Rapaju scowled darkly and fingered his throat. "But, my dear Carr, you were too slow," he said, "and I live--and shall live--while you shall die. Meanwhile you'll carry out your agreement. Come, Ora." The girl hesitated a moment, then with a pleading glance at Carr stepped from the room. "All right now, Parker," snapped Rapaju. "Into your clothes and into the pilot's seat. You'll stay there, too, till the journey's over. Get busy!" One of his guards had appeared in the doorway. Carr knew that resistance was useless. Besides, seated at those controls, he might think of something. Rapaju'd never get Ora if he could help it! * * * * * Mado's shoulders drooped and his face was haggard and drawn, but he summoned a smile when he saw Carr. "Hello, Carr," he said. "You all right?" "Sure. Rapaju says I've got to take the controls." "Very well." Mado shrugged his broad shoulders and slipped from the pilot's seat. Two ugly Llotta guards were watching, ray-pistols in hand. "The chart is corrected, Carr, and--" "Never mind the conversation!" Rapaju snarled. "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.