Then, with no warning, he whirled and threw his whole weight against the high-stacked cases.
For a moment they tottered on the ramp's edge. Then, with a crash like cataclysm incarnate, they tumbled down in an avalanche of ringing metal.
But even as they fell, Dane leaped back into the shadows once again. In a rush, he spanned the distance between him and Nelva.
She stared at him wide-eyed, mouth agape.
But only for a moment. For then, as water spews from a geyser, the carrier erupted guards—three of them.
From the level below, too, came the sound of running feet, converging on the cargo ramp.
Beside Dane, Nelva whispered, "What is it? What's happening?"
"A trap." Dane laughed harshly. "But of course you wouldn't know anything about that."
The girl's nostrils flared. "Are you trying to say something?"
For a moment Dane leaned forward, not answering.