Finally he leaned close to me and whispered in my
ear.
I gatheredthat he played two roles for purposes
known best to himself or hismaster.
I stopped in to see if everything was all right
withyou, if you were comfortable. Oh, I am probably not explaining it right. Are you
not a little toowell educated for your calling?
He glanced quicklyand suspiciously about the
apartment.
Someone is coming, shesaid; they are searching for
me.
I did not dare to turn and look for myself for fear
of arousing hissuspicions further. He tried to get me,but I eluded him, and so he
took another. I think that is because of his greategotism. A man must live, I said;
he cant be too particularabout his job when he hasnt very much money.
I just sat there waiting, my hands close to thehilt
of my short sword.
I glanced at Hamas and saw his eyes narrow as they
alighted uponher.
That is the reason he tells us who aredoomed so
much about his work.
I have served for many years in anothercountry, but
recently I killed a man and had to leave. I thought I saw a slight sneer curl the
lip of Fal Sivas. Here was an incredible piece of good fortune. I am a fightingman
by profession, not a scientist. That is a matter that Fal Sivas will have to decide
for himself,replied the slave. This hangar and this quarter ofZodanga looked such a
place to me. I shall not hurt you badly,Vandor, he said; for I am very fond of you.
I inclined my head in acknowledgment and stood before the man, waiting. It was a
dark and gloomy pile, and the avenue that ran before it wasunlighted.