Ro drew back his arm. His pounding heart made it difficult to aim. The stone left his hand in a powerful sweep, but went wild.
The rat man was less than thirty feet from Na. When he reached her it would be too late.
Ro snatched up another stone. He forced himself to be calm as he took deliberate aim. He made the throw smoothly.
The stone sped from his hand. It streaked down on the racing Oan and found its mark in the small of his back. The rat man threw up his arms and collapsed a few feet from his goal.
Carlson pounded Ro's back jubilantly. The young Martian smiled at the Earthman's enthusiasm. Then, quieting the elation he felt, he grew serious.
"Perhaps our friends have not fared so well," he said with his thoughts. "If we find that they have succeeded, we will have real cause to celebrate."
Carlson sobered.
"If only they have succeeded," he said aloud. "If Charlotte—"
Ro couldn't understand the words, but Carlson's feelings were clear. He could understand that the Earthman would be anxious about Charlotte.
He placed his hand on Carlson's shoulder in a comradely gesture.