"Now, by the gods," he marveled, "you two must be madmen. Had I not been passing by, for your rebellion at this moment your bones would be pickings for the curs of the streets." "The curs of this city," ground O'Day savagely, "are not all four-legged--" "But in me," continued the newcomer, "you find one who admires a fighting spirit in howsoever an unsuspected source it may be found. Aye, and an eye which needs no stark unveiling to detect beauty. Tisru!" He turned to the auctioneer who, glaring malevolently at his attackers, had cringed back onto the dais. "I will bid me this family of rebel serfs. What is your price?" The auctioneer pleaded greasily, "I can set no price, my lord. This is an open auction with chattels sold to the highest bidder." "So?" The Seneschal eyed each of the quintet in turn, appreciatively appraising the two girls, nodding his head slowly at the frames of the two young men. Dr. Kang he dismissed with a glance, then turned to Tisru. "The old one I do not want. For the young ones, as a lot, ten thousand _dwari_. Is there a higher bid?" * * * * * Tisru knew there would not be. Not only was the price staggeringly high, but none in this audience dared bid against the Seneschal of the Inner Council. He shook his head, gasping, "Nay, sire, there is no other bid. For that price take also the old one, with the compliments of Tisru's Mart." The Moranu nodded to a servant, who negligently tossed a bag to the auctioneer. The lord nodded to his new purchases. "Follow me," he commanded, and led the way from the market place. An excited hum rose from the crowd to follow their exit. * * * * * As they followed their new "owner" it was all the members of the Solarite quintet could do to mask the triumph which threatened to reveal itself on their features. For almost instantly it became clear that they were being led to that very spot they had hoped, but had not known how to plan, to attain. The hub of Khundru's circle which was the Palace Royal. As they journeyed along, their superiors mounted on the curiously horse-like creatures which the Magogeans called _batanidi_, themselves, of course, humbly afoot, they could not help but overhear the conversation between Moranu and his companions. "Ten thousand _dwari_! That was a lot to pay, my Lord Seneschal, for five carcasses," said one. Moranu chuckled. "It was worth it to see the spittle of greed drool from that hawknosed old scoundrel's lips. Nor is it a bad buy. Of course, the old one ... I do not know where we can use him--You, aged serf!" he cried to Dr. Kang. "What talents have you, if any?" Kang scraped servilely and said, "I have a smattering of mechanical lore, O master. Much my former owner taught me about the operation of instruments and machines."