"Is there much of a market for it?" Scotty asked.
"Not as much as there was years ago," Zircon replied. "Pumice, as you probably know, is volcanic rock. But not an ordinary one. It's a kind of foamy lava honeycombed with gas bubbles. It's used as an abrasive. Modern industrial products have replaced it in general use, but apparently there's still enough demand so that the San Luzians are able to export a little. Our firing station is about a mile from here."
Rick looked at the rough terrain. "Think we can get through?"
"Easily. According to the map, we have an unpaved road part of the way."
The unpaved road turned out to be a pair of wagon tracks. But at least there were no trees in the way. Rick held on tight as Zircon shifted into four-wheel drive and forged ahead.
The big scientist kept an eye on his odometer, or mileage counter, while the boys watched for a clearing. It was slightly over a mile before they found one, and Zircon pulled off the road to let Brad Connel and Ruiz go by.
The jeep stopped as the two came abreast and the geologist called, "Want to trade stations?"
"We like this one," Zircon replied with a grin.
"Don't blame you. I have another three miles through this stuff. Well, so long."
The jeep started off and was soon lost as the path curved slightly.