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 more earnestly than myself, but rather than take the life of another, in such circumstances, I am fully prepared to take my own."

"All of us," said Hierons, "are particularly anxious that your life shall not be sacrificed. We recognize that in the immediate future it is likely to be of signal use to the world. But, unhappily, there can be no going back on the Society's laws. The Council of Seven is bound to insist that its decree be carried out within the time appointed."

"Not by me," said Endor, flatly. "That cannot be. And, as I say," he added, "I am quite ready to accept the alternative. It is no more than a just penalty for tampering with forbidden things."

"Don't forget that the world can ill spare you."

"If that is a true estimate of one's worth, it is for the Council of Seven not to forget it."

Hierons glanced furtively at Helen, who stood pale and rigid, a figure of tragedy. The silence which ensued was painful to all three. And then Hierons said suddenly, "Tell me, where do you keep the phial that was given you by Lien Weng?"

"There, my friend." With a cool laugh that had a note of defiance, Endor pointed to a safe at the other end of the room. "That is the only place for such a diabolical contrivance. No wonder," he added, "that the Society of the Friends of Peace has been able to give the police cold feet."

Hierons agreed. "But please," he said, "do it the