"Thanks, Karl. We're still pals, aren't we?"
When Gunn was free, Mussdorf came to stand over Emerson, looking down at him. His eyes narrowed suddenly. He grinned a little, twisting his lips.
"Maybe you fellows ought to stay tied up," he said. "In case that—that thing comes back. He won't blame us all for the break we're making."
"Not on your life," said Emerson.
But Mussdorf shook his head, and his lips tightened.
"No. No, I think it's better the way I say."
"Don't be a fool, Mussdorf," snapped Emerson savagely. "It isn't your place to think, anyhow. That's mine. I'm commander of this force. What I say is an order."
Mussdorf grinned dryly. Into his eyes came a glint of hot, sullen anger.
"You were our commander—out there, in space. We're on a planet now. Things are different. I want to learn the secret of those mists, Emerson. Something tells me I'd get a fortune for it, on Earth."
Emerson squirmed helplessly, cursing him, saying, "What's gotten into you?"