The green dwarf turned the _corial_ slowly to the edge at the right; crept cautiously on toward where, not more than a hundred feet from the barrier, a low, wide entrance opened in the fort. Guarding its threshold stood two guards, armed with broadswords, double-handed, terminating in a wide lunette mouthed with murderous fangs. These they raised in salute and through the portal strode a dwarf huge as Rador, dressed as he and carrying only the poniard that was the badge of office of Muria's captainry. The green dwarf swept the shell expertly against the ledge; leaped out. "Greeting, Serku!" he answered. "I was but looking for the _coria_ of Lakla." "Lakla!" exclaimed Serku. "Why, the handmaiden passed with her _Akka_ nigh a _va_ ago!" "Passed!" The astonishment of the green dwarf was so real that half was I myself deceived. "You let her _pass_?" "Certainly I let her pass--" But under the green dwarf's stern gaze the truculence of the guardian faded. "Why should I not?" he asked, apprehensively. "Because Yolara commanded otherwise," answered Rador, coldly. "There came no command to me." Little beads of sweat stood out on Serku's forehead. "Serku," interrupted the green dwarf swiftly, "truly is my heart wrung for you. This is a matter of Yolara and of Lugur and the Council; yes, even of the Shining One! And the message was sent--and the fate, mayhap, of all Muria rested upon your obedience and the return of Lakla with these strangers to the Council. Now truly is my heart wrung, for there are few I would less like to see dance with the Shining One than you, Serku," he ended, softly. Livid now was the gateway's guardian, his great frame shaking. "Come with me and speak to Yolara," he pleaded. "There came no message--tell her--" "Wait, Serku!" There was a thrill as of inspiration in Rador's voice. "This _corial_ is of the swiftest--Lakla's are of the slowest. With Lakla scarce a _va_ ahead we can reach her before she enters the Portal. Lift you the Shadow--we will bring her back, and this will I do for you, Serku." Doubt tempered Serku's panic. "Why not go alone, Rador, leaving the strangers here with me?" he asked--and I thought not unreasonably. "Nay, then." The green dwarf was brusk. "Lakla will not return unless I carry to her these men as evidence of our good faith. Come--we will speak to Yolara and she shall judge you--" He started away--but Serku caught his arm. "No, Rador, no!" he whispered, again panic-stricken. "Go you--as you will. But bring her back! Speed, Rador!" He sprang toward the entrance. "I lift the Shadow--" Into the green dwarf's poise crept a curious, almost a listening, alertness. He leaped to Serku's side. "I go with you," I heard. "Some little I can tell you--" They were gone. "Fine work!" muttered Larry. "Nominated for a citizen of Ireland when we get out of this, one Rador of--"