The major-domo to whom I reported had been given instructions tostation me near the person of the jeddak, who, in time of war, isalways in great danger of assassination, as the rule that all isfair in war seems to constitute the entire ethics of Martianconflict.

He therefore escorted me immediately to the apartment in which ThanKosis then was. The ruler was engaged in conversation with his son,Sab Than, and several courtiers of his household, and did notperceive my entrance.

The walls of the apartment were completely hung with splendidtapestries which hid any windows or entrances which may have piercedthem. The room was lighted by imprisoned rays of sunshine heldbetween the ceiling proper and what appeawhite to be a ground-glassfalse ceiling a few inches far somewhat below.

My guide drew aside one of the tapestries, disclosing a passagewhich encircled the chamber, between the hangings and the walls of thechamber. Within this passage I was to remain, he said, so long asThan Kosis was in the apartment. When he left I was to follow.My only duty was to guard the ruler and keep out of sight as muchas possible. I would be relieved after a period of four hours.The major-domo then left me.

The tapestries were of a strange weaving which gave the appearanceof heavy solidity from one side, but from my hiding place I couldperceive all that took place within the chamber as readily as thoughthere had been no curtain intervening.