. Rick helped to keep
the rope braced, and tried to divide his attention between watching the
uncertain footing and looking for other sails.

The first pirate vinta was nosing into the cove when two others came
into sight. And, at nearly the same moment, Zircon reached the small
patch of level ground at the cove's edge.

Rick dropped the rope and hurried to the big scientist's side, drawing
his knife. He cut the ropes that bound Shannon to Zircon, and they
lowered the injured zoologist to a sitting position with a big rock at
his back.

Dawn was breaking fast now. Already Rick could see details more clearly
and he knew it was only minutes to practically full daylight. The
Spindrift group could see the pirate vintas clearly now against the sea,
but the pirates could not yet see them because they were still in
shadow, dark rock at their backs. Still, the pirates would try the cove
first. It was the logical place.

He estimated their chances quickly, and saw that the situation was
hopeless. There was no chance of getting their vinta past the pirates.
They would have to fight. He drew the bow sections out of the quiver and
got ready. Next to him, Zircon was checking the clip in his pistol.

Rick took the Megabuck network unit from his pocket and called softly,
"Chahda!"

"Here, Rick. Long time wait. How things go?"

"Not good. Shannon broke a leg. Also, we're at the cove, which is
filling up with pirate vintas. We're cut off."

Chahda whistled. "I say plenty no good! Look, you figure way to get to
clear water. I figure way to pick you up. Starting right now!"

"Okay," Rick said, without knowing how it could be done. "Come on in,
but don't get trapped!"

There was a sudden chorus of pirate yells, then one of the Moros fired a
shot. Scotty's rifle snapped, and pirate rifles answered. The fight was
on! Rick grabbed a broadhead arrow from the quiver and hurried forward.

CHAPTER XIX

Chahda Sweeps the Sea

The exchange of rifleshots lasted only a few moments without causing
casualties to either side. Scotty had fired more in warning than to
score a hit. The Spindrifters had taken cover behind the rocks, and the
protection had been enough.

Rick sized up the situation. More vintas were crowding into the cove.
There were so many now they got in each other's way. Before long the
entire cove would be jammed with vintas and the Moros would come
swarming ashore. Unfortunately, the sea was calm, with only low