alized the professor had chosen an apt simile when he said
beanball. Like a fast ball hurled by a big-league pitcher, the arrow
could be caught in the hand, but would knock for a loop anyone it hit in
the head. Now all he had to do was shoot straight just one time.

Zircon gathered the boys around him. "Tony says the lookout changes at
sundown, and again sometime near dawn. So, if we make our try as soon
after dark as possible, we'll have until dawn to return. And this time,
there will be no beating to windward with the vinta. We'll take it in as
you did last night. But when it's time to leave, Chahda will come after
us in the big boat. Meanwhile, we say nothing to Tony and Howard. We'll
explain after we've landed."

The Hindu boy looked pained. "I not go?"

Zircon put a hand gently on the boy's wounded shoulder. "You can't climb
without opening that shoulder, Chahda. So you're elected to operate the
boat. You'll keep your own radio set and we'll call you in when we're
ready to be taken off. And when we call, come a-running!"

"That I will do," Chahda promised.

"Right. Now, from your description of the climb, boys, I think we need a
few rope ladders. Let's get started making them!"

CHAPTER XVIII

Under Cover of Darkness

Hobart Zircon's usually booming voice couldn't have been heard more than
two yards away as he spoke into the tiny Megabuck radio unit.

"We're starting down the western slope of the volcano. How are things,
Tony?"

Rick and Scotty, their ears close to the tiny earphone Zircon held out,
heard Briotti's reply. The kidnaped scientists had given up trying to
dissuade them.

"Everything normal, Hobart. The lookout is settling down now. He's one
of the regulars. He relaxes completely as a sleeping cat, but he's wide
awake. Don't let his appearance deceive you."

"We won't," Zircon promised. "We'll call you again as we get into the
danger zone. Chahda?"

The Hindu boy answered instantly. "Here."

"Fine. Keep listening and you'll know how we're doing."

"Will do. Tell Rick shoot straight."

Rick grinned. It was good advice. Nevertheless, apprehension had kept
him in a sweat. He had never before been in a position where success or
failure--and probably all their lives--hung on a single shot.

Scotty put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "This is just another
shot, old son. You've made far tougher ones on the course back home."

"He's right." Hobart Zircon added. "You showed this