. But be it 'super-termite' or be it Queen--whatever
it may be--I want just one chance to use this spear of mine!"

Reluctantly he stepped forth before the fearful guard; reluctantly, but
in full command of his nerves now that the wearing inactivity was ended
and something definite was about to happen. Which proves but once again
the wisdom of the gods in not allowing man to read the future. For could
Jim Holden have foreseen the precise experience awaiting them, his nerve
control--and Denny's, too--might not have been so firm.

* * * * *

Again their way led sharply down, through tunnels loftier and broader
and glowing more brilliantly with phosphorescence which was a
testimonial to their greater age.

The efficiency of their herding was perfect. At each side entrance along
the way stood one of the ghastly soldiers, jaws clashing with monotonous
deadliness. Now and again several of the monsters appeared straight
ahead, barring the avenue, and leaving no choice but to turn to right or
left into off-branching tunnels. Small chance here of missing the path!
And always behind them marched their two particular guards, closing off
their retreat.

"How do you suppose they sense our approach?" wondered Jim, who had
noticed that the menacing jaw-clashing began while they were still
fairly far from whatever side entrance was being barred to them. And
again: "You're _sure_ they can't see?"

"There isn't an eye in the lot of them," said Denny. "They must sense
our coming by the vibration of our footsteps."

But when they tried tiptoeing, on noiseless bare feet, the result was
the same. Surely the things could not hear them for more than a few
feet; yet with no sound to guide them, the blind guards commenced
automatically opening and closing those invulnerable jaws with the
distant approach of the two men just the same. They could only ascribe
it to the same force that seemed able to follow them, step by step and
thought by thought, though it was far away and out of sight--the ruling
brain of the termite tribe.

* * * * *

Ever hotter it grew as they descended, till at length a blast of heat
like a draft from a furnace met them as they rounded a corner and
stepped into a corridor that no longer led downward. They knew that they
were very near the ruler's lair now, on the lowest level, deep in the
foundations of the vast pile.

Dennis wiped perspiration, cause