"Zetta and her father were here in Garla. The news that Graff had invaded earth aroused great interest here. The Garlands doubtless might have stopped him if they had known of it sooner. But they did not. Also, the government here decided that they would not interfere--it was really nothing to them." "I'd think," said Freddie, "they'd have been pleased to get rid of him and his tribe." "That was the general idea. Indeed, perhaps it still is. That's what I'm working against. Zetta's father--alone of all the Garland government at that time Graff made his first invasion of earth--was anxious to stop him. Zetta's father preached the doctrine, 'Do as you would be done by.' He wanted to protect the earth people, or, if not that, at least to warn them. "Zetta, of course, felt the same. Her mother is dead--she and her father, without other near kin, were very close and dear to each other. They got nowhere in trying to persuade the Garlands to help our earth. Zetta, had she found the opportunity, might even have tried to join Graff's expedition, a wild, girlish idea--she felt she might have some influence with him--get him to give up his scheme of conquest--" "In Heaven's name, why?" Dan demanded. "Why did she think she might influence him?" "Because he is in love with her," father replied gravely. "In love--" I exclaimed. "Yes. He has pleaded for her many times. He never comes here that he does not try to get her to return to the Braun city with him. He's very gentle with her--she seems not to fear him." "Well, I would," said Hulda; and father nodded. And added: "An unscrupulous scoundrel, beyond question. I have felt for months that Zetta was not safe from him. Whenever he is in Garla, I keep our place here well guarded." "He's in Garla now?" I asked. My heart was beating fast. "Didn't Zetta tell that man last night that she wanted to see this Graff?" "Yes. But I will not let her. She thinks she might be able to stop him going to earth. A foolish girl's idea." Father waved it away. "I learned very recently, though we have suspected and feared it for some time--Graff's real expedition to attack earth is now ready! Do you understand me? He's going to earth with all his force to make his real play to conquer it--not seventeen months hence--but now! Graff is ready now to attack the earth. Oh, Peter, if I had only known!" That miserable phrase again! That accursed phrase! "Peter, I should have sent for you sooner. I could have used every effort--sent for you seventeen months ago. Well, it's too late now to think of that. In a few days! Unless we can stop him! Or persuade the Garlands to do something about it--" "Which they won't," said Hulda. "He's here in Garla buying food for his expedition. And making public speeches to our people--promising them heaven knows what kind of rewards when he returns from conquering the earth. The Garland public is half won to him now. And the woman Brea is here--" * * * * *