The Martian was visibly undecided. Perhaps he and his regiment would be wiped out if he attempted to hold the _Sphere_. He observed Taggert glaring at him balefully from a window. Nevertheless he was a brave man, especially when he thought of the brilliant future he might enjoy if he got away with this. A disagreeable smile disfigured his sharp-featured countenance. “I think the emperor will soon have changed his mind about the retirement--just as soon as he knows that you have honored him by landing within his lines.” “The emperor is too wise a man to delay the withdrawal of these troops,” answered Robert, “for even at this moment, should I choose, every man in sight would be blasted into atoms at a signal from me!” The cocky officer’s assurance again was visibly shaken. Neither knowing that the death-dealing Norrensen shaft was rendered useless on account of its outlet being buried in the sand, nor being certain that the _Sphere’s_ power was exhausted, he must have feared instant annihilation if he persisted. A cunning light came into his eyes suddenly, and was as quickly veiled. Affecting a friendly attitude he strode over to within a couple feet of Robert. To have backed away from him would but have advertised their weakness, and any retreat from the circle about them was impossible. So he stood his ground and waited the officer’s next move. As if about to take Robert into his confidence, he placed his hand upon Robert’s shoulder. Then like a flash he rapped out a command, at the same instant covering Robert with his _lahan_, the Martian electric automatic. Immediately the ring of Martians closed in upon the _Sphere_, while the officer’s two aids hurried to his help. Counting on his immunity from a possible blast from the _Sphere_ while in close proximity to Robert, the crafty officer had dared to defy the _Sphere_. But he had not counted upon his prisoner’s hot-headedness. Even as he whipped out the _lahan_, Robert started a dashing uppercut to his head. Before the surprized officer could fire or dodge, the blow caught him on the point of his jaw with a beautiful precision. He staggered and fell just before his anxious aids could reach him. Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, Robert could not repress a laugh over the comical appearance of the little, pointed red beard on his late opponent’s chin, which was tilted serenely skyward, as he sprawled on his pompous back. A few minutes later Robert was securely bound and led roughly away. His last glimpse of the _Sphere_ showed him a ring of shouting Martians round it, but no sign of Taggert. 20 Robert was taken to a large tent near by, where, without ceremony, he was securely fastened to the large center pole by means of chain and anklet like a criminal. Two armed guards were set to watch him, after having searched him and taken away the automatic with which he had been armed when he left the _Sphere_.