Page:Weird Tales volume 30 number 01.djvu/78

 had entered the palace. Quickly pocketing the pistol, I stepped out into the still deserted corridor. At the stairway, heavy treading told of the ascending guards. The hallway would soon swarm with armed sentries, and knowing further searching to be useless, I quietly entered my own room, closing the door behind me.

The venture had not proven worthless. I had seen the landing of the desert flyer, discovered the puzzling portrait of Carol Terry; and behind the large picture over the bed, destructive and ready, was the secreted pistol, waiting for the time when I should need its powerful assistance.

that afternoon a gentle knock sounded on my door as a musical voice asked softly, "May I enter?"

The frail obstacle was pushed aside, and a vision of loveliness stood in the doorway. Two indescribably beautiful long-lashed eyes rolled beneath a waving mass of black hair. Slightly parted red lips displayed a perfect row of teeth, while the tall, shapely body, richly appareled in a low-cut gown of shimmering white satin that revealed the full outline of her lovely breasts, moved with the soft ease of a tigress.

Instantly I recognized the wondrous features I had seen in the throneroom. It was she whose lovely head had graced the massive stone bowl, whose eternal history had been told by the Pharaoh, Atma, Princess of Egypt!

"You are surprized. Confess it now, you really are surprized."

I had risen at the entrance of Hatshepsut's lovely daughter.

"Surprized!" I gasped, smilingly. "I—I am amazed."

The beauty laughed gayly, and seating herself on a plush-covered bench, crossed shapely legs as her dark eyes smiled into mine.

"But you need not remain standing." Her manicured hand motioned to a chair.

"Is it not the proper thing to do?" I had asked.

"We can dispense with formalities. Just be your natural self—I know I will enjoy it."

"In that case, you will find me curious."

"Curious? And why that?"

Seated on a chair, I looked long and earnestly at the superb creature before me. Last night I had gazed at those same exquisite features when it was only a head that had spoken and watched me. And now there sat an enchantress whose body would have put to shame the form of a Salome.

"Princess Atma, there is one—there are two things I would like very much to know. I wonder if it would seem rude for me to ask them."

The wondrous smile deepened.

"And what are these so vitally important questions?" she parried.

Hopefully I continued.

"What has become of my companions, and where are they now? It is only right I should know. We were dragged into this horrible business together, but I feel responsible for them. Also, how is it that I see you as you now are, when last night it was only a" I paused, uncertain of my words. "Oh, you must know what I mean."

"Of course I do, and will readily answer your queries—at least one of them. Your friends are safe—that I promise you! I talked to them but a short while ago, and had their own assurance as to their welfare. It is needless to be alarmed or worried. Your other question must go unanswered for a short time. Later on, perhaps, when certain changes have been effected, you may be told."

"But it all seems so impossible."