er a terrific strain. Perhaps we could let him rest
awhile."

* * * * *

Mike turned on her sharply. "Listen--I'm going to ask you a straight
question and I'd like a straight answer. Does that planet really
exist?"

Her eyes widened, her head came up dangerously; and Mike noted this
made her extremely attractive. "Now wait a minute. Don't get sore.
I'm not implying your father doesn't _believe_ it's there. And after
all, I've taken your money, so its a deal but--"

She almost smiled. "You just think that perhaps he's an impractical
old dreamer with delusions."

"I didn't say that."

There was a pause while Doree evidently decided not to get angry. "I
assure you, Mr. Mallison, I believe with all my heart that father's
planet is exactly where he will direct you. Of course nothing is
certain in this universe, but--"

Mike grinned and held out his hand. "I believe you. Accept my apology.
And please call me Mike. We're going to see a lot of each other for a
while."

She took his hand and smiled back. Their eyes held and Mike liked what
he saw--pert elfin features; shining chestnut hair; even white teeth.

"We'll let your father rest a while," Mike said. "I'll get the figures
from him later."

* * * * *

But he was fated never to get the location of the planet from the old
scientist. In fact, he was never again to see Professor Brandon in the
confines of the _Space Queen_.

He finished setting primary course and then Nicko returned to report.
"Everything grooved. Temp up. Color down. Tubes solid. Primers
closed."

Nicko spoke in four languages. Doree, who understood two of them,
gasped.

Nicko grinned. "Thought I was a mental void, eh, kitty? Why I can spit
dialects you never heard of."

"Cut it out, Nicko. Treat our clients with a little more respect or
I'll pry a few scales off your back."

"Okay, but those legs--that torso."

Mike whirled and Nicko bounced out of the cabin. "You've got to know
him. He's completely loyal and he'd die ten times for any one of us.
But he never learned tact."

"I don't know why you had to cut him off so abruptly." Doree was
indignant.

It was Mike's turn to blink. "He was getting pretty personal--"

"I guess I know a compliment when I hear one, Mr. Mallison."

"Mike."

She grinned. "Okay--Mike. I'd like to see the ship when you've got
time."

"I've got time now. Let's go."

They started at the pro