He
glanced at his watch. Thirty minutes. He didn't have much time.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER 9
"Attention! Attention! This is a general alert!" Tom Corbett's voice was
hollow as he spoke over a solar-wide audiocast. "Wanted! Space Cadet
Roger Manning. Five feet, eleven inches tall, one hundred sixty-five
pounds. Blue eyes. Blond hair. Last seen wearing dress blues. Cadet
Manning broke confinement to quarters on Venus space station and is
believed to be heading back to Earth. He is wanted in connection with
the crash of the space freighter _Annie Jones_ and the death of two
spacemen. All information regarding the whereabouts of Manning should be
forwarded to Captain Isaiah M. Patrick, Senior Security Officer, Solar
Guard, Space Academy, Earth. This alert is to be transmitted to all
local authorities."
Tom snapped the switch off and silently watched the glowing audio tubes
darken. He turned to one side and saw Astro. The big Venusian was seated
on a desk, slumped over, his head held in his massive hands.
"You know," said Astro slowly, "I could take that guy Manning and break
him in two for running out!"
Tom didn't answer.
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