A stubborn Dutchman named Jan Willem van Artevelde embarks on a perilous journey across the treacherous terrain of Venus to rescue a boy suffering from the deadly Venus Shadow disease. With a tight deadline to return to his colony, Jan faces fierce winds and seismic activity as he navigates the rocky landscape. After a challenging drive, he reaches Rathole, a small settlement inhabited by families of laborers. There, he learns that the boy, Diego, must be evacuated immediately to save his life. However, Rathole lacks the necessary fuel for the flying platform that could facilitate the rescue. Jan's determination leads him to devise a plan to use the windmills that power Rathole to create a makeshift windmill-powered flying platform. Despite the odds, he successfully constructs a contraption that allows him to transport Diego back to his colony just in time for the scheduled spaceship departure to Earth. The narrative explores themes of resilience, ingenuity, and the human spirit's capacity to confront adversity, all set against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving alien environment. Ultimately, Jan's resourcefulness and commitment to saving a life highlight the interconnectedness of humanity, transcending cultural differences in the face of a common struggle.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery