By her side Harry
Wendel crouched on one knee, as if awaiting the signal. Behind
him, the Nervina, supporting the awakening Aradna. And in front of
all, the powerful bulk of Hobart Fenton, standing squarely at the
head of the stair, ready to grapple the first to reach the
landing.
But most important of all, there stood the doctor himself. He was
at the Nervina's side; in his hand, the case of priceless data. He
was gazing through the Spot and making a signal of some kind to
Watson, whereupon the latter leaped to the edge of the unseen
circle.
Something had gone wrong. The Spot was not fully open. Nothing but
sight could get through.
Yet there was no time for anything. Up the stairs came the Bars,
leading and being pressed forward by the horde. At their head
dashed the Bar Senestro, handsome as Alexander. Hobart stepped
forward to meet him, but the doctor stopped him with a word.
Only a few seconds elapsed between death and salvation. Again Dr.
Holcomb signed to Watson; not a sound came through. Watson
hesitated.
The dog Queen shot to her feet. Then the Senestro, out-distancing
all the rest and dodging Hobart, had leaped upon the dais.
Upon the wall across the temple the great Leaf of the Jarados
stood out like sinister fire. It pulsed and vibrated--alive. The
top petal--the blue one--suddenly broke into a seething wave of
flame.
Still Watson held back.
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