A swooping shadow fell across the slowly advancing attackers. Beholding that awesome creature the Jarmuthians cowered, hesitated; then in headlong panic they darted below, uttering howls of fear and pursued by the surviving Atlantean, who, gone berserk, must have shortly paid for his folly.
The pteranodon was now quite recognizable, and seated on a double saddle was Alden, skillfully guiding the ungainly monster by means of a curious bridle, by shifting his weight and by pressing certain nerve centers between the great reptile's leathery shoulders.
Down, down circled Alden until the great wings skimmed just above Beelzebub's ugly golden head.
Her courage strained beyond endurance, Altara screamed shrilly in fear as Alden guided the huge reptile to the summit and forced it to light.
"Quick!" shouted Alden. "They're coming back up!"
"All right!" Catching up the fainting girl, Nelson hurdled two or three fallen bodies, and, while Alden showered fungus bombs upon the returning Jarmuthians, he laid his precious burden across the saddle and secured her with straps specially designed for the purpose.
"All right, Dick," he snapped. "Get going!"
"But you?" Alden's brown face was terribly intent.
"I'm not going! This creature could never carry the three of us. It can't, I tell you! Hurry, those devils are coming!"
Alden folded his arms. "If you don't go, I don't."