I scrambled to my feet. Jahnt wasn't quite dead, but obviously dying. Jim and I bent over him.
"You got away with the weapons?" Jim muttered. "Or are they still around here?"
"Curtmann has them. My little Midge flew to him, and came back with some of Curtmann's men. They left just a little while ago. I—showed them how to use the weapons. You will—be defeated by Curtmann. You damned—"
Again little Meeta suddenly called us. "Here! Here is Venta!"
She was lying, bound and gagged, but unharmed in the recess of some crags nearby. Jim and I rushed to her.
The three spacesuits were with her. Jim had gone back to the dying Jahnt and he called me. Blood was gushing now from Jahnt's mouth; he was gasping, but still he was trying ironically to smile.
"I—did not tell Curtmann's men that I had Venta. Why should I be in the battle? I just thought I would stay here with Venta, and if Curtmann won, then I would join him."
"Has he started from Shan?" Jim demanded.
"Oh—yes. He and his men must be half way to the Forest City by now. I am sorry now I did not go with them."
I had a sudden thought. "Is he planning to use that spaceship of his?"