"Slaves, yes! But they are dull-witted no longer. Generations have erased the madness from the Underlings' brains. The Masters hold them in subjection now only because they have superior armament. The golden force-ray, for one thing. "But rebellion is stirring amongst the Underlings. Sert is one of the leaders of a secret rebel party. He was stealing through the building, seeking new converts, when he accidentally entered our cell." Some of Larry's excitement communicated itself to the girl. She said, "But what are we going to do?" "Sert," Larry told her, "taught me how to open the doors around this joint. It's not hard when you get the hang of it. Every wall has a door-lock. The locks work on a network of selenium cells imbedded in the metal; these are controlled automatically by body-radiation emanating from the fingertips. Ever hear of anything like that before?" Sandra said dazedly, "Mitogenic radiation!" "Yes. That's what Sert called it, too. Well, all you have to do is discover the proper way to touch the doors. The right combination and bingo! If your fingers are sensitive, you can do it without much fumbling. I learned easily." "You still haven't told me what we're going to--" "We're pulling out of this coop--tonight! In the machine shops, Sert has a gang of a half hundred rebels. We will join them." "And then?" "Then," said Larry tightly, "we'll figure out some way to clean out this rat's nest. We're going to give Earth back to the Men again. And I do mean 'men!'" IV Larry Wilson tossed a grin over his shoulder to the girl behind him. His fingers moved swiftly, deftly, twisting into strange, unnatural angles as he sought the combination that would open the smooth wall before him. "Some fun, hey?" Sandra said anxiously, "How much farther, Larry?" "We're almost there now. Sert told me there were nine chambers between the one we were in and the machine room. They're all supposed to be unoccupied, too." "But--if they're not?" "Then our plans go up the creek. But Sert wouldn't be likely to make a mistake. He has more at stake than we--Ah! There she blows!" Larry's fingers had finally moved into the right combination. The smooth wall slid back. The pair from the past moved into the next room of the labyrinth of the future. The door closed behind them, and Larry moved immediately to the wall fronting them. "One more small chamber, and then--" He stopped, shocked and alarmed. For just as his hand touched the wall, it moved backward and a figure loomed before him. Sandra screamed a little scream of fright. To be so near success, and then-- But the voice that spoke was that of a friend. "Ah, Larry Wilson! You were long in coming. So I came to find you. But, come! Our council awaits you."