 CHAPTER I THE FIRST TWO SECRETS A HERO OF VENUS If you ever make a trip to the green planet of Venus, the first thing you'll see will be the fifty-foot high statue of Venus's greatest hero. It stands on the very top of towering New Plymouth Rock at the edge of the old colony of New Plymouth. Even from the rocket cradle, anyone can tell that the statue is of a twelve-year-old boy smiling up at the Venusian jewel-bear perched on his shoulder. Put into the huge rock below the statue of the words, VIRTUAL DARE, JOHNNY WATSON, AND THE MARVA BABBA, MAY THEIR FRIENDSHIP ENDURE. VIRTUAL DARE WATSON, called Johnny by his friends, was the first human being born on Venus. He was named after Virginia Dare, the first pioneer child born in North America, and for a long time he was the only child on all Venus. And that would have been a lonely thing to be if it had not been for Baba. Baba the Bear was not only Johnny's pet, but his best friend too, and the only one who knew about his three secrets. Because of these secrets Johnny got himself his jewel-bear Baba and the whole colony of New Plymouth into desperate trouble, and because of these secrets he also became a hero worthy of a statue, Venus's greatest hero. CHAPTER I THE FIRST TWO SECRETS It was rocket-day on Venus, the day the yearly rocket-femme earth arrived, and it was like Christmas, 4th of July, and your birthday all rolled into one. In the windowless one-room New Plymouth school, Johnny Watson, a stocky twelve-year-old, sat toward the back of the room, a big Venus geography propped up in front of him. Johnny was supposed to be studying. Every time Mrs. Hadley the teacher glanced his way, a page of the book slowly turned. The teacher was much too busy with the half-dozen squirmy, excited first graders to notice that a small black paw fastened to a furry blue arm was really turning the pages. On Johnny's lap sat Baba, a perky-faced little blue-bear with stand-up ears and bright blue eyes. To fool the teacher, the little bear, his eyes twinkling, flipped the pages one by one. We've got to do something quick, Baba! Johnny whispered to his bouncing jewel-bear cub in a tight-worried voice. It's only two hours till school's out. The little bear peered over at the clock on the wall. He lay a tiny black paw on his blue-button nose and cocked his head as if he were trying to tell the time. When school was out, everyone would go to the rocket field. Johnny knew that above all, he and his bouncing bear must not be there. Why Johnny and Baba dared not go was one of Johnny's three secrets. There was only one thing to do, Johnny thought. He would have to behave so badly that, as punishment, he would be forbidden to go. Nudge me when Mrs. Hadley turns around, Johnny whispered, we're going to get out of here. The little bear shoved his furry blue snout around the geography and peered from behind it. His bright eyes followed every move the teacher made. The instant Mrs. Hadley turned to right on the blackboard, Baba gave the boy a kick. Johnny slipped down onto his hands and knees in the aisle, and Baba hopped onto his back. Rapidly and silently, Johnny crawled toward the armour-room. Behind him a little girl kindergartener began to giggle. Look at her, see! she yelled. Johnny heard the teacher call, quiet children. The little girl giggled louder, but he hadn't been seen. He scurried into the armour-room. As Johnny jumped to his feet and grabbed for his suit of rhinoceros hide armour, Baba leaped toward the wall and hooked his claw into the concrete. Then he scurried straight up the wall like a fly and snatched up Johnny's head globe in his tiny black paws. While Johnny wriggled into the armour, Baba fitted the head globe over the boy's toe head. Without waiting to zip up, Johnny started to walk the door. Baba jumped from the head globe shelf and landed on his shoulder with a smack. The boy's hand was scarcely on the latch when the teacher turned around, her mouth making an, oh, a surprise. Quickly Johnny jerked open the door and dashed through, slamming it closed. There was a space of a few feet and then another door. Holding the second door open, Johnny snapped tight his head globe, while Baba's small fingers pushed and pulled at the zipper as fastening the armour, both of them scanned the sky. No arrow-birds. Johnny grabbed a stone from beside the step and wedged it in the outer door so it could not close. To keep out these murderous flying lizards, all buildings were windowless and had double doors. When one door was opened, the other automatically locked. Johnny, Johnny, you come right back in here, a muffled voice called. Johnny sighed regretfully as he slipped out of the schoolhouse into the pearly green light of Venus. Baba on his shoulder, he started out at a dead run through the collection of windowless buildings that made up colony headquarters. The two had barely made it to the foot of a tall, heavily-leafed tree when the door of the main headquarters building began to open. Up the meat-tree, Johnny yelled. Baba leaped from Johnny's shoulder and rolled himself into a furry blue ball as he fell. The little bear smacked the ground with the sound of a bouncing basketball and bounced high into the air. At the top of his bounce, his arms and legs shot out. He hooked his claws into the trunk halfway up the meat-tree. Baba wasn't called a bouncing bear for nothing. Johnny leaped for the nearest branch. Waded down by his arrow-bird armor, he was slow pulling himself up, too slow. Baba scurried down the trunk like a squirrel, his claws scattering bits of bark on Johnny. Hanging on with three paws, he reached out and hooked his claws into Johnny's armor. One pull of that tiny but powerful arm and Johnny was sitting on the branch. For thereup it was easy, the branches made a perfect ladder. Soon they were entirely surrounded by green shadowy leaves. Johnny carefully pushed aside a green fruit the size of a cantaloupe and looked out. Striding across the dusty road came a tall man in head globe and black armor, Captain Thompson of the Colony Guard. The teacher must have filmed for help. The man's square face was set in anger as he kicked the rock away from the schoolhouse door. The teacher stepped out and Johnny could hear their angry voices. After a moment, Mistress Hadley went back inside and the guard captain strode purposefully away from Mayor Watson's office. Sitting on a branch swinging his legs, Baba winked a shiny blue eye. He reached over and patted Johnny on the spot where the boy was likely to pay for his pranks. I think we've done it this time, whispered Johnny. I hope it's not just another spanking. Johnny spoke with deep feeling. He had had three spankings in three days. The little bear looked sadly down his blue muzzle and made an odd deep-clicking noise in the back of his throat. Sure, Johnny said as if answering the bear's clicks. I want to go to the planetfall, but we just can't. The bear clicked again. I know, Johnny went on. I know the earthies would give you chocolate. Besides, I was going to have a job. Johnny's eyes began to shine with tears he wouldn't let come. For the first time he would have been working on the rocket field with the men instead of being on the sidelines watching with the women and little kids. The little bear patted him on the shoulder and clicked in low tones. All right, I won't be sad if you won't. Johnny shook the tears away and tried to make a joke. Gosh, Baba, you talk funny since you know what. Johnny screwed up his face. You're such a mush-mouth now I can hardly understand what you say. Baba stuck out his long blue tongue. This was Johnny's first secret. His little bear could talk. Baba's clicks were really the words of his own language. Although he couldn't make the sounds of the human voice, he could understand people perfectly. Johnny could both understand what the bear said and speak in the same clicking language. This hadn't started out to be a secret at all. As a little boy Johnny thought everyone knew that those clicks were Baba's words. When Baba came to live with him the little bear cub already knew his own language but Johnny was just learning to talk. He learned human words and clicks at the same time and thought everyone understood them. When he was almost five Johnny discovered to his amazement that no one understood Baba but him. He then went proudly spreading the news that he and his bear could talk together. With the first person left Johnny didn't mind. But when everybody laughed at him he began to get a little mad. The crowning insult was being spanked for lying. After that Johnny decided if telling grown-ups that Baba could talk only got him licked and laughed at it might as well be a secret. Since it was fun keeping it secret. After a few minutes of waiting Baba scurried along a branch and hung by his black claws while he thrust his blue button nose through the twigs and leaves. Johnny followed along another branch. Looks clear Baba clicked, let's go. Wait a minute. A quick movement in the distance caught Johnny's eye. Four men came out of a long grey building marked Hunter's Hotel. Johnny was instantly alert. Colonists always kept a sharp eye on such men. These were the dangerous Marva hunters whose only law was an Ato tube gun. Johnny swung to a branch where he could see better. What's up? Baba clicked. Hunters, clicked Johnny, they're watching the guard change at the old stockade. Oh! The two looked at each other. Both knew what was in the stockade locked away in the big safe. Marva teeth and claws, jewel claws and teeth from grown-up bears just like the cub Baba. Come on Baba, Johnny shinied back to a place where branches forked from the trunk of the meat tree. We'd better check your nails before we go down. After making sure no arrow birds were feeding on the meat fruit, he undid one of his armor zippers and pulled a bottle of black liquid and a small brush from an inside pocket. Baba plopped down on his lap, smile, Johnny commanded. Baba pulled back his lips showing black teeth. Johnny looked at them carefully, grunted and then picked up one of the little bear's paws. All the nails seemed perfectly black, but on the tip of one of them there sparkled a point of bright blue. Dang it! We gotta get something better than this nail polish. A little climbing and it's all scraped off. Johnny scowled and dipped the little brush in the bottle of black liquid. Carefully he painted the tip of the claw. Looking over the little bear's paws he found four more claws that showed blue. He painted them too. Now, don't climb down when we go, Baba. When the polish is dry, jump. The little bear nodded. This was Johnny's second secret. Everyone thought Baba still had his valueless black baby claws and teeth, but under the coating of black nail polish each of Baba's claws was really a precious blue jewel. Johnny Watson owned a million dollar pet. CHAPTER 2 THE TREASURE OF VENUS Yes, a million dollars, maybe even more, and all for one little bear. Johnny sighed shakily at the thought and hugged his bear to him. What's the matter, Johnny? Baba clicked, waving his claws to dry them, like a lady getting ready for a party. You know, Johnny said, I was just wishing for the good old days when you had your baby black nails and your pretty squeaky voice and we didn't have to be afraid of anything. I'm sorry, Baba clicked. I couldn't help it. I just grew. Baba looked so sorrowfully down his nose that Johnny laughed, swung the little bear up above his head, and sat him down on a branch. You're silly, Johnny said. I know you couldn't help it. I was just wishing. Most of all, he was wishing that bouncing bears didn't have jewels for claws at all, but he knew that was a silly wish, too. Grabbing a branch, Johnny swung himself back to a spot where he could see the hunters. As he watched, more were