ting from disabled
spaceships, repair shops, and other buildings, Strong's column had been
driving straight for the heart of the base. The administration building
was the last barrier between them and complete victory over the rebels.

Strong and Connel spoke briefly of Tom and Roger, neither wanting to
voice his inner fears in front of Astro. The Nationalists previously had
shown little regard for human life. Now, with their backs to the wall,
Connel and Strong knew that if Tom and Roger were captured, they might
be used as hostages to ensure safe passage for some of the rebels.

"Let's go," said Connel finally. "Tom and Roger will be expecting us."
He forced himself to grin at Astro, but the giant cadet turned and faced
the building grimly. Connel lifted his hand, took a last look up and
down the line of waiting Marines, then brought his hand down quickly.
"Over the top. Spaceman's luck!" he shouted.

The Marines vaulted over the top of their defense position and charged
madly toward the building, all guns blazing. The Nationalists returned
the fire, and for the first few seconds it seemed that the world had
suddenly gone mad. Strong found himself shouting, running, and firing in
a red haze. Astro was roaring at the top of his lungs, and Connel just
charged ahead blindly. Marines began to drop on all sides, cut down by
the withering fire. Then, when it appeared that they would have to fall
back, the main column, led by the Solar Guard lieutenant, broke through
the last barricade and swarmed into the building.

Five minutes later the battle was over. The last remnants of the
Nationalists had been defeated and the green-clad troopers were herded
into the streets like cattle. Strong and Connel, followed by Astro,
charged through the building like wild bulls searching for Tom and
Roger.

"No sign of them," said Strong finally. "They must have slipped out
somehow."

"No!" roared Connel. "They've been taken out of here as hostages. I'll
bet my life on that. There must be a secret way out of here!"

"Come on," said Strong. "Let's find it." Suddenly he stopped. "Look!
Those three troopers outside that door! They're frozen! Let's have a
look there first!"

They rushed over to the closet where the three Nationalists had been
frozen by Sinclair.

Strong stopped and gasped. "By the craters of Luna, it's Sharkey!"

"Sharkey? Who's that?" asked Astro.

"Supposed to be the leader of the Nationalists," said Connel.

St