He lifted down a brace of fabricoid bulgers from their racks on the control room wall. But before he and the skipper had time to don the airtight suits, there came an interruption not so alarming as unexpected. From the starboard airlock athwart the ship came the rasp of an entrance buzzer, then the wheeze of escaping air as someone or something outside employed the opening apparatus. For a moment the companions stared at each other in bewilderment, then, as one, they turned and dashed toward the portal. They arrived just as the inner door of the lock opened, admitting two bulger-clad figures. The taller of these stepped forward with hands outstretched in gesture of peaceful intent, and a quiet, pleasant voice said, "Greeting, friends. We bid you welcome to our tiny refuge." Then the bulger helm was thrown back, and they were gazing upon the slant-eyed, ivory-skinned countenance of a native Martian. * * * * * Now again the ex-pirate, Lark O'Day, proved himself a valuable adjunct to the party. He moved to confront the newcomers, conducting the amenities of greeting as only one with a knowledge of Martian custom and tradition could. "Welcome, O brother of the ancient world," he said politely. "Your presence is like water to a sun-parched tongue. We are honored by your visit." Never a word of surprise or astonishment. Never a query as to whence came the two interlopers. And though the old Martian's impassive face moved not a muscle, it was apparent he was pleased to find amongst this group one who respected the formalities of his people. He bowed in turn, and with a politeness surpassing that of O'Day breathed, "You are most kind. The mongrel barks unbidden at the courteous man's gate." "The bright sun also rises without warning," answered O'Day gallantly, "kindling fresh life in flagging souls. Will your lordship deign to brighten our humble vessel with his presence?" The Martian bowed, and without further word he and his companion followed the others to the recreation room. There, when all were settled comfortably, the visitor reopened the conversation. To the relief of all the Earthmen he did so in a manner at once pleasant and abrupt. "I am charmed, Captain--" It was to O'Day he spoke, for the pirate chieftain, like Warren, affected the insignia of a space captain--"by your acceptance and usage of our Martian rites of greeting. But proud as I am of our ancient customs I must confess that when urgency presses, our formalities consume too much time. Let us, therefore, speak in the manner of your people, and--as you Earthmen so aptly put it--'get down to business.' "You know, of course, you have landed on the planetoid Chou-shen, that which Earthmen call Deimos. I trust your craft was not damaged in the landing?" O'Day said, "I think not, sir. We were about to investigate when you arrived. But I think I brought the _Liberty_ down without any trouble."