Humboldt Grossman entered the cavern cautiously. It was dark in there,
but not altogether dark. The ever-present luminescence of the chamber
walls lent an eerie glow by which could be seen the giant figure
huddled at the far end. There had been bonds upon the wrists and ankles
of this figure, but now the frayed ends of snapped hawsers dangled
loosely as the creature pawed fretfully at adamant walls and ceiling.
At sight of the monster, Grossman faltered, stunned. To the Titanian
behind him he choked hoarsely, "He--he still grows!"
"Yes, Master. Already he must crouch to avoid being crushed by the
cavern's roof. Each hour he grows faster. In a day ... half a day ...
perhaps less ... he will die in here if we do not let him out."
Grossman smiled. It was not a pleasant smile.
"Have no fear. Before that time, he will be outside--under my
control!" He stepped forward into the cave. The creature's eyes turned
questioningly toward this tiny mote of life which dared approach
him thus, stretched forth a hand to crush the annoying insect. But
from a curiously-shapen tube in the insect's claw leaped a lancet
of flame. A gout of red agony that scorched and blistered his palm.
The giant howled and pulled his hand away. Grossman smiled. Good!
Who holds an adversary in fear of pain possesses a slave. Now, if
only the creature were telepathic--"You!" he thought, his thought
directed and intensified by the menavisal unit in his helmet, "have you
intelligence? Can you understand me?"
The giant's answer came back sluggishly.
"_I can ... understand._"
"That is well. Then listen to me, and mark well my words. I am Master
here. Do you acknowledge that?"
The creature stirred restlessly. "Master? I accept no Master. I am
Master of mine own will."
Grossman pressed the grip of his Haemholtz. A flash of livid lightning
seared the subterranean chamber. Grossman challenged, "You defy the
Master of the fire-that-bites?"
The giant cringed against the farthest wall. "Nay!" he conceded. "You
are Master. I am your servant."
"It is well you understand. For there is work to be done. When it is
accomplished, then you will be freed. Hear now, huge one, what is
expected of you...."