*

Forty-eight hours had passed since they came to the cavern. Odin and
Gunnar had gone with Wolden to visit the Scientist who had led the first
expedition to the moon. The Scientist, whose name was Gor, was explaining:
"--They were hardly out of the Iron Age. That was how we found this place.
Our instruments detected a surplus of iron in this area. They must have
developed fast--for life did not last long. Insectival, beyond a doubt.
Also, they had what we call The Moon Metal. Their houses, practically
everything they used, are made of that. It must have been an accident. In
cooling, the moon spewed this new alloy out upon its surface. Yes, it looks
like porcelain--but it is as hard as steel. It has strange vibrations.
They had musical instruments--although they may have produced tingling
vibrations instead of sound. When these people saw that all was lost, they
retreated here and closed the cave.

"For over a thousand years, theirs was an economy of death and rottenness.
Mushrooms and toadstools were their food. Banks of rotting mushrooms made
their light. Also, it appears they had some rocks which gave out a dim
glow. Even their dead went to feed the mushrooms. And so they lived. With
time on their hands they covered the walls with paintings. Also, we think
they must have developed their music to a high degree--though we may never
know about that. Then their water and air gave out and they died."

* * * * *

Good heavens, Odin thought, what a cold-blooded obituary for any race!

"And so, Wolden," the Scientist continued, "it has worked out well. We were
lucky to find this spot. We fashioned the two doors first, for the cave was
open when we reached it--I think a meteor must have crashed here long after
these people died. After that, it was easy to build the lights and to draw
moisture and air from the rocks. We have struck a balance now. I said all
along that it could be done, if we could escape the constant interference
from those ruffians above us--uh, Odin, I beg your pardon."

Odin always resented these cracks at his people so he ignored the request
by asking another question. "But how did you do all this in so short a
time? Those vines look like they have been growing for years."

"Just as they do in Alaska during the growing season. We kept our suns
burning all the time. Soon we may be able to afford both day and night, but
not yet.

"And after that," the Scientist wen