ine applied,
with his father's wealth and his own scientific record of attainment,
the government was glad to grant him its writ.

The Grantline Expedition had started six months ago. The Martian
government had acquiesced to our ultimatum, yet brigands have been
known to be financed under cover of a government disavowal. And so our
expedition was kept secret.

My words need give no offence to any Martian who comes upon them. I
refer to the history of our Earth only. The Grantline Expedition was
on the Moon now. No word had come from it. One could not flash helios
even in code without letting all the universe know that explorers were
on the Moon. And why they were there, anyone could easily guess.

And now Colonel Halsey was telling us that the news was abroad!
Captain Carter eyed us closely; his flashing eyes under the white
bushy brows would pry a secret from anyone.

"You're sure? A girl of Venus, perhaps, with her cursed, seductive
lure! A chance word, with you lads befuddled by alcolite?"

We assured him that we had been careful. By the heavens, I know that I
had been. Not a whisper, even to Snap, of the name Grantline in six
months or more.

Captain Carter added abruptly, "We're insulated here, Halsey?"

"Yes. Talk as freely as you like. An eavesdropping ray will never get
through to us."

They questioned us. They were satisfied at last that, though the
secret had escaped, we had not given it away. Hearing it discussed, it
occurred to me to wonder why Carter was concerned. I was not aware
that he knew of Grantline's venture. I learned now the reason why the
_Planetara_, upon each of her last voyages, had managed to pass fairly
close to the Moon. It had been arranged with Grantline that if he
wanted help or had any important message, he was to flash it locally
to our passing ship. And this Snap knew, and had never mentioned it,
even to me.

Halsey was saying, "Well, apparently we can't blame you: but the
secret is out."

Snap and I regarded each other. What could anyone do? What would
anyone dare do?

Captain Carter said abruptly, "Look here, lads, this is my chance now
to talk plainly to you. Outside, anywhere outside these walls, an
eavesdropping ray may be upon us. You know that? One may never even
dare to whisper since that accursed ray was developed."

Snap opened his mouth to speak but decided against it. My heart was
pounding.

Captain Carter went on: "I know I can trust you two more than an