“The wall of this chamber is an inner partition, giving a vacuum protection against the cold of outer space. Before I go any further, it is necessary to show you the upper compartments of the flyer, where we store the reserve supply of ‘Venusite’ and have the living quarters of the travelers. We have a very clever arrangement for preparing concentrated foods. The capacity of the flyer----” OOMLAG stopped. The door of the projectile had opened, and the big Venusian guard had entered and broken in abruptly on Oomlag’s talk. He spoke a few rapid, guttural words to my guide, while the door meantime remained open. Oomlag scowled, and seemed to be considering what he had just heard. He cast a glowering, sidelong glance in my direction, and I guessed that I must be concerned in some way. Finally, he said something curtly to the guard, and faced me. I was relieved to see his face light up into a grin which, though evil and hideous, was a grin nevertheless. “We shall step outside a moment, Stan-lee,” he said. “I have some important news for you which should make you feel pretty good.” Wondering what he could possibly mean by this, I followed Oomlag and the guard out of the flyer into the intense light of the large cavern. As soon as the doors had swung shut behind us, Oomlag spoke. “The Field General has commanded that you be released!” I gasped with amazement. Surely, there must be some mistake! Released, knowing what I did about their plans, free to take steps to stamp out this menace, to---- “Stan-lee, I see you are incredulous. Nevertheless, you are to be released, immediately.” Oomlag came closer, leering into my face. “The Field General has a sense of humor, just as we all have. It is really our one weakness. He feels your presence here is undesirable, and your services are not needed after all. That leaves two alternatives--either kill you, or let you go. He has decided on the latter. Myself, I am sorry, for I have taken a liking to you.” I was stunned. Like a fool I blurted out: “But--but, you have shown me--how do you dare----” “I know what you think.” Oomlag spoke suavely, mockingly. “You think that, once free, you will spread the alarm to your fellows. How ridiculous! In the first place, no one would believe you, you would be considered mad. In the second place, you humans could do nothing to hinder us if you wished. We have the power of ‘Venusite.’ I need say no more. It is one of the best jokes I ever heard! You alone of the earth inhabitants will know of our existence, and your knowledge will be useless. You can do nothing, absolutely nothing. Your friends will discover you, wandering. A word of this to anyone--well, your mind has been wandering, too!” I was sickened by his fiendish, throaty laughter as he derided me, mocked me with this terrible truth.