SALVATION WAS AT HIS side in an instant. They both kneeled beside the miner, whose eyes had flickered open. He was no longer influenced by drink. His eyes were clear with prevision of a longer flight than he had ever known. For a moment he struggled for breath. There was recognition in his feeble tones.
“S-salvation—”
“Peace, my son. We will take you to a hospital.”
“N-never mind that, Padre. It’s too late. But the ekalastron—”
“You stole it, my son? You wish to confess?”
“N-no, Padre! Not stolen. I found it. A mine—” His breath was coming in tiny, tortured gasps; he spoke more swiftly as if aware that he must tell his secret ere silence claim him. “Danger ... on Titania! The caves ... natives ... and the furnace of flame ... beware!”
“But he survived!” Chip burst in. “He got some an
