More Science Fiction Tales (1974) by Roger Elwood (ed.)

Author:Roger Elwood (ed.) [Elwood, Roger]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-Fi Anthology
Publisher: Rand McNally
Published: 1974-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Yet, when Dru asked if he and Elissa could see where they lived, the two looked at each other and giggled.

"Too far," Suss said.

"But you come every day to the settlement, " Dru said. "It can't be very far."

Suss shook his head and pointed vaguely toward the great forest that surrounded the colony. "Too far," he repeated. "Trees too many."

Dru was puzzled by this refusal of his new friends. That night he asked Dr. Zeller if any of the colonists had ever visited where the natives lived.

"No," said the doctor. "There are no trails. Some of our men have tried to follow them when they leave here, but the woods are just too dense. The colony leaders finally decided that it was best to let well enough alone. The natives provide a free and willing labor supply. They are gentle and friendly and offer no threat to our safety."

"No threat?" Dru asked. "What if they are the ones who have made those four vampire attacks on the colonists?"

Wearily, Dr. Zeller passed a hand over his eyes. "Don't think I haven't considered that as a strong possibility. In fact the colony leaders have talked about it several times. They agree it is possible. But there is no proof. Most important, they want to do nothing to disturb the relationship with the natives. We need their help."

That afternoon something happened that gave Dru his first opportunity to investigate for himself. He and Suss were working on the dam, helping to build it higher against the expected seasonal flood. Elissa had warned him to be careful not to fall into the water. It was near the spot where her father had lost his life.

Suss was moving some stones when he stumbled and fell backward into the water. Dru heard the splash and the

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