"There'll be no talk
between you at all. Beat it to your cabin, Mado."

The Martian glowered and made as if to retort hotly.

"But Rapaju," Detis interposed, speaking from his position at one of
the ports, "they'll have to consult regarding the course of the
vessel. Mado is more familiar than Carr with the navigation of space."

"Shut up!" roared Rapaju. "I know what I am doing. And, what's more,
you'll not converse with them, either! I'm running this expedition,
and I'm not taking any chances."

Detis subsided and followed Mado through the passage to the sleeping
cabins.

* * * * *

The ensuing silence was ominous. Carr could feel the eyes of the
Llotta upon him as he examined the adjustments of the controls and
peeped through the telescope. A glance at the velocity indicator
showed him they were traveling at a rate of eight hundred miles a
second. He studied the chart and soon made out their position. Jupiter
was a hundred million miles behind them and they were heading almost
due sunward. The automatic control mechanism was not functioning.
Evidently Mado had kept this a secret--and for a purpose. He wished he
could talk with his friend. They'd plan something.

"Like your job?" Rapaju was gloating over this Terrestrial who had
dared to lay hands upon him.

"Yes, but not the company." Carr was disdainful.

"You'll like it less before I've finished with you. And get this
straight. You think we're dependent on you to guide us to the inner
planets, and that we'll not harm any of you until they are reached.
Don't fool yourself! I've watched Mado and I've spent much time in the
excellent library of the _Nomad_. I've learned plenty about the
navigation of space and can reach those planets as quickly and
directly as you. But it pleases me to see you work, so work you shall.
I'll check you carefully, and don't think you can deceive me. Don't
try to depart from the true course. The sun is my check as it is
yours, and I'll keep constant tab on our position. Get it?"

"A rather long speech, Rapaju." Carr grinned into the evil face of the
commander.

"Still defiant, eh? Suits me, Carr Parker. We'll have some nice talks
here, and then--when it pleases me--you'll suffer. You shall live to
see your home city crash in utter ruin; your people slain, starved,
beaten. And, above all, there's Ora--"

"Don't defile her name in your ugly mouth, you--!"

* * * *