Suddenly a light, brighter than the headlamp of the slave, appeared at the entrance of the passage way. The clank of arms and the footsteps of mailed warriors resounded through the cavern. “Where have they hidden this miserable worm from Du Gong?” asked a voice. “The officer said he was far back in the passageway, excellency,” answered another. “I know that first voice,” whispered Shen Ho. “It is the cruel Tzien, who is Khan of the Torture Chambers. With him are four of his painted tortures. Work fast, Ted Dustin, or you are doomed.” Ted scraped frantically at the remaining wires which kept him from reaching his degravitor. Several snapped, and he attempted to insert his hand, but the opening was still too small. “Hurry!” called Shen Ho. “They are almost here!” Gripping the skull in both hands, Ted scraped in frenzied haste while the footfalls and clanking armor grew louder. More wires snapped, yet he could not get his hand in the opening. Before he could move, Tzien Khan, with his cruel features contorted in a grin of sadistic delight, stepped into view followed by four of his brawny, hideously painted torturers. Then Shen Ho howled and laughed, and muttered of light and life, and of darkness and death. XX. TRAPPED P’an-ku, his hands clasped about his ample equatorial region, leaned back in his luxuriously cushioned throne and listlessly contemplated the humped figure of his major domo who, with palms and forehead pressed to the floor before the dais, awaited permission to speak. “Now what low person disturbs our meditations?” demanded P’an-ku. “O, worshipful Lord of the Universe,” replied the major domo, “Kai Lo, Khan of Scouts, begs leave to impart tidings.” “Admit him,” said P’an-ku. Then he turned to Dr. Wu, who stood at the right of the throne, having advanced himself in the graces of the monarch he regarded almost as a god, and said: “I presume he will tell me that the white Princess is about to storm the city. I knew this five days ago when my spies in Ultu informed me of her pact with the worm of Du Gong who called himself Roger Sanders.” Kai Lo Khan, a short individual with an oval body and thin, crafty features, entered and prostrated himself before the throne. “Speak,” commanded P’an-ku. “O, Paragon of Wisdom and Fountain of All Authority,” said Kai Lo Khan, “the army of the Princess Maza is surrounding the city. With her are a hundred thousand _nak-kar_ cavalry and five hundred thousand foot.” “Dolt!” thundered P’an-ku. “I knew all this was to be five days ago, and am prepared.” “But Majesty, that is not all. She has sent a party to the western gate of the city under a banner of truce.” “Ah! She would parley. Go then to the gate and take her message.” Again prostrating himself, Kai Lo Khan hastily departed. Not more than twenty minutes elapsed before he returned and made obeisance. “I have brought the message of the Princess, O Vicar of the Sun,” said he, producing a scroll.