arriving. About a mile away a battered hunting tank came lumbering through the sliding doors of the fifty-foot-high concrete wall surrounding the colony. Outside those walls Johnny knew laid the murderous animal life of the jungle planet. Every living thing on Venus attacked men. Not just the huge rhino-sars and the horned river snakes, but even tiny scarlet apes and pygmy antelope. Johnny knew the colonists and hunters would never have come to such a savage place at all without the lure of tremendous wealth to be made from bouncing bears' claws. Harder than diamonds and just as clear, these magical jewels shone soft blue in the night and were blindingly bright in the sun. But that wasn't the only reason claws were valuable. A tiny piece of claw, or even of the duller teeth, melted in thousands of tons of plastic, made that plastic tough enough to be used for the hulls of rocket ships. Men called it marvaplast. With such a treasure beckoning man could not stay away from Venus. Rockets came hurtling across space filled with hunters. Traders followed. After the traitors came the colonists led by Johnny's father and mother. Johnny sighed again. Don't be so sad, Baba clicked. We've been real lucky so far. I suppose so. Johnny had to admit they'd both been lucky. Baba had been lucky not to get killed as his mother and brother had been, and Johnny had been lucky to get Baba at all. If there had been any other way of raising the bear until his black baby claws turned blue, Johnny never would have gotten him. All other young marva that had been captured had died. They refused to eat or drink. They simply squatted down and whimpered piteously until they died of what seemed to be loneliness and heartbreak. When Baba had been captured, Mrs. Watson brought him home hoping to save his life. Two-year-old Virgil Dare, as Johnny was called then, was fascinated. Baba, he had cried, trying to say bear, and had thrown his arms around it. Surprisingly the little bear had stopped whimpering and had hugged Johnny back. A few minutes later it had eaten some diamond wood nuts. After a week the colonists had decided that the little bear would live, and he was taken away and put in a small diamond wood cage for safekeeping. The little bear promptly refused to eat and almost died, whimpering over and over a sound that was just like, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. It was the only sound he could make beside the clicking noise. He had to be sent back to the little boy. And from then on Virgil Dare was called Johnny. He and Baba went everywhere together, even to school. As the years went by they became closer than brothers and it was easier and easier to forget that the blue cub was really colony property. Then Baba's voice had deepened, the black nails had gradually loosened, and all in one venous night during Baba's long sleep through five earth days of darkness the new nails had come in. Johnny had a mixture of India ink and nail polish already. It had worked for two months now. But the polish did chip off and the claws had to be painted over and over. Oh, Baba, why can't you be a sensible little bear and stay home where people can't see you? Johnny said. You know why, Johnny? Baba clicked. You're my kikak. This was a word in the clicking language that meant friend, pet and brother all in one. Baba said kikaks should never be parted. That was the reason Johnny could not go to see the rocket come. If he went Baba was sure to follow. Everyone, colonists and hunters, was going to be at the field and if one of them caught sight of a flash of blue from Baba's claws it would be the end of Baba. The colonists liked the little bear but the colony was very poor. They wouldn't think long about killing him for his jewel claws. The hunters wouldn't think at all. They would steal him as quick as the flight of an arrowbird. It was a very dangerous situation but if he could keep from going to the rocket field Johnny had a plan. The plan depended on Johnny's third secret. Draped over his branch Johnny kept his eye on the hunters. They just seemed to be strolling about the settlement now getting used to the fact that they were out of the dangerous jungle where they lived in concrete forts. When the door of the settlement headquarters opened again Johnny pulled his head back in among the leaves. A grey-haired man with heavy eyebrows stepped out of the door. It was Jeb, the old hunter, one of the first men to come to Venus hunting Marba. Now he was one of the colony guards and a very good friend of Baba and Johnny. When the old man came close enough for him to hear, Johnny crawled out where he could be seen, called down to him and waved, Hey Jeb, what you doing? The old man stopped in his tracks, looked carefully around him then cocked an eye up into the tree. He frowned, his grey eyebrows making a V over his deep-set eyes. He shook his head in disapproval, but said nothing until he was directly under the tree. What I'm doing isn't important, Jeb said on a gruff voice looking up at Johnny, but what are you doing up that tree when you're supposed to be doing book work? Oh, Johnny started. I just—you just made your paw ballin' mad, that's what. Jeb interrupted, lockin' the teacher in that way, he snorted. Did Dad say anything about keeping me away from the rocket-landing? Johnny demanded anxiously. Nup, answered Jeb. Captain Thompson wanted him too, but he says no, that you worked real hard all year, but I'm warnin' you, you better get on inside that schoolhouse, unless you want a good tenin'. Your ma's out lookin' for you with fire in her eye. He started to walk away. Hey, wait a minute, Jeb—Johnny called. Well, I was watching those hunters. They're sure interested in the stockade. You better tell Captain Thompson. We know they're interested. I don't think they'll do anything. That ol' reprobate of a traitor harkness'll keep him in line. You'd better watch out, though, I might tell Captain Thompson where he could find him a hooky-player. With a fierce snort, the ol' man was on his way. Johnny smiled. He knew Jeb would never tell where he was hiding in spite of the gruff warnings. Jeb was a nice ol' fellow. He'd shot his Marva years before, gone down to earth, spent his millions in a few while years, and returned to Venus dead-broke. In twenty years hunting he had never made another kill. Marva were as hard to find as they were valuable. Wish you just weren't quite bad enough, Bobba clicked to Johnny. My claws are dry. Let's go before your mother finds us. Johnny crawled down to the little bear. We gotta think of something else bad to do. It's that I just plain refuse to go. But then they'd think something was funny. Sure is shooting. There's lots of ripe meat-fruit in the tree, Bobba clicked and grand. Maybe you could drop one on Captain Thompson. Oh, boy! Johnny exclaimed in excitement. Then he frowned. Ah, he probably won't come by here again. Somebody will, Bobba said. Let's keep an eye out. The two of them posted themselves in different parts of the tree and watched for possible targets for ripe meat-fruit. No one seemed to want to walk under the tree. Finally Johnny caught sight of a short, fat, ball-headed man and a tall, red-haired man leaving the Hunter's Hotel together. One was Trader Harkness, who all but ran the colony, and the other his bodyguard Rick Saunders. They seemed to be heading for the trading post and would have to pass directly under Johnny's tree to get there. Bobba saw them at the same time. How about Trader Harkness, the little bear clicked. Do you think he'd be a good target? A kind of dangerous one, Johnny clicked back his heart racing. But where's that meat-fruit? There wasn't any question about his getting into enough trouble this time. He just hoped he wouldn't get into too much trouble. Trader Harkness was a very important man, but Johnny didn't like him. He had started as a hunter and then had turned Trader. By killing off most of his opposition he had become the only important traitor on Venus. If he hadn't wanted a wall settlement to protect his goods, the colony might have failed. A hunter would stop at nothing to get what he needed, and the colony had had more than one of its tanks ambushed and stolen to hunt Marva. A red ripe meat-fruit was not hard to find. Johnny wrenched one from the branch and held it carefully by its long stem. The size of a small melon, green meat-fruit must be cooked before eaten. Once ripe their thin skins are plump full of a sweet, strong-smelling paste, a natural, high-protein baby food. There's plenty more, Johnny clicked softly. Think we ought to get rick too? He's too good a friend, Baba clicked back. Besides, he might not give me any more chocolate. Johnny agreed with a laugh and pushed leaves aside so he could see. He shivered. Below him came the most powerful man on Venus, a short, immensely fat man who waddled forward rather than walked. On earth he would have been laughed at, but on Venus he was feared and respected. He liked that respect and demanded it. Johnny swallowed hard. The man he was going to drop the fruit on had once been ambushed by five hunters, none of them has survived. CHAPTER III A DANGEROUS TARGET As the two men moved closer to Johnny's and Baba's meat-tree, they appeared to be arguing about something. The trader, glittered as he waddled forward, his armor was of the clearest, brightest marva-plant plastic, and his fingers were studded with marva-jewel rings. They stopped just a few feet away from the tree. Johnny could tell the trader was angry. Though he was keeping himself under tight control, his heavy jaw was set and his little black eyes flashed under his smooth, hairless brow. I'll put it to you straight, Rick. The trader's heavy voice rumbled up to Johnny. I couldn't stay in business a year if I did as you asked me to. The red-haired bodyguard was flushed. Well, then I guess I'll have to do it. He said in a tight, defiant voice, if you won't warn the colonists, I will. Harkness's jaw tightened. Better think it over, Rick. His voice was still controlled and level. He gripped Rick's shoulder with a punchy, jeweled hand. Remember those hunters trusted me. They figured my bodyguard wouldn't do anything I told him not to. If you warn the colonists, I'll have to make it clear you were on your own. His voice held a threat. What do you mean? Rick demanded pushing the hand from his shoulder. The least I would do would be to fire you back to earth, he said ominously. Johnny drew in his breath. He knew how much Rick wanted to stay on Venus. The traitor got his bodyguards by paying their way to Venus. He agreed to stake them for hunting if they did good work for a year. Otherwise they were sent back to earth. It was said that men who crossed traitor Harkness never made it alive. I'm sorry, traitor, Rick said, but I'll take my chances. If you don't like what I do, I'll join the colony. I should have guessed it, the traitor said contemptuously, when you began hanging around that worthless jeb. The traitor paused, and then the threat in his voice was no longer veiled. Believe me, Saunders, join that colony and you regret it. The heavy man turned slowly and moved toward his trading post. Fascinated Johnny had all but forgotten the meat-fruit in his hand. The traitor was almost past him when he remembered. With a little toss Johnny let go of the juicy fruit. For an instant he thought he had thrown too far, but the traitor waddled forward just right. With a sickening plop, the red fruit exploded on the top of traitor Harkness's shining head-globe. Being purple gobs, splattered through the airstlets, smearing the stone-ball head. A strong sweet smell floated up the Johnny. For a moment Harkness stood perfectly still in shocked amazement. Then the tremendous man began to dance about in sheer rage and discomfort. Water! he yelled his rumbling voice rising to a shrill cry. Get some water! He was bouncing up and down in an odd way, his clenched fists hitting the air. All his dignity was gone. Johnny stared open-mouthed, awed by his own daring. Rick Saunders stood still a second and then broke into a guffaw. I tell you, get me some water! Traitor Harkness roared. We are for hunters and Jab the Old Guard came running up. They took one look and they too broke into laughter. Jab was carrying a fire-bucket. Never thought I'd ever get this chance, will! Jab crackled and sloshed the bucket of water over Harkness. The water splashed on the bald head and washed the bits of fruit down the trader's neck and under his armor. The big man stood there dumb with anger. He throat ached with the last he'd kept back. He glanced up the branch where Baba sat. The little bear's fur was shivering with fun. His eyes opened wide and with a whir of clicks meaning, Watch me, Johnny! He leaped into space. He kicked up a flurry of dust as he bounced to the ground and up to his feet in front of the trader and the other men. By this time the crowd had grown to a dozen men. Baba stopped a moment to make sure everyone was watching him. Then the round little bear began a dancing, bouncing waddle up and down. He clenched his forepaws into little fists and beat the air. His face was screwed up into a mighty frown. It was a perfect imitation of the trader. The men's laughter swelled to a roar. Rack! Harkness's voice rumbled out, tight and cold with rage. Shoot it! The laughter stopped suddenly, almost as if it had been switched off. It had been so long since anyone had made fun of the trader that the man had lost his head. I can't do that! Rick's lean brown face was horrified. Then he became angry. I wouldn't shoot a kid's pet. Well, I will. Having with more speed that it seemed a large man could muster, the trader's hand snaked toward his holster. Baba saw the joke had gone too far. He leaped into the air, came down with a bounce and shot up the tree beside Johnny before the trader could level the gun at him. Johnny's mouth went dry. Already the trader was searching the tree for Baba, his pistol up, the safety switch off. The men stood in shocked silence. He's right beside me, Mr. Harkness. Johnny shouted and crawled into full view. Come on, Baba, get on my shoulder. He can't shoot me. As Johnny came into full view, the trader's face grew angrier yet. Baba didn't drop that meat-fruit, Mr. Harkness. Johnny said firmly, I did. Goods got guts! One of the hunters muttered. As Johnny slid down to the ground, he saw his mother pushing her away through the group of men. Her lips were tight together, her face white. You're going to get it, Baba clicked. Here comes your pot and Captain Thompson too. Mrs. Watson strode straight up to trade her Harkness her eyes blazing. You ought to be ashamed, she said to the man. Then she turned on Johnny. And so had you, young man, no planet fall for you. Johnny's heart leaped, he'd done it at last. Now, Mr. Harkness, Johnny's mother's voice was very low. What Baba and Johnny did was very wrong, I apologize for them. And Johnny will certainly be punished. Nevertheless, I never want to hear of you or anyone else threatening Baba again. Is that clear? Then back the trader nodded. That goes for the whole family, Mr. Harkness. Johnny's father stepped forward, straight and tall, and put his arm around his wife's shoulder. Not to mention the colony, he went on. We have a pretty big stake in that bear. The fat, short trader seemed suddenly as cold as ice. His heavy jaw thrust out, and his little black eyes looked straight at Johnny's father. You know or not, I don't have to put up with insults. Not from those two or any of you. If that's the kind of thanks I get for ten years of working with you, I'm through. You can fight your own battles now." He jerked his head around towards Rick. Come on. I'm staying, the young man said. All right, stay. The smooth bald head swiveled back to the Watson family. I told this man I'd fire him back to earth, but let him stay. After the hunters have picked your bones, I'll take care of him. He turned and with heavy footsteps walked away. His slow waddle did not seem funny now. The hunters in the crowd stood for a moment and then followed him. Captain Thompson addressed Johnny's father. That sounded like a declaration of war. His father nodded grimly. I think our colony is getting too big for him, he said slowly. He's been looking for a way to break with us and Johnny gave him just the kind of excuse he needed. Yep, said Jab, but don't be too hard on Johnny. Maybe it's just as good it happened now when we got more of a clause to buy us some extra firepower. You might not have those claws long enough to do any good, Rick Saunders cut in. I was just going to warn you. Four hunters just asked Harkness in on a plan to rob the stockade. The trader turned him down, but which four hunters? Captain Thompson broke in. A shadow passed over Rick's face. I don't know which ones. He looked at Mr. Watson eagerly. I want to help, though. I'm hoping you'll take me on as a guard. We can sure use you. Jab stepped up and slapped the young man on the back. Mr. Watson appeared to consider for a moment. He looked Rick up and down and then glanced at Captain Thompson, who nodded. All right, Rick, he said, you go on over to the guard barracks and Jab will check you out. When you're through, report to Captain Thompson. Rick Saunders grinned. Old Jab threw an arm around his shoulder and they walked off together. When they were out of hearing, Captain Thompson turned to Johnny's father. I don't know if I like this, he said. Harkness may have planted that man on us. I'm certainly not going to let him get anywhere near our claws. I'll keep an eye on Saunders personally. But gosh! Johnny broke in. I heard him arg- I think Johnny, said his father sternly. You said and done enough for one day. The traitor is a proud man, and by making a fool of him you've given the colony a deadly enemy. He turned back to Captain Thompson. We'd better change our plans, Captain. It looks like we should double, maybe even triple, the guard. CHAPTER 4 THE THIRD SECRET Three hours later, Boy and Bear were trudging through the Marshberry Fields toward New Plymouth Rock. Johnny's bottom was still warm from his recent session with a strap. The boy was in full armor. A leather harness was strapped to the little bear's furry blue-back. The last copter had long since left for the Rockett Field, and except for the guards, the settlement was nearly empty. Because of this Johnny had been forbidden to leave his house. A lone person without a gun was supposed to be just what the arrow-birds were looking for, but Johnny wasn't afraid. He had his third secret. Johnny reached up and carefully picked one of the apple-sized Marshberries for himself. It was a rich, ripe yellow color. They're just right this year, Johnny said to Baba. The little bear knotted gravely. Both he and Johnny had worked hard in those fields. Everyone did. Marshberries prevented a disease called coals that Johnny had never had, and were the only crop the colonists could send back to earth. They had to be ripe for the yearly Rockett or a year's work was wasted. Johnny trudged on under the weight of his armor while Baba bounced along beside him. A mile away loomed new Plymouth Rock. The huge mesa-like rock made up one corner of the settlement's barrier against the animals. The thick concrete walls of the settlement topped with live wires were joined to the Rockett on two sides. On its summit stood a stunted diamond wood-tree. This was Johnny's and Baba's destination. Baba jumped high in the air, made himself into a ball and bounced on ahead. Hurry up! He clicked. Hungry for nuts, eh? Johnny asked. Crunchy ones! The little bear clicked back, turning a somersault in the air. Come on! Hurry! Johnny made a face at Baba. Bear, he said, you're certainly getting bossy lately. Baba did another somersault, bounced and landed on Johnny's shoulder with a thump almost knocking the bar down. He put his nose in Johnny's ear. I am a grown-up! He clicked in heavy tones. Hear my beautiful new voice? Johnny hunched his shoulders hard, spilling Baba to the ground. Then he grabbed him by the harness and stood up. While Baba squeaked piteously, Johnny swung him round and round. At the top of one of the swings he let go, tossing Baba high into the air. Help! Help! Clicked Baba, beating paws into the air and screwing up his face. Just before he hit the ground he made himself into a ball. He hit with a smack and bounced higher than Johnny had thrown him. Both of them were laughing when he stopped bouncing. Gosh! I wish we could have done that for the earthies, Johnny said. The two fell silent. The thinking of the fun they were missing at the rocket field. They were coming to the end of the Marshbury Fields, before them with a great boulder surrounding new Plymouth Rock. Johnny had made the harness Baba was wearing for forays among the boulders, forbidden forays for arrow-birds nested there. Baba with his strong nails and bouncy body could go straight up the face of rocks. He was small enough to ride on Johnny's shoulder, but he was powerful too. By hanging on to Baba's harness Johnny could go straight up and over large boulders, armor, and all. Let's go right by the nests, Baba clicked. I want to be sure right off. Okay, worry bear, you lead the way. Johnny began to chant, Grandpa Baba sat in the corner, afraid that the shadow would burn in the fire. Baba bounced over the smaller rocks in the way. Johnny, weighted down with the head-globin armor, made his way slowly over them and between them. Baba helped Johnny over one steep place and then stayed beside him. It was hard going, and Johnny's clothes were drenched with sweat under his armor before they clambered down the last boulder and onto a little flat place. They were already high above the level of the settlement. On one side they were surrounded by high red boulders. On the other side loomed the sheer cliff of new Plymouth rock. Far above them, from many round holes in the rock came strange squeaking sounds. Here were the arrow-bird nests. Johnny was deathly afraid. He'd seen what an arrow-bird could do when it shot itself at a man. Get ready, Baba! He whispered. Those are just babies up there. Baba clicked. No danger yet. Let's climb up and get rid of them. Johnny suggested. Then there won't be any here to— No! Baba interrupted. But why? I'd be protected by my armor and— No! Baba clicked more firmly. There was a stern but puzzled expression on the little bear's face. The arrow-birds are my friend pets. I must not hurt them. They used a word in the clicking-language, which meant both friend and pet. It was something like the word kikak, which he called Johnny, friend, pet, brother. All right, Johnny said, but I don't understand. You mustn't harm them, either, Baba said. Remember, I brought you here. Otherwise you wouldn't know where the nests were. Even if you just tell the grown-ups and they kill them, well, it would be wrong. I would have. Baba was interrupted by a high whistling, shrieking noise and the whirr of wings. So quick you couldn't have followed his motions. Johnny squatted down, curled his feet under him, thrust his hands and forearms into special armor pockets. Six strangely shaped creatures were diving straight at him. Arrow-birds! A dirty, greenish-yellow. They were long and slender over a foot long. One could not tell where their heads left off when their necks began. They were shaped like long arrow-points. Their gossama-thin wings were a blur of motion. Johnny braced himself so that if they hit him he would not be knocked over. In a fraction of a second they dived within fifty feet of him. Go away, friend-pets! Baba clicked