Page:Weird Tales volume 38 number 03 CAN.djvu/69

 "You see," said the doctor, "When I returned disguised in Enoch's robes, I kept in the shadows and no one discovered me. When they started their ritual I imitated them, still keeping in the back. Then when I saw you and Mina drawn behind the idol, I knew the time for action had come. But these Wends by then were in such a state of ecstasy that they never noticed me. I stabbed them, one by one, from the rear. It was like cutting the strings of puppets—they fell that neatly. When there were but two or three still standing, these became conscious that something was wrong. It was funny to see them try to gather their faculties; but were not quick enough for old Planquette. One of these last was our famous friend Hynek. Well, I decided not to kill him—not for any love of him, of course. So I gently butted his skull with the handle of my sword, then bound him, I fear perhaps not too well for I was in haste to find you and Mina."

"Not a moment, thankfully, too soon to save our lives," said Christian.

Mina was rising and Christian embraced her.

"But where is the frightful Zcerneboh?" asked the girl.

"It will be a pleasure to reply," said Planquette with calm humor. "I believe I can claim the unique distinction of having just murdered a god."

A voice came from behind them. It was the stilt struggling Hynek. "No mortal can kill a god," he sneered.

"Then perhaps you would like to join us, to see if he is really dead," replied the doctor. They bound Hynek's hands securely behind him, released the other bonds so he could walk, and escorted him to the inner sanctum.

There the body of Zcerneboh, unmistakably dead, lay with his blood still oozing.

NE look and Hynek swung his head away, paling to whiteness. His voice trembled as he said: "But the Wends yet are strong. There are still other Wend gods eager and ready to avenge our people."

"Then you will admit that Zcerneboh is dead?" asked Planquette.

Hynek was stolid, stunned. Finally he answered: "Zcerneboh is not dead. There is the real Zcerneboh!" He pointed to the back of the statue. "There reposes the spirit of Zcerneboh—as he has for ages past, immortal, indomitable!"

"I do not believe in your heathen worship," said Planquette. "Howbeit, should there be any truth to what you say, it will be a simple matter for us to destroy that antique carving.

"That would doom you forever!" hissed Hynek.

"Never!" returned Planquette. "But I have another question, in case you are inclined to answer. This Zcerneboh whom I have just stabbed, who and what is he?"

Hynek deliberated. "For an answer to that I will bargain with you," he replied cautiously.

"How?"

"I'll give you the information in return for your solemn pledge not to destroy the statue."

"Since I do not believe in him anyhow, good enough. You have my pledge."

"And your's, Christian?"

"My pledge not to destroy the statue," said Christian.

"Not to destroy it, nor remove it, nor mar it in the least?" Both of you?" persisted the Wend.

They assented.

"Very well, it is this. Zcerneboh, for