I asked, turning to Dar Tarus as I released the
bonds thatheld Gor Hajus. Well, the stress existed and I must risk that evenas I
risked my life. He tuned and pointed down toward the highest portion of the
irregularroof of the building below us.
Right you are, Bal Zak, agreed the other, and it
were a waste oftime to search your ship.
In the corridor, perhaps, lurked those watchful
eyes.
Hisrestlessness he explained to me
himself.
It is Bal Zak himself, my old friend Bal Zak!
Silently we passed upward along therunway and out upon the roof. SUSPICIONSIn so far
as I could know I reached my apartment without detection.
Built upon it was a large, shed-likestructure.
There, he said, I keep three small ships. Right you are, Bal Zak, agreed the other,
and it were a waste oftime to search your ship.
I must go on as thoughnone were spying upon
me.
You will trust, for no other reason than that you
will be forcedto trust me.
Vobis Kans ship was close by when it hailed and
asked our name.
I had little confidence that he wouldgrant my
request, yet he did so.
Once I had asked Ras Thavas about them, but hehad
been in ill humor and had ignored my question. As I left him I noticed a crafty
smile of satisfaction upon his lips. Heeyed me closely for a long minute before he
spoke. Once I had asked Ras Thavas about them, but hehad been in ill humor and had
ignored my question. It is I, Vad Varo,going out into a strange world to see what it
is like.
There, he said, I keep three small ships. We heard
the voices again, but nearernow.
I had little confidence that he wouldgrant my
request, yet he did so.
I often do, I replied, lightly; but my heart was
heavy as a stone. Ras Thavas sawthat the creatures had attracted my
notice.
Within was a circular runway which led not
onlyupward, but down as well.
It is Bal Zak himself, my old friend Bal
Zak!
I felt as a mouse with which the cat is
playing.
To my relief, I found there were no cases. Nothing
thatpasses is without your knowledge. It is my intention to regain the body, restore
it toits own brain and return the girl to Duhor. Valla Dia was so happy to see me
again that it almostbrought the tears to my eyes.
I felt as a mouse with which the cat is playing.
Not good-bye, Valla Dia, but only a sweet sleep for what to you willbe the briefest
instant. That was a phrase I had picked up from reading in Ras Thavas libraryand I
was quite proud of it.