"Well, Gary? Go on. You were saying--?" "Later," said Gary briefly. He stared absently over the older man's shoulder. "Your car here?" Flick Muldoon snorted, "_Car?_ We need a truck! Hey, Doc--look at me! The human derrick. Gary's so doggone busy guarding that briefcase he won't give me a hand with"--His eyes rolled in mock horror of the pyramid of equipment heaped about him. Dr. Bryant laughed. "You'll survive, Flick, I fear. Yes, the car's right over here. If you're ready now--" He led the way. They had moved but a few paces from the cradles when someone stepped beside Gary, murmured a polite, "Shall I take your portfolio, Dr. Lane?", and started to relieve young Lane of it. Gary started violently, jerked his hand loose. "Let go, damn you!" he blazed ... then his eyes widened, and a flush surged upward to copper his already tanned cheeks. "Oh, I ... I beg your pardon, miss! I had no idea.... I mean ... I...." * * * * * For he was staring squarely into the most hurt, most baffled, yet withal most beautiful mist-blue eyes he had ever seen. And the eyes were but one facet of this girl's gemlike perfection. She was incredible, as all dreams sprung to life are incredible. For surely such smooth-gleaming copper hair, such lips and teeth and--well, everything about her!--could exist nowhere other than in a dream. But if she were a vision she was not his alone. For Dr. Bryant spoke apologetically. "Gary, this is Miss Powell, a new addition to our staff. She's to be your personal aide. Nora ... Dr. Lane...." "I'm sure," said the girl icily, "it will be a _great_ pleasure to work with Dr. Lane." She turned to Muldoon. "If I can help _you_ with your instruments--?" Flick stared at her, goggle-eyed. "H-h-help, sugar! You just stand there and look at me; that's help enough! For you I could lift mountains!" He proceeded to prove it, stumbling forward under a pack-mule load. * * * * * In Dr. Bryant's office at the Observatory, the gray-haired chief technician turned once more to his young assistant. "And now, Gary, I think you have kept us in suspense long enough. I am bursting with curiosity, and I am sure Dr. Anjers must be, too. He stratoed all the way from Eurasia to hear your report on our first Luna Transit Expedition. Tell us the great surprise you hinted at." Gary hesitated, eyeing the foreigner uncertainly. "I--I'm not quite sure, sir--" "Perhaps," suggested Dr. Anjers, "there is something the young man would prefer to tell you in private?" Dr. Bryant shook his head impatiently. "Of course not, Dr. Anjers. Come, Gary ... we aren't diplomats, that we should keep secrets from one another. We are all brother scientists. The Foundation has asked Doctor Anjers to help tabulate the results of your findings. He is an outstanding authority on cosmic radiation--" "I know," said Gary. "Sorry, Doctor. Afraid I'm a bit jittery. No offense meant."