Page:Weird Tales volume 38 number 03 CAN.djvu/66

 "Good," answered Hynek. "Come now, all. We must to Zcerneboh. It is time for the rites."

Down into the grotto they filed, the three captives cautiously guarded. Through to the second chamber they climbed where the lamp burned and swastikas adorned the walls. Zcerneboh was not in sight.

Speaking always in Wendish they squatted along the sides of the chamber, forcing the captives to stand in the middle. Finally Hynek revealed the topic of their talk:

"Dr. Planquette," he said, "you are not one of the hated Teutons. Therefore you will not be satisfactory to Zcerneboh as a sacrifice. Nevertheless, we cannot, with your knowledge of us, permit you to live. I am reluctant of this, for as a scholar you are to be admired. However, Nohl and the wench will give themselves to Zcerneboh."

Hynek now gestured to his stocky, squared-jawed lieutenant: "Enoch, take Planquette, and take my sword. Blood such as this must not be spilled in this sacred place. Destroy Planquette outside the grotto, destroy him in the name of Mighty Zcerneboh and his crusade of madness against the Teutons; and return here for the rites. And take care, for though Planquette is an old man, he is strong. We shall prepare for the rites."

Christian and Mina pleaded to the Wends for mercy in behalf of old Planquette, for which they were struck across the mouth and ordered silent. Enoch shoved Planquette brutally through the difficult entrance and clambered after him with zest to fulfil Hynek's order.

WO men lifted a slab from the floor—secret entrance to the ritual chamber.

Christian held Mina in his arms. "Do not fear," he whispered. "If we must die we will do it together. But there is still a ray of hope. Surely the God of the Christians is stronger than this god of evil."

"I am praying, Christian," she answered. "And that I shall keep on doing until the end."

All the remaining Wends except Hynek had descended steps beneath the slab.

Now, Hynek, a sickening leer on his pallid face, approached Christian and Mina—tore them apart—seized Mina in his arms.

"A pretty snatch of a damsel, Teuton wench that you are!" he said thickly, and digging his finger into her arms he demanded: "A kiss for me!—before you go to Zcerneboh!" But craftily watching Christian from the corners of his eyes, he saw the lover bracing for attack.

With subtle swiftness Hynek lashed out his arm, throwing Christian off balance.

"You did it once before, you filthy Teuton!" rasped Hynek, "but not again!" Scratching and twisting, Mina released herself.

The Wend, panting and nervous with rage, cackled: "Down to Zcerneboh—both of you," and maniacally he pushed them with his feet into the opening where the slab had been. Down the cold hard steps they rolled, Mina first.

Though bruised badly, Christian got to his feet quickly. Looking for Mina, he saw her yellow tresses in a corner near the foot of the rock-hewn steps—and dimly he saw the outline of her body, her garments torn, her limbs bleeding.

With a madness that made his head whirl he shouted an oath that struck back from the rock walls to split his own ears. He dropped to her side.