"How should I know?" she parried. Little actress! Her spirit helped to allay my fear. She held her cloak close around her in the fashion they had come to expect from the George Prince who had just buried his sister. "How should I know, Miko? I sealed his door." "But did you?" "Of course he did," Moa put in. "Ask your look-outs," said Anita. "They saw me--I waved to them just as I sealed the door." I ventured, "I have been taught to open doors." I managed a sly, lugubrious smile. "I shall not try it again, Miko." Nothing had been said about my killing of the steward. I thanked my constellations now that he was dead. "I shall not try it again," I repeated. A glance passed between Miko and his sister. Miko said abruptly, "You seem to realize that it is not my purpose to kill you. And you presume upon it." "I shall not again." I eyed Moa. She was gazing at me steadily. She said, "Leave me with him, Miko...." She smiled. "Gregg Haljan, we are no more than twenty thousand miles from the asteroid now. The calculations for retarding are now in operation." * * * * * It was what had taken Miko below, that and trouble with the ventilating system, which was soon rectified. But the retarding of the ship's velocity when nearing a destination required accurate manipulation. These brigands were fearful of their own skill. That was obvious. It gave me confidence. I was really needed. They would not harm me. Except for Miko's impulsive temper, I was in no danger from them--not now, certainly. Moa was saying, "I think I may make you understand, Gregg. We have tremendous riches within our grasp." "I know it," I added with sudden thought. "But there are many with whom to divide this treasure...." Miko caught my intended implication. "By the infernal, this fellow may have felt he could seize the treasure for himself! Because he is a navigator!" Moa said vehemently, "Do not be an idiot, Gregg! You could not do it! There will be fighting with Grantline." My purpose was accomplished. They seemed to see me a willing outlaw like themselves. As though it were a bond between us. And they could win me. "Leave me with him," said Moa. Miko acquiesced. "For a few minutes only." He proffered a heat-ray cylinder, but she refused it. "I am not afraid of him." Miko swung on me. "Within an hour we will be nearing the atmosphere. Will you take the controls?" "Yes." * * * * * He set his heavy jaw. His eyes bored into me. "You're a strange fellow, Haljan. I can't make you out. I am not angry now. Do you think, when I am deadly serious, that I mean what I say?" His calm words set a sudden shiver over me. I checked my smile. "Yes," I said. "Well then, I will tell you this: not for all of Prince's well-meaning interference, or Moa's liking for you, or my own need of your skill, will I tolerate more trouble from you. The next time--I will kill you. Do you believe me?" "Yes."