"She's next, I understand," Talbott was saying easily. "She is in the other block. Only male prisoners on this side. They'll bring her in soon. It will be quite a show. Perhaps we'll stay to watch." Mike could control himself no longer. He flung himself against the bars like a wild beast. Even though in no danger, McKee drew back in alarm. He said, "The sooner that one's in the Hall of the Dead, the better." * * * * * Mike had been conscious of a hand touching his arm but he had paid no attention. Now, as the two Terrans turned to leave, he turned also, with tears of helpless anger welling in his eyes. It was M'Landa. The H'Lorkan spoke. "What's he saying?" Mike asked. As M'Landa spoke, a quick change came over Nicko. He whirled and stared back in to the cell. "He says there's another man in this cell with us. He's been talking to him. He's a Baserite." Now Mike saw the man sitting in a shadow against the wall. Two things had kept him from noticing before--the dim light and the incidents of terrible interest down in the pit. As they approached, the man got to his feet and spoke. Mike could not understand what he said, but he now knew the man thrown brutally into the vat of purple liquid had also been a Baserite. This man in the cell could have been his twin. "Are you able to understand him?" Mike asked Nicko. "Sure. He said he was watching us--trying to figure out whether we were spies?" "Spies! Spying on whom?" The questions and answers were going back and forth through Nicko. He asked the Baserite. The man said, "Upon me." "Who are you?" "I am Mertaan, a fighting Prince of Baser. I was taken from a Baserite ship." "Too bad, fellow. I'm sorry." "It was no accident. I arranged to be taken." "That hardly makes any sense." The man spoke through grim lips, his clear eyes blazing. "That's why I wondered about you--wondered if our plot was suspected. We can't take a chance." "Your plot?" "Yes. But I think you are genuine prisoners." Nicko translated and added, "You can be damned sure about that." "What plot are you talking about?" Mike asked. "Baser attacks the Ptomenites in force tonight." "I'm glad to hear that but I don't see how you can be much help in here." "This is one facet of the plan. We corrupted a scant few of the Ptomenite guards. They are our men." An odd thought struck Nicko. "We're glad to hear that too, but could you tell me something? With gold and jewels lying around on the ground what kind of bait lures a man on this planet." "Our women are the most beautiful and exciting females in existence," the Baserite said grimly. Nicko whistled and Mike snapped. "Quit taking up time with silly questions. We want to know more of this plot."