"Bring him out," Leithgow instructed one of his men. "One brain will be saved. But—there! Thank God! Hear that? Coming down the passage? It's Carse, returning!"
t was Carse. He and Ban Wilson, coming down the passage from the top of the tree-shaft. Everyone in the laboratory could hear plainly the heavy, sliding tread of the great space-boots. Eliot Leithgow was first to the door. He opened it, peered through eagerly and called:
"Carse? You've got them?"
"Yes, Eliot. Here—we need help."
The Hawk's voice sounded weary. Friday and the scientist ran down the passageway until they reached the adventurer. In the faint light, they saw he was carrying a limp body. He laid it carefully down on the floor.
"Ban's coming down with another," he said, "and there are two more above. Go up and get them, Friday."
The Negro started to obey. But Eliot Leithgow did not move, did not utter a sound. He stood staring at the body Carse had laid down. The parchmentlike skin of his face seemed to whiten; that was all; but he winced and slowly brushed his eyes with his hands when, in a moment, Ban Wilson floated down the shaft and, approached with a second unconscious body.
At last Leithgow whispered: