he second day was a repetition of the first, as were the third and fourth. A week passed before Dr. Bird entered the cell in evident excitement.
"Has Hanac brought our evening food yet?" he asked anxiously.
"No, Doctor."
"Good. Take this light. As soon as he enters throw the light full on him and hold him until I work on him. We've got to make our escape."
"Why?"
"The king is due back to-morrow. Saranoff is frightened at the good impression I have made on the Selom. He is supreme in the monarch's absence, so he plans to operate on both of us before he returns. He is afraid to allow me to see the king with an unimpaired intellect and memory. Shh! Here comes Hanac." The door to their cell opened noiselessly. When the mole who brought their food was well inside, Carnes turned on the tiny flashlight. The mole dropped on all fours and tried to turn its back. Dr. Bird sprang forward. For an instant his slim muscular fingers worked on the mole's neck and shoulders. Silently the animal sank in a heap.
"Come on, Carnes," cried the doctor. "Turn off the light."
"Did you kill him, Doctor?" asked Carnes as he raced down a pitch dark corridor at the scientist's heels.