LAST ENEMY

by

H. BEAM PIPER

Illustrated by Miller







_The last enemy was the toughest of all--and conquering him
was in itself almost as dangerous as not conquering. For a
strange pattern of beliefs can make assassination an
honorable profession!_



[Illustration: ]



Along the U-shaped table, the subdued clatter of dinnerware and the
buzz of conversation was dying out; the soft music that drifted down
from the overhead sound outlets seemed louder as the competing noises
diminished. The feast was drawing to a close, and Dallona of Hadron
fidgeted nervously with the stem of her wineglass as last-moment