The night was suddenly torn by the staccato hiss of a vib-ray.
Spike appeared, breathless. "Watchman saw me!" he panted. "Found a ship. Come on!"
He sped again into the shadows, led them to a big space liner which nestled in the darkness of a hangar. The door was open. Spike motioned for them to enter.
A form materialized at the stern of the ship. A vib-ray spat.
Rusty, following the Venusian in the small door, saw Spike leap at the man. He could not make them out in the darkness. As he jumped down, he heard a quickly throttled groan.
Spike appeared again. "Get in! Quick!" Shouts and the sound of running feet came toward them.
Lothar was already inside. Rusty climbed in. Spike slammed the heavy door.
No sound came through the insulated walls but as they paused for breath the room grew rapidly warm—hot.
"They're raying the door!" cried Rusty. He had seen it done in many a police raid.
The plate glowed to a red heat, melted to a puddle. They sprang aside.