Dinner was a truculent experience. Conversation had done absolutely nothing to clarify the issue. Both parties were sincere in their conviction of ownership to Eros. Pop based his claim on the establishment of a permanent base at Delta Port; Wilkes insisted that priority of arrival was his proof of occupancy. "So one of us," insisted Wilkes, "has got to leave. And since _we_ can't--" "Can't?" "Our ship crashed," explained Red Wilkes, watching Moira, "on landing. It is a total wreck." * * * * * Bobby thought, glumly, that Moira was a total wreck, too. He had held hopes for Moira. Since their arrival on Eros she had turned into a pretty nice guy; cheerful, willing to work, fresh-looking. Now, for some obscure reason, she had piled her hair up on top of her head, put powder on her face and red stuff on her mouth. She wore a dress instead of pants, and she was mincing and prissing around like a prize horse. "So," continued Wilkes, "since _we_ can't leave, your family must." And Dick laughed out loud. "Checkmate!" he said. "What?" "We've wasted time," said Dick, "trying to decide which family must leave. The truth is, neither of us can! Because, you see, we cracked up in landing, also. Our ship lies out there four fathoms deep in Delta Sound!" He rose. "So that's that, folks. And I'm afraid, Mr. Wilkes, that under the present circumstances, _your_ family will be the one to ultimately depart from Eros." "Ours? Why?" "Because of the internationally recognized laws of squatters' rights. You must know the requirements a settler has to fulfill in order to establish claim to land? He must declare his purpose of settling upon leaving the parent planet--" "We did that," said Red Wilkes, "before we left." "I know. And four months later he will be visited by an inspection ship of the S.S.P.--" "We know that, too." "--upon the arrival of which," Dick continued, "he must show advancement in the following colonization projects. (a) Establishment of a power plant or unit; (b) construction of a suitable dwelling or dwellings; (c) satisfactory advancement of natural resources, including farms, fisheries or other means of livelihood and sustenance--" "Get to the point!" growled Wilkes. "Immediately. And with pleasure. You see, my dear sir, as you have told us, you left Mars even _before_ we left Earth. But whereas we have turned our time to good account, constructing the comforts which you now see about you, your family has squandered precious weeks wandering over the face of Eros seeking a favorable location. "If I am not mistaken, the Solar Space Patrol's inspection is only six short weeks in the offing. And judging from our experience, you cannot possibly satisfy the requirements of the land-grant code in that short space of time. I remind you that the planting of a garden would, in itself, spell an end to your ambitions." Sam Wilkes was on his feet, choking with rage.