"Any radio contact?" Rick demanded.
Zircon's wide grin answered him.
"Are they all right?" Scotty yelled.
"Yes. Want to say hello?"
Rick jumped for the radio unit the scientist held out, and plugged in the earphone. Scotty took Chahda's set.
"Rick and Scotty here," Rick called. "Do you hear us?"
Tony Briotti's familiar voice answered. "Rick and Scotty! You two young cliff hangers! What took you so long to get back? Zircon kept us posted, and we were worried sick. We kept watching the village, expecting you to be hauled in as prisoners."
Rick explained about the unfavorable wind, and Scotty added, "Besides, we took it easy crossing the volcano. We hammered spikes in a few rough places to make it easier when we come back for you."
"You can't," Tony said swiftly. "Boys, believe me, we're grateful for the attempt, but you can't get away with it. There's a lookout in position to see us at all times, and there's no way you can sneak up on him. I've told Zircon this. You must not try!"
"How is Dr. Shannon?" Rick asked.