as loudly and as fast as he could. Go away, bother us not! He repeated his cry in a kind of chant so rapidly it was almost a trill. The shrieking whistle changed to a low hum. The arrow-birds pulled out of their dive. They floated in mid-air their wings aware. One had almost reached Johnny and was hovering in the air only a couple of yards away. It bent its neck out of arrow position and looked straight at him. Its little purple eyes glittered against the yellow-green skin of its head. Then, like a flash, they were gone. Phew! Johnny breathed. He took his hands out of his armor and stood up. He turned around just in time to see the flight of arrow-birds crawl into the holes in the rocks that were their nests. This was Johnny's third secret. The arrow-birds obeyed Baba. Right after Baba's voice had changed and his jewel-claws had come in, the two had made this astonishing discovery. They had stumbled upon this nesting-place and the arrow-birds, frightened for their nests, had slashed down at Johnny for the first time in his life. But Baba had cried out desperately in his new deep-clicks for them to go away and they had. It was like magic. Scattering up at the sheer cliff, Johnny was excited but afraid. Such a climb was too dangerous to do just for the fun of it, but Johnny thought he might have a way of saving Baba. Even when they were much younger, the little bear had been willing to leave Johnny in order to climb for a diamond wood-nuts fresh from the tree. It was the ideal place for Baba to hide. If Johnny could climb up with him, they would be able to visit off and then Baba was so fond of fresh-nuts, he might be willing to use it for a hideout. Johnny hadn't told Baba about his plan. If they could make it to the top, he would tell the bear then. The high shrieking whistle began again. Johnny suddenly had an idea. Friend-pets, friend-pets, bother me not, bother me not. Johnny clicked, quickly shaping deep-clicks just like Baba's in the back of his throat. As the birds half pulled out of their dive, the little bear started to speak. No, let me keep trying, Johnny clicked. Friend-pets, friend-pets, bother me not. At this the birds hovered about him, making squeaky noises, their heads still in striking position. They're puzzled, Baba clicked. They sense something's wrong. They expect to be shot at by people. I'll tell them to go, and it will be all right, in a second they could kill you. I've still got my armor," said Johnny. Maybe if I tell them to come here, they'll trust me. Johnny spoke the last in English, and the words sent the birds fluttering farther away. They seemed to be on the point of making another dive. Johnny was pale under his head-globe, but clicked. Friend-pets, come to your friend. The flying lizards slowly quieted, squeaking among themselves. Their wings humming they hovered closer and closer. There were five of them. Finally their heads snapped out of arrow position, one of them hovered in very close. Come to me, friend-pets, Johnny clicked to it and held out his hand. The creature, watching him carefully with his little purple eyes, floated even nearer its wings humming. Very gingerly it came to a perch on his hand. Its claws were cold, and it smelled faintly of meat-fruit. Johnny breathed deep. He was the only human being who had ever made friends with an arrow-bird. Slowly while the other birds hovered in the air about him, Johnny drew in his hand and stroked the bird on its folded wings. It shivered under his touch. But as he did it no harm, the other birds came closer and lit on his arms and his shoulders. One peered into his face. Another poked the air-sliths of Johnny's head-globe with its sharp bill. Baba! Johnny cried out, Did you see this? Do you think I could sneak one home with us? Your people would kill him, Johnny. Baba clicked. Go away, friend-pet. He clicked at the arrow-bird. The bird looked at Johnny. Go, friend-pet. Johnny clicked regretfully to the five birds about him. With a flash of wings they were gone. Gosh! Said Johnny. Gosh! He unzipped and wriggled out of his armor. Baba! I don't have to wear armor ever anymore, do you understand? I can just walk around like you do. The words fairly bubbled out of him. Baba was quiet for a moment, frowning. Johnny. He clicked. I've done something wrong. Something very bad. I'm not sure why, but I just know it's wrong. Those are my friend-pets, not yours. If you use the word friend-pet to them, that means you can never hurt them. You must always help them. But they will always try to kill your mother and father. It is all mixed up. Gee, Baba! Johnny was frowning now, too. Come on, let's try the climb and forget it. From one of the armor straps he unhooked a flashlight he always brought along for exploring caves. He fastened it to his belt. A few minutes later the two friends were looking up at the bare rock face that extended three hundred feet straight up. Golly, Baba! Do you really think you could take us up there? Johnny asked. If you can hold on, I can take you. Baba said from Johnny's shoulder. Start up! Johnny yelled. Baba leaped up onto the wall of rock, his claws cutting into it. Johnny grasped the harness and hooked his toes into a crack in the stone. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of Venus Boy by Lee Sutton Chapter 5 A Mystery Indeed By the time Baba and Johnny had gone fifty feet up the cliff Johnny felt as if his arms were about to be pulled from his shoulders. The boy helped push with his feet but that took only a little weight from his arms. Below him there was nothing but boulders and sharp jagged rocks. In spite of that danger he felt that he could hardly keep hold of the harness. Sweat poured down into his eyes. Hurry, Baba! He said through clenched teeth. Ledge soon! The little bear clicked. As he speeded up his climb he slapped his claws deep into the rock making sharp clapping noises that echoed among the boulders below. He stopped short and Johnny saw a place where the rock jutted out a few inches. Gratefully he felt something solid under his feet. He couldn't put his whole foot down but he could rest his arms a little. Phew! Johnny said, doesn't the ledge get wider? In a minute Baba answered. Crab-wise with Johnny still hanging on Baba worked along the ledge which slowly widened until Johnny could stand alone. They were now on the jungle side of the rock. A few feet further on there was a narrow slit in the rock face that widened into a small cave. Deep in the cave's darkness Johnny heard the squeaking of young arrow-birds. As he crept inside he whipped his flashlight from his belt. Purple eyes glittered at him in the circle of his light. There was a flutter of wings. Johnny and Baba started to click at the same time. The fluttering stopped and the bird's heads disappeared into their nests. The cave ended in a pile of large stones. Johnny sat down. Boy! Do my arms ache! Johnny said. How about you, Baba? I can climb! Baba answered. But can you hold on? We have far to go. Aren't there any more ledges? Johnny asked. Small ones, Baba answered. None are wide like this one. Do you still want to go up? Maybe we could tie me on some way, Johnny said. Mountain climbers do it that way. In a moment the boy and the bear were trying to see what they could work out. Finally Johnny had Baba use the razor-sharp point of one of his claws to cut a pair of long thin straps from the wide ones on the harness. These they tied to Johnny's belt and then to Baba's harness again. When the straps were finished Johnny felt rested and they started out of the cave. They were stopped by the site below them. At the foot of the rock there was a wide space of cleared ground and then the jungle stretched out. About a half mile away some large grayish beasts were breaking out of the undergrowth. Rhinosaurs, Johnny shouted, pointing, golly a hoe heard of them. There were more than thirty of the huge gray-blue Saurians. Even at that distance they could hear the low thunder of the gigantic hoes. The beasts stayed close to the brush knocking down small trees as they came. Johnny knew that heavy atto tubes were trained on the rhinosaurs from the guard towers. The guards in the gate towers would have a full view of them. Johnny also knew that unless the beasts began to charge the walls the guards would not fire. If they did the hoe heard my charge. Topped as they were with electrical wires the heavy fifty-foot high walls would be hard to breach. But rhinosaurs had smashed those walls once before they were thickened and electrified. Remember when they attacked and killed a lot of colonists? I remember, Bobba clicked, your people kill them too, these straps. Johnny nodded, because it was made of the skin of an animal the colonists had killed. He had had a hard time getting Bobba to wear that harness. Let's go, Johnny said. This time the going was not so hard for Johnny, though they climbed much farther before he and Bobba could rest. The next ledge they reached was not large enough to let them sit. Bobba had to hang to the rock, but it didn't seem to tire him. Three more rests and slowly but surely they were reaching the top. At the last rest Bobba clicked to Johnny in warning. The rock is getting softer. If my claws tear away from the rock just relax and fall with me. I'll grab again further down. All right, he said. Johnny didn't dare look down. He had been climbing with Bobba since he was three but never this high before. They had gone up only a few more feet when Bobba's claws began to slip. Johnny let himself go limp just in case anything happened. Very slowly Bobba's claws slipped down the rock then they caught hold again. We will have to move to the side Bobba clicked. Johnny didn't answer. It was up to Bobba. The little bear scuttled crab-wise along the side until he found a rock that didn't scale off. Then up they went again. Finally there was a ledge. The two scrambled onto it. One of the ledge was a gap in the rock, some boulders, and they were on the top. A faint wind was blowing and Johnny could hear it sing through the top of the stunted diamond wood-trees growing on the summit. The top of New Plymouth Rock was flat, a hundred feet or more wide, but with many jutting boulders. Here and there grew small bushes and patches of grass. The diamond wood-trees sprang directly from the bear rock. With shaking fingers Johnny untied the straps and threw himself down on a patch of green. As he lay there his breath rustling the grass he heard Bobba pattering about and wondered how the little bear had so much energy left. Johnny, Bobba clicked, Do you want some berries? Johnny looked up to see the little bear holding some clear, almost transparent red berries in his paw. The colonists called him Antelope Berries because they grew mainly in Antelope country. At that moment Johnny realized he was very thirsty. Thanks, Bobba! He crushed the berries with his teeth and felt the sour sweet juice trickle down his throat. He suddenly felt thrilled with triumph. He was now where no other human had ever been before. Johnny was just raising his head to look around when he heard the patter of tiny hoofs behind him. Look, Johnny! Bobba clicked. Johnny turned, running toward them was a herd of the tiniest antelope he had ever seen. They were barely six inches high, their curled horns almost as tiny as needles. Head down they charged directly at him. Johnny jumped to his feet. Friend, pets, Bobba clicked gently, bother us not. The tiny creatures wheeled about and started back in the direction from which they had come. Oh, Bobba, don't send them away! Johnny said. Then, remembering his success with the arrow-birds, he himself clicked in a low tone. Come here, friend, pets, come here! The antelope with the longest curled blue horn stopped, turned slowly around, and pawed the ground, his long neck arched. It