"Lord!" thought Rusty. This was what Lothar had mentioned on Pluto. They _had_ turned pirate. And he was considered one of them. They knew nothing of the scheme that had landed him on the stellar prison. They thought he was as they--another rat driven from the law-respecting Universe. Rusty could rationalize the dead men whose ship they had taken. The ship had been available in no other way. It had been a fair fight. But now it could go no further. Earth gleamed in the distance. His part must change here; he had fought against Earth's laws, that he might regain them. He must stand for them now. "Spike," began Rusty, "there is something I never told you. I must tell you now." And he told of the false crime that had brought him to Pluto, how he was to have been released and his sudden abandonment. He _was_ a fugitive, yes, in a way; but he must get to Earth--somehow vindicate himself. It would be impossible if he added real crimes to the pretension that had put him here. Spike must understand. The chunky Earthian's face changed from surprise to rage. Then to a deadly calm. "We better not let the others know of this," he said. The Venusian entered. He must have been just outside the door. Rusty saw his eye, the cruel glint there, knew here would be a climax to his adventure. And he knew the result, while strength remained in his body, would be well. He could not lose now--Earth was too near, the end of his journey was at hand. * * * * * The Venusian stared at them with his single, beady eye. "Secrets!" he sneered. "I heard. An Earthian informer! I'll fix that!" He drew a short vib-pistol from his belt, leveled it in Rusty's face. His fishy eye gleamed. Rusty met the gaze. "Put away the gun," he said. Rusty was experiencing a new sensation. He could kill this green thing without a twinge of conscience. "Put up the gun," said Spike. "Ah, so you're with him, too! I'll get you both." The pistol veered to Spike. Rusty saw the bulk of Lothar squeeze the door behind the Venusian. "Lothar is behind you, Fish," said Spike calmly. The little green man slithered into a corner beside the door. The Vulcanian stood there dumbly. "Lothar," said Fish silkily, "these Earthians have turned against us--will sell us to the Patrol--send us back to Pluto. The red-haired one was a spy since the first!" The huge Vulcanian stood silently, looking at Spike. His tremendous arms dangled at his sides. "Don't believe him, Lothar," said Spike. "Shut up, Earthman!" snapped the Venusian. Spike ignored him. "We aren't--" He never finished. The gun spit at him. Spike stared at Fish in astonishment. Then he fell forward upon his face. Lothar looked on foolishly. The Venusian hissed softly between his teeth. The gun covered them both.