"Once inside we can lock the hatches and hold them off until we
blast."

"You think so?" Mike asked. "With that funny fire ray they've got?"

"Well, maybe they just won't see us then."

"Let's hope not."

Nicko went up the ramp first. Mike followed with Doree in his arms.
The H'Lorkan warrior brought up the rear. Into the dark maw of the
ship they went, where Nicko found a utility flashlight on its hook
near the door to the companionway. He sent a beam on ahead. "Holy
Mother Mars!" he croaked.

The light flashed back off thousands of brilliant jewels almost
blinding them. The companionway was strewn inches deep in multicolored
gems.

"That's about what I figured," Mike said. "Those two have been loading
loot ever since they set down here. I'll bet every cabin's packed to
the guards."

This was true. As they moved through the ship it was like walking in
the treasure house of a Neptunian robber baron. "There's well over a
billion in here," Nicko marveled. "Whatever you say about our
friends--they aren't small timers."

"It will be a touchy job getting this ship off the ground," Mike said.

Nicko grinned hideously. "Want to stop and throw a few tons
overboard?"

"There's no time or believe me, I would. Let's get to the control
cabin.

It was the one cabin in which no wealth was stored. In the place of
jewels and bar-gold there was something else. It seemed McKee and
Talbott had not been as negligent of their hoard as it had first
appeared.

The half-dozen native guards in the control room allowed the four to
enter, standing close against the near wall. Then they fell upon them.
Taken by surprise and attacked by a greater number, the fugitives had
no chance. The H'Lorkan warrior, last into the room, fought bravely,
but when the lights were turned on, the prisoners had been swiftly
cuffed and subdued.

Doree had been jerked cruelly from Mike's arms and he saw a tall
native warrior just disappearing through the door carrying her in his
arms.

Mike's shoulders slumped as he tasted the bitter dregs of defeat....

* * * * *

They were led through the city streets under heavy guard, streets
brightly illuminated by myriad glowing balls. The populace eyed them
curiously, their importance evidently indicated by the escort of a
dozen grim soldiers.

Only Mike and Nicko and M'Landa took the long walk up the avenue,
Doree having been spirited away. Mike was a man in deep torment