THE DECK IS OURS I had the next step carefully outlined in my own mind, and yet I hesitated a moment, glancing into the two faces before me, with a sudden realization of what the contemplated action would mean to all of us, if by any chance it should fail of success.

Our lives certainly hung in the balance, for these fiends would show no mercy, if once they gained power to strike back.

Yet how could we fail?
Only through treachery, or some unforseen accident.

And, moreover, it was too late for retreat.

The one chance, desperate as it appeared, must be taken.
I managed to speak cheerfully, putting a ring of confidence into my voice.
"Then the sooner we act the better.