The Angel in the House

of a Ha

n the casual way in which he held the ray-gun that bored straight at Carse. Height and strength he had, and a perfectly proportioned figure. Beauty, too, of face, with skin of clea

black. Slanting, veiled, unreadable beneath the lowered silky lashes, there was the s

; the feeling was between these two. Strikingly contrasted they stood there: Carse, in rough blue denim trousers, faded work-shirt, open at the neck, old-fashioned rubber shoes and battered skipper's cap askew on his flaxen hair; Ku Sui, suavely impeccable in high-

lity to read your mind that requires me to ask it. Your so justly famed speed on the draw might possibly overcome this advantage"-he raised his ray-gun slightly-"and, though I know you would not kill me-save in the direst emergency, since you wish to take

blood; but, on the other hand, even as the man had said, he could not kill Ku Sui, but had to capture him, in order to take him to Earth to confess

are wondering how I arrived here, and why you did not see me come. Well, I shall certainly tel

. There was no emotion on his chilly face as he answered, no slightest sign of feeling unless

r like this, Ku Sui, and I want you to know that I've not forg

y you wouldn't threaten me, of all men. Must I point out how useless it has always b

ack, "the brain has failed in the

the brain is dealing with you directly this time, my friend. It's

d to kill me," said

topics! But to relieve your mind, I've not yet decided how I can entertai

tha

of Master Scienti

onceit lends you an extrao

he only other brain in this universe at all comparable to mine. And did I tell you that I alw

oment h

only look

are Sako?" he asked the latter. "It is most unfortunate that you had to deceive me a little while ago. We shall have to see what to do abo

th inscrutable eyes. Gr

asian draw, from one of the long sleeves of

he murmured. "You will remember it." And h

iar insignia composed of an asteroid in the circle of ten planets. And then alarm lit his brai

. Ku," he said. "Qu

harsh sound came from his lips; he lurched uncertainly. The negro crumpled up and stretched out on the deck. Carse's desire to sleep grew overpowering. Once more, as from a dista