But now there were delays in getting ready to go to the better land on another side of this planet. Part of the delay was caution. Gravgak would probably lie in waiting for the Benzendella migration to the serpent river. He would plan an attack. Some waiting, some scouting and much preparation would be a matter of wisdom. Meanwhile, if Gravgak could be found, let him be killed on sight. Several weeks passed. Secret preparations for the twenty mile migration were completed. I was pleased to hear that Campbell had had a share in these plans. He had made several night hikes back to the ship, and had kept watch through the telescope by day, and made valuable observations by means of infra-red photography by night. He knew where the nests of the savage bands were located. Moreover, I learned that he and a few of Tomboldo's choice scouts, under cover of darkness, crossed through the sponge-tree area to examine the Serpent River at close range and determine upon a suitable place for getting the Benzendella tribe aboard. For these observations, and for an abundance of scientific data which he picked up about the Serpent River itself, I was deeply grateful. If this expedition succeeded in its purposes, the success would be to his credit, not mine. Nevertheless, when I was at last conducted to his quarters at the end of one of the tunnels--my long awaited visit--I did not spend all my time complimenting him for his fine achievements. "You're going to be ready to make the trip with the tribe, I presume?" I asked, when we got around to the plans for the migration. "And leave the ship here? I shall follow orders, Captain, but I should prefer to stay with the ship, and to proceed with the remainder of the scientific assignments." He handed his field glasses over to one of the relief guards, and led me to a bench in his primitive quarters. A slice of sunlight knifed through from the out-of-doors, the first I had seen for a long time. "A little sunlight's not a bad thing," I said casually. "I've been needing a little light." He looked up at me as if he knew what was coming. "If you've been hearing a rumor, don't believe it." "You've heard it too?" "They say I'm supposed to become the husband of Omosla." "All I want is your word, Lieutenant Campbell," I said. "My word. Captain." Split said dryly. "You know I wouldn't break the Code." "I believe you.... Okay, we're in a spot. The fact is, the girl's going to have a baby. When she does, she'll declare you her mate. And the tribe will be proud. Have you thought this through?" "I've tried to." I began to pace. "You know we can't afford to offend the tribe. If you bluntly deny that you've had anything to do with the girl, they'll be insulted. They're ready to believe her, not you." "How soon will the child be born?" "Within a few days." "How long have we been here?" "Long enough." "Why doesn't her true mate speak up, whoever he is?"