"I mean the councilmen sitting on either side of Pandek. Not one of them moved or spoke." "That's right. They sat there like dummies." "A row of dummies afraid to move even their eyes." "There's something else that puzzles me," Jean said. "Those ice cliffs are life and death to we Terrans down below. Then why do the Martians build them up each winter and melt them for us in the spring? I'd think they'd leave the plains arid and thus drive us out." "I wondered about that too. There can be only one explanation. They've repeated the process for so long they're afraid to stop--afraid of what it might do to the overall welfare of the planet." "Perhaps if they didn't the ice would pile up of its own accord and crush them and their cities." "I wonder how many cities there are." "I don't care--really. Hold me closer. I'm cold...." * * * * * "But I don't understand why they would do such a thing as this," Tommy said. He had released the girl and found her clothing in a corner of the room. "It is a part of some pagan rite they plan to revive. The victim must lie in--in the manner you found me for a certain length of time. Some weird looking priests visited me at intervals and recited incantations. It was horrible!" "What's your name?" "I'm Helen Spencer. I came here with my father--" "Never mind that now. I think we can get out of here. There was nobody in the hallway when I came in." "I'd like to find my father." "We can try." "They separated us a long time ago. For a while they treated me like a queen, even though they kept me a prisoner. I wondered why. Now I know. It was all a part of this terrible pagan sacrifice. I think the time is very near." "Then let's go." But they had waited too long. The door opened and four Martian guards entered. They almost filled the room. Tommy hurled himself at the closest one but was knocked viciously back against the wall. It seemed that fate had deserted him at last. The Martian in charge, one who stood a head taller than the other three, grasped Helen roughly by the arm. He seemed infuriated at finding her dressed. He threw her roughly after Tommy and she too fell to the floor. The Martian stood there, undecided, some problem evidently occupying his mind. The three subordinates waited in silence. After a few moments, the leader turned and barked several sharp commands. The orders puzzled the three Martians. They stood where they were until the leader barked another sharper order. Then they turned and filed out. The leader stood motionless until their footsteps died in the corridor. Then he bent swiftly and lifted Helen Spencer to her feet. As she cringed away, he said, "I am Maxis, a dictor in the Emperor's guard. I think perhaps you can help me. If so, I may be able to help you." "You--you're speaking Terran," Helen said. "Of course. Many of us know your language." He pointed to Tommy. "Who is this one?"