arbed wire, with their flanks and rear clear of
threat.

Ken watched the success of their second incendiary thrust. They could go
on indefinitely unless the defenders succeeded in flanking them. That
was being attempted now. The defenders moved under the cover of the
smokescreen to fire on the advancing nomads. The latter recognized their
danger and held to solid cover of houses adjacent to those they had
fired.

North of this bulge, however, another column was forming, and Ken saw in
sudden horror that it was headed directly toward the warehouse! A house
only a half-block from the warehouse burst into flame.

There was a flurry of activity from the defenders as they, too,
recognized the fresh danger and brought up reinforcements before the
threatened warehouse.

This added resistance seemed to inflame the determination of the nomads.
They answered the increased fire sharply. Another incendiary ignited a
wooden building a step nearer the warehouse. The defenders tried to
flank the threatening column but the latter ran between a row of burning
houses along an alleyway, firing additional incendiaries as they went.

Then sudden flame burst against the wooden walls of the old skating rink
and licked with red fury along its painted surface. In moments the
warehouse was bathed on all sides in seething flame, and the nomad
column spread beyond it, unaware of the mortal damage they had done.

* * * * *

Ken turned away. He walked slowly and decisively down the stairs. He
told his father what had just happened. "I'm going out there, Dad," he
said. "They're going to wipe us out, or destroy every chance we'll have
to survive even if we drive them off. Half of our food supply is gone
now. What chance have we got even if we kill every nomad in the valley?"

Ken's father turned to a closet and drew out a .30-06. From a hook he
took down a hunter's jacket. Its pockets were loaded with shells, and
he had an extra box he gave to Ken.

"Johnson left this here," he said. "He intended it for our use if the
nomads reached this far. I think maybe it had better be used before the
medical center needs defending."

Ken's eyes lighted with gratefulness. "Thanks, Dad," he said. "I'm glad
you're willing."

"I don't know if I'm willing or not. However, I think I agree with you
that there's nothing else to be done."

Ken ran from the building, clutching the solid, reassuring weight of the
rifle in his ha