Page:Weird Tales volume 36 number 02.djvu/113

 he held many discussions with her father about social progress through the ages, analyzed the history of many peoples who had risen and fallen during the long years since Ramahadin had lived upon the earth.

"History has followed a pattern," the Egyptian expounded to them. "Peoples have succeeded or failed, as the gods willed, but also according to the might of their minds. This is a good world here in Atlantis."

"Among themselves Ramahadin al-alludedalluded [sic] to the country of his emergence from the past as Atlantis, although his miraculous mastering of English and his fantastic ability to absorb facts made it possible for him to talk glibly to others of "the Middle West" the "mental processes of the Deep South," etc. That his mind held just as detailed and intricate knowledge of world-shaping events of the past was apparent. How this vast wealth of learning was to be infiltrated into modern America was the problem before them. Ramahadin's own scholarly mind seemed to be winning the ascendant over his domineering spirit, and his interest in the news of the new world war was unceasing. He would compare Hitler with other dictators of eight hundred, a thousand years ago. He realized and comprehended the modern mechanical means of slaughter, but maintained that now, as always—it would be man's spirit that would win.

A certain slyness returned to his manner when he realized how keenly Susan was feeling the effect of the war. She became tense with anxiety when more and more of Europe was overcome, and the growing war spirit of America caused her many sleepless nights.

"You would have this stopped?" he asked. "I could conjure up spirits who would combat the essence of evil abroad on this planet," he said, "but"—and the tone of this voice stopped her eagerness—"my price is one only you can pay."

The conversation ended there with the entry of Professor Shepard, but Susan turned it over and over in her mind. Was it to be given to her to pay a price that would save humanity; was she, Susan Blythe, modern young America in person, to be a sacrifice to Ancient Egypt?

Her association with Eric Hanley had generated a feeling not only of mutual interests with the brilliant young scientist, but of a growing love, and her heart was his—yet both realized they must keep the High Priest on the side of humanity, not of the forces of evil.

Shepard they saw more rarely as time went on, and Ramahadin and he worked together less often. With this arrangement Shepard was keenly dissatisfied, and he and Professor Blythe had a violent disagreement over the custody of both the translation and original papyrus of the Book of the Dead.

"It is ours jointly, of course," said the older man, "but it shall remain in my safe until I am satisfied that spread of its knowledge is warranted."

"The formulae I need," said Shepard, "and I mean to have. You must allow me access to the safe."

"All in good time," said Professor Blythe, and stood his ground in spite of Shepard's threat of violence.

Their altercation was interrupted by the entrance of Susan, Eric and Ramahadin who had been on a visit to one of the great new industries manufacturing war implements.

"I cannot but grieve," said the Egyptian, "that the vast knowledge that man has achieved since I last was on earth is still turned to the art of waging war. It should not be."

"Conquest is power, and power is what we all crave," said Professor Shepard. "I want Professor Blythe to use the power given him by the knowledge contained in the Book of the Dead, but he refuses."