Читать книгу The Science Fiction Anthology онлайн

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“Never,” Drake said.

“Then we will join you,” the Quedak said.

There was a click as he turned off the walkie-talkie.

From the fringe of the jungle, several rats appeared. They hesitated, just out of rifle range. A bird of paradise flew overhead, hovering over the cleared area like an observation plane. As the men watched, the rats began to run forward in long zigzags.

“Start firing,” Drake called out. “But go easy with the ammo.”

The men began to fire. But it was difficult to sight on the quick-moving rats against the grayish-brown clearing. And almost immediately, the rats were joined by a dozen hermit crabs. They had an uncanny knack for moving when no one was watching them, darting forward, then freezing against the neutral background.

They saw Eakins appear on the fringe of the jungle.

“Lousy traitor,” Cable said, raising his rifle.

Sorensen slapped the muzzle of the rifle aside. “Don’t do it.”

“But he’s helping that bug!”

“He can’t help it,” Sorensen said. “And he’s not armed. Leave him alone.”