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"Stand still," ordered the physician sternly, and Johnston was further humiliated by having Tradmos sympathetically catch hold of his arm to steady him. "Your people are far advanced in the sciences," went on the physician coldly, "but there are only a few out of their number who know that the mind governs the body and that fear is its prime enemy.
When Tradmos spoke the words of warning, Thorndyke put his arm round the princess and drew her after Tradmos, who was hastening away in the gloom. "Wait," she said, drawing back. "Let us not get excited. We are really as safe here as there; for in their madness they will kill one another and trample them under foot." She led him to a parapet overlooking the great court below.
"I shall send for Captain Tradmos and try to devise some other plan," she said, as they descended the stairs. "We should not be seen together," she added, as they approached the throne-room; "besides, you ought to go to your chambers. No one is allowed to be out when the dead is being removed." "Where is the dead taken?"
Johnston made no reply, for Captain Tradmos turned suddenly and faced them. "Stand here till I return," he said, and he went back into the house. "Where in the deuce do you think we are?" pursued Thorndyke with a grim smile. "Haven't the slightest idea," sighed Johnston, and he shuddered as he looked down the long white street with its borders of human faces. Thorndyke was observant.
"Perfect it?" "Yes, of course, why not? If it ever fails to be up to the usual high standard, it is owing to neglect of those in charge, and neglect is punished severely." Thorndyke's eyes sought those of the American incredulously. Seeing which Tradmos looked amused. "You doubt it," he smiled. "Well, wait till you have been here longer.
The brilliant light from a quaintly-shaped candelabrum, in the centre of the chamber, dazzled them, but in a few minutes their eyes had become accustomed to it. Tradmos seemed to be enjoying the looks of astonishment on their faces as they glanced at the different objects in the room. "It is night," he said smilingly. "You need rest after your voyage. Lie down on the beds and sleep.
"I am sure no prisoners were ever more graciously or royally entertained. To be your prisoner is a pleasure to be remembered." "Till our heads are cut off, anyway," put in the irrepressible American. Tradmos smiled good-humoredly. "I shall leave you now," he said, and with a bow he withdrew. "This is an adventure in earnest," whispered Johnston; "my stars! what can they intend to do with us?"
They could form no idea as to the distance they went down; but Thorndyke declared afterward that it was over ten thousand feet. When the elevator stopped Captain Tradmos led them out, and both of the captives were conscious of breathing the purest, most invigorating air they had ever inhaled.
"See!" she exclaimed, pointing upward, "the clouds are thinning over the sun, and yet there is no light. What can be the matter?" At that juncture they heard soft steps on the roof and a voice calling: "Bernardino! Princess Bernardino!" "It is Tradmos," she ejaculated gladly, then she called out softly: "Tradmos! Tradmos!" "Here!" the voice said, and a figure loomed up before them.
"The sound of your blood," answered Tradmos, as he removed the instrument from Thorndyke's flesh; "it is as regular as mine; you are very lucky; you are slightly fatigued, but you will be sound in a day or two." "Thank you," replied the Englishman, but he sank into a chair, overcome with weakness. "Now, I'll take you, please," said the medical man, motioning Johnston to rise.
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