designed to work on the type of brain radiation peculiar to the robot and cause almost instant death."

"Then perhaps it won't work on the roboes; they may be different."

Stone hesitated, "That may be, and ordinarily we'd test it first, but there's no roboes left in captivity and no time to construct others. But, it'll only be a small matter to change the settings to correspond to the roboes' minds if this first attempt fails. Somehow I have an idea that it will function as the ancients designed it to—horrible as that may be. But before that happens, son, there's something I must tell you."

A heavy voice broke in, "At least you won't be around when it does occur, Dr. Stone."

Their heads snapped around in the dim light to see a small detachment of soldiers led by the general. "I can promise you that your trial will be short and there is only one sentence for treasonable thoughts. Come."

"This is utterly foolish," snapped the scientist; "I demand to see the Undersecretary immediately."

"I'm afraid that's impossible," came the smooth reply. "The council is in session and he had to attend. Besides, in such matters any authority is supreme until the last roboe has been destroyed."

"I intend to contact the Council immediately and report your actions," threatened the old man, starting for the house.

"Halt, or I'll fire," warned the general, whipping a blaster into sight. The scientist ignored the command and kept on towards the house. The general leveled his arm as the frozen Don regained his senses and dove at him. He sensed rather than saw, the rifle butt swung at his head by one of the squad and dropped, stunned, as the blaster roared out.

Lights flashed on all over the garden and, raising his throbbing head from the ground, Don saw the crumpled heap that had been Dr. Stone but a few moments ago. Rage coursed through his veins and gave him new strength.

"You—you murderer!" he screamed, leaping at the smiling general who stood over the man he had just killed. The blaster came up again but, before it could be fired, several of the squad had leaped in. Before he quite realized what had happened, Don found himself securely tied and being led to the house.

Don neither knew nor cared what charges were brought about during the course of his court-martial. To his surprise, the 

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