This question of materiality was still a puzzle;
if he himself had survived there was a chance that the firearm had
done the same. It might and it might not preclude the occult.
Anyway, he treasured the thought of that automatic; with it in his
possession he would not be bare-handed in case of emergency.
They returned to the room in which Chick had awakened. The Rhamda
left him. A few moments later he came back with a squad of men.
Chick noted their discipline, movement, and uniforms, and classed
them as soldiers. Two men were stationed outside the door--one, a
stout, dark individual in a blue uniform; and the other a lithe,
athletic chap, blond and blue-eyed, wearing a bright crimson
dress. Chick instinctively preferred both man and garb in crimson;
there was a touch of honour, of lightness and strength that just
suited him. The other was dark, heavy and sinister.
Both wore sandals, and upon their heads curious shakos, made of
the finest down, not fur. Both displayed a heavy silken braid
looped from one shoulder. Each carried a spear-like weapon, of
some shining black material, straight-tapered to a needle-point;
but no other arms.
Watson pointed to the two uniforms.
"What is the significance, Geos?"
"One is from the queen, my lord; the other from Bar Senestro. The
blue is the cloth of the Bars; the red, that of the queens. The
Bar and the queen send this bodyguard with their respective
compliments.
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