Again came the cry, a groan of pain and a moaning sob. The captain strode into the passage.
"Gheal!" he called, recognizing the Venusian's hoarse voice. "Gheal! What's the matter?"
A repetition of the cry was the only answer. The passageway was open, but the sobs seemed to be coming from the cabin of Harry Renzu, the scientist who had chartered the moon rocket for his second expedition to Venus.
The captain paused before the cabin door, listening. The cry came again and he pushed open the door.
The hideous Venusian was on the floor, looking upward with his two light-sensitive eye-glands at Renzu, who stood over him with an upraised cane.
Gheal's rubbery, lipless mouth was agape, revealing his long, sharp teeth. He had raised one of his long, rope-muscled arms to catch the descending blow. His hairless, leathery body trembled slightly with pain.
"You dumb, dim-witted chunk of Venusian protoplasm!" Renzu snarled as he brought the cane crashing over the monster's shoulders. "When I want a thing done, I want it done!"
Arlen pushed into the room and seized Renzu's arm before the scientist could strike again.
"Hold on, Renzu!" Arlen commanded, pushing the scientist back and seizing the cane. "Lay off! Can't you treat this miserable wretch with decency?"
Renzu's face flushed angrily. His deep-set eyes burned with fury.