The sound of the water soothed my tired nerves. I half reclined, supporting myself on one elbow so that I could keep better watch.

I lay there for about five minutes when a most amazing thing happened. A large fish came out of the stream and sat down beside me. He regarded me intently for a moment. I could not guess what was passing in his mind, as a fish has but one expression. He reminded me of some of the cinema stars I had seen, and I could not repress a laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" demanded the fish. "At me?"

"Certainly not," I assured him. I was not at all surprised that the fish spoke. It seemed quite natural.

"You are Carson of Venus," he said. It was a statement, not a question.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Taman told me. He sent me to bring you to Korva. There will be a great procession as you and your princess ride on a mighty gantor along the boulevards of Sanara to the palace of the jong."

"That will be very nice," I said; "but in the meantime will you please tell me who is poking me in the back, and why?"

At that the fish suddenly disappeared. I looked around, and saw a dozen armed men standing over us. One of them had been prodding me in the back with a three-pronged spear. Duare was sitting up, an expression of consternation on her face. I sprang to my feet. A dozen spears menaced me. Two warriors were standing over Duare, their tridents poised above her heart. I could have drawn my pistol; but I did not dare use it. Before I could have killed them all, one of us would have been killed. I could not take the chance, with Duare's life at stake.

As I looked at the warriors, I suddenly realized that there was something very peculiar and inhuman about them. They had gills, which their heavy beards did not conceal; and their fingers and toes were webbed. Then I recalled the fish which had come out of the stream and talked to me--I slept, and I was still dreaming! That made me smile.

"What are you smiling about?" demanded one of the warriors. "Me?"

"I am laughing at myself," I said. "I am having such an amusing dream."

Duare looked at me wide-eyed. "What is the matter with you, Carson?" she demanded. "What has happened to you?"

"Nothing, except that it was very stupid of me to fall asleep. I wish that I could wake up."

"You are awake, Carson. Look at me! Tell me that you are all right."

"Do you mean to tell me that you see what I see?" I demanded, nodding toward the warriors.

"We both slept, Carson; but now we are awake--and we are prisoners."

"Yes, you are prisoners," said the warrior who had spoken before. "Come along with us, now."

Duare arose and came and stood close to me.