e them all out, drill a hole in the ground--they
didn't realize that. Thought that by holding Brady and that conceited
Inverness for hostages, they'd be safe--and I'd be idiotic enough to
not see this chance to get all the glory of the expedition for
myself--instead of sharing it with those two. You're a quick thinker,
Tipene--the true, ruthless, scientific mind...."

I motioned for my officers to follow me, and we made our way, silent
and grim-faced, to the navigating room.

"Nice, friendly lad, isn't he?" snarled Correy. "I thought there was
something up. What are your plans, sir?"

"We'll go to the rescue of Inverness and Brady, of course. Mr. Correy,
place Tipene under arrest, and bring him here at once. Mr. Kincaide,
take over the ship; give orders to set her down where we were. And
you, Mr. Hendricks, will take personal command of the forward ray
tubes."

My officers sprang to obey orders, and I paced restlessly up and down
the room, thinking. Just as the _Ertak_ settled softly to earth,
Correy returned with his prisoner. Two men stood on guard with drawn
atomic pistols at the door.

"What's the meaning of this indignity, sir?" flared Tipene. He had
dressed hurriedly, and was by no means an imposing spectacle. He drew
himself up to his full height, and tried to look domineering, but
there was fear in his eyes. "I shall report you--"

"You'll do no reporting, Tipene," I broke in coldly. "I'll do the
reporting. You see, we know all about your little plan to desert your
comrades, held by the Aranians as hostages, and to grasp all the glory
of your findings for yourself. But--the plan doesn't work. We're going
back."

* * * * *

Tipene's face drained a dirty yellow--a Zenian can never be actually
pale.

"You ... how...." he floundered.

"A menore, under your pillow," I explained crisply. "But that doesn't
matter, now. You will guide us to the spot where you found the Aranian
city, and establish communication with the Aranians. When that's done,
I'll give you further orders."

"And if I won't?" breathed Tipene, his teeth clenched in a shaking
rage.

"But you will. Otherwise, we'll permit you to continue your
explorations on this interesting little sphere--minus your protective
suit."

Tipene stared at me with horror-stricken eyes. I think he saw that I
meant exactly what I said--and I was not bluffing.

"I--I'll do it," he said.

"Then watch the river carefully," I o