" Perry Rhodan 0062 - (54) The Blue Dwarfs" - читать интересную книгу автора (Perry Rhodan)

so determinedly and inexorably led the snake.
The attempt to catch one of the monkeys in the western mountain wall was set for early the next
morning. Mullon believed that it would be a long and difficult undertaking.

As things worked out, it was not quite as difficult as he imagined it would be.

Also at 2500 hours that day, Harper and Glannon left their cool, shaded rest spot under the overhanging
riverbank and took up the march once more. They had paused there for more than 12 hours. Of
Cislarczik they had seen nothing more.

Though the sun was still relatively high in the sky, the greatest heat was over. Harper and Glannon
maintained a brisk pace: a little less than 3 miles an hour, according to HarperтАЩs estimate. That speed was
considerable when one considered that in the first place they were going steadily uphill and that in the 2nd
place the gravity was 20% greater than EarthтАЩs.

Harper did not seem to be concerned any further about Cislarczik but Glannon worried all the more.

Harper did not spare himself or his companion. Mile after mile passed beneath their feet. In the radiance
of the setting sun, the mountains appeared noticeably closer for the first time At sunset Harper ordered a
short rest pause; then, half an hour later, set off again. "I hope you donтАЩt think nights are for sleeping," he
growled to Glannon. "I want to see those mountains close up tomorrow morning!"

Glannon nodded indifferently and answered: "ThatтАЩs alright with me. Just be sure your feet will hold up,
though."

Harper did not reply. They went on, his illuminated compass showing them the way. Until midnight their
pace did not bring them any significant discomfortтАФaside from a numb feeling in the legs. The ground
had soaked up the dayтАЩs heat and was radiating it slowly back into the open air.

But then it grew cold. Harper and Glannon tried to force their way through the chill by walking more
quickly but the faster they moved the greater the pain in their legs.

Harper had to call another halt, which they spent sitting on the ground, rubbing their hands together and
waving their arms in an attempt to keep warm.

Then they ran on.

So it went for the next 14 hours. Then, out of the darkness before them, the first glow of day
appearedтАФa golden glimmer on the highest mountaintops, reflected from the rising sun.

It grew gradually light and the foothills could be seen not far ahead.

A grassy valley cut through the mountains in a westerly direction and the entrance to the valley was no
more than 2 or 3 miles away. There they would rest.

They reached their goal. At the valley entrance, in a recess along the southern valley wall, they made
their camp.

Which is to say they let themselves collapse and fell asleep in the same instant.
****