not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
Devil's Asteroid
by MANLY WADEWELLMAN
The Rock Bred Evolution in Reverse
It was not very large, as asteroids go, but about it clung a silverymist of atmosphere. Deeper flashes through the mist betokened water, andgreen patches hinted of rich vegetation. The space-patroller circled thelittle world knowledgeably, like a wasp buzzing around an apple. In thecontrol room, by the forward ports, the Martian skipper addressed hisTerrestrial companion.
"I wissh you joy of yourr new home," he purred. Like many Martians, hewas braced upright on his lower tentacles by hoops and buckles aroundhis bladdery body, so that he had roughly a human form, over which lay astrange loose armor of light plates. In the breathing hole of hispetal-tufted skull was lodged an artificial voice-box that achievedwords. "I rregrret—"
Fitzhugh Parr glowered back. He was tall, even for a man of Earth, andhis long-jawed young face darkened with wrath. "Regret nothing," hesnapped. "You're jolly glad to drop me on this little hell."
"Hell?" repeated the Martian reproachfully. "But it iss a ssplendidminiaturre worrld—nineteen of yourr miless in diameterr, witharrtificial grravity centerr to hold airr and waterr; ssown, too, withTerresstrrial plantss. And companionss of yourr own rrace."
"You! They drive you out?" A thick, unsure voiceaccosted him.
"There's a catch," rejoined Parr. "Something you Martian swine think isa heap big joke. I can see that, captain."
The tufted head wagged. "Underr trreaty between Marrs and Earrth,judgess of one planet cannot ssentence to death crriminalss frrom theotherr, not even forr murrderr—"
"It wasn't for murder!" exploded Parr. "I struck in self-defense!"
"I cannot arrgue the point. Yourr victim wass a high official perrhapssinssolent, but you Earrth folk forrget how eassy ourr crraniumss crrackunderr yourr blowss. Anyway, you do not die—you arre exiled. Prreparreto dissembarrk."
Behind them three Martian space-hands, sprawling like squids near thecontrol-board, made flutelike comments to each other. The tentacle ofeach twiddled an electro-automatic pistol.
"Rremove tunic and bootss," directed the skipper. "You will not needthem. Quickly, ssirr!"
Parr glared at the levelled weapons of the space-hands, then shucked hisupper garment and kicked off his boots. He stood up straight andlean-muscled, in a pair of duck shorts. His fists clenched at his sides.
"Now we grround," the skipper continued, and even as he spoke there camethe shock of the landfall. The inner panel opened, then the outerhatch. Sunlight beat into the chamber. "Goodbye," said the skipperformally. "You have thirrty ssecondss, Earrth time, to walk clearr ofour blasstss beforre we take off. Marrch."
Parr strode out upon dark, rich soil. He sensed behind him the silentquiver of Martian laughter, and felt a new ecstasy of hate for his lateguards, their race, and the red planet that spawned them. Not until heheard the rumble and swish of the ship's departure did he take note ofthe little world that was now his prison home.
At first view it wasn't really bad. At second, it wasn't really strange.The sky, by virtue of an Earth-type atmosphere, shone blue with wispyclouds,