It was no exit, however. They stared into a room where hundreds of crystalline coffins reposed, row upon row. They were cube-like, perhaps two feet in dimension. Within each cubicle was a drift of almost colorless substance which might have been either fluid or gaseous. But what held their gaze were the things deep within the substance! They were globules, gelatinous, tear-dropped in shape with the tapering ends down. They gently swayed and pulsed, and deep within them could be seen a central core of _electric-blue_ with an interlacing of tiny filaments. "They're in some sort of suspended animation!" Curt took a step into the room. A feeling of incredible age was about the place. Curt walked between row after row of the cubicles, making closer examination of the strange life-forms. Beyond all doubt, these were identical to the pulsing globe of light which had emerged from the body of the octopoid creature! "Emmons, come back," Lorine called from the door. "I--I don't think this place is safe!" Curt didn't think so either. They returned to the room of machines, closing the door carefully. Lorine stared around, perplexed. "There must be an exit somewhere!" "Quite right, young lady. And now that you are here, I'll be glad to show you." It was a strange, mocking voice that came from behind them. They whirled about, peering into the shadows. * * * * * From a little alcove beneath a tier of machines stepped an Earthman. He was tall, young, blond. Four electros swung instantly up to cover him. Only Curt didn't hold an electro, and now he snapped, "Put those guns away!" He peered again. "I know this man!" The stranger's smile vanished. Puzzlement came across his face as he turned gray eyes upon Curt. He seemed searching his mind, trying to recall something deeply imbedded in the matrix of the past. "Robert Frane," Curt said. "Good lord, man, don't you recognize me? Curt Emmons! You knew me at Government Spacer School--" "Robert Frane ... yes. That is my name." It seemed an effort for him to recall it. It was apparent he didn't recognize Curt. Curt gave it up for the moment, studying him, wondering at the strange, puzzled look of the man. Frane spoke in clipped phrases. "You killed our guardian. Of course. That's how we became aware of your presence. But how could you have known of this place? How did you come here?" "We'll ask the questions, Earthman!" A strength seemed to rise in Lorine as she came a step forward, eyes blazing, electro held high. "Is George Landreth here? Answer me that!" "George ... Landreth." Again that strangeness about Frane, a shadow across the eyes. "I believe that such a one is here." "Then you will take us to him. At once!"