SECRET MISSION
Night brooded over Anshan, a velvety darkness that enwrapped the city's glassy towers and domes. Like glimmering ghost-bubbles the fairy spherical structures caught and imaged the thousand stars that burned in the blue-black sky.
Nelson turned from the open window out which he had been gazing and looked across the torchlit room at the others.
"The moon won't be up for hours, and that's good. With luck we can get in and out of Vrunn before it rises."
"I wish that you were not going," murmured Li Kin, his bespectacled face troubled.
Lefty Wister had elected to accompany Nelson. He sat checking the service automatics which Nelson had deemed more suitable than submachine-guns for this stealthy attempt. Van Voss sat watching with his pale, expressionless eyes.
Nelson shrugged. "It's risky but no more so than some of the things we pulled for old Yu Chi Chan. And if we can capture Kree and his daughter we have a chance to clean up this business pronto."
Nick Sloan nodded agreement. "But you watch yourself, Nelson. That cursed thinking wolf will have your heart out if he gets the jump on you."
"I want to be the one to kill that brute whenever the time comes!" Lefty said venomously. The little Cockney had chosen to be the one to accompany Nelson despite the fact that of them all he had the most superstitious horror of the intelligent animals. It was almost as though he was drawn on the dangerous mission by a fascination of hate.
Shan Kar and young Diril entered the room in full warrior dress of helmet, breastplate and sword-belt.