was just seven inches high. Johnny laughed. The regular antelope were seven feet high, but otherwise looked exactly the same as these. Johnny squatted down, and as he moved the herd turned and ran, making little winny-y noises. Then they wheeled and returned. The leader pranced closer and closer, and came to a halt within a foot of Johnny. It was soft blue all over, marked with spots of deeper purple. Its tiny hooves were blue-black, and its eyes glistened with deep purple highlights. Johnny reached out both his hands and laid them before the little creature. Come, Johnny clicked, trembling the little antelope pawed the grass. Then with missing steps he came forward and placed his forefeet on one hand, his hind feet on the other. Very slowly Johnny raised him from the ground. The small hooves were sharp and dug into the palms of his hands. The little animal's eyes widened, and it snorted in fear. Johnny, afraid it might fall, set his hands back on the ground. Go, friend Pet, he clicked, with a bound the creature returned to his herd. Together the antelope leaped high over a small boulder and were gone behind a clump of bushes. Johnny looked up to see Baba watching him steadily. The little bear looked at Johnny the same way as when he had spoken to the arrow-birds. And Pet brother Johnny, Baba clicked, I am sure I am doing wrong. First the arrow-birds, and now the antelopes are your friends, but they are your people's enemies." Not the antelopes, Johnny said. They fight us some, but we don't ever bother them except for meat. Your people kill them, Baba said, as if that settled matters. Now you can't. You said they were your friends. Is that some kind of rule, Johnny asked? You said they were your friends, Baba repeated. You help your friends and your friends help you. That is the law and will be the law as the trees stand. Between friend and friend there is no parting more than the fingers of a hand. Baba said this in a short of sing-song clicks, like the song of a bird. It was something like a poem. Baba, Johnny asked, How do you know all this? You've never talked this way before. Johnny squatted down before the little bear whose face was screwed up into a puzzled frown. I guess I've always known it, Baba clicked, but it just came back to me. I don't remember much before I came to live with you, Johnny, but I do remember being in a high tree. There was one like me whom I loved very much, and she sang the song I just sang to you. I remember going to sleep while she sang it. It is a true song, too. Would you sing it again? Johnny asked. The little bear began again. You help your friends and your friends help you. It is the law, and will be the law as the trees stand. Between friend and friend there is no parting more than the fingers of a hand. This time the little bear really sang, trilling the clicks to a tune like the roll of a mockingbird song. Johnny felt very strange. He patted Baba on the head and then stood up. I think I understand, he said, looking out over the surrounding countryside, thinking about the little antelope he had just held in his hands. I am hungry, the little bear clicked. With a jump and a bounce he started for the stunted diamond wood-tree. Baba, Johnny called. The little bear bounced back. Aren't there plenty of those nuts here for you to live on? I mean, enough to feed you regularly if you lived here all the time? The little bear nodded, yes, but frowned. I want to live with you, Johnny. He clicked. I know, Baba, but you're in danger. I hope that if I could show you I'd be able to visit you, maybe you'd stay. At the unhappiness on the little bear's face Johnny hurried on. Look, Baba, I can't make you stay here, but somebody is going to find out about your nails if you stay with me. If you live here I could come up and visit you when the nights come, and if we were lucky I could see you most every week time down by the rocks. Johnny's voice trailed off. Baba was looking unhappier and unhappier. I want to live with you, Baba repeated. Remember what the song says about porting? You stay here with me. It was Johnny's turn to look unhappy. He didn't want to leave his father and mother any more than Baba wanted to leave him. The hard climb was all for nothing. I can't, Baba, you know that, he said sadly. I can't either, Baba said. Johnny continued arguing for a long time, but it did no good. Baba wanted to be with Johnny. There wasn't anything more to say. I'm still hungry, clicked the little bear plaintively. Then with a bounce Baba was up and away. The little bear was crazier about fresh diamond wood-nuts than anything else, even chocolate. Johnny felt sad and confused. He got up. Below him stretched the sweet green lands of Venus. The hard angles of the walls and the squat gray buildings of the settlements were somehow out of keeping with the rest of the land. There was an almost park-like look about the jungle from this height. In the distance the towering groves of diamond wood-trees, where the Marva lived, shone blue-green against the light-green clouds that were the skies of Venus. Between the blue groves of diamond wood-trees were the meadowlands soft and rolling. At the edges of the meadows were the lower and darker green-meat trees where the saber-tooth leopard stalked. The land was laced with rivers that shone in the green light. It was all so beautiful and so deadly. In a few hours evening would begin almost three Earth days of twilight. Venus turned so slowly that there was a whole Earth week each of daylight and dark. But of course people had to sleep and work by Earth days. The thick, permanent clouds surrounding Venus glowed with light hours after sundown, making the twilight last and last. Beyond the marshes was the sea, filled too with savage life, lying crocodiles who may nest on the bones of their prey—great dinosaur-like monsters and shark-snakes. But none of these dared come onto the land, for the land-animals fought them as fiercely as they fought man. For Baba all the animals on Venus were determined to kill Johnny's people, and he had just been making friends with some of those enemies. He felt strange as if he were being a traitor to his own kind. Johnny didn't like that feeling. Suddenly he thought of Baba living among people and wondering if the little bear felt the same way. Johnny turned away from the edge of the cliff and kicked a stone. He began to wander over the top of new Plymouth Rock, peering into bushes and piles of boulders. He passed near the antelopes, grazing on some grass. They lifted their heads and winnied but went on grazing. Johnny liked that. Beside a pile of small boulders he found some arrow-bird nests. He spoke to the birds and all was well. That's an odd pile of boulders, Johnny muttered to himself. It didn't look just right somehow. He pushed one of the stones and it rolled down almost to his foot. There was a dark empty space beyond it. He took his flashlight from his belt and shined it down into the opening. He almost dropped the flashlight. The light revealed the shape of a bouncing bear, a marva, just like Baba. Baba! Johnny turned and yelled, come here quick. When he looked back the bear in the opening had not moved. It was not blue but the color of the rock. Johnny stopped shaking. The opening was the entrance into a cave and on the wall of the cave was carved the figure of a bear he had thought was alive. He was sure that the bear had been blue. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Inside New Plymouth Rock Johnny and Baba excitedly started clearing away the pile of boulders and stones from the mouth of the mysterious cave. Suddenly the arrow-birds began flying around their heads snapping into striking position. They don't like us doing this, Baba clicked. They don't like it at all. He turned to the fluttering birds. Bother us not, bother us not, he repeated. The birds retreated but hovered in the air not far off. Go away came a firm, deep click. The birds stopped in mid-air and then were gone. Gosh! Johnny said to Baba, you sure made them go that time. Baba's eyes opened wide. I didn't say anything, he clicked. The bear and the boy looked at one another, puzzled, and then into the opening. The bear cut into stone was all there was to see. Come on, Baba! Johnny rushed to the opening and knocked down a few more stones. Baba pushed them farther away. In a few minutes of hard work the opening was big enough for Johnny to squeeze through. Around the edge of the cave the rock was carved with the shapes of many animals. The floor slanted sharply downward. Hurry, Johnny! Baba clicked anxiously. He may have gone away. The little bear's eyes were shining with eagerness. Johnny's heart sank. Baba had not seen another live jewel bear since he had been captured. He had never seemed interested. But now he was quivering with excitement. If they found more of a, maybe Baba would want to stay with them. Johnny wanted Baba to be safe, but he didn't want to lose him for always. The little bear was already scurrying down the steep slope. Without stopping to think of danger ahead, Johnny plunged after him. The ceiling was just high enough for him to stand upright. During his light into the darkness Johnny saw that the cave was a long passageway that curved down into the heart of the Great Rock. Soon there were too deep inside for any light to reach them from the mouth of the cave. Except for the beam of Johnny's flashlight they were surrounded by complete darkness. The air was musty and cool and their footfalls echoed making scary hollow noises. Stop! Johnny said. He held his fingers to his lips. His words echoed and re-echoed in front of them. Then there was almost silence. A soft patting and clicking sound came from far in the distance. It was the same kind of noise Baba's feet and claws made on stone. The two started out again at a half run. The slope was almost too steep and Johnny had to slide to a stop to keep from falling. Baba went bouncing along ahead and out of sight. As the slope became steeper yet Johnny had to slide forward carefully. He stumbled and went down on his back. His flashlight slipped from his hand and went rolling on down the passage and out of sight. In a second it was pitch black. Baba! Johnny yelled at the top of his lungs. His only answer was his own voice echoing down the long corridor. He pushed himself up into a sitting position and slid on forward on the seat of his pants, his heart beating rapidly. A few very long minutes later he saw a light shining in the distance. It was Baba the flashlight in his paw. Hurry, Johnny! He clicked. Hurry! With the way lighted for him Johnny got to his feet and could move faster. As he reached Baba the passage began to widen and the slope became less steep. I saw him. Baba clicked excitedly. He was big. I'm sure if we could catch him he'd be a friend. I tried to talk to him but he went on ahead just when you called. Oh, Johnny, I do want to find him. Johnny had never seen Baba so excited. Suddenly the passage way ended and they were in a great underground room. Johnny flashed his light around the walls. They too were carved with scenes of life on Venus. Beneath each carving was a small doorway leading into a side room. There was one large doorway opposite the one through which they had entered. It looks like a meeting-house, Johnny said, with seats in everything. He flashed the light on one of the carvings. He had heard of carvings like these and had seen one once. His father said that they must have been made by an intelligent life farm that had visited Venus from the stars. This cave must have been where they had hidden from the animals, just as men now hid from them behind the settlement's great walls. Johnny was awed. Johnny, don't just stand there. Baba clicked. We've got to find him. Johnny looked from opening to opening. Which