ind, through no fault of ours. We're so many Typhoid Marys,
potential carriers of something worse than any disease. Even if we're
all killed, the giants might manage to learn the control of the ships,
and take them to Terra alone.

"So if we can't wipe out the enemy, our only course is to destroy
ourselves and our ships. Every officer in the armada has instructions to
blow up his ship if the giants should break into it. The thing is so
important that I've issued orders to do that even though the use of
lead-thrower weapons might conquer the invaders.

"If giants seize a ship and it is not destroyed within five minutes, the
other two will turn their platinum guns on it.

"Any questions?"

Jackson, who was spokesman for the crew, answered promptly, "No
questions, sir."

"Okay. Now let's have the technicians' report."

A lean, angular man rose. "I've checked all the books, Captain. There is
no way to substitute a charge of lead for the war-head in the curium
shells."

There was a stillness. "You mean we can't shoot lead at the giants
except with the few handguns in my possession," said Pink heavily.

"That's right, Captain."

"The giants are too alert to be caught that way," said Bill Calico. "I
have an idea--not much of a one, but it's a try."

"Let's have it."

Jerry waved a hand. "Please remove O. O. Smith first."

Circe flared, "I think you're just afraid I'll get your job, you
incompetent--"

"Take her out," said Pink to Joe Silver.

Calico then outlined his plan. Pinkham said at once, "I'll relay it to
the other ships. We'll try it immediately." They all nodded agreement.
Pink bent over the radio; he gave the co-captains instructions in an
ancient language which they all knew, but which he felt sure would
baffle any eavesdropping giants--an old, old tongue known as Pig Latin.

The officers and men scattered to their stations. Pink and Jerry took
Circe to the captain's quarters, where Pink took his seat for the plan's
direction, Jerry holding the Colt on Circe and the dying giant.

The space drives of the three ships were activated, and in side-by-side
formation they moved slowly forward, as Pink watched keenly for
a sign of objection from the gigantic "jockeys" atop them. None so
far ... probably they thought Pink was under the instructions of their
brother inside. Five minutes went by. Eight. Fifteen.

The largest asteroid in this part of the belt appeared ahead; it was
roughly fourteen miles i