"Depend on Lothar," said Spike, wiping a streaming brow. "Vulcanites can find their way out of hell."
Hearing his name, the giant dropped back beside them.
"Any idea how much farther?"
As Lothar answered, a long, green coil fell silently upon the Venusian at Rusty's side, yanked him swiftly up into the thick plants.
It happened fast. Rusty doubted his eyes. It must be the heat—but the little green man was gone.
Spike yelled.
The Martian staggered up. They peered into the dense growth above and there was only the heavy leaves. The Venusian had vanished, as if spirited away by the Wisps of Jupiter.
"Another one," said Spike. He stepped on into the jungle.
"Wait!" cried Rusty. They couldn't just leave—without even looking. To what depths had these men sunk? Was there no spark of humanity left?
He grabbed a limb, swung up into the matted roof.