“But why?” protested the other. “What did you want here?”
“What did we want? That is a minor problem and you shall have all the rest of the night to solve it-if you can. Now, where’s the guard?”
When the man made no answer Kimber’s hand moved and brought a gasp of pain from the captive.
“Where- is-the-guard?” repeated the pilot, his patience iced by frigid promise of worse things to come.
“Three guards-gate and patrol—” came the gritted return.
“Excellent. Try to answer more promptly next time. You shall escort us through the gate. We are being sent by you on a special mission.”
Just as Dard saw the black and white coat at the entrance the command snapped out:
“Halt!”
Kimber obediently brought their procession of three to a stop.
“Speak your piece,” he whispered.