"Aw, Mr. Horn, one more lump, please."
"Give the horrid thing another lump, Mr. Horn." Oscar sulked at being called a "horrid thing." Fearful of an outburst of thlot profanity, Andy hurriedly produced the requested sugar. Oscar grinned happily.
The grin and the happiness both vanished as something hissed through the air over their heads. It struck several hundred yards beyond them and the explosion sent debris showering in the air. Andy and the girl jumped to their feet.
"It's those men who tried to jump my claim," Frieda said. "They have come back."
The air hissed again and another explosion followed.
"Home was never like this," Oscar wailed. "Where are those caves the woman was talking about? Me for them."
"That's a darned good idea," Andy answered. "We better move out of here, and move fast."
Frieda needed no urging. Her face was white, but she held her heat-gun resolutely as they skipped over the rocks. Andy had his blaster out, and was searching vainly for a target. Another explosion shook the ancient, time-worn hills.
Andy snapped three shots at random and three explosions followed. This business was a game that two could play at.