“I swear the truth!” supplicated the patriarch, raising his withered hand on high. “If you come not, you must verily die, oh, friends! But if you come--”
“Your own life's the first to pay for any falsehood now.”
“I give it gladly! The truth, I swear it! Oh, listen, while there is still time, and come! Come!”
“What about it, girl?” cried Stern. “Are you with me? Will you take a chance on it?”
“There's nothing else to do, Allan. They've got us, anyway. And--and I think the old man's telling the truth. Hear that, now--”
Off somewhere toward the fortification wall that edged the beach, sounds of indisputable conflict were arising. The howls, cries, shrieks, blows were not to be mistaken.
Stern's resolution was instant.
“I'm with you, old man!” he shouted. “But remember your promise. And if you fail me--it's your finish!
“Come, Beta! Stick close to me! If we fall, we'll go down together. It's both or neither. Come on--come on!”
Out into the glare of the great flame they issued warily, out into the strangely glowing mist that covered the incredible village as with a virescent pall.