Out of the Silence (Sci-Fi Classic). Erle Cox

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СКАЧАТЬ Andax and Earani will wait on the Council without delay."

      He bowed and retired.

      Earani arose from her seat. "Come with us, Marnia–to the door of the chamber, at least," and the four followed the courier.

      It was a vast majestic hall in which the High Council sat on a raised dais at its further end. Down its centre from the entrance ran a wide carpeted passage. From this passage on either side rose galleries crowded with silent spectators. The President who occupied the central seat on the platform was a tall stately man with a calm and benevolent appearance. The four councillors who sat on either side of him were all advanced in years. Two of them were women.

      There was an atmosphere of strained expectancy over the whole assemblage as the wide doors of the great chamber slowly unfolded. All eyes were turned on the little group they revealed that waited on the threshold.

      The voice of the official rang through the Hall. "Surrendering to the command of the High Council. I have the honour to present Andax, Earani and Mardon."

      From an official at the foot of the dais came the command. "Enter, Andax, Earani and Mardon and learn the will of the most honourable High Council."

      As the three walked slowly down the long passage all of the spectators rose and remained standing until they paused, bowing before the dais. Not until the murmur and rustle of the great gathering ceased after they had resumed their seats, did the President stand and come to the edge of the dais.

      Looking down on the three, he spoke slowly and with profound earnestness. "My children, it has pleased the creator of our planet to permit the destruction of all who dwell upon its surface. That moment, long foretold, is upon us. But in the hope that all of the achievements of our race for the happiness of humanity may not vanish utterly with them, we have resolved on an expedient whereby they may hand down the wisdom of our race to that, which, in the fullness of time, may follow us."

      "On you three, my children, has fallen that grave and terrible trust. It may be, for our eyes are blinded to the outcome, that you face events beside which the death that shadows the planet will be a very small thing. We know none among us fears death. But, what the future holds for you, none may say. Therefore I charge you, if your hearts be not firm in their purpose, you may now retire from it in peace and honour, and with the goodwill of your fellows–none hindering or none blaming.

      "Speak now, each one of you."

      The voice of Andax echoed through the chamber. "I take the trust upon me for the honour of the race."

      Earani's clear sweet voice followed. "And I for the love of humanity."

      From Mardon came. "I gladly and willingly accept the trust with which I am honoured."

      A low whispering murmur that swept over the assembled throng was stilled by a motion of the President's hand.

      Again he spoke. "In the name of our race the High Council commends you and accepts the sacrifice.

      "My children, from this moment you surrender yourselves to the will of the High Council. I charge you in the knowledge that any deviation from the way of honour will call down upon you its own penalty of atonement, that you will carry out in all things the plans of our race in which you have been instructed. In the discharge of the trust you have assumed there must be no thought of self, and should the time come, there will be no swerving from the course laid down, nor any shrinking from the tasks, however terrible, to bring peace, wisdom and happiness to those who may follow us."

      He paused. "Kneel, my children!"

      Quietly the three sank to their knees.

      Looking down on them the President went on. "Raise your hands and repeat after me my words.–I swear on the faith of my creator–upon the honour of my name–and by my loyalty to my fellowship of the race that is about to die–that I will never, by word or deed–betray the trust that is imposed upon me. I swear unwavering loyalty to my ideals, and to the two partners who share my trust–and for them, if need be, I will lay down my life."

      So still was the hushed hall as the three voices followed that of the President, that it might have been empty.

      The old man raised his hands in benediction over them. "The blessing and love and the hopes of the dying race be upon you; may they make strong your hearts and purposes; and may you be guided in wisdom justice and honour in the days of your trust."

      As he returned to his seat the three stood up, still facing the Council.

      A woman councillor on the right of the President stood and addressed them, her voice trembling a little as she began.

      "Earani, it is the will of the High Council that at noon tomorrow you surrender yourself at the sphere known as number one, and there you will be given oblivion.

      "Andax, by sunset tomorrow night you will leave for your post at number two sphere, and there surrender yourself to the district council.

      "Mardon, within the hour you will depart for number three sphere where the Western Council awaits you–and may grace and strength go with you all," she added solemnly.

      The three bowed to the Council, and turning passed down the passage between the silent throng that rose in their honour.

      Outside the hall as the doors closed behind them Davos and Marnia hurried to meet the three in the hope that they would pass the evening with them. Mardon excused himself, pleading the order for his immediate departure.

      "But you will come with us, Andax," begged Marnia.

      He shook his head and came as near to laughter as Andax ever came. "No, Marnia, No. You three go and indulge in an orgy of sentiment. I would spoil it.

      "But what will you do?" she asked anxiously. "Go back to my fish, dear lady," and he went.

      CHAPTER I

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      Bryce brought his car to a stop in front of the deep verandah of the homestead, and, before getting out, let his eyes search the vivid green of the vines for the owner. The day was savagely hot, and the sun, striking down from the cloudless blue-white sky, seemed to have brought all life and motion to a standstill. There was no sign of Dundas amongst the green sea of foliage. Now and then a dust devil whirled up a handful of dried grass and leaves, but seemed too tired to do more.

      Bryce strolled to the end of the verandah and peered through the leaves of the trellised vine that shaded it. Some 200 yards away, in a slight hollow, he noticed a large pile of dusty red clay that added a new note to the yellow colour scheme. Even as he watched he caught a momentary flash of steel above the clay, and at the same instant there was a fleeting glimpse of the crown of a Panama hat. "Great Scott!" he murmured. "Mad–mad as a hatter." He turned rapidly off the verandah, and approached the spot unheard and unseen, and watched for a few moments without a word. The man in the trench had his back turned to Bryce. He was stripped to singlet and blue dungaree trousers, which clung to the figure dripping with perspiration.

      "Alan, old chap, what is it? Gentle exercise on an empty stomach, eh?" The pick came down with an extra thump, and the worker turned with a smile. "Bryce! By the powers!" Then with a laugh: "I'll own up to the empty stomach," and, holding out СКАЧАТЬ