I hope thatyou kill him but of course you
wont.
I felt sorry forRojas, and I was annoyed and
humiliated by the part that I was forcedto play. I jumped to one side but I jumped
into the arms of another voice, andit seized me.
I knew that I had chosen wisely, but I was still
most unhappy. A tal is about eight tenths of anearthly second.
One woman said, He does not looklike a Barsoomian
at all. I knew that I had chosen wisely, but I was still most unhappy. I do not wish
to see you killed, she said, and clung to me tightly. I am most unhappy here, said
Rojas, in a quite natural and humanattempt at self-justification.
Motus came at me again, but he was wary and he was
a good swordsman.
So you think you are going to kill Motus, do you?
But I am not going to be surprised; I know just what willhappen.
Rojas froze instantly and her arms dropped from
about me. Rojas, I said, dont you think that you should reconsider yourdecision to
come with me?
I heard her land on the roof with anything but an
invisible thud, and Ibreathed a sigh of relief. I glanced at the great clock on the
wall. Of course I dont understand, said Kandus, but Ill do what you
ask.
But Ptantus only sat and scowled morefiercely; I
fear that Ptantus did not like me.
While the referee was retrieving Motus sword, a
little ripple ofapplause ran through the stands. We really had no plan, butwe knew
that we certainly could not escape as long as we wereshackled.
Rojas froze instantly and her arms dropped from
about me. And a moment latershe had made her explanations to her friends and I saw
her leave thethrone room.
Good; and tell her to come out into the courtyard
by the quarters ofthe slave women.
If Kandus didnt know why, I thought that I did.
Ilistened a moment for voices that might betray the presence of theenemy, but there
were none.
You are about to have an experience,Llana, I said.
I saw many an eye glance quickly at the clock.
There was a single piercing scream, and I was free.
One woman said, He does not looklike a Barsoomian at all.
Suddenly trumpets blared and the people fell back
to each side of thethrone room. The fellow had evidently seen or heardnothing of any
importance.
I am not fond of Motus, said the warrior; no one is
fond of Motus.
That will simplify matters greatly, I
said.
If I had anything of value, I would give it to you
as securityfor your wager.