The officer looked into Lane's stormy face, then with great reluctance retreated to carry out the order.
In about ten minutes he was back, with four guards and his prisoners. He explained that Captain Ilgen was detained on official duty.
"You may go," said Lane, prompted by a jab in the ribs.
"A written receipt, please, sir, for the senator."
Glowering, Lane wrote out the desired document. At last they were alone.
"Our program," Mich'l announced briskly, "is simple. You will conduct us to one of the Government cars, and will ride with us to such places as we may direct, and I shall release you when it pleases me. If you then want to fight, I will accommodate you."
"I would be willing to fight you, as head of the technies," Lane countered sullenly, "but I wouldn't be bothered with a rebel and a traitor. You've overstepped yourself this time, my fine bolthead, and all I ask is a front seat at your execution!"
hey stepped into the brightly lighted hall, and in that instant Mich'l felt a searing heat on his shoulder. Without a moment's pause he hurled Senator Mane and the girl back into the room. At the same moment he flung an arm around Lane's neck and pulled him back into the doorway, where he could use him as a shield while he cautiously peered out into the corridor. His shoulder throbbed painfully, but his movement had prevented the needle-ray from penetrating deeply in any one place.