bor for the temporal
castaways. From daybreak until far into the night, with radio
receivers clamped over their ears, the three twisted dials, adjusted
rheostats and listened in on long and short wave bands. But the ether,
which once had pulsated with music and friendly voices, now was
silent, except for static.

"Makes me think of Sunday mornings when I was a boy," Manthis once
commented. "Only this is more quiet. It gives me the jitters." There
was a note of hysteria in his voice.

When the doctor's nerves began to quiver in that manner, Baron always
insisted that they all rest. During such recesses they ate, played
cards and helped June with the housework. The younger man was
continually amazed by the calmness with which the girl faced their
desperate situation. Clad in a blue smock which brought out the color
of her eyes, she flitted about the apartment, manufacturing delicious
meals out of canned goods and always having a cheery word when the
others became discouraged. Yet she never would look out the window.

"I can't bear to see those poor souls lying about like rag dolls," she
explained. "The only thing that keeps me sane is the hope that we may
reawaken them."

* * * * *

It was on the evening of the third day that Baron lifted the headset
from his burning ears and admitted failure.

"We've explored everything but the super-short waves," he sighed.
"I'll have to get equipment from the laboratories before we start on
those."

June nodded from where she perched on a high stool across the table.
But Manthis did not hear. He was making delicate adjustments on his
receiving set and listening with rapt attention.

"I've got something," he cried. "Jack. June. Plug in on my panel.
Someone is talking. It's very loud. Must be close."

Instantly the others did as he ordered, but were able to catch only
the last inflections of a ringing voice. Then silence settled once
more.

"What did he say," the youngsters cried in one breath.

"Couldn't understand. Some foreign language." The chemist was furious
with disappointment. "But I'd recognize that voice among a thousand.
We must get in touch with him. Perhaps he can help us. God knows we
need assistance. Quick, Jack. You're an expert. See if you can pick up
a reply."

Baron leaned over his instruments, heart thumping. The dreadful
loneliness against which he had been fighting was broken. Others were
alive!

Minutes passed and t