"Thunder, that's so," admitted Bull Mike, as with no gentle hand he unfastened and plucked away the space helmet. The prisoner grimaced in impotent rage.
"You're a heroic customer, attacking a defenseless ship!" scolded Bull Mike in very bad Martian. "What brought you here? Where's your headquarters?"
They rose to their feet and allowed the prisoner to do likewise. He looked at each in turn, undaunted by the reversal of fortunes.
"I'll tell you nothing," he said shortly in their own language. "Kill me if you want to."
CHAPTER II
An Incredible Story
Bull Mike's open hand drove at him, its hard heel striking his chin. With a gasp the Martian collapsed and would have fallen had not Neil caught and supported him.
"Here, none of that, Bull Mike!" barked Sukune. "You don't know your own strength—and very little else, either. Pour water on the fellow, Neil."
The Martian revived. He fingered his bruised face and glared up at the three Terrestrials. He still refused to answer questions.