Rod and basket fell to the ground as the boy, after one astounded stare, ran forward.
"What's the matter!" His eyes were on those space boots and he added a "sir" which had the ring of hero worship.
"Escape boat—" Dane waved toward the sea's general direction. "Medic—must get to Medic—"
"Yes, sir," the boy's basic Terran sounded good. "Can you walk if I help you?"
Dane managed a weak nod, but contrived that he did not lean too heavily on his avidly helpful guide.
"The Medic's my father, sir. We're right down this slope—third house. And father hasn't left—he's supposed to go on a northern inspection tour today—"
Dane felt a stab of distaste for the role being forced upon him. When he had visualized the Medic he must abduct to serve the Queen in her need, he had not expected to have to kidnap a family man. Only the knowledge that he did have the extra suit, and that he had made the outward trip without dangerous exposure, bolstered up his determination to see the plan through.
When they came out at the end of the single long lane which tied the houses of the village together, Dane was puzzled to see the place so deserted. But, since it was not within his role of dazed sufferer to ask questions, he did not do so. It was his young guide who volunteered the information he wanted.
"Most everyone is out with the fleet. There's a run of red-backs—"
Dane understood. Within recent times the "red-backs" of the north had become a desirable luxury item for Terran tables. If a school of them were to be found in the vicinity no wonder this village was now deserted as its fleet went out to garner in the elusive but highly succulent fish.