"But they are large, your majesty," ventured the high chief.
"Large and therefore awkward; not quick like our people, Olox. The zetbai is the key to the situation. We could girdle the green star of these colossi, devastate it and destroy all who sought to oppose us. That is what we shall do."
"It will be a noble campaign, your majesty."
"Noble? That is not the word, Olox. It will be stupendous! We'll monopolize everything when we get there, my dear sir—everything we can get our hands on. And I guess we can get our hands on whatever there is—zet will clear every obstacle out of our way."
The king looked at the theoretical side. Olox, naturally, had an eye to the practical.
"What are your orders for the campaign, your majesty?" he asked.
"I shall leave a regent to look after Baigadd," said the king, "and myself accompany the expedition. You will be the military head, Olox."
"Yes, your majesty. We are to go in the metal house?"
"It is the only thing we have to go in. The metal house was unhurt by its fall into the crater?"
"That appears to be the case, your majesty, strange as it may seem. It fell into the kingdom right side up and——"