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I am, unquestionably, the bestswordsman that has ever lived. I am,
unquestionably, the bestswordsman that has ever lived.
As the man finished
speaking there was a commotion at the entrance tothe chamber. Facing me, and
ready to spring upon me,was the largest ulsio I had ever seen. I am afraid we
are lost, said Pan Dan Chee.
Hecommenced to talk in a low, soothing voice. I
think that nothing that I had ever seenbefore had so impressed me. Suppose we
extinguish it, andcreep forward silently.
The other shook his head in evident
bewilderment. You must rest, he said; then I will show you.
There were lots
ofthings that those old fellows knew that are lost arts today.
He wore a helmet
entirely covered with diamonds, one of the fewhelmets I had ever seen upon
Mars.
The beasts ignored the commonest ethics of civilizedwarfare. I had no
reason to believe that his suit would meet with any success.
My friend, Pan Dan
Chee of Horz, I explained.
It sounded very much like a laugh to me, replied.
He
had no nose;it appeared to have been eaten away by disease.
When I blew this
away he looked quite as alive as you orI.
How can we play Jetan without a board
or the pieces? It would have been better for you and forGathol had you believed
me.
Silently we approached the doorway from which the light streamed outinto
the corridor.
I couldonly stand and look on, which is not such a part in a
fight as I liketo take.
Nevertheless, the pits of Horz was not a pleasant
place.
Other nations may fall before my armies, but you shall beallowed to keep
your throne.
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