Ora was sobbing. Mado was in the hands of two of the vile Llotta, struggling wildly to free himself. The Martian's eyes accused him. He shut his own and groaned. Opened them again. But it was no use. Everything in the room was whirling now, crazily. He fought to regain his senses, crawled weakly toward the squat figure of Rapaju where it swayed and twisted and spun around. Then all was darkness. The gas had taken its toll. CHAPTER VIII _The Expedition_ Carr awakened to a sense of wordless disgust. Fool that he was to spill the beans as he had! All set to put one over on the leader of the Llotta, then to come a cropper like this! He knew he had been spared for a purpose. The gas was not intended to kill, only to render him helpless for a time. He opened his eyes to the light of a familiar room. He had awakened before in this bed. It was his own cabin on board the _Nomad_. What had happened? Had he dreamed it all. Europa, Ora, Rapaju--all of it? He sat up and felt of his aching head. "Oh, are you awake?" a soft voice greeted him. "Ora!" he exclaimed. It was indeed she, beautiful as ever. "Sh-h," she warned, placing the tip of a finger to his lips. "They'll hear us." "Who?" he whispered. "Rapaju--his two guards. They're in the control cabin with father and Mado." "What? They've taken the _Nomad_?" "Yes. We're under way. They've forced Mado to guide them but do not trust him. Rapaju spared you as he believes you more capable. He'll hold you to your word." "Lord! But what are you doing here?" Ora dropped her eyes. "He--Rapaju--" she said, "inferred from your action in assaulting him that you were very fond of me. He holds me as a hostage for your good behavior. Father volunteered to come along. He persuaded Rapaju to allow it. Swore allegiance to his cause. Of course he wouldn't leave me." * * * * * Carr gazed at her in admiration of her courage. She had been nursing him, too! What a girl she was! "Ora," he said huskily, "Rapaju was right. I am fond of you. More than fond: I love you. I never knew I could feel this way." "Oh Carr, you mustn't!" She drew back as he scrambled to his feet. "They'll find us. We must not show that we care. Rapaju is a beast. He wants me for himself and is delaying the time only until you have brought the fleet safely to the inner planets and to their great cities. He--" "The skunk! Wants you himself, does he? Why, why didn't I kill him? But Ora, you said--you do care--" "Ha! I thought so!" Rapaju stood in the doorway, grinning mockingly at the pair. "The impetuous Terrestrial is up and about. Back at his old game!" "Please, please, for my sake, Carr!" Ora pressed him back as he tensed his muscles for a spring. "Sorry I was so slow," Carr grated, over her shoulder. "Another five seconds, Rapaju, and I'd have had your windpipe out by the roots."