“What about having Professor Ederson fix up a new note, right away, explaining everything and trying to patch things up?” asked Roger. “We’ll try it,” replied Ted, “but I can’t bring myself to feel very sanguine as to the result.” “Before we draft the note,” said the professor, “there are two things I should like to bring to your attention. First, a gigantic radio station has been set up in Peiping. Second, despite the fact that China reported the destruction of Khobr and nearby towns, I flew over Khobr and vicinity and could see no sign that there had been a disturbance there of any kind.” “Professor Fowler only saw five flashes, all of which were accounted for,” said Ted. “The destruction of Khobr would have meant a sixth projectile, which left the moon without a telltale flash. As always, two and two continue to make four. There can only be one reason why Dr. Wu miswrote our pacific message—only one reason why the government of China lied about Khobr.” “And the reason?” asked the professor. “A secret alliance projected—perhaps even perfected by now—between the Chinese royalists and the Imperial Government of P’an-ku.” “Precisely my theory,” said Professor Ederson. “The Chinese and racially allied peoples revere their ancestors to the point of actual worship. Small wonder, then, if they should have reverence for the living representative of their supposed first earthly ancestor, P’an-ku, and cast their lot with him and his people. Why man, the thing was inevitable.” “And terrible to contemplate,” said Ted, dejectedly. “A united world could have fought off a dozen moons, but a divided world will have a slim chance. And the whole damnable affair is my fault.” “Millions of sparks fall harmlessly, but here and there one starts a huge conflagration,” said the professor. “No earthly being could have foreseen the far-reaching effect of your apparently harmless spark, and you certainly are not morally responsible.” “I hold myself so,” said Ted, “and it would be a small thing to me, could I but forfeit my own life to end the conflict. I have a plan, but I may not speak of it yet.” “I hope you are not contemplating any foolhardy personal risks,” said the professor. “The world needs you more than any other living man, at present. We have thousands of scientists, but only one Ted Dustin.” “Who has proven himself the greatest calamity yet born to the earth,” replied Ted. “But let’s prepare that message.” A half hour elapsed before a message, satisfactory to all, had been drafted for the Imperial Government of P’an-ku. It took the professor an hour more to put it in the language of the Lunites. Then the air was cleared, and the three men went aloft to the gigantic radio tower. While the professor held the message on a placard, Ted worked at the dials and Roger managed the recorder.