HE HAD VAGUE MEMORIES of being alternately carried and towed through warm lakes and across solid ground. He knew dimly that he was dumped roughly under a liha-tree in a clearing where there were thatched huts, and that he was alone.
After what seemed a very long time he sat up, and his surroundings were clear. Even more clear was Thekla's thin dark face peering amusedly down at him.
The Martian bared his pointed white teeth, and said, "Hello, traitor."
MacIan would have risen and struck him, only that he was weak and dizzy. And then he saw that Thekla had a gun.
His own holster was empty. MacIan got slowly to his feet, raking the white hair out of his eyes, and he said, "You dirty little rat!"
Thekla laughed, as a fox might laugh at a baffled hound. "Go ahead and curse me, MacIan. You
