Hargedon cut in at this point. "What does Dr. Mardikian say about that? We still have most of the seismometers on this route to visit." "I think Captain Rowson has the deciding word here, but if it helps your decision Dr. Mardikian has already started back. He hasn't finished his route, either. So hop back here, Ren. And Arnie, put that technical skill you haven't had to use yet to work raising Eileen and Eric." "What I can do, I will," replied Zaino, "but you'd better tape a recall message and keep it going out on. Let's see--band F." "All right. I'll be ready to check the volcano as soon as you get back. How long?" "Seven hours--maybe six and a half," replied Hargedon. "We have to be careful." "Very well. Stay outside when you arrive; I'll want to go right out in the tractor to get a closer look." She cut off. "And _that_ came through clearly enough!" remarked Hargedon as he swung the tractor around. "I've been awake for fourteen hours, driving off and on for ten of them; I'm about to drive for another six; and then I'm to stand by for more." "Would you like me to do some of the driving?" asked Zaino. "I guess you'll have to, whether I like it or not," was the rather lukewarm reply. "I'll keep on for awhile, though--until we're back in better light. You get at your radio job." III Zaino tried. Hour after hour he juggled from one band to another. Once he had Hargedon stop while he went out to attach a makeshift antenna which, he hoped, would change his output from broadcast to some sort of beam; after this he kept probing the sky with the "beam," first listening to the _Albireo's_ broadcast in an effort to find projecting wisps of ionosphere and then, whenever he thought he had one, switching on his transmitter and driving his own message at it. Not once did he complain about lack of equipment or remark how much better he could do once he was back at the ship. Hargedon's silence began to carry an undercurrent of approval not usual in people who spent much time with Zaino. The technician made no further reference to the suggestion of switching drivers. They came in sight of the _Albireo_ and doubled the chasm with Hargedon still at the wheel, Zaino still at his radio and both of them still uncertain whether any of the calls had gotten through. Both had to admit, even before they could see the ship, that Burkett had had a right to be impressed. The smoke column showed starkly against the sky, blowing back over the tractor and blocking the sunlight which would otherwise have glared into the driver's eyes. Fine particles fell from it in a steady shower; looking back, the men could see tracks left by their vehicle in the deposit which had already fallen.