t ... well, we can only go ahead with
the preparations and trust to him. Is everything ready?"

"All but my assistants. I had better see them now."

* * * * *

The Master Scientist issued an order to one of his men, and presently
the four white assistants of Dr. Ku were led into the laboratory. For
these men, no V-27 was needed; their brains were utterly subservient
to Dr. Ku Sui, and his orders they would obey unquestioningly, no
matter what the work. There was no danger from them.

They stood motionless, their eyes fastened on their master, as he
spoke to them.

"Brain operations," he said. "These"--he indicated the case--"are to
be transplanted again into human heads. You have done work similar to
it before; you know the routine. But now it must be quick. Synchronize
your speed with mine; I will be working very rapidly, and it is vital
that you be in harmony with me every instant. When the bodies come,
you will prepare the heads: and then you will attend me through every
step. You understand." He turned to the old scientist. "Operating
gowns, gloves, masks, Master Leithgow?"

"I have your own. Over there. Your black costume is among them."

But Leithgow's answer was abstracted. Four minutes for Carse to come!
Or else, everything lost! He busied himself helping the four surgeons
and two of his own assistants into the white, sterilized gowns, and
the masks that left only the eyes free and the skin-tight rubber
gloves, but his mind was not with his actions. The old man looked very
frail now; his age showed in the deep lines now eminent on his face.
Three minutes--swiftly two....

"At least," observed Ku Sui, "we have one body ... the coolie. I had
better start immediately on him."

"Bring him out," Leithgow instructed one of his men. "One brain will
be saved. But--_there!_ Thank God! Hear that? Coming down the passage?
It's Carse, returning!"

* * * * *

It was Carse. He and Ban Wilson, coming down the passage from the top
of the tree-shaft. Everyone in the laboratory could hear plainly the
heavy, sliding tread of the great space-boots. Eliot Leithgow was
first to the door. He opened it, peered through eagerly and called:

"Carse? You've got them?"

"Yes, Eliot. Here--we need help."

The Hawk's voice sounded weary. Friday and the scientist ran down the
passageway until they reached the adventurer. In the faint light, they
saw he was carrying