way, Baba? The little bear sniffed the air. I can't tell, he said. I can't tell. Harboredly they made a circle about the great room. When they came to the large opening Baba sniffed carefully. Maybe here he clicked and plunged through. Down they went as before. This time Johnny grabbed Baba's harness and they were able to move faster. The corridor was just as steep and curvy as the first one. In a few minutes they emerged into another room. It was smaller than the room above and had three small doorways and one large opening. Let's try them all, Baba said. Through each of the three small doorways they entered similar rooms. The fourth opening was another corridor. Again Baba thought he smelled the path of the Marva. From that corridor they went, down and down. Finally it ended in hundreds of the rooms, large and small. The rock was like a honeycomb. Johnny's flashlight was already growing dim and they didn't dare try to search much longer. Trying to follow the scent they took a side corridor that led from one small room to another and came out into a narrow passageway. A faint light glimmered at the end of it. Baba bounded on ahead, Johnny running to keep up with him. The light seeped through a pile of rocks. Johnny flashed his light through one of the cracks. Behind the pile of rocks the tunnel continued for several feet. In the light of his flashlight Johnny could see bits of leather on the floor of the outer part of the cave. Just beyond them on the other side of the rocks was the cave Johnny and Baba had rested in while climbing up, the cave in which they had cut the long straps they had used to tie themselves together for the long climb upward. The bits of leather on the floor were scraps that had been left over. Why, we're almost to the bottom, Johnny said. Yes, Baba clicked. I guess we can't find him. I don't smell anything now but arrow-birds, he ended sadly. We gotta try, Johnny said firmly. He felt hollow inside when he thought Baba might go away for good, but he was convinced now that this was the only way to keep him safe. Let's try further down. Johnny turned around and a few minutes later they were going down one of the curving main corridors again. The corridor gradually straightened out. Soon it hardly slanted down at all. It finally turned into what seemed to be a long underground tunnel. Johnny had to stoop over to keep from hitting his head on the ceiling. The passageway was no longer going through solid rock and its walls and floors were a sticky clang. Johnny's and Baba's feet made squishing noises as they walked. It seemed as if the tunnel would never end. They walked on and on. I think we're going away from New Plymouth Rock, Baba clicked. I think so too, Johnny answered. We must have already gone most a mile. The walls had narrowed until Johnny and Baba had to walk single file. Suddenly the passageway slanted upward and a faint glow of light could be seen far away. As they began to climb toward the light the ceiling became so low that Johnny had to crawl on his hands and knees. It was a long sticky climb. As they approached within a few yards of the light, Baba stopped blocking Johnny's way. The cave must end up in the jungle outside the colony wall. The little bear clicked. Maybe we ought to stop. He sounded worried. But Johnny was not going to let this chance pass. Go on, he urged. But the rhino-sars, who's afraid of an old rhinocer, Johnny demanded. You are, Baba clicked, but he scrambled on. They emerged into the blinding light in the center of a tangle of thick, high brush. They were out in the jungle, far away from the rock. The boy and his bear were covered with mud from head to foot. They peered carefully around, listening. In the distance they could hear the rumble of moving rhino-sars. As they crept away from the cave, their view continued to be blocked by large bushes and trees. They couldn't even see new Plymouth Rock. Stepping quietly and carefully, they finally came to an opening in the brush. Forward to the right was the rock, and further in the distance a guard tower. Back, Johnny shouted, the guard will see us. The two jumped back. There was a grunt behind them. They turned. Behind a screen of brush a great blue-scaled rhinocer was waking up. It was between them and the opening of the cave. It snorted with the sound of a deep bass drum and heaved up on its feet. Ahead at the edge of the clearing was a tall meat tree. They had two chances. They could turn quietly and creep away into the brush, hoping the big beast would not see or hear them, or they could make a run for the meat-tree in full view of the guard-tower. End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 of Venus Boy by Lee Sutton. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 7 The Rhino-Saw Stampede The decision was made for them by the Rhino-Saw. The great scale-beast began to turn around, crashing down brush as he moved. In a few seconds he would be facing directly toward them. Tree, Baba clicked very softly. Johnny nodded. The two slinked like hunting cats toward the tree. They didn't dare look back. I think the guard saw us, Baba clicked. He was waving his arms. The jewel-bear had already climbed part way up the trunk. He motioned for Johnny to grab the harness. Not making a sound, Johnny took hold of the harness, and the two of them started up the tree. When they reached the first branch, Johnny let go the harness and clambered up as quickly and quietly as he could. Only when they were screened from view by the fleshy leaves of the Meat Tree did he dare to look down. Through little openings between the leaves he could see the Rhino-Saw. It was shaking its ugly horned head. Its little black-blue eyes peered about under blue-scaled eyelids. It trumpeted. The deep-blasting sound echoed against the settlement walls. For some minutes it moved around in the brush, snorting. It paused, snuffing in the air in great gulps. Then it headed straight for the tree and began to trot back and forth under it. It had smelled Johnny. The hoofbeats on the ground made the limb Johnny sat on tremble. If the Rhino-Saw sensed that Johnny was in the tree, it was the end. The tree was easily four feet thick at the base, but a Rhino-Saw could knock it down with one rush. Johnny and Baba were on the highest and smallest branch, but they were barely twenty feet above its head. The Rhino-Saw's shoulder brushed against the lowest branch and the whole tree swayed back and forth as if hit by a hurricane. Johnny was struck by an idea. Baba, he whispered, Do you think it might obey you just like the arrow-birds? I don't know, Johnny. Baba clicked softly. I'll try. Baba started to climb down. By the slow careful way Baba moved, Johnny knew the Little Bear was afraid, too. It was an awful chance to take. Johnny was about to call him back, but as he opened his lips, the Little Bear looked up and grinned. Down Baba went. He was now half way down the tree, thirty feet from the ground and level with the eyes of the Rhino-Saw. It caught sight of him, snorted and pawed the ground, digging up shovel-fulls of dirt with each movement. Friend, pet, friend, pet. Baba clicked and Johnny suddenly wanted to giggle. Imagine having something that size for a pet. Friend, pet, Baba clicked again. Go away, go away, bother us not. The big creature stopped still. Muscles rolled and bunched under the heavy blue-gray scales. Is he going to charge or leave? They never found out. There was a roar of motors behind the beast, the clank of metal, the deafening blast of an atto-tube gun. The ground shook, leaves showered down on Johnny. The guards have sent a tank to rescue them. Things began to happen too fast for Johnny to keep track. The Rhino-Saw roared with pain and wheeled. It had been hit. It charged toward the oncoming tank, one of the colony's light-duty tanks built for speed and quick turns. The driver jockied for position. The tank shot down the clearing, turned and stopped. Its guns were too light to kill the huge beast, so the gunner didn't bother to fire again. They were trying to draw the Rhino-Saw away from the tree. The Rhino-Saw's hoofs thundered echoing against the walls and the rocks as it gathered speed. It was almost on top of the tank. With a roar of the motors the tank shot forward. The Rhino-Saw was going too fast to stop or turn. It plunged on past the tank, bellowing its rage. Almost immediately the tank screeched to a stop beneath the tree. Its manhole swung open. Rick Saunders' red head emerged. Get in here, quick! He shouted over the noise of the motor. He needed no invitation. He was already halfway down the trunk of the tree. Baba jumped from his perch into the open manhole. As soon as Johnny was low enough he grasped the branch, swung on to the top of the tank, and started down to steal latter. The tank jumped forward with a lurch. The Rhino-Saw was bearing down on them. Their guns roared, but the Rhino-Saw did not stop. As a hand grabbed him, pulling him inside, Johnny saw the tree topple over as the Rhino-Saw crashed into it. Fire of the gate rocket. Someone shout echoed in the tank. Johnny recognized Captain Thompson's deep voice. Jack, Johnny heard Rick answer. Rick was in the gun turret. After the outside light it seemed very dark in the tank. It smelled of grease and the burnt air of cannon fire. There was the swish of a rocket. Johnny knew this rocket was a signal for the guard on duty at the steel gateways to be ready to open up. The motors were roaring with a high whining sound which meant they were going at full speed. The tank bounced and jolted, shaking Johnny from side to side. Get ready for the gate, warned Captain Thompson from the driver's seat. The tank seemed to be almost flying now. Johnny set himself for a violent turn. Like the doors of the houses the wall gates were double. Which was a heavy steel portcullis. A great sliding door that could be raised and lowered. When a tank came to the outer gate its weight tripped a switch. That switch turned on motors that made the first gate fall in the second rise. Otherwise fast-moving tanks would have smashed into the second gate. Johnny slid over to an observation slit. To his left he could see that the heavy steel gate was rising. His heart raced. Then being chased by rhinosaurs a driver sped straight along the wall and then turned sharply through the open gate. If he timed it right the rhinosaurs plunged on and the tank was safe. It took split second timing. They were right by the gate. Johnny grabbed a brace. With a scream of the treads the tank started a turn. Rhinos on the side shouted Rick, his guns blazed. Then Thomason fought to straighten the tank out of the turn. Bobba was sitting with his paws over his ears, his claws glowing. There was a bone-shattering crash. Then Johnny felt himself flying through the air. Everything went topsy-turvy. He banged his shoulder against the side of the tank. Then he felt Bobba's furry body against his. Rick's feet seemed to come from nowhere and dig into his back. Johnny grabbed on to something solid and wedged himself in tight. The tank was rolling over and over. Something crashed into it again and again. There was a heavy thud in the sound of breaking metal. Then everything was still. The motors had stopped. From outside came the roar of guns and the bellowing of rhinosaurs. Johnny found himself sprawled on top of Rick's saunders. He was terribly shaken. Bobba was hanging on to one of the rungs of the steel ladder. It was almost pitch-dark. Rick struggled to his feet as Johnny scrambled from on top of him. We're upside down! Bobba clicked softly to Johnny. What happened, saunders? Captain Thompson's heavy voice demanded from the driver's compartment. Didn't Harkness teach you to shoot? Four of them rushed us right at the gate, Rick answered. Did we make it inside? Think