Would it be wise to check the upper floorsfirst? The boy might actually be leading him into the final trap, while hisreal residence was above. No-best to follow closely, for otherwise he ran toostrong a risk of encountering radiation. Had he realized that the chase wouldend so deep in the badlands, he would have arranged to obtain a crazy geiger.As it was, he had tO proceed with exceeding caution. That meant, in this case,to dispense with much of his caution in the pursuit. Physical' attack by theboy was much less to be feared than the radiation that might be lurking oneither side of the boy's trail.

      As the Nameless One approached the finalchamber an object flew out. The boy, unable to flee again, was pelting histormentor with any objects available.

      The Master paused, contemplating the thingthat had been thrown. He squatted to pick it up, watching the door so that hewould not be taken by surprise. Then he turned the object over in his hands,studying it closely.

      It was metal, but not a can or tool. Aweapon, but no sword or staff or dagger. One end was solid and curved around atright angles to the rest; the other end was hollow. The thing had 'a good solidheft to it, and there were assorted minor mechanisms attached.

      The Master's hands shook as he recognizedit. This, too, had been described in the books; this, too, was an artifact ofthe old times.

      It was a gun.

CHAPTERTHREE

The boystood astride the boxes and made ready to throw another metal rock, for thetremendous man and the tame animal had trapped him here. Never before hadpursuit been so relentless; never before had he had to defend his lair. Had heanticipated this, he would have hidden elsewhere.