[Illustration: The lights had now reached their maximum, giving the
huge room the effect of being flooded by intensely bright moonlight.
Behind me, and on all sides, stood scores of these creatures, similar
in appearance to the Field General on the throne. They stood
motionless, regarding me stolidly with their smoldering, beady
eyes. . . Finally Oomlag turned to me: “The Field General wants to
ask you a few questions,” he said, stepping to one side.]