so. Anybody hurt? Asked. Just scratched a little, Johnny answered. Good! Captain Thompson grunted. Is the writing-jack okay? Rick tested a lever. Okay! Let her rip. Hang on, Johnny! Rick said. We're going to write her. Johnny knew just what was going to happen. A tank-turned-turtle had meant a dead crew until the writing-jack had been attached to each of the tanks. Next air pushed out two rods, four in aft, and flipped the tank right side up. Johnny braced himself. There was a rush of air. Johnny felt the tank tip slowly under him. Then it went over with a crash. The tank was right side up. The gate, Rick exclaimed. Just above his head Johnny saw light from the observation slit. He looked out. Then he knew what Rick meant. They and the four rhinoceros had reached the gate at the same time. The rhinoceros were inside. They had knocked the tank through the outer gateway and had smashed into the steel door before it was half-way down. The inner door must have met the same fate, for Johnny could see that the sliding steel plates were bent and jammed open. The rhinoceros had kept after the tank until now it lay fifty yards inside the settlement. Even as Johnny watched, another rhinoceros charged through the opening and headed into the settlement. Captain Thompson was grinding on the starter and Rick was working up in the gun turret. The rhinoceros got through. Johnny clicked to Baba. And the tank is broken. Baba clicked back. Yes. I have to get out. Baba said. Maybe I can get the rhinoceros to— No, Baba. Johnny said. They're just playing crazy now. Captain Thompson climbed down out of the driver's compartment. The motor's gone. How are the guns? Out of action, Rick answered, must be filled with dirt. We can't do any good here. Okay, Captain Thompson said. Let's get moving. I'm needed out there. Rick undid the wing nuts on the manhole and pushed. Metal squeaked, but the door stayed in place. Jammed, Rick said. Get me a crowbar out of the box. Johnny dived for the toolbox and came up with a pry bar. He handed it to Rick. Hurry, man, Captain Thompson said as Rick went to work. His black angry eyes fixed themselves on Johnny. We should have left you out there. I'm sorry, Johnny said. In answer, the man cuffed Johnny with the back of his hand. Johnny couldn't be angry. He knew what a rhinoceros raid was like, and this one was his fault. Oh, leave the kid alone, Rick said from above. Leave him alone! Thompson snorted and glared first at Johnny and then at Baba. The kid and that bear have caused more trouble. Captain Thompson stopped talking and stared at Baba. He reached out suddenly and grabbed the little bear by the paw. Well, look at this! He said in a hushed tone. In the steamy darkness of the tank, Baba's nails shone clear and blue. The climbing and running had worn off all the paint. Thompson held up Baba's paws into the light of an observation slit. He scraped with one of his fingernails. Nail polish, he exclaimed. The manhole came open with a clang. She's open, Rick called. Captain Thompson paused only a fraction of a second over Baba and climbed the ladder. Locked the kid and bear in the tank, Thompson ordered. There's less danger here for the bar than there would be in the trip to the wall. You, Rick, go back to the gate. I'll run for headquarters. Make it fast. Without another word he was up the ladder and gone. Rick Saunders reached down and patted Johnny on the shoulder. Tough luck about your bear, son, he said. And then he too was gone. The manhole door clanged and Johnny heard a lock click into place. He hugged Baba to him. Gosh, Baba! Johnny said, what are we going to do now? Baba for once said nothing to say. Johnny hugged the warm, furry creature closer to him. Tears began to streak down his cheeks. Baba didn't like this. He cocked a blue eye at the boy. Don't cry, Johnny. He clicked. Come on. Stop it. He pleaded. Why don't we go up in the turret and see what's happening? Johnny wiped his tears away and the two climbed into the gun turret. His stomach tightened. Through the four-inch-thick bubble of marvite plastic, he could see the destruction he and Baba had let loose. The whole settlement lay within view. A half-dozen of the giant lizard beasts had turned the colony into a dusty hell. Even within the tank the bellows of the beasts and the roar of guns was almost deafening. Most of the Marshbury fields had already been trampled in the mud. One of the concrete houses lay crushed into rubble. Johnny was grateful that almost everyone was at the rocket field. He gave thanks too for Captain Thompson. He could see the big man marshalling tanks into an organized row. They were going to try to herd the great beasts out the open gates. Johnny turned his eyes toward the gates. Someone had manhandled one of the big eto-tube cannons into the opening, pointing it into the jungle. His friend, Rick Saunders, ran up to help. A dying rhino-saur lay not far from the muzzle of the gun. Evidently, the other rhino-saurs were too sensible or too frightened to try the power of that cannon. Baba was pulling at Johnny's sleeve. Look, Johnny, look! Baba clicked. Johnny turned and looked toward the settlement again. A heavy-duty hunting-tag stood before the settlement's stockade and storehouse. Its heavy cannon spoke once, and the door dissolved. Four men leaped from the tank and ran inside. They were stealing our claws, Johnny cried out. Wade down by the colony's strongbox, the four men came out of the building. Inside that strongbox were the colony's precious marvel claws. The four hunters heaved the safe into the tank's carrier and climbed inside. With the spurt of dust the tank rolled on. A few minutes later it had fought its way through the rhino-saurs and was passing the place where Johnny and Baba stared out of the turret. As it came up to the gate the hunting tank's manhole opened and a man emerged. He waved to Rick standing beside the cannon. The red-haired ex-body-guard waved back. Then he climbed up on the tank and down inside. The tank rolled on out into the jungle. Johnny stood, shocked and silent. That gate went the last valuable thing the colony owned. I don't understand, Baba clicked. I thought Rick was the colony's friend. I did too, Johnny said sadly. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 of Venus Boy by Lee Sutton. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8 One secret is revealed. It was now early evening and the Venus skies were a deep, clear green. It was over an hour since the last rhino-saur had been killed or driven out. The gates had been temporarily repaired. Here and there a small building had been trodden into rubble. Johnny and Baba were still locked inside the tank which had been dragged away from the dangerous fighting. From the turret they were watching a group of men gathered outside the administration building. Johnny wished someone would come and let them out. Finally the crowd broke up. One group of men hopped onto the back of a tank and headed toward Johnny and Baba. The rest of the crowd followed on foot. I wonder what's up, Johnny said. Baba shook his head. I don't like the looks of it, Johnny went on. We're in an awful pickle. He looked down at the little bear's paws. He had painted the nails again with the nail polish but he didn't think he would do any good. The tank came rumbling to a halt beside them. The two crawled down from the turret. Johnny heard the men working on the lock. The manhole door was opened. Come on out, Johnny. It was his father's voice. Baba jumped on his shoulder and Johnny climbed slowly out. Johnny's father and Captain Thompson were standing on top of the tank surrounded by a crowd of grave-faced Venus pioneers. It was odd. None of the men looked angry. Johnny knew they should be very angry with him. He tried to shape words to say he tried to make up for the trouble he caused but the words would not come. Mr. Watson reached out and picked Baba from Johnny's shoulder. He lifted up one of the little bear's paws and looked at it carefully. The claws still looked black to me, he said. Disappointment mixed with relief came over the faces of the men. Let me show you. Captain Thompson, not un-gently, took Baba from Johnny's father. The little bear looked straight at Johnny, an odd expression in his deep blue eyes but he didn't struggle. Captain Thompson set Baba down on top of the tank and took one of the paws in his hands. With this fingernail he scraped at one of the claws, then another and another. He held the paw up for the men to see. The claws glowed clear blue in the evening light. You see, he said triumphantly, it is just as I said. The boy has been covering them up. The crowd sighed with wonder. Captain Thompson turned back to Johnny's father. You'd better tell the boy right away, it will be easier. Many of the crowd nodded at their agreement. For the first time Johnny made out the object that Captain Thompson had been carrying, it was a small cage made of diamond wood. Johnny's father reached out and touched him on the shoulder. You know what happened here today, don't you, Johnny? He asked in a grave tone. Yes, sir, Johnny answered in a low, shamed voice. The crops been ruined and those hunters stole our claws. That's right, his father said, and I think you also understand that if it hadn't been for you this needn't have happened. Yes, sir, the words were almost a whisper. Johnny felt the tears coming up into his eyes. You can understand, then, it's up to you and us to make amends to the colony. Yes, sir. Johnny's whisper was even lower. Well, son, I'm sorry to do this, but I have to. I know Baba has been your pet for a long time, but you are going to have to give him up. I've just given him back to the colony. Now get him into the cage so we can get this over with. But you'll kill him! Johnny cried out. He reached down and swept the little bear into his arms. No, son, not right away. His father answered. The rocket captain says the colony could make some money by showing him alive on earth before they put him to sleep. But you know that he'll die? Oh, Daddy, please don't! Johnny looked up pleading at his father. Frederick Watson's eyes met Johnny's. They were kind, but stern. He shook his head firmly. Johnny looked around him through his tears. Baba was warm and furry in his arms. The men stood about, their faces were grave and determined. Most still-hell atto tubes in their hands. Even at that, Baba had a chance. Johnny began to click in the ear of the little bear. Baba! He clicked very softly. You can get away over the wall by the rock. It isn't very far. I'll throw you as far as I can. If you bounce like crazy, they could never hit you. But the little bear jumped to the steel tank top. No, Johnny, he clicked. You are my friend, pet brother, no matter what happens. Then, just as if he had been told to go by Johnny, the little bear walked over to the cage. Captain Thompson was holding a sliding door open. Baba climbed in. He squatted there and made a little whimpering noise that was the only sound he could make beside his clicks. He waved a paw at Johnny. A little devil acts almost human, the old guard Jeb said from the crowd. Only Johnny knew how true that was. Better hustle that kid inside a tank, someone shouted. He hasn't got any armor on. Patrick Watson's head jerked around. His eyes widened. In one motion he took Johnny into his arms and jumped to the ground. Seconds later Johnny was in a big hunting tank headed for home, a home for the first time in ten years empty of a little bouncing bear. End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of Venus Boy by Lee Sutton. