Astro!"

"All right, brains!" snapped Roger. "What have you got to suggest?"

"There's only one thing we can do!" said Tom. "Down on the side of the
hill here I noticed a small cave. Two of us could squeeze inside."

"Why only two?" asked Astro.

"Somebody would have to cover the entrance from the outside with a
boulder and then give himself up!"

Astro slapped Tom on the back. "That's a terrific idea. Come on. You two
hide and I'll move the rock over."

"Wait a minute, you goof," said Roger. "Don't be in such a hurry to be a
blasted hero!" He turned to Tom. "Just like that Venusian hick to be
ready to sacrifice himself to get a Solar Medal!"

"Don't argue, Junior," snapped Astro. "I'm the only one strong enough to
move one of those rocks. You two hide and I'll cover you."

"Now wait a minute, Astro," Tom protested. "I didn't mean...."

"You should have," replied Astro. "And if you don't get moving now,
you'll never make it!"

Roger looked at Tom and nodded. "Guess he's right for once in his life,
Tom. He's the only one strong enough to do it."

Tom hesitated and then slapped Astro on the back. "All right, Astro," he
said. "But there's more to it than just giving yourself up! You've got
to make them think that Roger and I ran out on you. That way they'll
continue to search for us, but in another direction. And Vidac won't try
to do anything to you alone. He'll wait until he's got all of us."

"O.K.," said Astro. "I get it. Come on. Get in that cave."

The three boys scrambled down the side of the hill and found the cave
Tom had seen. After a quick search Astro found a boulder that
half-covered the front of the cave, and the three boys pushed it close
to the entrance.

"Go on. Get inside now," said Astro. "I'll push this one into position
and then pile a few smaller ones on top and around it. That way you'll
be able to get air and still be hidden."

Tom and Roger crawled into the hole and settled themselves as Astro
pushed the boulder up against the opening. He piled the other stones
around it quickly. When he had just about finished he heard someone
behind him. He turned and saw one of the colonists scrambling down the
side of the hill, heading for him.

"Here they come," Astro whispered hoarsely. "Spaceman's luck!" He
dropped the last stone in place and turned to face the man who was now
almost upon him.

Tom and Roger crouched in the darkness and listened intently.

"You there!" they heard the c