Soon
the whole satellite was covered with the radioactive cloud.
"I'm sure glad we're not on that baby now," whispered Tom.
"Same here, spaceman!" said Connel.
It was evening of the first full day after leaving Junior before the
routine of the long haul back to Space Academy had begun. The _Polaris_
was on automatic control, and everyone was assembled in the messroom.
"Well, boys," said Connel, "our mission is a complete success. I've
finished making out a report to Space Academy, and everything's fine.
Incidentally, Manning," he continued, "if you're worried about having
broken your word when you escaped from the space station, forget it. You
more than made up for it by your work in helping us get Loring and
Mason."
Roger smiled gratefully and gulped, "Thank you, sir."
Loring and Mason, who had eaten their meal separately from the others,
listened silently. Loring got up and faced them. The room became silent.
Loring flushed.
[Illustration: _"I know we're going to be sent to the prison asteroid
and we deserve it," said Loring._]
"I'd like to say something," he began haltingly, "if I can?"
"Go ahead," said Connel.
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