* * * * *

Kincaide set the _Ertak_ down on FX-31, close to the shore of a river,
as gently as a feather settling to earth. Correy and I made our way to
the exit port, where Inverness and his companions had gathered, with a
considerable amount of scientific apparatus, and what seemed to be a
boat, ingeniously taken down for shipment.

All three of the scientists were clad in suits of some gray material,
flexible as cloth, but possessed of a certain metallic sheen, which
completely covered them. The material had been stiffened to form a
sort of helmet, with a broad band of transparent material set in at
the eye level, so that the wearer could see to both sides, as well as
to the front. I could also discern the outlines of menores--the crude
and cumbersome type of thought-transference instrument used in that
day--apparently built into the helmets. Belted around their middles
were atomic pistols of the latest and most deadly model.

"For emergency use only, Commander," explained Inverness, observing my
glance. His voice came quite clearly through the fabric which covered
his face, so I gathered it was sufficiently porous to admit air for
breathing. "This garment we wear will be sufficient protection, we
believe; their mandibles are the weapons of the creatures we are to
study, and this fabric should be ample protection against much more
deadly weapons.

"Now, we shall walk to the shore of the river; if we are not
molested--and I believe we shall not be, here, because the
infiltration of water would quickly fill any passage sunk into this
sandy earth so close to the river--please have your men bring our
supplies to us, the boat first."

I nodded, and the three men walked through the open port, out across
the gleaming, golden sand, to the water's edge. A number of great
scarlet birds, with long, fiercely taloned legs, swooped about them
curiously, croaking hoarsely and snapping their hawkish beaks, but
offering no real molestation.

My men quickly carried their supplies to them, and before the last of
the equipment had been delivered, the boat was assembled and afloat: a
broad-beamed craft with hollow metal ribs, covered with some shining
fabric which was unfamiliar to me. There was a small cabin forward and
a small atomic engine housed back near the stern.

I walked to the edge of the water and shook hands with Inverness and
Brady; with Tipene I exchanged bows.

"I am sorry," said In