Thotmes shouted something and lifted the missing ammunition belt in one hand. He raised it tauntingly. “Got any coal?” Desquer rasped. The other two men shook their heads. The priests began to move forward. Tony said, “You can’t destroy the machine now, Desquer. You’ve doomed the world—and yourself.” Desquer’s knuckles were white; he stood as though carven from granite. His jet eyes squinted at the oncoming mob. Jimmy started to laugh. “How do you like it, Desquer?” he mocked. “You’re not the commander now. You’re just a guy with an empty gun. And—you’re going to die, Desquer. _You’re going to die!_” CHAPTER VIII The New Atlantis The tension grew unendurable. The priests were advancing slowly, as though assured that their quarry could not escape. In the lead Thotmes was smiling and stroking his beard with one hand. “Surrender,” he called out. “No harm will come to you—for a while. Not till we need new beast-gods!” Desquer’s face went a mottled red. But still there was no fear in the man. He faced the throng, still holding his guns—and suddenly sheathed one and began to search his pockets. His low voice rapped out. “Quick, you fools! See if there’s anything on you we can use for ammunition. It doesn’t have to be coal—carbon will do.” Tony shot one hurried glance at the mob of priests. Desquer gave a little cry of triumph and brought out a single coal-cartridge from his tunic pocket. “Good! Only one, but—” He slipped it into the gun’s firing cup. There was a queer look, almost of amusement, on Tony’s dark face. He gripped Jimmy’s arm and whispered, “Wait!” Desquer stepped forward. He raised his gun and called, “Halt!” A flashing smile came from Thotmes. The high priest did not reply. He kept on.... And Desquer fired. Thotmes seemed surprised. He paused, lifting his hands to a chest that was a gory mass of red ruin. He stared at his bloodstained fingers. From the priests went up a whisper of terror—as Thotmes fell! The high priest of Alu was dead! Desquer did not pause. He took one step forward, and another, as though expecting his enemies to give back. But they did not. They massed together grimly—and advanced. This time the commander paused, his thick lips twisting. His hand dived into his tunic pocket in a futile gesture. But there was no more ammunition. Tony was smiling. He touched Desquer’s arm. “I’ve a bullet for you, commander.” “Eh?” The glittering eyes widened. “Where—” Desquer’s gaze focused on what Tony held in his palm. Lens-shaped and lovely the great gem lay there, flashing in the red light of Alu. Like a diamond it was—but it was not a diamond. Jimmy said breathlessly, “Tony! You—” “_The Earth Star!_” There was sweat on Desquer’s face.