Then one of them commenced calling for help, but it was too late
to save them.
They were as putty in my hands now, and I backed them about the
armory as I would until I had them where I wanted them--within reach
of the swords of the shackled slaves. In an instant both lay dead
upon the floor. But their cries had not been entirely fruitless,
for now I heard answering shouts and the footfalls of many men
running and the clank of accouterments and the commands of officers.
"The door! Quick, John Carter, bar the door!" cried Tardos Mors.
Already the guard was in sight, charging across the open court that
was visible through the doorway.
A dozen seconds would bring them into the tower. A single leap
carried me to the heavy portal. With a resounding bang I slammed
it shut.
"The bar!" shouted Tardos Mors.
I tried to slip the huge fastening into place, but it defied my
every attempt.
"Raise it a little to release the catch," cried one of the red men.
I could hear the yellow warriors leaping along the flagging just
beyond the door. I raised the bar and shot it to the right just
as the foremost of the guardsmen threw himself against the opposite
side of the massive panels.
The barrier held--I had been in time, but by the fraction of a
second only.
Now I turned my attention to the prisoners. To Tardos Mors I went
first, asking where the keys might be which would unfasten their
fetters.
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