re, but feel
sure that it is something to be dreaded. I also heard that both of these
secrets had been stolen from Kondal, and that we were to be destroyed by
our own superior inventions."

The Karfedix nodded his head gloomily.

"That is true, my son--partly true, at least. We shall not be destroyed,
however. Kondal shall triumph. The discoveries were made by a Kondalian,
but I am as ignorant as are you concerning their nature. An obscure
inventor, living close to the bordering ocean, was the discoverer. He
was rash enough to wireless me concerning them. He would not reveal
their nature, but requested a guard. The Mardonalian patrol intercepted
the message and captured both him and his discoveries before our guard
could arrive."

"That's easily fixed," suggested Seaton. "Let's get the Skylark fixed
up, and we'll go jerk Nalboon out of his palace--if he's still
alive--bring him over here, and read his mind."

"That might prove feasible," answered the Kofedix, "and in any event we
must repair the Skylark and replenish her supply of copper immediately.
That must be our first consideration, so that you, our guests, will
have a protection in any emergency."

The Karfedix went to his duties and the other three made their way to
the wrecked space-car. They found that besides the damage done to the
hull, many of the instruments were broken, including one of the
object-compasses focused upon the Earth.

"It's a good thing you had three of them, Mart. I sure hand it to you
for preparedness," said Seaton, as he tossed the broken instruments out
upon the dock. Dunark protested at this treatment, and placed the
discarded instruments in a strong metal safe, remarking:

"These things may prove useful at some future time."

"Well, I suppose the first thing to do is to get some powerful jacks and
straighten these plates," said Seaton.

"Why not throw away this soft metal, steel, and build it of arenak, as
it should be built? You have plenty of salt," suggested Dunark.

"Fine! We have lots of salt in the galley, haven't we, Mart?"

"Yes, nearly a hundred pounds. We are stocked for emergencies, with two
years' supply of food, you know."

* * * * *

Dunark's eyes opened in astonishment at the amount mentioned, in spite
of his knowledge of earthly conditions. He started to say something,
then stopped in confusion, but Seaton divined his thought.

"We can spare him fifty pounds as well as not,