CHAPTER XIIIHerb had regained consciousness.
Herb shot, and flame leaped toward the Oligarch. The room roared with the explosion.
George jerked back, and in mid-motion, something caught him low in his chest, on the left side of his body and slapped him savagely off his feet.
Incredibly, he had been hit!
He shook his head and got one knee under him. His left side was numb. He looked down and saw blood start to color his shirt.
He got to his feet and backed along the corridor. His knees were weak. He covered the door with a trembling hand and prayed for Herb to show himself.
The ship was silent.
He had to sit down. He wanted to be sick.
Perhaps Herb had taken the other door out!
He whirled.
No movement.
He had to have a place to hide. He had to hide, and wait, and when Herb came s
