essage flashed and the two spacemen read
it with gladdening hearts. Strong made a careful note of the position
while Roger continued to read the flashes. Turning to the astrogation
panel, the Solar Guard captain quickly plotted a course that would bring
them to Tom's position.

Endlessly, during the past few days, Strong, Roger, and Astro had swept
space in a wide arc around the asteroid belt, hoping to pick up just
such a signal. Now, with the position of the _Avenger_ in his hands,
Strong grabbed for the intercom.

"Attention, power deck!" yelled Strong. "We've just picked up a message
from Tom. He's given us his position, so stand by for a course change."

"Yeee-eooow!" roared Astro. "I knew he'd do it."

"He's not in the clear yet. We've only got his position. We don't know
how we're going to get him away from Coxine yet."

"Ready to change course, sir," said Astro.

"Three degrees on the down-plane of the ecliptic, and fifty-four degrees
to starboard. Full space speed, Astro! Pile it on!"

"Aye, aye, sir!" replied Astro. "I'll make this wagon's tail so hot
it'll blast at double speed!"

"You'd better, you Venusian ape!" cried Roger. "It's the least you can
do for Tom!"

"Stow it, Manning," growled Astro good-naturedly, "or I'll stick some of
your hot air in the jets for extra power!"

"Cut the chatter, both of you!" snapped Strong. "Astro, execute course
change!"

Astro's reply was a blast on the steering rockets. On the control deck,
Strong watched the needle of the astral compass swing around and stop
dead on the course he had ordered.

"All set, Astro!" shouted Strong. "Right on course. Now pile on the
neutrons!"

"Aye, aye, sir."

On the power deck, the big cadet turned to his control panel, took a
deep breath, and opened the reactant feeders wide. The ship leaped
through the airless void under the sudden burst of power and Astro
watched the acceleration indicator climb to the danger line. He gulped
as the needle passed the danger point and was about to cut down speed
when the needle stopped. Astro breathed easily and settled back
satisfied. If it was up to him, they would reach Tom in record time.

Up on the radar deck, Roger continued to read the flashing signals on
the radar scanner. Over and over, he read the same message.

"I guess that's all he can say, sir," said Roger, turning to Strong.

"Yes, I guess so, Roger," agreed Strong. "He's probably sending it out
blind, on an open circu