Avon Murder Mystery Monthly No. 41 — page 164: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

166 THE METAL MONSTER me, rule equally. And when I die you and Kulun shall rule. “Thus shall our two royal lines be made one, the old feud wiped out, the long score be settled. Queen—wherever it is you dwell it comes to me that you have few men. Queen—you need men, many men and strong to follow you, men.to gather the harvests of your power, men to bring to you the fruit of your smallest wish—young men and vigorous. to amuse you. “Let the past be forgotten—I too have wrongs to forget, O Queen. Come to us, Great One, with your power and your beauty. Teach us. Lead us. Return, and throned above your people rule the world!” He ceased. Over the battlements, over the city, dropped a vast expect- ant silence—as though the city knew its fate was hanging upon the balance. | | | “No! No!” It was Ruth crying. “Do not trust him, Norhala! It’s a trap! He shamed me—he tortured—” Cherkis half turned; befgre he swung about I saw a hell shadow darken his face. Ventnor’s hand thrust out, covered Ruth’s mouth, choking her crying. “Your son”—Norhala: spoke swiftly; and back flashed the cruel face of Cherkis, devouring her with his eyes. “Your son—and Queenship here—and Empire of the World.” Her voice was rapt, thrilled. “All this you offer? Me—Norhala?” “This and more!” The huge bulk of his body quivered with eagerness. “If it be your wish, O Queen, I, Cherkis, will step down from the throne for you and sit beneath your right hand, eager to do your bidding.” A moment she studied him. | “Norhala,” I whispered, “do not do this thing. He thinks to gain your secrets,” | “Let my bridegroom stand forth that I may look upon him,” called Norhala. | | Visibly Cherkis relaxed, as though a strain had been withdrawn. Be- tween him and his crimson-clad son flashed a glance; it was as though a triumphant devil sped from them into each other’s eyes. I saw Ruth shrink into Ventnor’s arms. Up from the wall rose a jubi- lant shouting, was caught by the inner battlements, passed on to the crowded terraces. “Take Kulun,” it was Drake, pistol drawn an ui me. “I'll handle Cherkis. And ote straight.” Sg Aes ECOMC OOO (GO)