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9 The Price of a Brother Johnny had some tall explaining to do about his lack of armor. He was in a tight spot, for the less he let anyone know the more chance he had to find some way of rescuing Baba. Johnny was very careful about his explanation. There might still be a way. The fact that he had been seen on top of New Plymouth Rock made his explanation easier. He simply said that he had been looking for a place to hide the little bear, and in order for Baba to help take him up the rock he had had the chance taking off his armor. He said nothing about Baba and the arrow-birds. Being found in the jungle was harder to explain without telling a lie, but he managed it. He said that he and Baba had taken a route down that had made them land on the jungle side of the rock. It didn't explain why they were beyond the clearing, but his parents seemed to assume that he had been trying to get among the brush where he could hide from the animals. He said nothing at all about the caves in the rock. It was a pretty thin story, but his family was too relieved that he had come home alive to worry much about it. It was long past supper time when the explaining was over and his mother began to prepare a meal. Ordinarily Johnny's father would not have been home even for supper. That day was a busy time for the leader of the colony, but with all the confusion the business of the day had to be put aside. It was a strangely sad and silent house. Johnny himself was so good his parents could hardly recognize him. He had showered without being asked and changed into clean clothes. His hands were perfectly clean at the table. His mother had hidden Baba's high-chair away. The little bear had always sat with them at the table. It was a quiet meal. Often after the four-sleep meal Johnny and his father worked on model rockets, but this evening models were forgotten. Johnny got a book and his father busied himself with papers. But Johnny didn't read. He kept thinking of Baba all alone in the settlement storage house surrounded by guards. The whole area was lit up in case hunters should try to steal the little bear just as they had stolen the Marvel Claws. The family sat in silence. Once Johnny saw his mother wipe a tear away from her eyes. He knew she liked Baba too, but she liked him only as a pet. Dad, he said suddenly. His father looked up from his work. Would you... Johnny didn't know how to put the question he had to ask. I mean, well, the colony's in pretty bad shape, isn't it? Yes, son, his father said gravely. It is. The million dollars we get for Baba will help out a lot, won't it? Johnny was very serious. But without it, would everybody starve to death? A million dollars will help the colony out, his father answered. But even without it, nobody would starve. There are meat-fruits and berries to gather and the animals to hunt. But everyone would have a very hard time. It isn't a simple thing to keep a colony going. It is very difficult and very important. Mankind is reaching out sun in some day. We may inhabit planets of all the stars in the heavens. But only if Venus' colony succeeds. It is a big thing, Johnny. Mr. Watson's voice was serious as if he were talking to another man. Johnny was quiet for a minute. Dad, he said slowly. In order to get that million dollars, would you have mother or me, he paused. Put to sleep. Johnny! Johnny's mother broke in in a horrified voice. That's no question to ask your father. I've got to know mother. I've just got to. Johnny said earnestly, his brow wrinkled. Johnny's father looked at him strangely. Did you really think, he asked in a tight-herd voice, I would do a thing like that? Not even Uncle Nathan, Johnny persisted. Nathan was his mother's brother. All right, Johnny, his father said in a firm voice, I'll answer you. No, I wouldn't have you, your mother or your Uncle Nathan put to sleep for any amount of money, for the colony or for myself. But you must understand, Johnny, you aren't the same as a little bouncing bear. But Baba, Johnny began. Baba is an animal, Johnny's mother broke in. I know how you love him, but you have to understand that your father could not do differently from what he did. She came over to Johnny and put her arm around him. We love Baba too, and it hurts us to give him up. Still, we must. You do understand, don't you? Johnny looked up into his mother's face and smiled. It was a very small and very weak smile, but a smile nonetheless. I understand, he said, and turned back to his father. Thanks for answering my questions, Dad. He felt better for the first time since Baba had been put in the cage. Now he knew just what he had to do. It was right to do it. Baba was as close to him as any brother. Do you think I could go see Baba before sleep time, Dad? You know he won't eat if I'm not there. Johnny's father looked at his mother. He wouldn't do any harm, Fred, she said, let the boy go. But he must be in bed soon. All right, son, his father answered. But remember, the whole thing is out of our hands now. You just have to accept what is going to happen. Okay, Dad, Johnny said. Everything was going to be all right. But he'd need every ounce of courage he had. A few minutes later, Jeb, the old guard, let Johnny and his father into the storehouse. The little bear sat quietly in his cage. There were a dozen uncracked nuts on the floor. An untouched bar of chocolate lay beside him. I'm sure glad to see you, said old Jeb. Ever since he got here, the little critter's been sitting just like that, kind of crying to himself. He wouldn't pay attention even when I gave him the chocolate. He'll be all right now, Johnny's father said. It probably oughtn't bother me so much. But then, Jeb closed the door and stood there with him. He took off his head-globe and scratched his head. But my partner and me caught one of the little ones once. We watched it just waste away, crying like that all the time. I always figured we should have let it go. But then there was always the chance that he'd grow up and be worth a million. He glanced down at Johnny, who was removing his armor, and came to a stumbling halt. Sorry, kid," he said. He put his head-globe back on and went out. As soon as he saw Johnny, the little bear's ears picked up. Hi! he clicked. Johnny winked. Johnny's father stood there and watched them. Remember, Johnny, he cautioned. This is just a visit. What the colony decides in this matter goes. I know, Dad," Johnny answered. I'll be back in half an hour, his father said. Get him to eat if you can. Night will be here in a few hours and he'll sleep then. With this he opened the door and left. Johnny rushed to the cage. His hand was on the latch when the door opened again. It was old Jeb. Sorry, son, but I got orders not to leave you alone with the critter. If he ever got out he'd be mighty hard to catch. Jeb walked over and seated himself on a box. That's all right, Johnny said, and squatted down in front of the cage. It wasn't part of the plan for Baba to get away yet. Besides, he wouldn't run away while I'm here, he said. Can't take no chances. Jeb sprawled out as if glad to be off his feet. Johnny turned to Baba. Baba, Johnny clicked in the marvel language. Can you get out of here if you want to? Johnny didn't like the talk in the clicky language when Jeb was around, but there was no avoiding it. Yes, the little bear answered after a time, but then he whimpered again. Doggone it, stop that, Johnny said in English. Then he clicked. If things work out right you aren't going to have to go to earth or get killed. But how, Baba asked, he seemed to revive a little. If I got out and came to you they'd just bring me back here. I know, but they don't think you're smart enough to do anything else. They don't know anything except that we were up on the rock. The little bear grinned. Then suddenly he began to sniff. He looked all around him, found the chocolate, and began to stuff it into his mouth, making loud smacking noises. Johnny gave a sigh of relief. Baba was on the mend. Now listen, we've got to make plans. But what can we do if they know we were on the rock? Baba clicked through a mouthful of chocolate mixed with nuts, his favorite combination. Johnny took a deep breath. We could run away into the jungle, he clicked. He jumped when Jeb moved away from his box. That's quite a racket you two are making. He walked over and peered at them from under jutting gray eyebrows. Well, you've got the little devil to eatin'. He smiled and waved at Baba. Baba waved back in the guard-lapt. It's a pity, that's what it is. It's just a pity you're worth so much money. He went back to his seat. But Johnny, Baba clicked, you couldn't live in the jungle? You can't live here, or on earth? Sooner or later they're going to—well, they're going to want your claws and teeth. Out there we would have a chance. Why, we might even find some of the—he put in the word, wild, in English, for there was no word for it in the clicking language—marvis, and we could live with them. No, Baba interrupted. You might be killed. I can make the arrow-birds go away, but there are the horned snakes and the leopards and rhinoceros and—wasn't that old rhinoceros about to go away? Johnny broke in, just because you said so? Maybe, Baba admitted. He stopped a second, but then we don't know for sure. I've just got to take the chance. I've just got to—Johnny insisted. I can't let them take you away and use you for making somebody's rings or a mess of plastic. Remember that song you sang. Johnny tried to sing the little lullaby that Baba had sung on the top of new Plymouth Rock. The little bear grinned and put his paws over his ears. The words are right, he said, but the tune is all wrong. Listen! The little bear sang the song that was like the roll of a mockingbird's call. That's right, pretty, Jeb said from his box. I've heard men say the critters sang, but never did hear one myself. Old Hunter, friend of mine, said he came on a marvel once singing to her little ones that way. It was so pretty he stopped to listen and by gum if she didn't smell him and bounce off before he could draw a bead on her. Baba sings real well when he's happy, Johnny said and turned back to Baba. And you sang true, true, Baba, he clicked. All right, the little bear clicked. How will we do it? The plan came out in a rush. Johnny had it all worked out. It's Venus evening now, Johnny said, and we're supposed to be in a sleep period. That means there won't be too many people up but guards. I'll take some food for me and some matches and a little flashlight and some things. He paused. They leave you alone in here, don't they? Yes, clicked Baba. Do you think you can cut a hole in the bottom of the cage? Johnny asked. Easy! The little bear touched a bar with his claws. Good! When you're out, dig a hole in the floor, but be careful. They have guards walking all around, and they already have lights rigged up. The switch is in between the double doors. Get your escape holes all made, turn out the lights, and then scoot. I'll be waiting for you by the rock, OK? The little bear nodded. We'll have to find a place to be when it gets dark, he clicked. Baba didn't sleep as people did, but during the four-day period of darkness he had to sleep most of the time. We'll find some place, Johnny clicked. Now listen, I'll try to get some sleep and I'll be ready in five hours. Don't try to get out before then. My folks will be asleep and I can slip out of the house. If it takes you longer, I'll wait. Leave it to me, Baba said. They had everything settled and were playing together through the bars of the cage when Johnny's father came after him. Time for bed, son, his father said, Say good-bye now. Johnny got into his armor, said good-bye to Jeb, and followed his father outside. In the deep green twilight every building of the settlement stood out sharp and clear. A cool breeze was coming up. Johnny looked over to new Plymouth Rock. Behind that towering rock lay the vast and menacing jungle. End of Chapter 9