ence seemed to have been enough for the carnivores, because they all
vanished.

Grubbers. He had been in such a hurry to reach the city that he had
forgotten about the grubbers. It was good that they were here and Jason
was very glad they had come. He couldn't talk very well, so he smiled to
thank them. But this hurt his lips too much so he went to sleep.

XXIV.

For a strange length of time after that, there were only hazy patches of
memory that impressed themselves on Jason. A sense of movement and large
beasts around him. Walls, wood-smoke, the murmur of voices. None of it
meant very much and he was too tired to care. It was easier and much
better just to let go.

* * * * *

"About time," Rhes said. "A couple more days lying there like that and
we would have buried you, even if you were still breathing."

[Illustration]

Jason blinked at him, trying to focus the face that swam above him. He
finally recognized Rhes, and wanted to answer him. But talking only
brought on a spell of body-wracking coughing. Someone held a cup to his
lips and sweet fluid trickled down his throat. He rested, then tried
again.

"How long have I been here?" The voice was thin and sounded far away.
Jason had trouble recognizing it for his own.

"Eight days. And why didn't you listen when I talked to you?" Rhes
said.

"You should have stayed near the ship when you crashed. Didn't you
remember what I said about coming down anywhere on this continent? No
matter, too late to worry about that. Next time listen to what I say.
Our people moved fast and reached the site of the wreck before dark.
They found the broken trees and the spot where the ship had sunk, and at
first thought whoever had been in it had drowned. Then one of the dogs
found your trail, but lost it again in the swamps during the night. They
had a fine time with the mud and the snow and didn't have any luck at
all in finding the spoor again. By the next afternoon they were ready to
send for more help when they heard your firing. Just made it, from what
I hear. Lucky one of them was a talker and could tell the wild dogs to
clear out. Would have had to kill them all otherwise, and that's not
healthy."

"Thanks for saving my neck," Jason said. "That was closer than I like to
come. What happened after? I was sure I was done for, I remember that
much. Diagnosed all the symptoms of pneumonia. Guaranteed fatal in my
condition without trea