_Do not be afraid_, a calm, silent voice said. _You have done me a
great service, Daniel Elliot._
The Dragonbird settled lightly to the ground, and Elliot saw deep
intelligence glowing in the creature's golden eyes. It seemed almost as
if the thing could read his mind.
_I can read your mind, Daniel Elliot_, came the telepathic reply.
"You--you're intelligent, then?"
There was a touch of sorrow in the mental voice as the bird said: _I
am the last of my race. We were the rulers of Venus long before your
ancestors had discovered the use of fire. But--_
After a pause, the bird continued. _Well, no matter. What happened does
not concern you. I permit myself to be worshipped by these natives.
They bring me food and keep me comfortable, and in return, I hypnotize
their enemies and keep their small island safe. It is a pleasant life,
and I am becoming old._
"How old?" Elliot asked.
_Several thousand of your years_, the Dragonbird replied.
"And you--"
The Dragonbird silenced him. _No, Daniel Elliot; I do not want to
answer questions. I am solely concerned with the debt I owe you for
saving my life. This Blayne held your future in threat. I think I can
aid you and punish him doubly by foiling his plans._
_Don't be surprised by anything you see._
The Dragonbird wavered a little, and suddenly it was a bird no longer.
Standing before Elliot, fat, ugly face and all, was--
Housten Blayne!
"Don't look so surprised, Elliot," came Blayne's snarling voice. "You'd
be surprised what a little high-powered hypnosis can do."
Elliot rubbed his eyes and looked again. It was still Blayne, a smug
smile on his heavy lips.
"I'm going to reward you," said Blayne's voice. "You and I will take
the late Mr. Blayne for every credit he's got, and we'll get those
papers out of his safe."
"But--you mean you'll take Blayne's place?" Elliot asked, feeling as if
he were in a dream.
"Temporarily." The fat figure of Blayne wavered and became the
Dragonbird again.
_Get on my back, Daniel Elliot._
Moments later, they were soaring high in the sky, heading toward Venus
City.