In front of the power-deck control panel Astro watched the pressure
gauge mount steadily.
"Pressure up to seven ninety-six, sir," he called.
"Stand by to fire all rockets!" roared Connel.
"Make it good, you Venusian clunk," yelled Roger.
"Seven ninety-nine, sir!" bellowed Astro.
Astro watched the gauge of the pressure creep slowly toward the
eight-hundred mark. In all his experience he had never seen it above
seven hundred. Shinny, too, his merry eyes shining bright, watched the
needle jerk back and forth and finally reach the eight-hundred mark.
"Eight hundred, sir," bellowed Astro.
"Fire all stern rockets!" roared Connel.
Astro threw the switch. On the control board, Connel saw a red light
flash on. He jammed the master switch down hard.
It was the last thing he remembered.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER 21
Tom stirred. He rolled his head from side to side. His mouth was dry and
there was a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He opened his eyes
and stared at the control panel in front of him. Instinctively he began
to check the dials and gauges. He settled on one and waited for his
pounding heart to return to normal.
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