"I can see the stars," murmured Vaneen.
Yorgh looked up. It was true.
"And, Yorgh...?"
"Yes?" he asked, feeling light of heart at having succeeded in escaping the Raydowers for the time being.
"I ... am beginning to believe your story about finding the metal stick in the desert. I'm sorry I said what I did."
Yorgh chuckled and reached out for her in the dark. He pulled her to him and found her soft lips with his. After the first instant, she slipped strong young arms about his waist and strained her body against his.
"That's ninety-nine you owe me," said Yorgh, taking a deep breath.
Vaneen pretended to pull back from him, with a low laugh.
Abruptly, following a quiet click, the place was flooded by a white glare that was like a blow on his eyes. When he could see again, they were still the only ones there ... except for a skeleton on a couch across the wide, cluttered chamber ... and another on the floor beside a long table with many drawers.
"What is it?" gasped Yorgh.