The _nak-kar_ cavalry fought bravely, but unavailingly as this solid wall of deadly green light approached. In less than ten minutes the entire detachment was wiped out. The globes then suddenly descended groundward, their rays forming a solid, impenetrable wall, and cutting off the red barrage rays which had formerly shielded Maza. Another globe then shot out from over the gate, and before she was aware of its purpose, had dropped a huge net around the Princess which knocked her red ray projector from her hand and entangled her in its meshes. She was drawn swiftly up to the bridge and dragged through one of the diamond-shaped openings while the globe sped swiftly back over the gate. Then, while two warriors held her, an officer whose face was bandaged and whose left arm hung in a sling, took her sword from her and cut the meshes of the net. With a scarcely perceptible jar, the globe alighted on the ground before a huge building which she instantly recognized from its pictures and descriptions as the palace of P’an-ku. The bridge of the globe leaned against a jutting balcony which was almost on a level with it. Stepping out of the door, the officer vaulted the railing, alighting on the balcony, and ordered the two soldiers to follow him with the prisoner. Maza was lifted over the railing and hurried along a corridor which led to a great diamond-shaped door on each side of which two armed guards were posted. A major domo announced in a loud voice: “Her Royal Highness, Maza an Ultu,” and the Princess marched into the throne room between her two guards. The officer who had captured her advanced and made profound obeisance. “Well done, Kwan Tsu Khan,” said P’an-ku. “Take a place of honor, here on my right hand, and we will speak of your reward later.” The officer bowed his thanks and took a position beside Dr. Wu at the right of the throne. Then P’an-ku raised his hand and the two guards brought the prisoner before the throne, after which each prostrated himself before the monarch and stepped back twenty paces. Standing there alone in the middle of the floor, surrounded by enemies, Maza looked up unflinchingly into the gloating eyes of the porcine monster on the throne. P’an-ku rose ponderously and bowed—a ceremony due visiting royalty. “Welcome to Peilong, Princess of Ultu,” he said. “We are deeply grateful for the honor of this unexpected visit.” “What have you done with Ted Dustin, treacherous monster?” she demanded. P’an-ku smiled evilly, while he deliberately consulted his chronometer. “By this time,” he said, “the worm of Du Gong who calls himself a scientist is undoubtedly dead—that is unless his white skin is so tough as to be impervious to boiling oil.” The face of the Princess turned deathly pale. She swayed, and would have fallen to the floor had not the two guards behind her bounded forward and caught her by the arms. In a moment, however, she recovered her poise and shook herself free.