"Lucky I happened to pick this up back there," the Earthman said.
"Very lucky," said Ro. "For Grimm's sake."
"Into the sphere," Grimm called. "Those other two will be bringing the whole tribe back."
Carlson retrieved the dead rat man's ray gun. Ro ushered Na across the clearing to the door of the sphere. Na hesitated a bit, then entered reluctantly. Ro followed, then Grimm and finally Carlson.
"I guess I owe my life to you," Grimm said, as Carlson closed the door. "And I owe you an apology for the way I acted this morning. I didn't understand how it was between you and Charlotte. She explained. It was quite a shock, but I guess I'll live. Apology accepted?"
He extended his hand.
Carlson took it sheepishly.
"Tell me," Ro interrupted, "did you meet any rat men when you took the sphere?"
Grimm shook his head.
"Those three just now are the first we've seen since we left you. When we got here the place was deserted. We—"