e only one that can help us convict
Carter Devers!"

Connel stopped. He stared at Astro's bulk and then turned to see Roger
trying to hide the wrench. "Were you going to hit me with that thing,
Manning?" he growled.

Roger gulped. "Yes, sir," he said. "If it was necessary to keep you away
from Barret, sir. I'm sorry, sir."

Connel spun back to face Tom. "Corbett, you must have a plan," he said.
"Let's have it quick."

Tom grinned. "All right, sir," he began. Suddenly, out of the corner of
his eyes, he saw Professor Hemmingwell slump to the deck.

Hurriedly they picked up the old man and eased him gently to the nearby
acceleration couch. After gulping some water that Roger poured for him,
the old man smiled weakly. "I'm afraid I don't have the strength to
withstand all this excitement," he said. "But now I understand why
things were never easy for me. Carter Devers--he did this to me. He
blocked the proposals every time that they were submitted to the Solar
delegations. He--" Hemmingwell's head fell back. Roger had put a
sedative into the water and the old man was now unconscious.

"It's just fatigue," said Connel. "He'll be all right in a little
while." He turned to Tom. "All right, Corbett, carry on!"

Tom hurriedly concluded his story of the events leading up to their
startling appearance on the ship, and as he spoke, he saw the major's
frown change to a glowing grin. When Tom finished, Connel suddenly
extended his hand in a gesture of friendship.

"I have to admit it, Corbett," he said. "You've done a good job. And,"
he added with a twinkle in his eye, "by going along with you, I am an
accomplice with Captain Strong in the aiding of three fugitives from the
Solar Guard."

Tom, Astro, and Roger grinned. "Now, let's get Barret up here and ask
him a few questions," continued Connel. "And, Manning, if I can't
restrain myself, you have my permission to hit me with that wrench! But
so help me, if you belt me before the time comes, I'll bend that wrench
over your skull!"

While Astro and Roger went below to get Barret, Connel and Tom reviewed
their plan.

"Better keep the news quiet for a while," said Connel. "If we telecast
it back to the Academy, Devers might get wise."

"Good idea, sir," acknowledged Tom.

"But I can't understand Devers' motive," said Connel. "What does he
stand to gain if this project is a failure?"

"He'll lose plenty if it's a success," Tom asserted.

"Devers owns Jilolo Spaceways,