Komso's forces were disorganized. Several of the men had left ranks to join their frightened, panting mates and a series of shrill family quarrels were in progress despite all the priest's efforts. Men cursed their wives for leaving Tana and were in turn cursed for everything the near-hysterical females could lay tongue to. "Hear me!" Komso bellowed. "Hear me!" The quarreling stopped abruptly. "I challenge the demon to single, bare-handed combat!" Barry gulped. He had wanted for a long time to get his hands on Komso, and now the opportunity was here. "I accept!" he said firmly. Xintel's face was ashen; her lips were trembling. "Barry! My father believed the Leaders used poison under their fingernails; the slightest scratch means death," she whispered. Barry dared not back down now. He watched Komso advance. * * * * * The priest swam upward and stopped, slight motions of arms and legs holding him there. Barry recognized it as a clever move. Komso had seen what the Earthman's muscles could do when he was able to plant his feet solidly. "Come meet your doom, Demon!" Komso taunted. Barry sensed the interest of the watchers. Many times they had seen Komso's powers displayed, and they were waiting for the demon to flee or die. Suddenly Barry launched himself from the bottom in a headlong rush. Komso dodged and his hands came out in a clawing, scratching reach. In that instant Barry knew Xintel had been right. He knocked Komso's arm aside and whipped his fist toward the smirking face. It struck, but only a glancing blow. It left him floundering off balance. The water around them glowed with increasing brightness as they twisted and turned. Again and again Komso's poisoned nails reached out, but each time Barry managed to escape. He tried to maneuver the battle toward the bottom, but Komso stayed above and made short, threatening swoops. Barry was forced to move upward again or remain entirely on the defensive. He did not dare grapple. In desperation he relaxed his guard and tried a judo chop at Komso's shoulder muscles. The priest uttered a cry of pain, but the blow had not disabled. Fingernails scraping along his neck filled him with blind panic. Luckily they failed to break the skin. Komso drew away, dove in again, this time low, clawing at Barry's legs and keeping clear of his punishing fists. Barry drew his legs up, and as the Venusian passed under him, pumped them down with all his strength. One foot struck Komso's side. Barry felt something shatter beneath his heel. Komso pulled up from his rush. He turned, unhurt, prepared to dive again. And then one hand went to his side, feeling through his clothing. His face went greenish; his jaw sagged. His eyes rolled and he screamed in utter despair. Barry was too startled to follow up his advantage.