Marlin reflected on this. He had not eaten much, but the little tasted good, and he wanted to stay. "Go," insisted Link, prodding with his stick. He added as an afterthought, "You're uncovered--don't look nice." Marlin looked down at his sun-browned body. In that vaguely remembered former existence he had worn clothes. Now he was naked. The thought shamed him. Disconsolately, he turned and plodded away. Thereafter, the recovery of his brain cells was more rapid. The old earth life still seemed incredibly remote--as detached as though it belonged to another person--but upon its vague memories he drew in order to create a more satisfying existence. He fashioned crude cutting implements and spears by chipping stones and fitting them to handles made from tough growths of brush. He learned deft ways of making fire, and usually cooked his meat. He pieced together an abbreviated garment of skins. Each day he developed new adaptations to the harsh environment. Usually, he was too tired to think of anything beyond the physical needs of the moment, but now and then, after a meal of unusual repletion, he lay on his back and gazed thoughtfully at the coppery sun, or at the two small moons which, with their uncoordinated orbits, created such eccentricity in the tides. Then he recalled incidents of the past, of the strange journey in the clay-covered sphere, and speculated as to the mystery of his coming to this bleak new world--of the manner of its creation. * * * * * Waking one morning, he was startled to find that a fire had been built and there was an odor of scorching meat. Erect in one bound, he stared incredulously at the other man who was nonchalantly making free with his camp. "Kinda surprised--eh?" For a moment, Marlin did not know the long-haired, bearded, skin-clad stranger. He peered uncertainly. "You're--you're DuChane, aren't you?" "The old maestro himself," grinned the other. "Came across your trail two days ago. Campfires--footprints. Nearly caught up with you last night, but the dark overtook me. Guess we're the sole survivors." "No," Marlin told him. "Maw Barstow and Link--I ran across them back there." He waved an arm vaguely. "Maw and Slinky Link!" DuChane laughed uproariously. "That's good. Is the little shrimp still balmy?" Marlin scratched his head. "I'd forgotten that. Guess he got over it, in a way. They've got a kid--and a cow. Kicked me out on my ear." It was good to have companionship. Talking things over made things clearer. For one thing, he hadn't been able to understand at all how he came to be wandering over the face of this strange planet. "Last thing I remember was struggling with someone--and the ooze closing over. Then I found myself stumbling along this coastline." DuChane stared. "Don't you know?"