Tarrano the Conqueror. Ray Cummings

unsteadily. "Elza—you go outside with father. … They must be around somewhere, Jac. Come, look."

      There was a rustle behind us. Arms came around me, pinning me. I heard Elza scream, saw Georg fighting two dark forms which had leaped upon him.

      I was flung to the ground, but I fought—three men, it seemed to be, who were upon me. Then Georg's voice:

      "Jac! Stop—they'll kill you."

      I yielded suddenly, and my assailants jerked me to my feet. A group of Venus men were surrounding us. Georg, his jacket torn to ribbons, was backed up against the wall with three or four Venus men holding him.

      And on the floor nearby Dr. Brende lay prone, with a crimson stain spreading on his white ruffled shirt, and Elza sobbing over him.