But the Rhamda's voice was very
sure as he replied:
"If you were false, my lord, I would slay you myself."
They were very near the Mahovisal now. Below was the unmistakable
opalescence, somehow produced by powerful illumination, as intense
as sunlight itself. The red dot was almost above the black square
on the lighted chart. And directly ahead, the air was becoming
alive with the beam-revealed aircraft. How could they get by in
safety?
But Chick did not know the Jan Lucar. The soldier said:
"My lord is not uneasy?"
"Of course not," with unconcern. "Why?"
"Because I propose something daring. I am free to admit, my lord,
that were the Geos and I alone, I should not attempt it. But not
even the Bars," with magnificent confidence, "can stand before us
now! We have had the proof of the Jarados, and we know that no
matter what the odds, he will carry us through."
"What are you going to do?"
"I propose to shoot it, my lord." And without explaining the Jan
asked the Geos: "Are you agreeable? The June Bug will hold; the
prophet will protect us."
"Surely," returned the Rhamda. "There is nothing to fear, now, for
those who are in the company of the chosen."
Watson wondering watched the Jan as he tilted the nose of the June
Bug and began to climb at an all but perpendicular angle straight
into the heavens. Mile after mile, in less than as many minutes,
they hurtled towards the zenith, so that the lights of the city
dimmed until only the searching shafts could be seen.
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