opping wing tips barely cleared the bank on either
side. The three-foot mouth was wide open, showing very long thin white
teeth. It came skimming swiftly over the surface of the water toward
her.

"Quiiii-LLAN!"

* * * * *

They walked back along the trail to camp. Trigger walked a few steps
ahead, her back very straight. The worst of it had been the smug look on
his face.

"Heel!" she observed. "Heel! Heel! Heel!"

"Now, Trigger," Quillan said calmly behind her. "After all, it was you
who came flying up the bank and wrapped yourself around my neck. All
wet, too."

"I was scared!" Trigger snarled. "Who wouldn't be? You certainly didn't
hesitate an instant to take full advantage of the situation!"

"True," Quillan admitted. "I'd dropped the bat. There you were. Who'd
hesitate? I'm not out of my mind."

She did two dance steps of pure rage and spun to face him. She put her
hands on her hips. Quillan stopped warily.

"Your mind!" she said. "I'd hate to have one like it. What do you think
I am? One of Belchik's houris?"

For a man his size, he was really extremely quick. Before she could
move, he was there, one big arm wrapped about her shoulders, pinning her
arms to her sides. "Easy, Trigger!" he said softly.

Well, others had tried to hold her like that when she didn't want to be
held. A twist, a jerk, a heave--and over and down they went. Trigger
braced herself quietly. If she was quick enough now---- She twisted,
jerked, heaved. She stopped, discouraged. The situation hadn't altered
appreciably.

She _had_ been afraid it wasn't going to work with Quillan.

"Let go!" she said furiously, aiming a fast heel at his instep. But the
instep flicked aside. Her shoe dug into the turf of the path. The ape
might even have an extra pair of eyes on his feet!

Then his free palm was cupped under her chin, tilting it carefully. His
other eyes appeared above hers. Very close. Very dark.

"I'll bite!" Trigger whispered fiercely. "I'll bi--mmph!

"Mmmph--grrmm!

"Grr-mm-mhm.... Hm-m-m ... mhm!"

* * * * *

They walked on along the trail, hand in hand. They came up over the last
little rise. Trigger looked down on the camp. She frowned.

"Pretty dull!" she observed.

"Eh?" Quillan asked, startled.

"Not that, ape!" she said. She squeezed his hand. "Your morals aren't
good, but dull it wasn't. I meant generally. We're just sitting here now
waiting.