"I propose to determine the fate of those two ships and the men who brought them here," I said with sudden determination. Dival made no reply, but as he turned to obey orders, I saw that his presentiment of trouble had not left him. "Four thousand feet, sir," said Correy. I nodded, studying the scene below us. The great hooded instrument brought it within, apparently, fifty feet of my eyes, but the great detail revealed nothing of interest. The two ships lay motionless, huddled close together. The great circular door of each was open, as though opened that same day--or a century before. "Three thousand feet, sir," said Correy. "Proceed at the same speed," I replied. Whatever fate had overtaken the men of the other ships had caused them to disappear entirely--and without sign of a struggle. But what conceivable fate could that be? "Two thousand feet, sir," said Correy. "Good," I said grimly. "Continue with the descent, Mr. Correy." Dival hurried into the room as I spoke. His face was still clouded with foreboding. "I have tested the atmosphere, sir," he reported. "It is suitable for breathing by either men of Earth or Zenia. No trace of noxious gases of any kind. It is probably rather rarified, such as one might find on Earth or Zenia at high altitudes." "One thousand feet, sir," said Correy. I hesitated an instant. Undoubtedly the atmosphere had been tested by the other ships before they landed. In the case of the second ship, at any rate, those in command must have been on the alert against danger. And yet both of those ships lay there motionless, vacant, deserted. * * * * * I could feel the eyes of the men on me. My decision must be delayed no further. "We will land, Mr. Correy," I said grimly. "Near the two ships, please." "Very well, sir," nodded Correy, and spoke briefly into the microphone. "I might warn you, sir," said Dival quietly, "to govern your activities, once outside: free from the gravity pads of the ship, on a body of such small size, an ordinary step will probably cause a leap of considerable distance." "Thank you, Mr. Dival. That is a consideration I had overlooked. I shall warn the men. We must--" At that instant I felt the slight jar of landing. I glanced up; met Correy's grave glance squarely. "Grounded, sir," he said quietly. "Very good, Mr. Correy. Keep the ship ready for instant action, please, and call the landing crew to the forward exit. You will accompany us, Mr. Dival?" "Certainly, sir!" "Good. You understand your orders, Mr. Correy?" "Yes, sir!" I returned his salute, and led the way out of the room, Dival close on my heels. * * * * *