They looked down from their point on the high ledge into the length
of the cleft-world. A very faint light streak could be seen looking
upward--this was the curious volcanic glass of the surface roof.
Through it penetrated just a hint of the full Earthlight that bathed
the outer moonscape. Down were shadows and darkness, in the distance
little bits of moving lights, flickering sparks, that may have been the
Glassies' head-stalks.
The two men used their remaining flashlamp to light up the narrow
ledge. Carefully they made their way down the steep side of the cavern
wall, their light swinging slowly back and forth. "Suppose the Glassies
see the light?" said Peter. "We may be in for trouble."
"Maybe," said Robin, "but this time we'll be alert for it. We'll have
to steer clear of overhanging spots, keep our light swinging about, but
I have an idea we'll have no trouble. That bomb and the shooting will
probably make them keep their distance."
Down they went until they reached the level surface. Then they started
off across the space to the faraway place where the lights could be
seen. It was the winter half-month now for the sublunar world. The Moon
growths had fallen, shriveled, died. Their seeds lay dormant for the
next sun period. It was fairly chilly in the cavern, yet not as cold as
it might have been. Somewhere, thought Robin, there is a warm volcanic
current keeping this cavern from freezing over.
They kept a good distance between each other, the long, thin, strong
cord linking them being kept almost taut. The reasoning behind this
was that if another lassoing attempt were made, it would be almost
impossible to get both at once. As long as one were free to get at his
firearms, they could overcome such an attack.
On they went, with still no sign of meeting any opposition. Then Robin
saw a sudden faint flicker in a clump of darkness to one side. He
stopped, whispered into his helmet-radio what he had seen. Rapidly
his eyes swept the scene, and, yes, there was another suddenly doused
flicker on the other side. The Glassies must be watching them, waiting.
Now the two proceeded at a slow pace, widely swinging their light from
side to side to prevent ambush. "Somehow," said Robin, "we are going to
have to prove we're friendly. We may have to live here a long time."
"Yes," said Peter, "but how?"
They walked only a few steps farther before the answer was given them.
Something was standing directly in their path. As their light swung
near it, this figure raised two hands high and its head-stalk light
flashed into brilliant prominence.
It was a Glassie standing there, a transparent-bodied Moonman whose odd
face bore the equivalent of a broad smile and whose chest was decorated
with a painted black circle. Robin stared at the figure of this chief a
moment. He saw something move on the Glassie's shoulder--a tiny, dark,
manlike creature no bigger than a doll.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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