The miniature moon had wheeled its way to the zenith and now the first
gray tinge of dawn silhouetted the peaks of the mountain range.
Angus rose and stretched. "We've got to find out what their function
is."
"Why?"
"It looks like religion is their only interest. But maybe that's
because they're completely frustrated in their basic compulsion. If we
could discover their function, maybe we could focus their attention
back on it."
"RA," Drummond mumbled puzzledly. "Robot agriculturist?"
* * * * *
Angus shook his head. "They wouldn't be frustrated--not with a
whole planet to farm. Besides, they'd be equipped with agricultural
implements instead of wrenches."
Drummond got up suddenly. "You figure it out. I have something else to
try."
Angus followed him along the ledge until they reached the mouth of the
cave.
"What are you going to do?"
Drummond hitched his trousers. "The way we're ringed in here, it's a
cinch we won't get past 'em in the six hours we have left."
"So you're going to make off through the cave?"
The younger man nodded. "They might take off after me. That'll give you
a chance to get to the ship and cut off those converters before they
make like a nova."