Ro chuckled as he caught the Oan in his sights. He pulled the trigger. Fire seared from the muzzle of the gun.
The rat man screamed wildly. He crashed down from the tree, leaving a trail of broken limbs in his wake. His body struck the ground with a dull thud, thrashed hopelessly for a few seconds, then lay still.
Ro laughed aloud and stepped into the clearing. He was still laughing when the three Earthmen came upon the scene.
"You should have seen the fool," Ro said. "Perched up there, waiting for me. What kind of a woodsman did he think I was?"
He stooped and lifted the Oan's gun. His face grew grave as he did so. When he came erect, he was covering the white men.
"Hold your weapons above your heads," he ordered.
The Earthmen obeyed, puzzled frowns creasing their faces.
"Now back to the sphere," Ro instructed.
Marching in single file they returned to the metal ship. Ro signaled them to halt then and called to Na. She came into the clearing and stood at his side.