cided that you deserved this position, long before we
attempted to reach the earth and bring you back.

"I came to your country because the mechanical development is greater
than in any other nation. You have greater love for engineering, and
more of you are employed that way.

"I have told you everything about my home and my people, and leave it up
to you as to the way you will act. We have only done what was necessary
for the survival of our race, and hope that you will forgive us for
stealing you from your own planet.

"You have complete freedom of the ship, to come and go as you please at
any time. You are now considered part of our own population, and we both
have the same interests. We hope you enjoy it."

* * * * *

For a moment Morquil gazed into the faces of the small gathering of
people, then slowly walked from the room. There was complete silence,
broken occasionally by a sigh as some thought of home exerted itself. An
hour passed and they still had not moved. Each seemed to be waiting for
one of the others to break the silence.

Finally Dick got to his feet. His words came slow, as if carefully
weighed before using; the others listened intently.

"I know what each of you must be thinking; because I've been thinking
the same thoughts. We are all in the same boat, without chance of
leaving--headed for _Jupiter_! We have seen the last of the world where
we were born. Either we take up our lives in this new existence, or die
out here in space--destroying Morquil's race as well as ourselves.

"He says they can not survive without our aid. Our own world did not
need us, or give us much for our efforts. If it had we would not be on
this strange space ship. Morquil hired only people who were willing to
leave their homes and friends--and we _applied_ for the work. There
really is not much that we can complain about.

"For one, I intend to do all that I can to make our future home the
greatest civilization in the universe. Perhaps in the future years it
will be possible for us to pay a short visit to our former planet.
Perhaps our children will follow in our footsteps; enjoying greater
honor, comfort, and luxury than they could possibly have had in our own
world. I received little from my fellow men, and have _already_ received
more from Morquil than I ever had before."

As Dick sat down, John McCarthy's voice boomed out. "I'll follow Dick!
He's the boss of this party, and if