o draw carefully, his eyes
savage.

"What's that?"

"There's high-pressure steam in Yugna," said Tommy coldly. "I'm
designing steam guns. Gravity feed of spherical projectiles. A jet of
steam instead of gunpowder. They'll be low-velocity, but we can use
big-calibre balls for shock effect, and with long barrels they ought
to serve for a hundred yards or better. Smooth bore, of course."

Denham stirred. His lips were pinched.

"I'll design a gas mask," he said restlessly, "and Smithers and I,
between us, will do what we can."

* * * * *

The air fleet went on over the waving tree-fern jungle in an unvarying
monotony of bitterness. Presently Tommy wearily explained his design
to the bearded Councilor who, with the quick comprehension of
mechanical design apparently instinctive in these folk, grasped it
immediately. He selected three of the six-man crew and passed Tommy's
drawings to them. While the jungle flowed beneath the fleet they
studied the sketches, made other drawings, and showed them eagerly to
Tommy. When the fleet soared down to the scattered landing stages, not
only was the design understood but apparently plans for production had
been made. It did not take the men of the Golden City long to respond.

Tommy flung himself savagely into the work he had taken upon himself.
It did not occur to him to ask for authority. He knew what had to be
done and he set to work to do it, commanding men and materials as if
there could be no question of disobedience. As a matter of fact, he
yielded impatiently to an order of the Council that he should present
himself in the Council hall, and, since no questions were asked him,
continued his organizing in the very presence of the Council, sending
for information and giving orders in a low tone while the Council
deliberated. A vote was taken by the voting machine. At its end, he
was solemnly informed that, though not a native of Yugna, he was
entrusted with the command of the defense forces of the city. His
skill in arms--as evidenced by his defeat of the fleet of Rahn--and
his ability in command--when he met the gas-mask defense of Rahn with
a threat of starvation--moved the Council to that action. He accepted
the command almost abstractedly, and hurried away to pick gun
emplacements.

* * * * *

Within four hours after the return of the fleet, the first steam gun
was ready for trial. Smithers appeared, swea