CHAPTER VII

_In the Jungle_

They had progressed not more than twenty paces into the dense
undergrowth when the gleaming wall of the Tritu Anu was entirely hidden
from view. The artificial sunlight seeped through the mass of
vegetation overhead, a ghostly green twilight that made death masks of
their faces. But of the lights themselves, of the great latticed
columns, of the enormous sponge-like blossoms of the upper surface of
the jungle sea, nothing could be seen. They were deep in a tangled maze
of translucent flora that was like nothing so much as a forest of giant
seaweed transplanted from its natural element. The moss-like carpet
beneath their feet was slushy wet and condensed moisture rained
steadily from the matted fronds and tendrils above. The air they
breathed was hot and stifling; laden with rank odors and curling mists
that assailed throat and head passages with choking effect.

Weird whisperings there were from above and all about them. It seemed
almost that the uncanny, weaving green things were alive and voicing
indignant protest over the intrusion of the three humans.

Ankle deep in the rain-soaked moss, their clothing drenched and
steaming, they pressed ever deeper into the tangle. All sense of
direction was lost.

"Guess we'd better rest now," said Blaine, seeing that Ulana was
gasping from her exertions, "They'll never trail us here."

"How about this crystal thing--the searching ray?" Tommy ventured.

"It can not follow us," the girl explained, "Certain juices of the
plants provide an insulator against the ray. In fact, it was an extract
of these that was used in protecting the underground laboratory we just
left. We are safe now and I am very tired."

So that was the reason Tiedus had been so certain they would be safe in
the jungle! Blaine had wondered about that searching ray, and now
Ulana's statement had stilled his doubts. Poor kid--she was all in! Her
shoulders drooped and she leaned on his arm for support. His conscience
troubled him for having forced the pace in the difficult footing. They
need not have come so far in.

* * * * *

A glint of light through the close packed stems caught his eye;
something phosphorescent it was, shining there in the green twilight. A
giant mushroom! Towering seven feet from the ground, the great
umbrella-like top was aglow with sulphurous light on its under side.
And, beneath its ten foot spread, the