"That there law is nonsense, Moseley! The land law allows us a full year to establish a settlement--" "Ah, yes! The land law. But you forget that these are unusual circumstances. Two families with equally valid rights have claimed Eros. Land law is overruled, and the law of squatters' dominion comes into effect. "So, I'm very sorry for you, Wilkes. But I hope we can be friendly neighbors for the short time you _remain_ here with us on Eros." * * * * * Wilkes was a statue of dismay. The rigidity of him melted enough to let him turn slowly to his son. "Is--is that right, Red?" And the younger Wilkes nodded. "I'm afraid it is, Dad." Sam Wilkes brought his fist down on the table. The hand-made crockery danced and trembled. "Then, by Gad! I'll have no more of this talk or no more phoney hospitality. Bessie, Ginger, Papa--come on! We're getting out of here! We've got work to do!" Pop said slowly, "I'm sorry, Wilkes. But--" "Sorry! Bah!" "And just where," cackled Grampaw, loving it, "might y' be goin'?" "Not far. Right across the river. You can't claim all of this fertile valley--yet! And you haven't cleared that ground." He stomped to the door; turned there for one, final warning. "--and I advise you Moseleys to keep off our land, too! We're goin' to be mighty busy provin' our right to own this planet. I understand there's pests around these parts that are darn disturbin'; I'd hate to make a mistake and shoot any skunks by accident. Come on, Mama!" Bessie Wilkes looked at Mom. Her worn, tired features sagged piteously. She wet her lips. "Mrs. Moseley--" Mom said, "Rob, don't you think you're being a little harsh, maybe?" But there was a streak of granite in Pop, too. And he was angry; white-angry as only a tried Irishman can be. He said in a cold and level voice, "I think, Mother, you should get Mrs. Wilkes' wraps." And they left. Ginger Wilkes turned to stick out her tongue at Bobby as they got on their gooldaks and rode toward the river. And Junior made a gesture which Bobby returned in kind. But Red Wilkes didn't even look back. So there was no good reason why Moira should have suddenly burst into tears and gone to her own room.... V It was Dick who brought home the bad news. Two Eros days had passed since the Wilkes took their angry departure from the Moseley home. In those two days, an unhappy atmosphere had settled down over the house at Delta Port. Moira said little or nothing, Mom just moped around the house, The Pooch got indigestion and cried interminably; even Grampaw Moseley was grumpier than usual. Bobby tried to forget the depression by playing quoits. He gave it up as a bad job. It wasn't any fun playing by yourself, and Dick and Pop were too busy to play with him. If only-- But comets to Junior Wilkes! And Ginger, too!