"Try it," urged Anita.
We crouched where we thought we might be safe from Miko's fire. My
little light beam shot up from the bowl. It was undoubtedly visible to
the camp.
_Yes, I am Haljan. Send us help._
I did not mention Anita. Miko doubtless could read these signals. They
answered, _Cannot_--
I lost the rest of it. There came a flash from Miko's weapon. It gave
us confidence: he was unable to reach us at this distance.
The Grantline beam repeated:
_Cannot come out. Ports broken. You cannot get in. Stay where you are
for an hour or two. We may be able to repair ports._
I extinguished my light. What use was it to tell Grantline anything
further? Besides, my light was endangering us. But the Grantline beam
spelled another message:
_Brigand ship is coming. It will be here before we can get out to you.
No lights. We will try and hide our location._
And the signal beam brought a last appeal:
_Miko and his men will divulge where we are unless you can stop them._
The beam vanished. The lights of the Grantline camp made a faint glow
that showed above the crater edge. The glow died, as the camp now was
plunged into darkness.