of fighting with their hands except in the
fashion of clumsy wrestlers. The thud of hard fists against yielding
flesh was a new and terrifying experience. Pegrani was game, though,
and he flailed about with his powerful arms, endeavoring to get his
opponent in his grasp. Sidestepping to avoid one of his rushes, Blaine
brought up a terrible uppercut that ended flush upon the Llott's jaw.
His head snapped back and his knees gave way beneath him. Down he went
in a flabby heap. Suddenly ashamed, the young pilot turned to the
Rulan.

Tom's eyes were shining. It was easy to see that he felt better about
things now.

"I am a friend," the Rulan whispered in the Llott tongue, "sent by one
who would have conversation with you. It is of the highest importance,
but we must make haste. Will you trust me?"

Blaine saw deep concern and sincerity in the fellow's blue eyes. "What
do you say, Tommy?" he asked, looking to his friend for approval.

"I say, let's go. He seems okay to me."

Their new guide was familiar with the passages and especially so with
dark and little used stairways that connected the floors of the huge
building. They soon reached the roof through a hatch that opened on a
small penthouse which was in deep shadow and entirely hidden from the
runways where the green-bronze guards paced constantly.

A slender cable dangled before them, and at its lower end they saw a
basket-like car which their guide bid them enter. When they had done
so, he tugged on the cable, giving a rapid twitching signal. Instantly
they were soaring up into the blackness above the lights of Antrid.

* * * * *

The swift journey ended in a tiny enclosed vehicle where another Rulan
operated the cable drum which had made the trip possible. The car was
unlighted save for the faint glow of a hand lamp, and it was not until
the lower door was closed that they were permitted a view of the
interior of the strange vehicle and had a good look at the two Rulans.

"Now," the one who had brought them said, "I can explain. I am Tiedus,
son of Tiedor. My companion is Dantus, son of Dantor, the greatest
scientist in all Antrid. We are taking you to Dantor who has knowledge
of the mad plans of the Llotta and is in need of your help in thwarting
them. You are willing?"

"Why--w