"Our rays don't seem to be doing any good," Brand muttered, puzzled. "The blue about that globe must be some sort of vibratory screen."
Another purple spark, with the narrow white line of fire behind it, swept across to the flier from the opposite horn of the crescent, burst into a sheet of blinding red-violet light. Another ship was a twisted mass of metal.
"Seven no longer!" Brand called grimly to Bill.
"Looks as if the Prince has got us beaten!" the reporter cried.
"Not while a ship can fight!" exclaimed the Captain. "This is the Moon Patrol!"
Another tiny purple globe traced its line of light across the black, star-misted sky. Another sunship crumpled in a violet flash.
"They're picking 'em off the ends," Bill observed. "We're in the middle, so I guess we're last."
"Then," said Captain Brand, "we've got time to ram 'em."
"Control!" he shouted into the speaking tube. "Cut off forward tubes and make all speed for the enemy. Heliograph! Fight to the end! I am going to ram them!"
Another red-blue spark moved with its quick deliberation. A purple flash left another ship in twisted ruin.