Alfie came over to join them, while Shinny and Connel scanned the sky
overhead for some sign of the _Polaris_.
"This is really a desperate situation to be in, isn't it, Roger?" asked
Alfie.
"Offhand, I'd say yes," drawled Roger, "but since we've got two big
huskies like Astro and Major Connel along, I don't think we'll have much
trouble."
"Why not?" asked Alfie.
"We'll just let them get out and help push!"
"And if that doesn't work," snorted Astro, "we'll stick Manning outside
and let him talk about himself. That oughta give us enough gas to get us
away from this hunk of copper."
"I believe," said Alfie emphatically, "that you're joshing me, Manning."
"Now, whatever gave you that idea?" asked Roger in a hurt tone.
"This _is_ a serious situation, isn't it?" asked Alfie, looking at
Astro.
"It sure is, Alfie," said Astro soberly, "and I'm the first one to say
I'm a little scared!"
Alfie smiled. "I'm very glad you said that, Astro," he said, "because I
feel exactly the same way!" He turned and walked back to Major Connel.
"What was the idea of telling him that?" hissed Roger at Astro.
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