"I'm afraid that's impossible," came the smooth reply. "The council is in session and he had to attend. Besides, in such matters any authority is supreme until the last roboe has been destroyed." "I intend to contact the Council immediately and report your actions," threatened the old man, starting for the house. "Halt, or I'll fire," warned the general, whipping a blaster into sight. The scientist ignored the command and kept on towards the house. The general leveled his arm as the frozen Don regained his senses and dove at him. He sensed rather than saw, the rifle butt swung at his head by one of the squad and dropped, stunned, as the blaster roared out. Lights flashed on all over the garden and, raising his throbbing head from the ground, Don saw the crumpled heap that had been Dr. Stone but a few moments ago. Rage coursed through his veins and gave him new strength. "You--you murderer!" he screamed, leaping at the smiling general who stood over the man he had just killed. The blaster came up again but, before it could be fired, several of the squad had leaped in. Before he quite realized what had happened, Don found himself securely tied and being led to the house. Don neither knew nor cared what charges were brought about during the course of his court-martial. To his surprise, the country had reacted favorably to the general's actions and editorials demanded his summary execution. A grateful public acclaimed General Adams as having saved Earth from slavery at the hands of brutal machines.... * * * * * Don sat in his cell, not caring about the practically automatic death sentence. All that he had thought worth living for was gone. Stone had been killed and Shiela would soon be caught by the new ray. Day was just beginning to break ... the rising of the sun to be a signal for his execution. He looked up as the sentry stopped before his cell. They stared at each other and Don said wryly, "I won't hang myself until you go off duty, sentry." The youth opened his mouth to reply when, all of a sudden, everything seemed to rise, then settle back and crumple. A low roar filled the room and Don frantically scuttled closer to one of the walls to escape falling debris. He wondered if the roboes had attacked or if it had been an earthquake. The question was soon answered. He scrambled to freedom outside and heard the rattle of small arms fire. He had no definite plan in mind but to get away as far as possible. His prison had been situated near a forest and he dashed for the edge, taking advantage of the confusion. He had almost reached the fringe when a small band of uniformed men broke through almost directly in front of him. Don and the party stopped, everyone momentarily startled. Then he dashed off at a tangent, knowing it futile but determined to die while free.