As they walked, Rock radioed the _Northern Cross_ with the walkie-talkie he’d been carrying on his back, telling the boys of their close call. When the two reached the ladder bridge across the rift, Shep had difficulty crossing with his injured foot. He went first, and as Rock steadied the frail bridge, he held his breath tensely for fear Shep would slip. They had used the safety rope again, but, if one of them should fall, he could easily rip open his suit as he thudded against the jagged side of the chasm. Once more, however, they got across without mishap and were soon back at the ship. The boys helped them in eagerly. “Are you fellows ready to go back with me?” Rock asked them. They looked at him in amazement. He explained his new plan to them. All considered it taking a big chance, but, not being able to think of anything better, they agreed that they might as well try it. “Kalmus is getting mean and nasty,” Shep told them. “This thing seems to be getting on his nerves. There’s no telling what he’ll do to the boys before this is all over. He and his men have blasters, and they mean business.” The boys prepared a snack for themselves, then began to dress, trying to choose the best of the antiquated suits. Shep did not suit up. He said that he wouldn’t be able to help any because of his ankle, which was noticeably swollen now. He wouldn’t let any of the others stay behind with him, however. When all were dressed and ready to go, they said good-by to their crippled buddy. “What’ll I do if you don’t come back?” Shep asked Rock. “I guess you’ll just have to come over and join us,” Rock replied, half-jokingly. “Two could possibly get the ship back to port in a pinch but not one man alone.” “I think I’ll prefer your coming back,” Shep said, with a broad grin. “Good luck, you guys.” The four of them started out. Rock showed his friends the route he and Shep had taken before, one that appeared safe from possible inquiring eyes aboard the _Dog Star_. It took them some time to cross the chasm, since each fellow had to tie on the safety rope as he went over. “I’ll climb the lunabase formation,” Rock told them, “because I was up there before and know the way. The rest of you keep away from the ports and sneak up to the air lock over there. When I see that you’re ready, I’ll kick some stone down onto the ship. That should bring them outside in a few minutes. We’ve already made our plans from then on.” Rock watched Hugh, Sparky, and Johnny slip agilely into the open and bound like gazelles over to the air lock. Then he started to climb the wall as he and Shep had done before. It was then that the shocking collapse of Rock’s bold plan came about. Kalmus and all three of his men darted swiftly from behind the ship, two on each side. They leveled their blasters at the boys, warning them to stay in their tracks.