in
them, helmeted in the failing air--then Miko could readily ignore us
and proceed with his loading of the treasure under our helpless gaze.
He could do that now with safety--if we refused to accept the
challenge--for we could not fire through the windows and must go out
to meet this threat.

To remain defensive would end inevitably in our defeat. We all knew it
now. The waiting game was Miko's--not ours.

The success of our attack upon the distant isolated projectors,
heartened us. Yet it was a desperate offensive upon which we decided!

We prepared our little expedition at the larger of the exit ports.
Miko's zed-ray was watching all our interior movements. We made a
brave show of activity in our workshop with abandoned ore carts which
were stored there. We got them out, started to recondition them.

It seemed to fool Miko. His zed-ray clung to the workshop, watching
us. And at the distant port we gathered the platforms, shields,
helmets, bombs, and a few hand projectors.

There were six platforms--three of us upon each. It left four people
to remain indoors.

I need not describe the emotion with which Snap and I listened to
Venza and Anita pleading to be allowed to accompany us. They urged it
upon Grantline, and we took no part. It was too important a decision.
The treasure--the life or death of all these men--hung now upon the
fate of our venture. Snap and I could not intrude our personal
feelings.

And the girls won. Both were undeniably more skillful at handling the
midget platforms than any of us men. Two of the six platforms could be
guided by them. That was a third of our little force! And of what use
to go out and be defeated, leaving the girls here to meet death almost
immediately afterward?

We gathered at the port. A last minute change made Grantline order six
of his men to remain to guard the buildings. The instruments, the
Erentz system, all the appliances had to be attended.

It left four platforms, each with three men--Grantline at the controls
of one of them. And upon two of the others, Venza rode with Snap and I
with Anita.

We crouched in the shadows outside the port. So small an army,
sallying out to bomb this enemy vessel or be killed in the attempt!
Only sixteen of us. And thirty or so brigands well armed.

I envisioned then this tiny Moon crater, the scene of this battle we
were waging. Struggling humans, desperately trying to kill!

Anita drew me down on the platform. "Ready, G