htfully. "One thing puzzles me, Dad. You and
Admiral Rogers both spoke about how secret all this is, yet I was given
the chance to back out after I knew about it."

His father grinned. "Several have, over the years. They underwent
treatment to erase that knowledge from their mind." He stood up and came
around the desk to where his son had also risen. "I may not see you
again before you leave, Spence ... George, I mean," he smiled ruefully,
then brightened. "But the best of luck, son, and keep in mind that you
have the honor of the finest body of men in the Universe in your
keeping, and always try to be worthy of the trust."

"I will, sir," gravely. "It seems almost too much responsibility for a
cub like me, and I'm scared. But I'll do my best."

"Take it easy at first. Don't try too much, and don't put yourself in
any more danger than you have to until you learn the ropes, which you
will, faster than you may now think. On this assignment, all we ask is
that you try to get us some leads we can work on."

"Right! I don't want to conk out too soon, now. I've got a lot of living
I want to do first, especially now I've got my dad back again. I sure
hope we manage to see each other fairly often."

"Oh, we undoubtedly will, except when one or the other of us is on a
long job. We'll meet--somewhere--quite often."

"About this assignment of mine, Dad. Can you give me any dope on it?"

"You'll get what any of us know, from the reels, and the latest
development from the box when you're ready to start out. Oh, yes, I
almost forgot. The paper we use is a digestible plastic, so make a meal
off all orders and confidential communications you receive. The box
always contains a supply for your reports or requests for specific
information or assistance."

"Saves money on feed bills, eh?"

His father grinned appreciatively, then sobered. "Make sure you
understand each step you take first, and don't try to run until you know
how to crawl. Well, safe flights, Spence."

"Safe flights to you, too, Dad, always. And I want you to know I'm so
glad to have all those horrible misunderstandings and hates cleared
away."

"I missed my boy, too. But 'vast rewards', you know."

With mixed sensations of high elation and worried fear, the
swiftly-maturing young Corpsman walked slowly through the beautiful park
that surrounded the great stainless-steel skyscraper that housed the
cadets during their training period. His thoughts were as twiste