t, Commander Hanson," emanated the Base operator automatically.

"Word has just been received at Arpan sub-base that passenger liner
_Kabit_ made contact with Hydrot, landing somewhere on the new
continent, previously reported by the _Ertak_. Liner _Kabit_ reports
itself in serious difficulties, exact nature undetermined, but
apparently due to hostile activity from without. Will await
instructions."

"Confirmed. Commander Hanson's report will be put through to Chief of
Command immediately. Stand by."

I removed the radio-menore, motioning to the operator to resume his
watch.

Radio communication in those days was in its infancy. Several persons
who have been good enough to comment upon my previous chronicles of the
Special Patrol Service, have asked "But, Commander Hanson! Why didn't
you just radio for assistance?" forgetting as young persons do, that
things have not always been as they are to-day.

The _Ertak's_ sending apparatus, for example, could reach out at best no
more than a day's journey in any direction, and then only imperfectly.
Transmission of thought by radio instead of symbols or words, had been
introduced but a few years before I entered the Service. It must be
remembered that I am an old, old man, writing of things that happened
before most of the present population of the Universe was born--that I
am writing of men who, for the larger part, have long since embarked
upon the Greatest Adventure.

* * * * *

"Base, sir," said the operator after a moment, and I hastily slipped on
the radio-menore.

"Commander John Hanson, standing by," I shot at the operator at Base.
"Have you orders?"

"Orders for Captain John Hanson, Commander of the Special Patrol ship
_Ertak_," emanated the operator in a sort of mental drone. "Chief of
Command directs that the _Ertak_ proceed immediately to the scene of the
reported difficulty, and take any necessary steps to relieve same. I
will repeat the orders," and he droned through them a second time.

"Orders are understood. The results of our operations will be reported
to Base as soon as possible." I tore off the radio-menore and hurried
from the room, explaining to the sub-base commander as I went.

Correy was standing beside the _Ertak_, talking to Kincaide, and as I
approached, they both looked around quickly and hopefully.

"What's up, sir?" asked Correy, reading news in my face. "A change in
orders?"

"Correct! That big line