Thorne was not perturbed. The panel door behind the intent conspirators, where Dallis had first appeared, was slowly inching open.
"And a like end for your other dupe, Chain Lucas," he contemptuously replied. Dallis grinned again, wolfishly.
"Of course. We'll wreck this ship and plaster her with evidence tying him with every piracy for the last ten years. The Patrol can hunt him down."
"He won't like that," offered Thorne, gently. Dallis swore in exasperation.
"Do I care?" he shouted. "Why worry over Chain Lucas, you gilded idiot?"
A beatific smile overspread Thorne's face. "Principally," he admitted, "because he is standing directly behind you, Dallis."
Iris' choked scream ripped the silence and her gun fell thumping to the floor. Dallis, half-turning, stared transfixed at the tall figure standing quietly in the doorway, hands on the side.
IV
The golden chains which had given him his name glimmered richly in the soft light, sparkling across his broad chest and about the rich black tunic. A black-masked steel helmet concealed the face no one living had ever seen.