"You do not know Magog, Dr. Kang. Such dissimilarities in coloration are not the exception but the rule amongst their people. The Magogean hordes haff interbred to such an extent that the closest blood brothers oft look like men of different races. Miss Powell's plan is quite feasible." "O.Q.," said Gary. "Then that's the ticket. How long to put us through this teaching-training period you were talking about?" "Not long. Those things will be done during studying periods and even while you sleep ... electrically." "Then," said Gary, rising, "let's move the _Liberty_ to your headquarters and get on with the job. Because there's lots to be done, and very little time left to do it in." CHAPTER XVII Inside Khundru "Gary," said Nora, "I'm frightened. Suppose--" "Hush, my dear," warned Dr. Kang swiftly. "From now on speak only in the Magogean tongue. Suspicious ears may lurk at any crossroads." A full week's time, as measured by earthly watches, had passed since the _Liberty's_ fortunate landing near the Gogean camp. In that time all the space venturers, and particularly those who were to attempt the first reaching of Khundru's gates, had been given an intensive training course in the other world's formalities. Through means of instruments so ingeniously clever that the Earthmen could only marvel at them, there had been electrically superimposed upon their brain structures a knowledge-pattern giving them complete acquaintance with the Magogean tongue, habits, customs, traditions, something of the history of the race, and even a general knowledge of current events. "I'm sorry," whispered Nora, shifting to the Magogean tongue, "but--but I'm frightened, Gary. Suppose we should meet Borisu?" Lark O'Day grunted. "He'd have one hell of a time recognizing us dressed--or _undressed_--like this." He scowled disdainfully at the crude _peon_ garb with which his sturdy frame was draped; clothing which consisted of little more than worn sandals, a twisted, filthy rag about his loins, and a loose, sacklike halter draped from his shoulders. Gary admitted ruefully, "We _aren't_ exactly candidates for a sartorial award. But this is the best disguise we could possibly effect. The Magogean kraedars spurn their slaves like dust beneath their feet. Even if we _were_ to meet Borisu, he would look past or through us and never notice our faces. And that's what we want." "It's damn hard on the girls, though," grunted O'Day. "The least the blue boys could have done was given us a lighter cart. One we three could handle by ourselves, without _them_ having to act as dray horses, too. Ease up there, Penny. Don't ruin those pretty hands." Kang's daughter glanced at him sidewise and smiled. She said in a soft, liquid voice, "Do not worry about us, Lark. It were better Nora and I ruined our soft hands on this cart than that your fighting hands should not be ready when the moment comes. Is it not so, Nora?"