"My partner," he said. "Back there—pinned in—" he jerked his hand southward. "Needs help—"
The Medic frowned. "Most of the men are out with the fleet. Jorge," he spoke to the boy who had followed him, "go and get Lex and Hartog. Here," he tried to push Dane back into the chair as the Trader got up, "let me look at that cut—"
Dane shook his head. "No time now, sir. My partner's hurt bad. Can you come?"
"Certainly." The Medic reached for the emergency kit on the shelf behind him. "You able to make it?"
"Yes," Dane was exultant. It was going to work! He could toll the Medic away from the village. Once out among the rocks on the shoreline he could pull the blaster and herd the man to the flitter. His luck was going to hold after all!
Chapter XV
MEDIC HOVAN REPORTS
Fortunately the path out of the straggling town was a twisted one and in a very short space they were hidden from view. Dane paused as if the pace was too much for an injured man. The Medic put out a steadying hand, only to drop it quickly when he saw the weapon which had appeared in Dane's grip.
"What—?" His mouth snapped shut, his jaw tightened.