He was lying on a couch somewhere in the palace. Servants were hovering around anxiously. Praana sent them away. Presently she said, "I've contacted the Earth Fleet's flagship. They will be here sometime tomorrow. They come in peace." He managed to nod. "You know about the other? Your father--he was...." He stopped the words in time, his face twisted as he thought of it. "Don't be afraid to say it." Praana still managed to smile. "Yes, I know it now, we all know! He was mad. Mars as well as Earth owes you a debt of gratitude it can never repay." She hesitated. "I want to forget. I must get away, somewhere far away. I should like to return to Earth, for just a little while." Ketrik grinned. He lay back. He had wanted to hear her say that. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dread-Flame of M'Tonak, by Henry Hasse