there are many with whom
to divide this treasure...."

Miko caught my intended implication. "By the infernal, this fellow may
have felt he could seize the treasure for himself! Because he is a
navigator!"

Moa said vehemently, "Do not be an idiot, Gregg! You could not do it!
There will be fighting with Grantline."

My purpose was accomplished. They seemed to see me a willing outlaw like
themselves. As though it were a bond between us. And they could win me.

"Leave me with him," said Moa.

Miko acquiesced. "For a few minutes only." He proffered a heat-ray
cylinder, but she refused it.

"I am not afraid of him."

Miko swung on me. "Within an hour we will be nearing the atmosphere.
Will you take the controls?"

"Yes."

* * * * *

He set his heavy jaw. His eyes bored into me. "You're a strange fellow,
Haljan. I can't make you out. I am not angry now. Do you think, when I
am deadly serious, that I mean what I say?"

His calm words set a sudden shiver over me. I checked my smile.

"Yes," I said.

"Well then, I will tell you this: not for all of Prince's well-meaning
interference, or Moa's liking for you, or my own need of your skill,
will I tolerate more trouble from you. The next time--I will kill you.
Do you believe me?"

"Yes."

"That is all I want to say. You kill my men, and my sister says I must
not hurt you. I am not a child to be ruled by a woman!"

He held his huge fist before my face. "With these fingers I will twist
your neck! Do you believe it?"

"Yes." I did indeed.

He swung on his heel. "If Moa wants to try and put sense into your
head--I hope she does. Bring him to the lounge when you are finished,
Moa. Come, Prince--Hahn will need us." He chuckled grimly. "Hahn seems
to fear we will plunge into this asteroid like a wild comet gone
suddenly tangent!"

Anita moved aside to let him through the door. I caught a glimpse of her
set white face as she followed him down the deck.

Then Moa's bulk blocked the doorway. She faced me.

"Sit where you are, Gregg." She turned and closed the door upon us. "I
am not afraid of you. Should I be?"

"No," I said.

She came and sat down beside me. "If you should attempt to leave this
room, the stern look-out has orders to bore you through."

"I have no intention of leaving the room," I retorted. "I do not want to
commit suicide."

"I thought you did. You seem minded in such a fashion. Gregg, why are
you so foolis