t," growled Connel. "One of those three is always in
trouble."

"He saved your life," reminded Devers.

"I'm well aware of that," replied Connel stiffly. "But it's a personal
debt. It has nothing to do with his behavior as a cadet. I ordered him
to go to that hotel and rest, not go skylarking all over Marsport. This
is typical of the whole unit's attitude."

"But you said that they were the best crew you ever had," insisted
Devers.

"I know, but what's worse is that _they_ know it! Blast it, Carter, it
isn't easy to say the things I've said about Corbett! He's a fine lad.
But look at it this way. I have to return to Atom City immediately.
Corbett may be in trouble, right?" Devers nodded. "Well, how do you
think I feel, blasting off and leaving him?"

Devers nodded his understanding as Connel continued furiously, "And
furthermore, I have more important things to think about than
wet-nursing a cadet."

At that moment Connel noticed a jet car racing across the spaceport
toward the _Polaris_. As it drew near, he saw the insigne of the Solar
Guard on the hood. His eyes widened hopefully for a second. "Humph," he
grunted, "this may be him now!"

"If it is," cautioned Devers, "go easy on the boy."

"We'll see, we'll see."

The car screamed to a stop in front of them, the plastic blister was
thrown back, and another Solar Guard messenger climbed out, saluting
Connel smartly.

"Message from Solar Guard headquarters, Major Connel," he said.

Connel took the paper and ripped it open. "Excuse me, Carter," he
muttered and stepped to one side to read the note hurriedly.

HEMMINGWELL'S CHIEF FOREMAN ARRESTED AS SABOTEUR. ADVISE YOU RETURN
IMMEDIATELY. WALTERS

Dashing up the metal ladder, Connel roared the order to the waiting
ground crew. "Stand by to blast off."

Carter Devers scrambled up into the giant ship after the Solar Guard
officer, and in less than a minute later, all ports were sealed and the
_Polaris_ was ready for space. In the pilot's chair, Connel called
traffic control for blast-off, and at the same time prepared to raise
ship.

By the time Devers had strapped himself into the copilot's chair next to
Connel, the ship was quivering with leashed power. Suddenly Connel
roared the familiar call for space.

"Blast off, minus five, four, three, two, one, _zero_!"

The great ship literally exploded off the ground, and within seconds,
was rocketing through the thin atmosphere above Mars on cour