sudden chill that dawn was only a half
hour away. "We've got to hurry," he said.

"They change the lookout just before dawn," Tony said. "Even if he's
still unconscious we won't have much time once they find him!"

"You're right." Zircon stopped and began untying the rope that secured
Shannon.

"What are you doing?" Scotty asked anxiously.

"Changing methods," Zircon said grimly. He handed the rope to Scotty.
"Cut off a length and tie Howard to me. Then secure the remainder under
my armpits."

Rick knew that it would be a terrible strain on the big scientist, but
it would be faster--if his strength held out.

Zircon picked Shannon up in his arms, and Scotty lashed them together,
making a kind of sling that would help support Shannon's weight. Then he
tied one end of the remaining rope around Zircon's barrel chest, up
under his armpits.

Rick, Scotty, Briotti, and the Filipino boy grasped the rope and held it
firmly while the big scientist walked upright down the remaining slope,
one slow step after another, the others following but always keeping the
rope tight in case he started to fall.

They negotiated the hardest part of the slope, then Zircon leaned back
against a boulder and rested for a moment. The final hundred yards
wasn't steep, but it was strewn with loose boulders and lava chunks.
Zircon wouldn't be able to speed up much. Rick looked at his watch
again, then at the sky. He didn't say anything. The big physicist was
doing more than any man should be asked to do. He couldn't do it any
faster.

Scotty moved to his side. "Got arrows left?"

"Yes. Most of the big broadheads and half a dozen of the small
broadheads. Why?"

"We may need them. I'm scared. The guard's relief must know by now that
his pal got conked."

"We're both scared," Rick corrected. "But what can we do?"

"Be ready to fight."

Zircon called hoarsely, "Let's go!"

They were off again, the scientist plodding slowly ahead, down the last
stretch to the cove. About half of the distance had been covered when
Rick saw the first sail. It was close to shore, near the cove where
they had anchored the vinta.

Zircon saw it, too. He called softly, "Scotty! Leave the rope to the
others. Get ahead of me and cover us. But don't shoot until they start
something."

Scotty moved ahead, unslinging his rifle as he went.

Zircon speeded up as much as possible. Fortunately, the going was easier
now and the big scientist could make better time