"Nevertheless they are rain clouds. But when the rain will come is another matter. Very likely too late."
Grim came hurriedly over from his post near the entrance to the little valley. His face was placid as ever, but his eyes were worried.
"We are being surrounded," he stated calmly.
ilary sprang to his feet. "What do you mean?"
"Listen. Do you hear it?"
Far down the overgrown trail they had followed into the valley came the noise of heavy stumbling feet, innumerable feet.
"They are taking no chances," said Grim, his countenance unchanged.
Hilary looked swiftly around. The valley was a cul-de-sac, surrounded on three sides of its narrow oblong by precipitous hills. From the fourth side, the Mercutians were coming—an army, from the sound of them. Overhead were a hundred fliers, and more coming. The trap was sprung!