Vyers was at his heels. Following Vyers in close formation came twelve crouching shapes, armed with picks and clubs.
The serum had worked swiftly. Dirk and Vyers had selected the hardiest and gamest of the prisoners to administer the counteractive drug to. The men aroused from the stupefying effects of the electric discs had been hard to restrain. Once they realized that they were free they wanted to charge Skarack's office and tear the man to pieces.
Now Dirk paused, held up a hand. The shadowy shapes behind him froze into rigidity.
"What is it?" Vyers asked.
"Look!" Dirk pointed to the main gate. "The guards have evidently turned in. Maybe a surprise attack at that point will turn the trick for us."
"Long shot," Vyers muttered.
"What isn't?" Dirk snapped. "Come on!"
Slinking across the lighted areas like stalking wolves the small band reached the shadow of the fence and followed it to the main gate.
Dirk stole forward alone then. He tried to keep himself from dwelling on the tremendous stakes of this game he was playing. His own life was insignificant, but the courageous girl and the men who trusted him had to have a break. He couldn't let them down.
Crouching before the gate Dirk racked his brain for some method to storm the unguarded entrance. With the futility of desperation he leaned against the massive gate and shoved with all his strength.
Then his heart leaped for the gate gave way under his shoulder and swung slowly inward. Trembling with excitment Dirk waved to the line of crouching silent men.
"We've got a chance now," he hissed as Vyers crept alongside him. "Stick right behind me and be prepared to scatter and fight on the inside."
Cautiously he shoved the heavy gate open, stepped into the the stockade. All was quiet and still. He panthered cautiously ahead, the ragged horde of prisoners at his heels.
His eyes raked over the seemingly lifeless buildings.
Suddenly he wheeled, shouted at his men.
"Get out! It's a trap!"
But he was too late. The massive stockade gate was already swinging shut and, from behind it, a dozen guards sprang. Their revolvers were out, ready for instant action.
Dirk cursed bitterly, but he saw instantly that resistance would be worse than useless. His whole being raged at the realization that they had been easily and stupidly trapped. But there was nothing to be gained by lunging at the guards. It would only bring a fiery rain of atomic pellets on all of them.
"Easy men," he cautioned. "They've got us."
"Drop your weapons," one of the guards ordered.
SULLENLY the men dropped their picks and clubs to the ground, and with them dropped their own hopes. They stood stolidly grouped together now, lips twisted bitterly.
To their right a door banged open, then a familiar voice snapped over their heads.
"You scum are more stupid than I thought. You've proved it by pitting your puny wits against mine."
Dirk turned slowly. In the door of the office stood Skarack, his immense bulk filling the opening. A red river of hate was coursing through Dirk's veins. Fists clenched, he strained toward Skarack, but Vyers jerked him
