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The voices seemed to be constantly getting in oneanothers way. Soon they were
all either sitting up or standing staringabout them in a confused sort of
way.
I held him there for a moment, and then Itossed him across the room.
It is
not as I would have it, sir; but it is the onlyway in which you will be
safe.
Serious as I felt my situation might be, I could nothelp but be amused.
Iam an officer in Hin Abtols navy, he continued, but I feel noloyalty toward
him. Resistance will be futile, said the voice; there are twenty of usand only
one of you. He has been a very good friend, she replied, a little stiffly.
I
suppose you would like to get your sword into me,he said. Resistance will be
futile, said the voice; there are twenty of usand only one of you.
You are most
unco-operative, said the voice named Pnoxus.
I picked up the entire table and
held it above my head.
I had thought that they merely meant being confinedin an
Arctic city surrounded by ice and snow.
You will be led, said Pnoxus, and see
that you follow where youreled. Once again you have saved my life, said
Gor-don; how can I everrepay you? I suppose you would like to get your sword
into me,he said. If you can prove that you are a better man than I, I said,
Illstand.
The first corpse sat up and looked around, as others of them
showedsigns of life.
I can well imagine so; it is not easy to fight voices;
there isnothing one may get ones sword into.
I do not likesituations that I
cannot understand.
Its two huge eyes inspire ones greatest curiosity. Perhaps
you would like to try to flog me, I said.
Resistance will be futile, said the
voice; there are twenty of usand only one of you. He led me out of the palace
again and to the side of the building wheremy flier stood. One of them looked
over at me, and scowled. Well, said a voice, again behind me, we might as well
be on our way.
Thank you, I said; it is very decent of you. You are a very
strong man, he said; what country are you from? The ground was covered with
tiny hummocks, and when I stepped on it itsank down a few inches.
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