Invasion Page 6

them. The domes existed no longer. Up and up, and up.... Andthen they swooped down upon the suddenly fleeing enemy. Vengefully,savagely, with all the fury of men avenging not only what they havesuffered, but also what they have feared, the combat-squadrons of theUnited Nations fell upon the invaders. Green hexynitrate explosionslighted up the sky. Ear-cracking detonations reverberated among themountains. There was battle there, and death and carnage and utterdestruction. The roar of combat filled the universe.

  Thorn closed the door and looked down at Kreynborg, who breathedstentorously, his mouth foolishly open.

  "Our men will be back for us," he said shortly. "We needn't worry."Then he said, "Huh! He called himself a scientist, and he didn't knowa sling-shot when he saw one!"

  But then Thorn Hard dropped a weapon made of a forked stick and strongelastic from his chute-pack, and caught Sylva hungrily in his arms.

  * * * * *