And Anstruther leaped up. The pale blue of his eyes was swallowing the pupils. "Yes—yes, now!" he cried. "The hour!"
The Sons fell back, as silently as they had advanced, their hands loose on the shining tubes they swept in little arcs.
O'Hara said, "I can lead you to the Father."
"Yes—I know—"
"But you risk your life. The Father may destroy you."
"Yes."
"The choice is yours."
"I have no choice. I seek him."
"Then follow me," O'Hara said, and turned into the corridor. Anstruther and the Sons came after him.
Beyond the blasted wall a panel opened in the seamless bright magnesium, and when all had passed through it and began to climb the steps, the panel shut them into darkness. O'Hara halted now and turned again.