"What ship?" we heard a voice demand, and from aboard our own came the reply:
"The Vosar, Tower of Thavas for Toonol." We heard a scraping as the other ship touched ours.
"We are coming aboard to search you in the name of Vobis Kan, Jeddak of Toonol. Make way!" shouted one from the other ship. Our cheer had been of short duration. We heard the shuffling of many feet and Gor Hajus whispered in my ear.
"What shall we do?" he asked.
I slipped my short-sword into his hand. "Fight!" I replied.
"Good, Vad Varo," he replied, and then I handed him my pistol and told him to pass it on to Dar Tarus. We heard the voices again, but nearer now.
"What ho!" cried one. "It is Bal Zak himself, my old friend Bal Zak!"
"None other," replied a deep voice. "And whom did you expect to find in command of
